Table of Contents
Rheem Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings - Rheem is not clear about efficiency ratings for the Rheem heat pumps in their product line-up. They publish that they offer heat pumps up to 20 SEER and 13 HSPF rating which is how heat pumps are rated for efficiency purposes. They are a member of AHRI so whatever efficiency ratings they list are certified by AHRI. Rheem heat pumps for selected heat pump models come with rich features.
Rheem Heat Pump Reviews Select Features:
- Two-Stage Scroll compressors in selected Rheem heat pump high-efficiency models for better energy efficiency.
- Copeland Scroll™ Variable Speed Compressor in select units
- Diagnostics control board for easier heat pump troubleshooting.
- Humidity control when matched with the proper air handler.
- variable speed blower motors in select Rheem air handler models.
- Engineered for quiet operation
- Select units equipped with electronic expansion valves for better efficiency
- pressure controls to prevent the heat pump unit from running when there are serious problems with heat pump pressures.
- Conditional Unit Replacement - 10-Years with 10-year limited parts on select units
- Rheem Warranties as Compared to Other Brands 85%
- Rheem Quality as Compared to Other Brands 92%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 80%
- Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 90%
- Overall Rheem Opinion from a Technical Perspective 88%
Rheem Top HSPF Rating
Rheem Top SEER Rating
Rheem Heat Pump Model Comparisons
| Rheem Heat Pump Model Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Series (Premium Model) | Classic Plus Series (Mid-Range Model) | Classic Series (Economy Model) |
| Efficiency offers up to 20 SEER and 11.5 HSPF | Up to 18.5 SEER/13 EER/9.5 HSPF | up to 14.5 SEER/12.0 EER |
| Ten Year Parts Limited Warranty | 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty | 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty |
| High-efficiency ECM condenser fan motor. This is provided by a Copeland Electronic Control. | ECM condenser fan motor. This is provided by a Copeland Electronic Control. | Single-speed condenser fan motor |
| The Copeland Scroll Variable Speed Compressor with modulating technology | Copeland Scroll variable speed compressor | Energy-efficient Scroll compressor |
| Premium models include modern cabinet aesthetics, curved louver panels, powder coat paint system, with composite base pan designed for durability and reduced sound | Modern cabinet aesthetics, curved louver panels, powder coat paint system, with composite base pan designed for durability and reduced sound | Modern cabinet aesthetics, curved louver panels, powder coat paint system, with composite base pan designed for durability and reduced sound |
| EcoNet Smart Thermostat displays detail diagnostic from outdoor and indoor connected units. | Optional EcoNet Smart Thermostat displays detail diagnostic from outdoor and indoor connected units. wires to outdoor unit required | Advanced diagnostics not indicated |
| Meets ENERGY STAR Heat Pump qualifications | Select models meet ENERGY STAR Heat Pump qualifications | N/A |
| Premium models include High Pressure Switch on all models | High Pressure Switch | High Pressure Switch |
| Premium models include Low Pressure Switch on all models | Low Pressure Switch | Low Pressure Switch |
| Electronic Expansion Valve | Select systems include Electronic Expansion Valve | Thermostatic Expansion Valve |
| Optimized defrost characteristics | Select systems include optimized defrost characteristics | Conventional Timed Defrost |
Rheem has many other model heat pumps available. The above table represents a premium model, mid-range models, and an economic model.
Modulating Versus Two-Stage Versus Single-Stage
Benefits of Modulation
Modulating systems have become all the rage recently. Technology advances have made it possible to offer modulating systems for air conditioners and heat pumps. What makes modulation beneficial to you? Modulation adds more energy efficiency and comfort for you and your home. It reduces temperature swing while sips, rather than gulping, electricity.
The modulation rate for the typical heat pump inverter ranges from 40% to 100%. On milder days, it runs at the speed needed to satisfy demand. It only uses or runs at the speed necessary to satisfy demand. Versus other systems that start up and run at full peak and then shut down.
Air Source Heat Pump Tips | Dual Fuel Heating
A dual fuel heat pump is a heat pump with a gas furnace for backup heating rather than electric heat strips.
Air source heat pumps have a backup heating source. In most installations, the backup heating source is electric heat strips. Electric heat strips are very cheap to install in most cases. However, while electricity is generally regarded as 100% efficient, producing it is more costly than other heating methods. For a more efficient heat pump, consider a dual fuel heat pump, or a heat pump with a gas furnace for the backup heat source. It will be more costly to install, but your monthly bills will be reduced.
Rheem Heat Pump Buyers Guide
You need a new heat pump. Additionally, you’ve never really dealt with contractors. Or, maybe you have hired contractors before. Now it’s time for a new heat pump and you have to go through the process of picking a brand. Additionally, the process of hiring a contractor to install the new heat pump. Where do you start? Our best advice to you is to start with our HVAC Consumer Buyers Guide. The buyer’s guide will help from start to finish. Here are a few excerpt tips from our buyer’s guide page:
- The brand is not your most important consideration. The most important consideration is selecting the right contractor.
- Get at least three bids from vetted contractors. How do you vet them? See the buyer’s guide page to learn.
- Under any circumstances never guess for sizing. Insist that the contractor(s) do a proper load calculation. If the sizing of the equipment changes so should the sizing of the duct system.
Go ahead and visit the HVAC Consumer Buyers Guide. Don’t be nervous or fret any; it’s free. Lastly, there are many other articles in our buyer’s advice category to help you make a better, more informed buying decision.
Pricing, Efficiency, and Return On Investment
| Pricing Versus Efficiency Return On Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Pricing Range for Initial Purchase and Subsequent Repairs outside of Warranty | ROI (Return On Investment) |
| 19 SEER/9.5 HSPF Plus | $$$$$ | 5 to 7 years depending on efficiency* |
| 15 to 18 SEER/9 to 9.5 HSPF | $$$ | 7 to 10 years depending on efficiency* |
| 13 to 14 SEER/< 9 HSPF | $ | Over 10 years* |
| *Many factors depend on ROI such as house insulation, personal usage preferences, duct work integrity, dual-fuel or electric backup heat, and other basic efficiency factors. HSPF rating is a high factor in the return. Additionally, for heat pumps, a dual-fuel heat pump can make a big difference provided you get a high AFUE furnace for backup heat. | ||
Rheem Heat Pump Reviews Conclusion
As heat pumps go, Rheem manufacturers a decent heat pump that has a low profile and is quiet. While all heat pumps make noise when running, Rheem does a good job of making a quiet heat pump condenser. That helps especially for those condensers installed close to a bedroom window, patio, or deck where you entertain or want to enjoy quiet time reading a book or whatever. The Rheem heat pump cabinets are durable and well built for longevity, and they are competitively priced. On a scale of 0 to 10, we give Rheem heat pumps a seven, which is above average. Leave your opinion below in the comments. What say you?
For more information on Rheem and to see their latest models and efficiency ratings, please see the Rheem website.
Rheem History | Rheem Heat Pump Reviews
Rheem Manufacturing Company was established in the 1920s by Richard and Donald Rheem when the two brothers bought a galvanizing plant in San Francisco, CA. In the ’40s and ’50s, they expanded their core product line of water heaters to include air conditioning and heating equipment. They have expanded and are now a global company with offices in Europe, Australia, Canada, Asia, and South America.
Rheem Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings
We are replacing our 5 1/2 year old Rheem heat pump after it stopped working. We paid for one costly repair that lasted 2 months and decided not to throw more good money after bad. Since Rheem won’t honour their warranty we decided to bite the bullet and buy a new heat pump. Guess what brand it isn’t?
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Please help – I am offered a Rheem a/c for an ancient carrier replacement. The reviews are not good what I read. Does it really matter who the contractor is or is the machine just a lemon on the whole?????
The number one advice I give to people is to make sure they get a good contractor. A good contractor will stand by you if you have warranty issues with the manufacturer. Make sure to read the fine print in any warranty for HVAC products and ask the contractor if they offer a contractor warranty. All the decent contractors I ever worked for offered a one-year warranty for workmanship and parts. After that, it falls on the manufacturer’s warranty. Installation is everything and is critical to the performance, efficiency, and longevity of the equipment. For that, you need a qualified A-Plus contractor. Too many people go for the lowest bidder and get a cheap quick install.
Have the unit for 4 years. First, a factory weld failed (2 years in) and I lost all the refrigerant that cost a lot to replace. Rheem would not pay even though they admitted their fault. BTW their customer service is horrible.
Second, why would anyone say that the unit is quite? Maybe compared to a lawn mower or generator!
If Rheem wants to contact me about this (ha,ha) look up my name for your Port St Lucie customers.
Tbis is my fourth year with this Rheem product that cost an arm and a leg. Every year I need a tech to come out at least twice beyond the regular servicing. This time complete condensation and freezing. The tech said they no longer sell Rheem because of the many problems. Go figure!
Our Rheem Heat Pump is just a few years old and is our home’s official money pit. It was a top dollar unit, boasted as being robust and well built. Wish I could find the folks that said that….probably selling swamp land somewhere. This heat pump is built with trinket parts. We have invested over $2000 in warranty repair work in the last 18 months. Don’t walk….Run away….this unit is a total joke…a pig in lipstick. A shameful piece of equipment.
It is now an $8000 boat anchor. We got Rheemed……………..
We are custom home builders so we have installed dozens of hvac systems for customers and for our own homes. We have used almost every brand on the market. Our current home has 2 Rheem units that we have tried to get help with for 3 years! Rheem will not replace.
It sounds like we live IN the airport where 737s take off when our unit turns off -heat or cool. The unit sits outside our family room and can be heard over the TV- loud rumble. The other day as I was gardening near the unit it made a loud squeaky noise and sputtered. Unit sucks!
Unit was touted as a premium unit at a premium price supposed to last 10 years. I am on year 3. It has been noisy from day one especially the outside unit. Now I’m just one of the many victims of poor quality and lack of concern by Rheem/Ruud. Issues with reverse valve cracking/leaking (known issue to Rheem/Ruud as are most of their quality issues) Expensive repair on relatively new unit due to cheap parts. Hate to spend the money on such a lemon as the reviews say there will be more problems with the coils and leaks
Five year old Rheem unit is a piece of junk. Worked on 6times in 5 years.
Rheem heat pumps are junk. Had to have it worked on at least 15 times in the 5yrs I’ve had it. – $2500-3000 not to mention the aggravation and down time. I’ve never written a complaint about a product before. It’s about 90* in my house as I write this and I have just called my ac contractor and told him to get another unit asap. I give up. NO MORE RHEEM PRODUCTS. EVER!!!
We had a Rheem heat pump in our old house for 17 years and replaced it with another Rheem. Both the old and the new heat pumps worked good. The new system dropped the electric bill dramatically in both winter and the summer. Then two years my husband got a big promotion that result in a transfer to another state. Bought a new house and it had old Carrier heat pump system with high electric bills. So we called the Rheem dealer here and had them give us a quote and we signed a contract. We’ve had nothing but problems with this new Rheem heat pump system. It started with the contractor not showing up when they said they would. Then they sent a guy out who seemed like he did not know what the hell he was doing. It was shabby install period and from I remember from the old house we had and the new Rheem heat pump installation there it was like night and day with the contractor. Believe me, make sure you get a good contractor. It makes a huge difference!!!
Reviewed by Admin Transfer September 05, 2011
Rheem Heat Pump Reviews
Reviewed by larry January 05, 2010
Rheem Heat Pump Reviews
Bought a new unit four years ago and nothing but problems. Every winter it never goes on. Need to a tech in for repair to have it started. Then summer comes and I need another tech to come and turn on the A/C. This has been going on for four now.
I have no idea what do do next. Every tech balmes the former tech. $2500.00 for this unti plus 600 a year in tech cost. enough is enough.
BTW Call Rheem and they say call a local repairman.
Bummer.
Reviewed by Admin Transfer September 05, 2011
My experience with Rheem Heat Pump
Reviewed by Holice Pender July 22, 2010
My experience with Rheem Heat Pump
I have had 2 Rheem units.The first was a “gas pack”,which performed well,no problems,just regular servicing & did have some switch to go out once,other than that good service.When my wife & family moved into our new home we had a 3.5 ton heat/air pump installed.It gave trouble first year,the Rheem factory rep. authorized me a new unit,which they came & installed immediately. I have had the unit now for about 6 yrs.I cannot tell you how many times the installer/serviceman has been out here.It was under warranty until about a year ago, but now it is costing me to keep it running.I am continuously having him out here to get it up & running.If the weather gets up into the 90s you can expect the compressor to ice up & quit cooling.I am to the point I am fully disgusted with this brand of heat pump.You can be assured the next unit I purchase will not be a Rheem.
Reviewed by Admin Transfer September 05, 2011
Rheem Heat Pump is a crap.
Reviewed by Wei October 31, 2010
Rheem Heat Pump is a crap.
I have this heat pump system installed about a year ago, now its fan just stopped working, which means I have to call the tec to come in the FOURTH time in 12 months. I reckon this system is a crap, it doesn’t have any quality at all, just for claiming the money from the gov, and on the other hand, make its users to suffer. My neighbor who installed a heat pump of DUX too, never need to call a tec to do anything with it. Rheem is such a nightmare to me.