When winter comes around the corner, the time to check your forgotten furnace comes again. It might be that it is time that you thought about replacing your older model for a new and more efficient one.
Rheem has made its name in the furnace industry by making some of the most valuable products out there. So in this article, we will focus on Rheem furnace reviews.
Before that, you need to know what you are getting into. So let’s first see what the other companies in this industry have to offer and how Rheem compares to them.
How Does Rheem Compare to the Competition?
As we mentioned, Rheem is one of the top suppliers of furnaces, but there are other manufacturers out there as well, and some might argue that they supply better furnaces. So let’s compare and see which one is more suited for you.
Rheem vs. Lennox Furnace
Lennox was founded in 1895 by Dave Lennox as a furnace company. Today, it has expanded to include all HVAC products in its product offerings.
Warranty
One of the plus points of Rheem is that it offers a transferable warranty. If you are selling your home or moving somewhere else, they will accommodate you. In the case of Lennox, that does not happen.
Lennox only offers five to ten years of limited warranty on parts and compressors, whereas Rheem always gives a ten-year part warranty with 20 or limited lifetime warranty for heat exchangers.
Price
Rheem furnaces lie in the $800-1600 range, while Lennox has a range of $1,100-2,400. Considering the reliability, durability, and efficiency of Rheem furnaces, their price range makes sense and is more cost-efficient.
Material
When it comes to material, most manufacturers use the same aluminized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, and both Lennox and Rheem are no different.
Rheem vs Carrier Furnace
Carrier has been making refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning products since 1902. They provide their services throughout the world and have industry-recognized energy efficiency certifications.
Warranty
The non-condensing gas furnaces of Carrier have a ten-year warranty on parts and 20 years on the heat exchanger. For condensing gas furnaces, only the Infinity line has a limited lifetime warranty option for the heat exchanger.
It is not as low as Lennox, but Rheem offers lifetime warranties on most of its new furnaces.
Price
Carrier has a price range of somewhere from $1,100 to $2,500, which is significantly higher than Rheem.
Efficiency
Carrier’s highest efficiency furnace is 98.5% AFUE, while Rheem also has 98%, but a lot of Carrier models also lie in the 80% range, and very few of them have the modulating function.
Rheem vs Trane Furnace
Trane is one of the largest HVAC manufacturers in the world and has 104 manufacturing facilities located throughout the world.
Warranty
Trane does not have the option of a lifetime warranty. Its warranty will range from one to 20 years only, depending on the product. And we have already established Rheem’s range.
Price
Trane furnaces are some of the more expensive models. Their price ranges between $2,400 and $4,500. This is comparatively high compared to not only Rheem but also Carrier and Lennox.
Efficiency
Trane’s highest AFUE rating is 97.3% and goes down to 80%. This is lower than the 98% that Rheem has, though not by a huge amount.
Comparison of the Best Rheem Furnaces
For a quick overview of the technical details and efficiency ratings, we have compiled all the top picks here.
| Model Name | Unit Size | Energy Efficiency (SEER) | Cost of Unit Only | Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem R97V (EcoNet Enabled) | 33,000-84,000 BTU/HR | 97% | $1,550 | $1,950 |
| Rheem Classic Plus Series R801T | 40,000 BTU/HR | 80% | $800 | $1,700 |
| Rheem R98V(EcoNet ENABLED) | 33,000-84,000 BYU/HR | 98% | $1,500 | $5,290 |
| Rheem R96V (RFQA) | 58,000-70,000 BTU/HR | 96% | $1,500 | $5,290 |
Review of the Best Rheem Furnaces
If you are still reading, that means you have chosen Rheem as your supplier and might already have your eye on one of the mentioned furnaces.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into our picks for the best Rheem furnaces.
Best Overall
Rheem R97V
Specifications
Energy Efficiency (AFUE): 97%
Parts Warranty: 10 Years Limited Warranty
Unit Warranty: Limited Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty / Limited Lifetime Conditional Unit Replacement
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Why it Stands Out to Us
The R97V is one of Rheem’s most efficient models while not going too high on cost. It uses modulating operation (40% to 100%), i.e., modulation fuel injection rate. This increases efficiency significantly and also reduces noise.
According to Rheem, this model has a new patented heat exchanger, which effectively reduces noise by 20%. The heat exchanger modulating function combined with the variable-speed fan makes this one of the top efficiency furnaces of Rheem.
You can change the heat setting between 40%, 65%, and 100%, depending on your climate. You might not need to go over 40%, while some people might need to crank up the heat to 100%.
Bottom Line
This model is our overall best pick because it comes from Rheem’s Prestige series of furnaces that are equipped with new technologies, are more reliable, have limited lifetime warranties, and are more efficient.
Pros
EcoNet enabled
97% high energy efficiency
EcoNet, Energy Star, and AHRI certified
Modulating operation reduces cold spots
Variable speed motor and new heat exchanger reduces noise
Cons
Warranty does not cover labor costs
Best Rheem Gas Furnace
Rheem Classic Plus Series AFUE R801T
Specifications
Energy Efficiency (AFUE): 80%
Parts Warranty: 5 Years Limited Warranty
Unit Warranty: 20-Year Heat Exchanger Limited Warranty
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Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this to be one of the more simple models. Given that it is a classic model, it has 80% energy efficiency, which is still high compared to some other furnaces on the market.
It uses aluminized steel to reduce corrosion and thermal fatigue, significantly increasing its durability. The hemmed edges and ¼-turn doorknob makes handling and maintenance easier.
One of the things about this model is that it was one of the first furnaces to be certified for Ultra-low NOx emission, making it highly environment-friendly.
Bottom Line
Rheem delivers quality, whether it’s an old model or new. So if you are looking to save money but still buy something that will last and give consistently hot water, this model will do the job.
Pros
Eligible for SCAQMD
Dip switches for easy setup
Insulated blower compartment
First ultra-low NOx emission furnace
Aluminized steel for reducing thermal fatigue
Cons
Only for up-flow configuration
Best Rheem High-Efficiency Furnace
Rheem R98V
Specifications
Energy Efficiency (AFUE): 98.7%
Parts Warranty: 10 Years Limited Warranty
Unit Warranty: Limited Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty / Limited Lifetime Conditional Unit Replacement
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Why it Stands Out to Us
This is one of the most energy-efficient furnaces by Rheem. Sometimes, higher energy efficiency leads to more problems and maintenance issues. But this R98V model does not pose this problem. It is backed with a lifetime warranty for the heat exchanger and conditional unit replacement.
The EcoNet thermostat has built-in Wi-Fi and allows for voice commands as well. It’s easily installed and is touch-enabled, giving you different operating modes, depending on the outside temperature.
The water management system will ensure that it turns off when there is a blocked drain to prevent leakage. It also has a reliable Direct Spark Ignition and ultra-low noise operation.
Bottom Line
If budget is not your concern and you are looking for the best and most efficient furnace that is not only environmentally friendly but also saves a lot of money down the road on fuel, then this is your best bet.
Pros
EcoNet enabled furnace
Limited lifetime warranty
98% high energy efficiency
Variable speed blower motor
Multistage operation for higher efficiency
Cons
Only works on too high or too low and has no option for intermediate heating
Best Rheem 2-Stage Furnace
Rheem R96V (RFQA)
Specifications
Energy Efficiency (AFUE): 96%
Parts Warranty: 10 Years Limited Warranty
Unit Warranty: Limited Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty
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Why it Stands Out to Us
Model R96V from the Prestige series is EcoNet enabled and enjoys all the perks that come with it like the EcoNet touch screen controller with voice activation.
It also has variable speed, allowing two-stage operation, so, if needed, it can go one step up for an increased heating performance in colder areas.
There pre-marked hoses that ensure proper water drainage. The use of aluminized and stainless steel increases durability and reduces corrosion.
It also has a solid bottom, self-priming condensate trap, and dip switches. Other than this, all the Rheem specific features for safety and efficiency are included in it.
Bottom Line
Two-stage furnaces are more efficient and more suitable for colder areas. Instead of just going on and off, they can be increased on heat capacity. This model is compatible with both single and two-stage thermostats, but the former will give a better performance here.
Pros
Two-stage operation
96% energy efficiency
Variable-speed ECM motor
Energy star and AHRI certified
Limited lifetime warranty for heat exchanger
Cons
Primary warranty for only ten years
What Kind of Warranty Does Rheem Offer?
Most of the better quality manufacturers will offer at least 20 years of warranty on a furnace, and Rheem is no different, and some of them also have limited lifetime warranties. The premium models have higher warranties, and it differs among the parts and heat exchangers.
The parts warranty is generally five to ten years with five for classic models and ten for Prestige models. Heat exchangers lie on the 20 years to limited lifetime warranty ranges.
A unique feature that Rheem offers is an additional Protection Plus Warranty. After your limited warranty expires, you can still be under the warranty umbrella for four more years if you choose this option. This type of warranty covers all parts and labor, maintenance, and transfer of warranty.
For warranty details about a particular furnace, you can visit the Rheem website and enter the furnace serial number.
Who is Rheem?
Rheem is a subsidiary of Paloma Industries, which is a Japanese Gas appliances company that has been active since 1911. It has many subsidiaries, of which Rheem is one. Rheem was founded in 1925 and has now become one of the largest water heating and HVAC suppliers in the US.
Its founder is Richard Rheem, Donald Rheem, and Edwin Ruud and is currently located in Atlanta, Georgia, US. They mainly produce air conditioning units and furnaces with up to 20 SEER and 98% fuel efficiency.
In addition to these, they also produce thermostats, heat pumps, package units, air quality products, UV lamps, and humidifiers.
Some of its subsidiaries include Raypak, Inc, Eemax, Inc, Heat Transfer Products Group LLC, and Rheem Canada Ltd.
Conclusion
Before buying any HVAC product or any furnace, you need to make sure it is compatible with your air conditioner and what the installation costs will be. It is also important to note that you might not require a whole new furnace but just some repairs.
Check into these issues before deciding to invest in a new model. But, of course, if you do want a new furnace, there is no other company that will give you better quality for the money.
People Also Ask
If you are still confused about Rheem and what furnace you should buy, then read through these frequently asked questions below.
For determining the age of your Rheem furnace, go to their website and click “Check Serial Number.” On that page, enter the serial number of the furnace, and it will display its age.
Rheem furnaces cost somewhere between $800 and $1600, excluding installation costs.
Rheem makes some of the most energy-efficient furnaces and is considered very quiet compared to other models.
Rheem is a subsidiary of Paloma Industries, and both Rheem and Ruud have the same manufacturer. Often, the company manufactures and sells its products under Ruud’s name as well.
