4 Ton Rheem 17 SEER2 R454B Two Stage Central System RA16AY48AJ2NA, RH2TY4821STANNJ
This Rheem Endeavor® Line Classic Plus® Series iM system reaches the top efficiency of the RA16AY line. The RA16AY48AJ2NA two-stage condenser with the RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler is AHRI certified at 17 SEER2 (#217168525). At 4 tons, low-stage operation makes a big difference in comfort and running cost, because most summer hours are spent well below peak load. It uses low-GWP R-454B with Rheem's PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™. It's cooling only, with Rheem electric heat strips up to 20 kW offered.
Is a 4 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 4 ton system delivers 48,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling at high stage. It's often used in 4-bedroom homes around 2,100–2,500 sq. ft. as a general reference. Very hot climates or large glass areas can reach 4 tons at smaller square footage.
Larger single-stage systems often short-cycle and leave humidity behind on mild days. A two-stage 4 ton avoids much of that by running on low stage. Duct design is still critical at this size, so pair a Manual J load calculation with a duct review.
Ideal for: 4-bedroom homes, open-plan layouts and large homes in hot, humid climates.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 5 Ton Rheem 17 SEER2 R454B Two Stage Central System RA16AY60AJ2NA, RH2TY6024STANNJ for the largest loads.
Recommended home sizes are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, windows, ductwork, occupancy and a proper load calculation. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | RA16AY48AJ2NA — 4 Ton Rheem Classic Plus Two-Stage R454B Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY4821STANNJ Two-Stage Airflow Multipoise Air Handler (21" Wide) |
| Application | Cooling-Only Two-Stage Central Air Split System (Electric Heat Kit Optional) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (Low-GWP A2L Refrigerant) |
| Compressor | Two-Stage Scroll Compressor |
| Metering Device | Factory-Installed Expansion Valve on Indoor Coil (TXV) |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit — 26 MCA / 40A Max Overcurrent |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/240V, Single Phase — 5 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (No Heat Kit) |
The RA16AY48AJ2NA condenser is 35" tall on a 33.75" x 33.75" base and weighs 248 lbs (operating). It uses a 24" three-blade Swept Wing fan with a 1/5 HP motor and has a 73.2 dBA sound rating. The RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler is 21" wide and 50.5" tall, with a 3/4 HP motor. Use compatible two-stage thermostats and copper line sets and fittings to complete the install.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
RA16AY48AJ2NA Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 48,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Two-stage scroll compressor (low and high stage)
- 73.2 dBA weighted sound power rating
- 2-row 7 mm copper tube coil with Swept Wing fan
- 133 oz. factory R-454B charge for 15 ft. of line set
- 24" three-blade Swept Wing fan with 1/5 HP motor
- 3/8" liquid and 7/8" suction front-seating service valves
- Factory high and low pressure controls
- PlusOne® Expanded Valve Space and Triple Service Access
- 10-year conditional parts limited warranty (registration required)
RH2TY4821STANNJ Two-Stage Air Handler
- Two-stage airflow matches the compressor's low and high stages
- 3/4 HP, 5-speed constant torque motor
- PlusOne® Refrigerant Detection System™ with integrated A2L sensor
- Aluminum fins bonded to internally grooved aluminum tubing
- 4-way convertible: upflow, downflow, horizontal left or right
- 1.0" foil-faced cabinet insulation for quieter operation
- Cabinet air leakage under 2% at 1" H₂O (ASHRAE 193)
- Works with standard 24V two-stage thermostats
- Expansion valve on indoor coil for AC or heat pump use
- Field-installed heater kits up to 20 kW with UL/cUL-listed breakers
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation includes RA16AY electrical, sound, dimensional and line-size data, condenser and air handler installation instructions, the RA16AY brochure, RH2TY airflow and heater tables and the Rheem limited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How efficient is the 4 ton RA16AY48 compared to the single-stage RA15AY48 system?
This two-stage match is rated 17 SEER2, compared with 14.8 SEER2 for the single-stage RA15AY48AJ1NA system with the same RH2TY4821STANNJ air handler.
Why is the RA16AY48 rated 17 SEER2 when its model code says 16?
The "16" in the model number is Rheem's series code. The actual rating depends on the matched indoor unit, and with the RH2TY4821STANNJ, this system is AHRI certified at 17 SEER2 (#217168525).
What circuit does the RA16AY48AJ2NA need?
Rheem lists a 26 amp minimum circuit ampacity and 40 amp maximum overcurrent protection on 208/230V single phase. That's a smaller breaker than the single-stage RA15AY48, which calls for 50A.
Which suction line size does the RA16AY48 need?
The RA16AY48 has a 7/8" suction service valve. Rheem's tables also allow a 3/4" suction line at shorter lengths, with lower capacity multipliers as the line gets longer.
Can I add a 20 kW heat strip to the 4 ton RH2TY4821STANNJ?
Yes. We offer heat strips from 5 kW up to a 20 kW breakered strip (RXBH-1724A20J) for this system. Rheem's airflow limits allow up to 25 kW on a 4 ton RH2TY.
What crankcase heater is available for the RA16AY48AJ2NA?
Rheem lists the 44-103663-16 crankcase heater with temperature thermostat, or the 44-17402-45 without one, as accessories for the RA16AY48.
RA16AY Technical SpecificationsRA16AY Installation InstructionsRA16AY Brochure
RH2TY Technical SpecificationsRH2TY Installation Instructions
Rheem Warranty Certificate
