Description
Grandaire 1.5 Ton WCHL Multi-Position Air Handler: WCHL185AA
The WCHL185AA is the 1.5-ton fan coil in Grandaire's WCHL line, built for R-454B systems. It installs upflow, downflow, horizontal left or horizontal right, so the same unit works in a closet, an attic, a crawlspace or a garage platform. A factory-installed TXV and a multi-tap ECM blower let it pair with both Grandaire air conditioners and heat pumps.
Because R-454B is an A2L refrigerant, the WCHL includes a refrigerant leak detection and dissipation system. If the sensor picks up refrigerant, the blower starts automatically to disperse it, which is now a code requirement for new A2L systems.
What stands out
- Multi-tap ECM blower motor: 1/3 HP, five speed taps, and better efficiency at higher static pressure than a PSC motor.
- Integrated motor control with a 90-second blower off-delay that pulls extra cooling off the coil after each cycle.
- Grooved-tube, louvered-fin coil with a sloped, fully drainable condensate pan to limit standing water and mold.
- R-4.2 insulation (1 in. thick) with a vapor barrier to keep the cabinet from sweating in humid attics.
- Low cabinet leakage: under 2% at 1.0 in. W.C. and under 1.4% at 0.5 in. W.C. per ASHRAE 193.
- Tool-free filter access through an insulated, sealed filter door.
- Plug-in heater provision for field-installed electric heat.
Matched systems
- With the W5A5S18AKAWA air conditioner: 15.5 SEER2 / 13.5 EER2 (AHRI 214877377)
- With the W5H5S18AKAAA heat pump: 14.5 SEER2 / 12 EER2 / 7.5 HSPF2 (AHRI 214101754)
Electric heat
Heat strips are field installed and sold separately. Approved Grandaire heater kits for this size: 5 kW (EHC05CKB), 8 kW (EHC07CKB), 10 kW (EHC10CKB). Kits are rated at 240V; expect about 75% of the rated output on a 208V supply. All listed kits include a circuit breaker.
Common questions
Can I use this with an R-410A condenser?
No. The coil and TXV are built for R-454B, and the leak dissipation system is designed around A2L refrigerant. Pair it with an R-454B outdoor unit.
Can it hang horizontally in an attic?
Yes. The cabinet has horizontal hanging provisions, and the 42 through 60 sizes come in a two-piece modular version that is easier to carry through a scuttle hole. Add a secondary drain pan under any horizontal unit above a finished ceiling.
What is the warranty?
Five-year parts limited warranty, extended to 10 years when the equipment is registered within 90 days of installation.
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