3 Ton Air Handler – Variable Speed (15KW Heat Kit Included)
Dave Lennox Signature® Collection
Dave Lennox Signature® Collection – CBK48MVT-036-71 Variable-Speed Air Handler
The CBK48MVT-036-71 is the top of the Lennox® air handler range: Lennox describes it as its “highest performance, highest-efficiency, fully digital, variable-speed air handler compatible with 2025 Compliant Refrigerant.” Rated for 3 ton of nominal cooling, it is built for R-454B systems and pairs with Lennox® variable-capacity air conditioners and heat pumps for fully communicating, whole-home comfort.
Variable-Speed ECM Blower
A true variable-speed ECM blower drives airflow from 720–1580 CFM on a 3/4 hp motor with a 11 x 8 in. wheel. The control selects from eight available air volumes and holds the commissioned airflow up to 0.8 in. w.g. of external static pressure. The motor ramps up and down gradually, which reduces start-up and shut-down sound, and a dehumidification demand trims cooling airflow to 70% for better humidity control.
Quantum™ Coil Durability
The all-aluminum Quantum™ Coil — aluminum tubing, hairpins, distributor and header — resists the indoor contaminants that corrode copper-and-steel coils. This unit uses a 5.0 sq ft face area twin “A” coil with lanced fins and helical grooved tubing, plus a factory-installed non-bleed wide-range check/expansion valve (TXV part 26Z70).
R-454B Ready with Refrigerant Detection
Every -71 model ships R-454B ready with a Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) integrated into the Lennox® Communicating Control, as required for all R-454B systems. If the sensor detects a leak, the control stops the compressor and/or electric heat and runs the blower to dilute refrigerant — at a factory-set minimum mitigation airflow of 350 CFM per ton — opens all zone dampers, can drive an external alarm, and resumes normal operation once levels are safe. All models meet UL 60335-2-40 refrigerant-detector requirements.
Quiet, Clean, Multi-Position Cabinet
The two-piece, heavy-gauge galvanized steel cabinet is fully insulated and gasketed, with less than 2% air leakage (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 193-2010). Insulation reduces operating sound and helps prevent cabinet sweating in humid Texas summers. The deep, dual-position drain pan carries an anti-microbial additive that resists mold and mildew and reduces drain-line blockage. A 20 x 20 x 1 in. disposable filter is furnished in the built-in filter rack, and the unit installs multi-position — upflow, downflow, or horizontal left or right.
Includes ECB48-15CB-P – 15 kW Electric Heat
The included ECB48-15CB-P (catalog 27A56) delivers 15 kW / 51,200 Btuh at 240 V with (1) 35 amp and (1) 60 amp factory circuit breaker protection, and installs inside the air-handler cabinet. Lennox’ EvenHeater® control stages electric heat to a target discharge temperature (85, 100, 115 or 130 °F; 85 °F default) instead of simply switching on at full output, so supplemental heat feels even rather than blasting. This cabinet accepts 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12.5, 15 and 20 kW single-phase heat kits if a different capacity is required.
Communicating Controls and Zoning
The Lennox® Communicating Control auto-configures on the RSBus, stores 100 alarm codes with the last 10 recallable, and reports through a 7-segment diagnostic LED visible at the blower door. It pairs with the S40 Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat, supports the Lennox® Smart Zoning System for up to four zones, works with Humiditrol® whole-home dehumidification, and will also run from a conventional heat/cool thermostat.
Key Benefits Of The 3 Ton CBK48MVT-036-71 Air Handler
- Dave Lennox Signature® Collection — Lennox’ highest air handler tier
- Variable-speed ECM blower, 720–1580 CFM, eight selectable air volumes
- Includes ECB48-15CB-P electric heat kit — 15 kW / 51,200 Btuh with EvenHeater® staging
- All-aluminum Quantum™ Coil with factory-installed TXV
- R-454B ready with Refrigerant Detection System (UL 60335-2-40)
- Anti-microbial dual-position drain pan; 20 x 20 x 1 in. filter furnished
- Multi-position: upflow, downflow or horizontal left/right
- Cabinet air leakage under 2% (ANSI/ASHRAE 193-2010)
- 10-year limited warranty on covered components in residential applications
- Free professional installation with your purchase
