Rheem RGTK Series 90 Plus Gas Furnace Review

Rheem has several gas furnaces in their line-up so we simply picked the RGTK gas furnace at random to review. We will get to others in the near future for review. The Rheem RGTK gas furnace is rated for 90% AFUE which puts it in the mid range for efficiency levels in comparable gas furnaces. The Rheem RGTK has two firing rates. At low fir it is 70% and at high fire it is 100%. When used in conjunction with a two-stage thermostat the low fire will offer you heat on mild days saving the high fire for the coldest days.

Features listed for the Rheem RGTK gas furnace:

• Two-stages of operation as mentioned above


• Compatible with a two stage or a single stage thermostat - if you want the efficiency of a two-stage gas furnace you need a two stage thermostat for this furnace.


• The Rheem RGTK gas furnace heat exchanger is tubular and is made of stainless steel. This prevents corrosion and thermal fatigue. Rheem does stand behind both the primary and the secondary heat exchangers in their RGTK gas furnaces with a limited lifetime warranty.


• The Rheem RGTK gas furnace stands only 34" tall which makes it fit in tight places and allows more room for optional accessories.


• The electrical connections are on the top with left or right side gas piping design gives the installers more options for piping the gas furnace. Additionally the condensation drains are available on downflow and horizontal flow models. (These features are typical throught the HVAC industry).


• The control board has on board diagnostics (typical industry standard), controls all operational functions (I hope so) and provides hook-ups for a humidifier and electronic air cleaner. I would ask the Rheem representative if this feature is only applicable to Rheem humidifiers and electronic air cleaners or can you use other brands.


• The blower compartment is insulated and the gas valve is slow opening offering a quieter gas furnace. The slow opening gas valve does prevent the loud whooshing sound some gas valves make when the furnace ignites the burners.


• Permanent filters with a Pre-painted galvanized steel cabinet. (not sure of this is a powder coated furnace cabinet). Powder coat paint is more durable offering better rust and corrosion resistance.


• Fuse protection on the control circuit - this is typical in the HVAC Industry.


• Rheem lists the they offer a condensation drain trap as a feature. Value of the standard condensation trap is approxiamtely $1.00