Rheem 4 Ton 16 Seer Ac Unit Reviews
With temperatures rising each year, an air conditioner has become more than of a necessity than a luxury. Every bit a result, the number of air conditioning units being shipped out has too seen a steady rise.
If you're looking to purchase a new air conditioner, you need to consider how much you're willing to spend and what brand suits your needs best. Efficiency, quietness, and most of all running expenses are features that should exist paid special attending to.
The increasing demand for more efficient and sleeker ac units means that the market needs much more than just powerful cooling from the top air conditioning brands out in that location.
One common name among these top brands is Rheem; boasting of a vii.ix% market share. Rheem Air Conditioners are popular explicitly considering of their cheap units and long warranty periods.
Rheem was incorporated in 1925, and apace earned its identify in the market because of its reliability and affordability. Notwithstanding, most customers complain that Rheem doesn't provide the same quality as it did before. Instead, Rheem now offers high SEER, sleek, and cost-effective solutions for air conditioning.
Hither, we will look into Rheem Air Conditioner reviews and make up one's mind if this is the best fit for you or not.
Quick Expect at Rheem Air Conditioners
With three different serial and seven dissimilar air conditioner types (available in different tonnages) between them, Rheem has a unit for everyone. However, where Rheem excels in costs and efficiency, it lacks in customer support, immovability, and reliability.
Rheem is the perfect choice for y'all if you are looking for a cheap and efficient unit of measurement, and if yous aren't going to apply the unit extensively. Colder climates arrange Rheem air conditioners better as it reduces the chances of the unit breaking downward.
However, people living in hotter climates may be forced to spend on maintenance and repairs of the unit of measurement, sooner than they call back. In substitution, nonetheless, you get efficiency, quiet operations, and sleeker designs.
Cost Guide & Running Costs
The initial cost and relatively lower running costs are what Rheem excels at – something that most people consider to be the most pressing matter when it comes to purchasing a good air conditioner.
Rheem's Prestige series is somewhat expensive, notwithstanding it offers users a range of unique features and technologies that can enable you lot to salvage even more than with a minimum of xx SEER!
On average, Rheem Ac units have a SEER of 17.12, the 7th best in the HVAC marketplace. The everyman SEER of Rheem'southward air conditioners is that of the RA13 (Archetype Serial), offering thirteen SEER, higher than most HVAC manufacturers' least efficient unit of measurement.
In dissimilarity, the Prestige and Archetype Plus series let users to purchase units with up to 17 – xx SEER, thus the proficient average. These units are somewhat expensive, yet offering great efficiency compared to other, lower-tier units. Still, at that place are a range of options other than Rheem, with better SEER, that yous can easily go if you're not afraid of putting a dent on your wallet.
Cost efficiency is skilful when looking from afar, simply if we dig into Rheem air conditioner's customer reviews, we detect that this depression cost is covered, if non exceeded, by mail service-purchase labor and repairs. Rheem's products lack the durability and post-sales service that other manufacturers offering.
The following tabular array compares Rheem air conditioners' initial purchase price, installation costs, and average running costs of each unit type. Remember, each unit is available in varying tonnage and the cost varies depending on the size you buy.
| Model | Price* (w/out Installation) | Cost* (w/ Installation) | Estimated Running Price** | Revenue enhancement Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem Prestige RA20 | $one,850 | $three,900 | ~$441 | $300 |
| Rheem Classic Plus RA17 | $ane,480 | $3,620 | ~$519 | $300 |
| Rheem Classic RA17 (NC)* | $one,390 | $iii,530 | ~$519 | $300 |
| Rheem Archetype RA16 | $1,205 | $3,505 | ~$551 | $300 |
| Rheem Classic RA14**W | $i,150 | $three,450 | ~$630 | – |
| Rheem Classic RA14 | $1,050 | $three,350 | ~$630 | – |
| Rheem Classic RA13 | $990 | $iii,100 | ~$678 | – |
*Prices are estimates for the following: 2.5-ton condenser, 1300-1400 cfm air handler plus a programmable thermostat.
**Running costs based on 21 cents/kWh and 2000 hours of cooling per year. Based on ii.v ton Ac unit.
Note – Other exterior factors tin as well influence the cost; Based on national average
The price of each type of Rheem Ac increases equally you lot increase the size of your unit. If you alive in a warm climate where you have to run your unit continuously, high SEER units are better suited for you, and if y'all alive in a relatively colder area where summers aren't equally long, you don't need to focus equally much on efficiency.
Unfortunately, the depression durability, difficult client support procedures, and the presence of untrained installers in the market mean that Rheem is usually avoided by customers. As much as people save on ownership a cheaper unit of measurement, something that Rheem offers wholeheartedly, they usually end up spending most double on repairs and maintenance of their unit.
Following is a table that shows the full general toll range of different Rheem Air-conditioning prices based on tonnage.
| AC Unit of measurement Size | Cost (Unit Only) * | Cost (With Installation) * |
|---|---|---|
| i.5 ton Rheem AC | $1,045 | $3,095 |
| ii ton Rheem AC | $1,190 | $three,310 |
| ii.5 ton Rheem AC | $1,290 | $iii,570 |
| 3 ton Rheem Air-conditioning | $1,490 | $iii,850 |
| 3.5 ton Rheem Air-conditioning | $1,645 | $iv,145 |
| 4 ton Rheem AC | $1,800 | $4,420 |
| 5 ton Rheem AC | $2,390 | $4,990 |
*Based on RA14 unit types
Rheem boasts its Prestige Series to be the most cost-effective in the long run because of its loftier SEER and EcoNet™ applied science. The RA20'due south body is powder coat painted to ensure that it resists rust and corrosion. The unit also dampens sound to make the racket as low every bit 57 decibels and is thus, the most sold unit Rheem has in the market.
Rheem air conditioners are also eligible for tax rebates, of upwards to USD 300, if they take a SEER of 16 or to a higher place. This lowers the toll of these units even further!
The Importance of A Quality HVAC Contractor
Well-nigh customers have complaints virtually Rheem's units not being able to withstand atmospheric condition conditions or work for long hours. Ordinarily, this is because of poor installation methods. These include exposed wires, air vents facing the wrong management, holes in the side of vents, and many others.
Air conditioners are expensive, to say the least, and handling one without proper intendance is similar throwing thousands of dollars into the rain. Air conditioners demand to exist installed past people with proper training and knowledge almost what they are doing. If the slightest of misalignments occur during the installation process, information technology tin can drastically reduce the life of your unit (commonly 15 years) down to 5 years, or less.
To get experts and contractors that are experienced and well-versed in the art of installing HVAC units, visit Networx through the form below! The website contains a vast database of HVAC contractors near y'all, who can upgrade or install your Rheem air conditioner quickly and accordingly, all while following the relevant state codes.
At Networx.com, all contractors are sorted in accordance with their relevance to your query, ratings, and level of trust people put in them. All the contractors are verified, with strict rules for contractors updating their profiles regularly. This means that yous won't have to 'vet' the contractors before hiring them!
Answer the questions beneath to starting time the process of finding a loftier-quality HVAC contractor.
Rheem Model Numbers Explained
Rheem air conditioners have elementary names such as the RA14, RA20, etc., that tin indicate the SEER of the unit easily. However, these names aren't as self-explanatory as some others in the market place and thus, tin can crusade some confusion.
Rheem models are distributed into three series:
- Prestige Serial (including Rheem RA20)
- Classic Plus Serial, (Including Rheem RA17) &
- Classic Series (Including Rheem RA17, RA16, RA14**W, RA14, and RA13)
All iii Rheem series offering something that the other doesn't, be it efficient running costs, depression purchase costs, or a focus on quietness. Following is a tabular array to give detailed insight on how each unit of measurement is distinct from the other.
| Model | Tonnage | SEER* | Dissonance Levels** | BTU's | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem Prestige RA20 | 2-v | 20 | 55 dB | 24,000-60,000 | Two Stage |
| Rheem Classic Plus RA17 | 2-5 | 17 | 58 dB | 24,000-60,000 | Two Stage |
| Rheem Archetype RA17 (NC)* | two-3 | 17 | 58 dB | 24,000-60,000 | Ii Stage |
| Rheem Classic RA16 | 1.5-5 | xvi | 69 dB | 24,000-60,000 | Two Stage |
| Rheem Classic RA14**W | 1.5-5 | 16 | 70 dB | 24,000-60,000 | Two Stage |
| Rheem Classic RA14 | ane.5-v | 16 | 65 dB | 24,000-60,000 | Ii Phase |
| Rheem Classic RA13 | 1.5-five | 15.v-13 | 72 dB | 24,000-sixty,000 | Two Stage |
*up to
**as low as, based on optimum weather
Features of the Rheem AC Range
Free energy Efficiency/SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER is the rating of how efficient an HVAC unit is.
The terminology was first introduced in 2008 past the Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute as a fashion to measure out how much free energy is consumed past the unit of measurement confronting its BTUs (British Thermal Units) consumed when cooling.
It is of import to note that the ratio is calculated when cooling or heating.
One-phase compressors commonly turn off once the room is cooled down and SEER rating doesn't have that into business relationship.
Many HVAC manufacturers also use EER in identify of SEER. This eliminates the S (Seasonal) to measure the unit of measurement'southward efficiency, not just in the cooling season only throughout the whole year! This includes both, cooling and heating.
It is important to remember that higher SEER or EER (we also have a guide for EER to SEER for yous) ways increased efficiency. The pinnacle-tier Rheem air conditioners such equally the RA20 are efficient and thus take upward less energy when running for longer periods.
However, there are some HVAC brands including LG, Lennox, and Mitsubishi, that offering more efficient air conditioners as well.
Compressor Options
Compressors are by far the nearly expensive and of import piece of equipment inside an air conditioner. Although whatever missing or damaged office can impair the proper function of your air conditioner, a missing or damaged compressor means that your air conditioner is a glorified air blower!
Compressors are usually responsible for cooling a refrigerant gas within an AC and cycling it throughout the roll. Rheem air conditioners use DuPont'southward trademarked HCFC refrigerant, Freon, to absurd downward the hot intake air.
To cool Freon downward, the gas needs to be compressed – and that is the job of a compressor.
In that location are 2 types of compressors: single and two stages.
Single Stage
Rheem air conditioners don't have whatsoever single stage compressors, thus focusing on lowering energy costs. Unmarried stage compressors only run at full speed to cool the hot air and shut downwardly in one case the intake is no longer hot.
These high-speed compressors are very quick to cool the house downwardly just are very costly considering of the voltage spikes when turning off and on, thus resulting in higher electric bills.
2 Phase
Rheem AC units incorporate two-stage, variable speed compressors. These compressors contain sensors that allow them to make an adjustment to the compressions based on the desired temperature. They run at full speed when cooling, and slow downwards in club to maintain the room's temperature. Their capability to slow downward lets them conserve energy and avoid those voltage spikes.
However, 2 stage compressors are somewhat slower at cooling the room.
Condenser Fan Options
A condenser is a unit used in central air conditioning systems to 'exchange rut' from the hot air into the coils. This is possible with the combination of compressed refrigerant, common cold coils, and a condenser fan that blows outside air through the exchange section.
These fans are of two types, depending on the type of compressor, i.e., single and double speed. Apart from bravado outside air in, these fans are too responsible for keeping the compressor cool when running.
All of Rheems' Ac units characteristic double-speed condenser fans.
Heating Options
While almost air conditioners don't feature a heat pump (much like Rheem air conditioners), they exercise have the ability to act as heaters. This is possible because of the compressor'due south adequacy to act in reverse, and instead of putting positive force per unit area on the Freon gas, the compressor puts negative pressure on it, heating the gas and in plow, the coils, which so heat the cold intake air.
Noise Levels
Rheem air conditioners perform in a somewhat mediocre mode in terms of quietness. The Prestige RA20 has a pulverization coated torso made of metallic and thermosetting plastics. And to enhance the insulation, manufacturers have also added rubber linings around the moving parts to requite it an even quieter function. The RA20 tin can go every bit tranquility as 48 decibels under optimum weather!
Notwithstanding, there are a number of quieter units available in the market place, all the same these are typically portable Ac models. The quietest AC is currently produced by Haier; capable of functioning at 25 decibels during normal operation and even lower under optimum conditions!
Other versions of Rheem aren't as quiet either, at the outer units brand a lot of sounds once the condenser fans showtime blowing air. They can become up to 82 decibels when nether force per unit area!
Warranty & Why Information technology'south Important
Warranty is another aspect where Rheem AC units fall backside its competitors. Other HVAC manufacturers such as Goodman, Lennox, and Trane, offer users as long as lifetime warranties on parts and compressors.
Rheem air conditioners offer merely 10 years of limited warranty on parts and compressors if y'all annals your production within 90 days of purchase. Some customers aren't sometimes fabricated aware of this requirement and miss out on this warranty likewise.
With all that said, Rheem is notorious for its poor customer support. Customers often complain well-nigh unfriendly support staff, inexperienced technicians, and most of all, the unreliability of products. Rheem air conditioners often find their manner to whatever wholesaler that can afford it, which results in poor installers entering the market.
Whether these bad reviews and low immovability of parts and compressors are actually Rheem's error or the poor installers, that remains yet to be found. Yet, you can hire experienced and trusted technicians with the help of Networx and make sure your investment gives you the all-time return.
Government Tax Breaks Explained
Since February 2018, all high-efficiency equipment was granted a tax rebate upon purchase. For HVAC units, all units with SEER 16 or above are eligible for a tax rebate. Rheem's air conditioners, including RA16, RA17 (NC), RA17, and RA20 are all eligible for a tax rebate of 10% of installation costs, up to USD 300.
Rheem Vs. Goodman
Ordinarily, Rheem is compared to Goodman because of the similarities. The almost efficient unit of measurement of Rheem will cost you lot the aforementioned equally Goodman's premium air conditioner, however, the SEER of both is extremely different. Goodman's GSXC18 offers 18 SEER, while Rheem's RA20 is 20 SEER. This ways more efficiency and thus, more savings.
While both have mixed reviews when it comes to customer feedback, when comparing Rheem Ac units to Goodman'south, people say that Rheem offers a much better build quality, while Goodman offers relatively better customer back up.
Pro's & Cons of Rheem AC Units
Every AC brand has pros and cons and Rheem, endemic by Ruud, is not perfect in whatever sense of the word, either. While some customers often stay away from Rheem AC, some people discover information technology suitable for their needs. Post-obit are some pros and cons of Rheem air conditioners hold.
Pros
- Low purchase cost
- Low running costs – High efficiency
- Eligible for tax rebates
- Relatively adept efficiency at lower costs
- High-end models are rust and corrosion resistant
Cons
- Poor customer service
- More efficient brands bachelor in the market
- Shorter warranty periods and no labor compared to competitors
- Expensive compared to its competitors with the same SEER ratings
- Not durable or reliable
- Wholesaled to external HVAC installers without checks, allowing inferior installers to enter the market
- The only premium unit is quiet, while all the rest are somewhat loud
Other Customer Reviews of Rheem Air Conditioners
The net has get one of the most pop forms of pre-purchase inquiry, and customer reviews are oftentimes what steer the final conclusion of whether or non a client is going to buy that specific unit of measurement. Post-obit are some reviews by people who purchased Rheem Ac units.
Bought the unit of measurement in 2016, later i yr the curlicue leaked. Was charged over 1400 to install with freon, after 1 year it went again. Practise not buy a Rheem! Horrible. Very disappointed with the functioning of this unit. John, Selden, NY. Consumer Diplomacy
I have had this Rheem Heat Exchanger now for 4 years and was just told by my service man we volition have to replace the AC coils. After loading a dye into the system, they are leaking. This will be the third set of A coils installed in the past 4 years because of leaking. These units are fabricated in United mexican states and are extremely unreliable. Never buy a Rheem anything. They are cheap junk. After reviewing a lot of glowing reviews, I noticed they were mostly done by the retail outlets and service providers selling the units. They are cheaply made and very profitable to the dealers, and they love them. We contacted Rheem about this issue over again and got a solid, "I am pitiful that is out of warranty." Besides we did the first supercede nether warranty parts simply and the tech waived his installation charges. I will never buy annihilation made by Rheem. – Jay, Gainesville, GA. Consumer Affairs.
Two years after moving into a new home with a new Rheem ac unit of measurement the coil began to leak. It seems that everyone is having this event in my subdivision and this piece of trash visitor is refusing to cover information technology. Exercise non buy their junk overpriced ACs; they will non concluding y'all more than than two seasons without needing major repairs. Their client service sucks besides – R, Miami Beach, FL. Yelp.
Conclusion
Customers who bought Rheem have complained a lot on online forums and have had to pay extra to get them fixed, despite the warranty. Poor reliability and matching poor customer back up, both add up to give customers a reason to stay away from Rheem air conditioners.
Notwithstanding, when comparing efficiency and price ranges, in that location is no equal to Rheem. Its most prestigious unit, the RA20 is silent, efficient, and sleek. Its warranties (if registered) is too a good 10 years, much better than most brands in the market. However, as mentioned above, in that location are a number of HVAC manufacturers that can give you better warranties and a much meliorate after-sales support, such equally the one Bryant boasts.
In order to fully savour your new and expensive air conditioner, you need to make sure information technology is installed correctly. And you demand a trusted and experienced HVAC installer in order to do and so. To find certified and verified technicians, visit networx.com. Finding a quality HVAC installer has never been easier; all you lot have to do is scroll and click!
Equally tin can be seen from the reviews above, customers are frequently dissatisfied with Rheem's reliability and client service. The fact that the units break down oft and customers have to pay thousands of dollars for replacement parts once again, despite being under warranty, doesn't serve well for Rheem.
Although Rheem is by and large bashed because of its poor reliability and immovability, people believe Rheem to accept ameliorate build quality when compared to Goodman, peculiarly on Reddit.
Our Rating: 
(iv.3 / 5)
Concluding Updated on Jan nineteen, 2022
- Author
- Recent Posts
Ian Haynes is an HVAC author, and researcher. He has worked on hundreds of articles relating to home cooling, heating and air quality with a vast knowledge of the technical aspects of these types of appliances. Outside of his piece of work, Ian likes exploring Brooklyn with his Labrador. Larn more than about the Ac Lab squad here.
Source: https://airconditionerlab.com/rheem-air-conditioner-reviews/