Rheem is a recognized brand and one of the best HVAC companies around. In 1925, the company started out by making water heaters; however, today it manufactures a range of heating and cooling products. Rheem is a sustainable business that is known for being a budget brand that produces durable products with a huge network of affiliate service providers.
Rheem has solid warranties, but customers must register their product to get warranty benefits. Replacement parts are available directly on the company’s website.
Pros
- Large selection of products
- Large network of installation affiliates
- Replacement parts available on company website
Cons
- Product registration required for warranty validation
- Not a quiet AC unit
- Below average efficiency ratings
![Rheem HVAC](https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/x/https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rheem.png)
Table of Contents
Rheem was founded in 1925 by brothers Richard and Donald Rheem in Emeryville, California. Rheem is owned by The Paloma Group and has products available in more than 80 countries. Rheem is the only manufacturer worldwide that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool and spa heating and commercial refrigeration products. The company is North America’s biggest manufacturer of water heating products.
At a Glance
The company offers cost-effective air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, mini-split systems and other HVAC equipment. Its products are available in Prestige, Classic, and Select series. Rheem offers a standard 10-year limited warranty on premium models.
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating on Rheemair conditioners ranges from 13 to 20.5 with an average of about 15 for most units. To get an idea about average pricing, the cost of a 2.5-ton unit with a coil from Rheem will cost about $1,960, not including installation. Rheem AC units are cost effective and durable but are below the competition in terms of efficiency.
Other Benefits
Rheem has a few other benefits for customers to note. These include:
- Rheem provides mini-splits, air handlers, cooling coils, thermostats, indoor air quality equipment, water heaters, pool and spa heaters and water softeners.
- Rheem Rebate Center on the company website allows customers to search for and find local rebates for their new Rheem heating, cooling or water heater solution.
- Rheem does not require installers to be factory authorized.
- Rheem Has made the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and zero waste by 2025.
- Rheem offers a Protection Plus Extended Service agreement program that can provide additional protection after the limited warranty expires, up to four years for water heaters and up to 10 years for heating and cooling equipment.
Fine Print
Rheem’s website does not have a chat service and customers must use a contact form to contact the company. Rheem’s efficiency rating isn’t the highest, which means it will cost more in terms of electricity to power your Rheem AC than with more efficient competitor options. Most models lack wireless connectivity, so you cannot control your home’s climate remotely.
Since Rheem uses a national network of third-party installers, installation costs can vary based on the HVAC professional chosen in your area. While premium models carry a 10-year limited warranty, other series and models can differ in number of years covered. Rheem is considered a more affordable option and if well-maintained can last 10 to 15 years.
How Rheem Stacks Up
Compared to Coleman, Rheem isn’t the cheapest AC to buy, but it comes close and isn’t as expensivet as American Standard. Rheem has a very large product selection. Replacement parts are available on the company’s website, and it has a big network of installation affiliates. Note that, American Standard’s ACs have higher SEER ratings compared to Rheem.
Like Coleman and American Standard, Rheem offers a 10-year limited parts warranty coverage on premium models but gives you 60 days to register your new product, just like American Standard does. Coleman gives you 90 days.
Of the three Coleman gets the best customer ratings, but Rheem isn’t far behind. However, customer reviews say Rheem repairs can be expensive. Like Coleman, Rheem has been in the industry for a very long time—about 70 years—and is an established brand name that customers likely already recognize. Overall, Rheem is a budget-friendly and durable option.
Is Rheem Right for You?
Rheem’s ACs are more affordable than similar equipment in competitor companies, but most models won’t have some of the features found in other manufacturer products. Rheem comes with a 10-year limited warranty on premium models.
Customer reviews show that while Rheem may be a more affordable option, negative reviews highlight a short equipment lifespan. However, even with a lower lifespan, regular and proper maintenance can extend the life of the system and at a more affordable upfront price.
Methodology
To determine the best HVAC companies ranking, the Forbes Advisor editorial team analyzed 18 companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
Customer Reviews (20%)
Customer satisfaction accounted for 20% of the best HVAC companies rating. Our team analyzed BBB scores, ratios of complaints to overall reviews and Trustpilot ratings.
Consumer Reports Indexes (18%)
Our team analyzed each company’s most recent Consumer Reports ratings based on central AC, heat pump and gas furnace predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
Installation Availability (10%)
Installation availability points were awarded to each company based on consumer convenience when locating an installer. Metrics included installation service availability at AireServ, Sears, Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Pricing (10%)
Each HVAC company’s sample air conditioning pricing comprised 10% of the total ranking as a snapshot of overall costs.
Central Air Conditioner Features (15%)
Each company’s central air conditioner feature list was evaluated and awarded points for the inclusion and quality of smart thermostat compatibility, remote operating access and humidity control features.
Central Air Conditioner Specs (10%)
Specifications related to each competitor’s central air conditioning offerings were analyzed and ranked according to SEER ratings, noise levels and warranties of parts and compressors.
Ductless (mini-split) System Specs (5%)
Ductless mini-split offerings from each company were ranked and awarded points based on average SEER ratings, sound levels and warranty length.
Other Specs (9%)
Specifications for each company’s other HVAC offerings were ranked based on average SEER ratings, noise levels and warranties. Heat pump specs earned 6% of the rating, while oil furnaces and gas furnaces accounted for the remaining 3%.
Expert Score (3%)
Up to 3% of each competitor ranking score included additional scores from our experts, awarded for extraordinary services, products or unique features each company offers if and when applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the lifespan of a Rheem HVAC?
The lifespan of Rheem air conditioners is about 10 to 15 years. With proper and regular maintenance customers can extend the life of their system.
Are Rheem AC units good?
Rheem can be a good option for home air conditioning systems since it’s more affordable than many other brands. However, it may be less durable in the long term and has lower efficiency ratings than its competitors.
What does the Rheem 10-year warranty cover?
The 10-year warranty on premium models covers labor and parts, including the compressor, but only when customers register their product within 60 days of purchase.
Is Rheem made in the U.S.?
Rheem is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and manufactures products in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Montgomery, Alabama; Oxnard, California and Eagan, Minnesota.