What’s Included (and NOT Included) in a 1.5-Ton R-32 AC System? Mike Unboxes Every Component
Most homeowners buy an AC system assuming the box has everything they need.
Spoiler: it doesn’t.
Manufacturers include the core components — the big, heavy stuff — but the actual installation requires a lot of extra parts, accessories, and labor materials that don’t come in the factory box. And if you don’t know what’s included vs. not included, you’ll get blindsided by unexpected costs during installation.
I’ve unboxed hundreds of 1.5-ton R-32 systems in my career. I know exactly what’s in there, what’s missing, what you absolutely need, and where installers try to upsell you.
So here’s the real, no-nonsense, Mike-approved unboxing guide to what an R-32 AC system includes — and what it definitely doesn’t.
1. Why You Need to Know What’s Included
A modern R-32 AC isn’t like older R-410A kits — manufacturers now follow newer UL A2L safety packaging standards, updated ASHRAE refrigerant handling rules, and DOE efficiency requirements. That means components are carefully organized, but also that some items simply can’t be packaged from the factory.
If you misunderstand what's included, three things happen:
-
install costs go up
-
installation gets delayed
-
your installer starts shopping on your dime
Knowing what’s in the box gives you control.
2. The Big Stuff You Do Get in a 1.5-Ton R-32 AC System
Let’s open the box — starting with the components you always get.
A. The Outdoor Condenser Unit
This is the heart of the system.
Inside you’ll find:
-
compressor (single-stage or two-stage)
-
outdoor fan motor
-
R-32-compatible coil
-
factory pre-charge of refrigerant
DOE testing labs always confirm that units come pre-charged for standard line-set lengths, usually about 15 feet.
The casing follows UL A2L safety spacing around electrical compartments due to refrigerant class.
B. The Indoor Evaporator Coil
This comes boxed separately, usually wrapped in corrosion-resistant foam.
You get:
-
R-32-rated coil
-
TXV or piston (TXV preferred for efficiency)
-
primary drain outlet
EPA’s refrigerant handling rules require coils to be sealed from the factory — that’s why the ports are vacuum-capped.
C. The Air Handler or Furnace Coil Cabinet
Depending on your home setup, you may get:
-
a full air handler
-
a cased coil for your existing furnace
-
a multi-position cabinet
ASHRAE airflow guidelines dictate how these cabinets must be sized for proper static pressure. The manufacturer builds these with those airflow limits in mind.
D. Basic Hardware
This usually includes:
-
mounting feet (rubber or composite)
-
vibration pads (sometimes)
-
cabinet screws
-
flare nuts
-
coil cabinet brackets
Don’t expect premium hardware. Just the basics.
3. What’s Not Included (But You Absolutely Need It)
This is where homeowners get surprised — because installers charge extra for everything listed below. And trust me, not knowing these missing items is the #1 reason installation quotes vary so much.
Let’s go through the “not included” list one by one.
A. Line Set (Refrigerant Piping)
This always shocks people.
The line set is NOT included.
Not in R-410A systems, not in R-32 systems, not ever.
Why?
Because EPA and UL A2L standards require installers to size and seal line sets onsite. They can’t be pre-packaged.
You’ll need:
-
1/4" liquid line
-
3/8" suction line
or -
1/2" suction line (rare on 1.5-ton systems)
B. Line-Set Insulation
Also not included.
You need UV-resistant insulation, which is required under DOE efficiency standards because exposed foam breaks down and reduces capacity.
C. Electrical Disconnect Box
UL field wiring requirements mandate an exterior safety disconnect — but manufacturers don’t include it.
You must buy this separately.
D. Whip (Electrical Conduit)
This is a flexible conduit that connects the AC to the disconnect.
Not included.
E. Thermostat
Most systems do not ship with a thermostat.
You need to supply:
-
basic thermostat
or -
smart thermostat (Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell, etc.)
Two-stage R-32 systems need a staging-compatible thermostat.
F. Drain Line & Accessories
Manufacturers include zero drain components.
You’ll need:
-
PVC drain line
-
fittings
-
pipe straps
-
drain trap
-
secondary drain pan (attic installs)
ASHRAE condensate removal guidelines outline traps, slope, and secondary protection — none of which come in the box.
G. Mounting Pad or Wall Brackets
Outdoor condensers require elevation per UL A2L safety rules — but you don't get the pad.
You choose:
-
composite pad
-
concrete slab
-
wall brackets
All sold separately.
H. Ductwork or Plenums
No ducts are included — ever.
If your home needs:
-
transitions
-
plenums
-
reducers
-
elbows
-
boots
…that’s extra.
I. Refrigerant
This surprises people.
The unit comes pre-charged, but NOT with enough refrigerant to cover line sets beyond the factory baseline (usually 15–25 feet).
Longer line set?
Installer adds refrigerant (and charges you).
4. Accessories That Might Be Included Depending on Brand
Some manufacturers toss these in, some don’t.
1. Vibration Pads
Sometimes included with premium models.
2. Coil Cabinet Adapter
If your furnace width doesn’t match the coil.
3. Hard-Start Kit
Rare, and R-32 units usually don't need them unless voltage is unstable.
4. Basic Washable Filter
Not always included, depends on brand.
5. Items Installers Usually Charge Extra For
These aren’t in the box, but they’re essential for a proper ASHRAE-compliant install:
1. Surge Protector
Protects the board from voltage spikes.
2. Float Switch
Required for attic installations.
3. UV Light or Air Purifier
Optional, but recommended for humidity-heavy climates.
4. Line-Set Cover
Cosmetic, but helps protect insulation from UV damage.
5. New Circuit Breaker
Often required when switching to higher-efficiency equipment per DOE electrical rules.
6. Thermostat Wiring Upgrade
Smart thermostats sometimes need more wires.
6. What System Manufacturers Never Include (By Design)
These components are intentionally excluded because they must be matched on install day:
-
labor
-
vacuum pump service
-
nitrogen purge
-
refrigerant top-off
-
brazing materials
-
attic platform reinforcement
-
duct modifications
-
permits
-
code upgrades
-
inspection fees
EPA refrigerant rules require installers to perform nitrogen pressure testing and vacuum evacuation on every install — these steps can’t be pre-packaged.
7. Mike’s Complete Unboxing Summary
Here’s the simple breakdown:
Included
-
outdoor condenser
-
indoor evaporator coil
-
cabinet or air handler
-
basic hardware
-
factory refrigerant charge
Not Included
-
line set
-
insulation
-
disconnect box
-
electrical whip
-
drain lines
-
mounting pad
-
thermostat
-
ductwork
-
refrigerant for long line sets
-
installation materials
-
code upgrades
If you're planning your 1.5-ton R-32 install, assume 60–70% of your final system cost comes from the items NOT in the box.
8. Mike’s Final Verdict
A 1.5-ton R-32 AC system includes all the major components — the ones that make the system function. But the parts that make the system installable and code-compliant are not included.
That’s why installers charge extra.
That’s why one quote can be double another.
And that’s why unboxing knowledge matters.
If you know what’s included and what’s not, you won’t get surprised, overcharged, or delayed. You’ll know exactly what your home needs and exactly what the installer should bring.
That’s how you get a clean, efficient, ASHRAE-compliant installation — and a system built to last.
