Description
Grandaire 1.5 Ton W5A5S Air Conditioner Condenser: W5A5S18AKAWA
The W5A5S18AKAWA is the 1.5-ton outdoor unit from Grandaire's W5A5S line, a single-stage air conditioner built for R-454B refrigerant. It is a straightforward, serviceable cooling condenser: one scroll compressor, one fan motor, and a front-seating set of service valves that any tech can work on without hunting for proprietary parts. Grandaire equipment is built in the same plants as the rest of the ICP family, so replacement components are easy to source.
The unit is rated at 14.3 SEER2 on its own and reaches 14.3–16.5 SEER2 depending on the indoor coil or air handler it is matched with. Pair it with a matched indoor unit so the system carries a valid AHRI rating and qualifies for the warranty and any utility rebate you are after.
What stands out
- R-454B refrigerant: the lower-GWP A2L refrigerant required for new split systems, so the condenser is compliant with the 2025 refrigerant transition.
- Scroll compressor: fewer moving parts than a reciprocating compressor, with internal thermal overload and an internal pressure relief valve.
- Long-line capable: up to 250 ft total equivalent length, 200 ft with the condenser above the evaporator, or 80 ft with the evaporator above the condenser (long-line accessories required beyond 80 ft).
- Low-ambient ready: cools down to 0°F with the approved low-ambient kit, useful for server rooms and spaces with year-round cooling loads.
- Dense wire coil guard and solid sheet-metal cabinet to protect the coil from yard equipment and debris.
Matched systems
Tested AHRI combinations with Grandaire indoor units we carry:
- WCHL185AA multi-position ECM air handler: 15.5 SEER2 / 13.5 EER2 (AHRI 214877377)
- FMA5L1800AL upflow wall-hung PSC fan coil: 15.5 SEER2 / 13.5 EER2 (AHRI 214877460)
Both combinations are sold together as complete split systems on HVAC365 if you want the matched pair in one order.
Specifications
- Nominal capacity: 1.5 ton (18,000 BTU/h)
- Efficiency: 14.3 SEER2 base, up to 16.5 SEER2 with a matched indoor unit
- Power supply: 208/230V, 1-phase, 60 Hz
- Minimum circuit ampacity (MCA): 10.9 A
- Maximum fuse or breaker (HACR): 15 A
- Liquid line: 3/8 in. | Rated vapor line: 5/8 in.
- Factory charge: 4.2 lb R-454B (covers 15 ft of 3/8 in. liquid line)
- Sound power: 72 dBA
- Metering: TXV at the indoor unit
Installation notes
Leave 6 in. between the unit and a wall on the non-service sides, 24 in. at the service panel, and 48 in. of open air above the fan. The control circuit is 24V and needs power from the indoor unit or an external transformer. Copper wire is required from the disconnect to the unit. Line sets longer than 15 ft need a charge adjustment of 0.60 oz per foot on 3/8 in. liquid line; the installation manual walks through the math.
Common questions
Can I install this with my existing coil?
Only if that coil is rated for R-454B and listed in an AHRI combination with the W5A5S18AKAWA. Older R-410A and R-22 coils are not approved for R-454B, so most replacements need a new indoor coil or air handler as well.
Does it include a line set or thermostat?
No. The condenser ships with its filter drier for field installation. Line set, pad, disconnect, whip and thermostat are bought separately.
What is the warranty?
Five-year parts limited warranty, including the compressor and coil, which extends to 10 years when the equipment is registered within 90 days of installation. There is also a 1-year unit replacement limited warranty. Registration is not required where state law prohibits it.
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