Rheem has been a HVAC industry leader since 1956. Offering three series and seven types of air conditioner, the Rheem selection is not short on choice for those hunting for the best central air conditioners. With an entry-level Classic Series, upscale Classic Plus series and a top-of-the-line Prestige Series, units are either single-stage or two-stage.
All models are equipped with modulating burners to accurately control temperature, enhancing overall performance. The Prestige Series comes with a Comfort Control system that offers on-board diagnostics, and advanced features include EcoNet-enabled systems that can be programmed and voice-controlled using Amazon Alexa.
The lowest SEER is that of the RA13 (Classic Series), 13 SEER, while the Prestige and Classic Plus series vary from 17 to 20 SEER. Although there are more efficient brands on the market, Rheem excels for its low running costs. In fact, these are recommended for tackling colder climates, to reduce the risk of any future breakdowns.
Rheem central air conditioners review: Prices
Rheem air conditioning systems have relatively low purchase costs; however, prices do significantly increase with higher SEER ratings. The Classic RA13 costs around $990 for the system alone, and around $3,100 with installation, while the premium, Prestige RA20 costs around $1,850 for system alone and around $3,900 with installation.
Rheem central air conditioners review: Installers
Finding a local qualified installer is made easy with the Rheem Contractor search. The brand maintains a handy database of verified installers and connects customers with reliable technicians and certified installers in their local area. Just search on Rheem.com for service providers nearby to ensure proper installation.
Rheem central air conditioners review: Warranty
Number of models in range: 7
Top SEER energy efficiency rating: 20
Warranty: 10-year parts and labor warranty
Starting from (unit only): $990
All Rheem air conditioning units come with 10-year warranties, covering parts and labor. While there are no lifetime warranties, extended coverage is available. It’s recommended to contact a local HVAC professional to learn about such warranties for your model. Once again, customers are advised to register their systems even if it is after the 60-day registration period.
Rheem central air conditioners review: User reviews
Favourable qualities mentioned in user reviews are the efficiency and cheap running costs of the units. One customer said it cooled the house down to the exact temperature they wanted, while another remarked on how their utility bill had since gone down.
However, common complaints included leaking Freon coils and expensive labor costs to replace parts. One user mentioned that although the compressor was covered, they had to pay another $800 for labor and parts to install the unit, although these failures may have been due to improper installation, which can be costly to resolve in the long-run. It’s important to ensure you get a proper installation from a certified technician.
Should you buy Rheem central air conditioners?
Rheem is the perfect option if you’re after an affordable, efficient unit that doesn’t require extensive use. For this reason, it is better suited to colder climates to reduce the risk of any potential breakdowns. If you live in a warm climate where you have to run your unit continuously, this brand is probably not ideal.
The advantages include low running costs, which will save you more money in the long term. Just bear in mind to always get your unit installed by a certified technician to avoid risk of breakdown.
