5 Ton Rheem 17 SEER2 R454B Side Discharge Heat Pump System RD16AY60AJVCA, RH2TY6024STANNJ
The largest capacity in Rheem's Classic Plus side-discharge range, and the second of only two sizes in the series to reach 17 SEER2. The RD16AY60AJVCA breaks from the narrower cabinets used below it — at 22.8 inches wide and 46.4 inches tall it trades footprint for the coil area 60,000 BTU demands, while still coming in a foot shorter and 50 pounds lighter than the Prestige 5 ton. Paired with the full-width 24.5-inch RH2TY6024STANNJ two-stage air handler, certified under AHRI reference 217495917 on low-GWP R-454B refrigerant.
Is a 5 Ton Heat Pump the Right Size?
Five tons is the largest single-phase residential capacity commonly installed, producing 60,000 BTU per hour and generally serving 2,400 to 3,000 square feet in a hot climate. It appears on large open-plan homes, two-story houses on one central system, restaurants, and conditioned office areas within light industrial buildings.
Before specifying 5 tons, examine the system layout rather than just the load number. A single system across two floors will typically leave the upper level warm regardless of capacity, because the load distribution and stack effect differ by floor — zoning or a second system addresses that where additional tonnage does not. Where 5 tons is genuinely correct, this unit modulates down to roughly 2.25 tons in mild weather, which is the single largest comfort difference between an inverter system and a fixed-capacity one at this size.
Ideal for: Large open-plan homes, 2,400 to 3,000 square foot houses, restaurants and retail spaces, and 5 ton replacements where a full-height Prestige cabinet will not work.
Need the higher heating rating? The 5 Ton RD18AY60AJVCA Prestige Series system steps up to 18 SEER2 and 10 HSPF2 with this same air handler.
Recommended sizing ranges are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, duct design, window area, ceiling height, occupancy, heating load, and local design conditions. Run our AC tonnage and BTU calculator, request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Heat Pump | RD16AY60AJVCA — 5 Ton Endeavor Line Classic Plus Series Side-Discharge Universal Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | RH2TY6024STANNJ Two-Stage Constant Torque Multiposition Air Handler |
| Application | Residential and Light Commercial Split Heat Pump System with Field-Installed Electric Backup Heat |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Nominal Capacity | 60,000 BTU / 5 Tons |
| Rated Efficiency | 17 SEER2 Cooling, up to 10.5 EER2 and 8.5 HSPF2 |
| Outdoor Cabinet | 22.8 in. W x 42.3 in. D x 46.4 in. H, approximately 254 lb |
| Outdoor Electrical | 31.0 A minimum circuit ampacity, 55.0 A maximum overcurrent protection |
| Air Handler Cabinet Width | 24.5 inches |
| AHRI Reference Number | 217495917 |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz |
This is the only model in the Classic Plus side-discharge range that does not use the 19.8 inch wide cabinet. If a pad or side-yard run was measured against one of the smaller sizes in this series, re-measure before ordering: the 5 ton needs three additional inches of width and nearly two more inches of depth, along with the discharge-side clearance specified in the installation instructions.
Heat Pump & Air Handler Features
RD16AY60AJVCA Side-Discharge Heat Pump
- Largest capacity in the Classic Plus side-discharge range at 60,000 BTU
- 22.8 in. W x 42.3 in. D x 46.4 in. H, approximately 254 lb operating
- Reaches 17 SEER2, the top rating available in this series
- PlusOne variable speed twin rotary compressor with inverter drive
- Modulates to roughly 2.25 tons during mild weather
- 31.0 A minimum circuit ampacity, 55.0 A maximum overcurrent protection
- 63 dBA rated, with sound as low as 50 dBA at reduced compressor speed
- Brushless DC condenser motors and swept wing fan technology
- EcoNet enabled with built-in Bluetooth and PlusOne Diagnostics
- 10-year conditional parts warranty with registration, no AHRI match required
RH2TY6024STANNJ Air Handler
- 24.5-inch cabinet, the widest in the RH2TY family
- Maximum coil face area keeps pressure drop low at 5 ton airflow
- 3/4 HP constant torque ECM blower motor
- Two-stage airflow with multiple selectable speed taps
- Roughly 1,800 CFM at 5 ton nominal
- 1.0 inch foil-faced insulation across the cabinet
- Aluminum fins bonded to internally grooved aluminum tubing
- Factory thermal expansion valve matched to R-454B
- Accepts high-capacity field-installed electric heater kits
- Under 2% cabinet air leakage at 1-inch H2O per ASHRAE 193
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes heat pump and air handler technical specifications and installation instructions to assist with equipment selection, permitting, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 5 ton cabinet wider than the rest of this series?
Sixty thousand BTU needs more coil area than the 19.8 inch cabinet can provide within a reasonable height. Rheem moves to a 22.8 inch wide by 42.3 inch deep chassis at this capacity, standing 46.4 inches tall, which is still shorter than the 58 inch Prestige 5 ton.
Does this reach the same 17 SEER2 as the 2 ton?
Yes. The 2 and 5 ton combinations in this series both certify at 17 SEER2 while the 3 and 4 ton land at 16. The heating rating is up to 8.5 HSPF2 across the series; the matched-pair AHRI certificate, reference 217495917 here, is the authoritative figure.
What electrical service does the 5 ton require?
Rheem lists 31.0 A minimum circuit ampacity with 55.0 A maximum overcurrent protection for the outdoor unit. Adding a high-capacity electric heater kit to the air handler will substantially increase the indoor circuit requirement, so evaluate total panel capacity before finalizing the heat kit selection.
Will an undersized return ruin the quiet operation?
It will certainly compromise it. At roughly 1,800 CFM a single restrictive return filter generates audible noise and raises static pressure enough to cut delivered capacity. Size filter area from the airflow figures in the RH2TY specifications, not from the cabinet dimensions.
Is a three-phase version of this system offered?
This package is 208-230V single phase. For three-phase requirements, our complete split systems and commercial equipment categories list the models configured for 3-phase service.
Can I substitute a different air handler and keep the rating?
No. The 17 SEER2 figure and AHRI reference 217495917 apply to this specific pairing, and substituting changes both the certified rating and any rebate documentation that depends on it. Our air handler category lists the alternatives if a different match is required.
RD16AY Technical SpecificationsRD16AY Installation InstructionsRH2TY Technical SpecificationsRH2TY Installation InstructionsRheem Warranty Certificate
