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HVAC

Rheem Air Conditioner Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 4.5/5

Average Cost: $1,200 - $5,500

Rheem air conditioners range in cost from $1,200 to $5,500, offering durability, a wide range of products, and excellent energy efficiency. With options from basic models to high-end systems, Rheem’s AC units are known for their advanced technology and higher upfront costs but promise significant energy savings over time.

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Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Rheem air conditioner costs vary by the size of AC unit and by model — Rheem’s higher-quality Endeavor Prestige series will cost homeowners more than its basic Select series models.

Rheem has been a leader in the heating and cooling business since brothers Richard and Donald Rheem founded the company in Emeryville, CA in 1925. Rheem introduced its first central air conditioner and heater in 1954, and the company continues to pioneer next-generation heating and cooling technologies — Rheem holds more than 300 patents. Rheem is known for producing quality replacement central ac units, heat pump units, replacement gas furnaces, water heaters, and package units for both the residential and commercial industries.

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Pros and Cons of Buying a Rheem AC

Rheem has a well-deserved reputation for producing quality heating and cooling products that are at the forefront of reliability and innovation. Here are some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of upgrading to a Rheem air conditioner.

  • Pros

    • Durability
    • Wide Range of Availability and Price
    • Energy Efficient
  • Cons

    • Higher Costs
    • Complex Installation

Pros

  • The name Rheem is synonymous with durability. Rheem’s AC units are manufactured using galvanized steel, and many have a rust-free drain pan, so rust and corrosion should never be an issue with a Rheem AC unit.
  • Wide range of products at different price points. Rheem has both budget-friendly and top-of-the-line air conditioners in a wide range of sizes to meet nearly every homeowner’s unique requirements.
  • Excellent energy efficiency across the board. No matter if you purchase a basic Select series or a more advanced Prestige unit, you’ll be getting an air conditioner that will perform at optimal energy efficiency.

Cons

  • Higher upfront costs. Rheem air conditioners often have higher price tags than similar models from competitors.
  • Complexity of installation and repairs. Rheem’s cutting-edge technologies may translate to higher installation costs, and an expensive repair bill down the road if something fails after the warranty expires.

The takeaway for homeowners weighing the various pros and cons of a Rheem air conditioner is that Rheem makes exceptional products noted for their advanced design and technology. Due to the higher upfront costs, however, homeowners should plan on staying in their current residences for many years in order to reap the benefits of lower energy bills.

Types of Rheem Air Conditioners

Rheem produces a wide range of air conditioners, but they fall into three main types:

Rheem Prestige Series Air Conditioners

Rheem’s top line Endeavor Prestige series air conditioning units offer energy efficiency from 15.2-20 SEER2. They range in size from 2 to 5 tons, and are fitted with a compressor sound blanket for operation as quiet as 71 decibels, which is equivalent to average street noise. Rheem’s Prestige air conditioners also offer connectivity to its Econet Smart Thermostat for remote smartphone operation and optimal comfort.

Rheem Classic Series Air Conditioner

Rheem’s Classic line of AC units offer energy efficiency ratings from 13 to 16 SEER, although the two-stage Classic AC unit has a 17 SEER rating. Many are EcoNet enabled for improved remote operation, allowing you to control the temperature and humidity levels in your home with a few taps on a smartphone.

Rheem Select Series Air Conditioner

Rheem’s entry-level air conditioning units offer energy efficiency from 13-16 SEER. They’re all fitted with a single-stage compressor and come with a composite base for noise dampening. These highly rated AC units rely on a scroll compressor for efficient and quiet performance. Sizes range from 1.5-5 tons depending on the model.

Rheem AC Unit Cost Ranges

In recent years, HVAC companies have moved away from providing exact unit pricing on their websites. Most rely on their extensive network of dealer representatives to set prices with customers depending on each homeowner’s unique needs and budget.

Rheem air conditioning units can cost between $1,200 and $5,500 without installation. Costs will be on the low end for a small entry-level Select model, and toward the top of the price range — or much higher — for a large Endeavor Prestige model with added features.

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Factors Affecting Cost of Rheem Air Conditioners

There can be quite a few variables that affect the total cost of installing a new Rheem air conditioner in your home. Here’s a handful of common factors that determine the cost of a new AC unit.

Need for New Ductwork or Equipment

According to the Department of Energy, between 25% and 40% of heating and cooling are lost traveling from the source through your home’s ductwork. It doesn’t make sense to install a highly efficient Rheem air conditioner with leaky or poor-performing ductwork. Your HVAC contractor may have to upgrade your home’s ducting in order to get the most value out of your investment.

Accessibility and Contractor Labor Rates

A difficult installation will require more time, and your HVAC installation contractor will charge you for the added work and effort. Additionally, labor rates can vary greatly between contractors and in areas where the cost of living is high.

Sizes of the Home and AC Unit

Larger homes require bigger air conditioning units, which are more expensive than smaller units. The capacity of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).

Age of Your Home

Older homes generally aren’t as well insulated as newer homes. A residence clad in siding over 2×4 studs isn’t as well insulated as a newer home clad in stucco over 2×6 studs since the larger wall depth allows for increased insulation.

Type of AC Unit

Buying a new Rheem Classic air conditioner won’t hit the wallet as hard as purchasing an Endeavor Prestige model with a variable-speed compressor, noise dampening features and Econet Smart Thermostat. Your HVAC contractor can help you purchase a unit that meets your home’s needs at a price point that fits within your budget.

Benefits of Investing in a Rheem AC Unit

The name Rheem carries great weight with HVAC professionals. The company offers sophisticated cooling products that can go head-to-head with any other top-tier HVAC manufacturer. Although you’ll pay more upfront, you’ll be buying a quality air conditioning unit that leads the industry in energy efficiency and innovation. Life expectancy for a properly maintained Rheem air conditioning unit is between 15 to 20 years.

Brand Comparison: Rheem Vs. Competitors

Rheem is a quality manufacturer that stacks up well against competing brands.

Rheem Vs. Carrier/Bryant

Both brands are synonymous with quality, though Carrier might be slightly higher on that metric. Carrier is the same manufacturer as Bryant, so its parts and AC units may be more readily available than Rheem. Rheem air conditioners also feature extensive technology that may be troublesome if a repair issue ever comes up.

Rheem Vs. Trane

Both companies have been making heating and cooling products for decades and have served hundreds of thousands of customers. Rheem products might have a slightly smaller price tag than similarly sized and energy-efficient AC units from Trane, which is considered a luxury brand while Rheem is a mid-tier brand in the HVAC industry.

Is a Rheem Air Conditioner Right for Me?

Rheem has won the coveted ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for four consecutive years due to its efforts to make sustainable and energy-saving heating and cooling products. Rheem produces an extensive line air conditioning units that are designed to last and perform well, yet homeowners don’t have to pay as when they buy Rheem as they would with some industry-leading HVAC manufacturers.

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