If we talk about air conditioner efficiency and quality, Rheem is a leader in the HVAC industry. And now that you are here, we assume you are trying to find out the prices of Rheem air conditioning units and their installation costs. Good news! We already have the answers for that since we have thoroughly researched the particulars on Rheem AC replacement costs.
Depending on the model, Rheem air conditioners alone can range from $3,300 to $6,460. And the installation costs range from $1,200 to $2,800 but will also depend on a few factors.
We'd love to help you with more about Rheem air conditioners. We will give you the itemized details on the costs of the air conditioners. So, it would be best for you to keep reading and expanding your knowledge. And we'll keep the information coming!
Rheem Air Conditioner Price And Installation Costs
There are currently seven models of Rheem air conditioners out on the market. Their prices are a little higher than the average, but we can say that it is worth it. Also, if we compare it to the price and installation costs of Lennox and Carrier, Rheem is cheaper.
Rheem air conditioners have three categories. The purpose of these categories is to specify the efficiency and quality each offers.
1. Rheem Prestige
This category offers top-notch models.
2. Rheem Classic Plus
These are the models that are most famous among consumers. Rheem considers these as the mid-grade line.
3. Rheem Classic
Although less efficient than the first two categories, this one offers the most affordable air conditioner.
See the table below for the price list, SEER rating, and performance of the seven Rheem air conditioner models:
| MODEL | PERFORMANCE | SEER | EQUIPMENT COST ($) | INSTALLATION COST ($) | TOTAL COST RANGE ($) |
|
Prestige RA20 |
Variable |
20.5 |
$4,480 - $6,460 |
$1,400 - $2,800 | $5,880 - $9,260 |
|
Classic Plus RA17 |
2-stage | 17 | $4,060 - $5,600 | $1,300 - $2,700 | $5,360 - $8,300 |
| Classic RA17 (1) | 2-stage | 17 | $3,600 - $5,190 | $1,300 - $2,700 |
$4,900 - $7,890 |
|
Class RA16 |
Single-stage | 16 | $3,500 - $4,900 | $1,200 - $2,600 | $4,700 - $7,500 |
|
RA14**W (2) |
Single-stage | 16 | $3,480 - $4,450 | $1,200 - $2,600 |
$4,680 - $7,050 |
| RA14 | Single-stage | 16 | $3,400 - $4,800 | $1,200 - $2,600 |
$4,600 - $7,400 |
| RA13 | Single-stage | 15.5 | $3,300 - $4,700 | $1,200 - $2,600 |
$4,500 - $7,300 |
Factors Affecting The Rheem Air Conditioner Price
Do you know what makes a Rheem air conditioner expensive? Well, three primary components make it pricey. They are the condenser, evaporator coil, and refrigerant lines.
First, the equipment you see outdoors is the condenser or heat pump. And obviously, this is where the condensing coil lies. Second, an evaporator coil or cooling coil is the piece you can see on or near the air handling unit. Lastly, the refrigerant lines join the heat pump or condenser to the evaporator coils.
And these three components affect the prices of the Rheem air conditioning unit because of the following:
Size of the system
Condensers can vary from one and a half to five tons of cooling. Since 12,000 BTU of cooling equals a ton, the cooling range will be around 18 thousand to 60 thousand BTU.
The evaporator coil and the condenser should complement each other in terms of capacity. Thus, if the Rheem air conditioner has a more extensive system, expect the price to be higher.
Efficiency
Efficiency can affect the price of a Rheem air conditioner significantly. As you can see in the table above, we have indicated the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of each air conditioner model. The key is that a higher SEER rating indicates that a Rheem unit is efficient. So, the higher the SEER, the more expensive an air conditioner.
For your additional information, the SEER of a Rheem air conditioning unit runs from 15.5 to 20.5, which we can consider high.
Refrigerant Lines
If a Rheem air conditioner has an extensive system, expect that it will require more refrigerant. The distance between the condenser and evaporator coil will set the length of the refrigerant lines. A longer or more extensive refrigerant line will mean a more expensive air conditioning unit price.
Stages of the compressor
Leading air conditioner manufacturers utilize three types of compressors. And that is what the Rheem brand also does. If the unit has a performance advancement, expect its price to increase.
The three types of compressors are:
Single-stage compressors
This compressor type can make your unit inexpensive. However, the performance is somewhat unsatisfactory. There might be a possibility that it will produce disparities in temperature. And that imbalance will result in energy waste. In addition, single-stage compressors don't have dehumidification capacity.
Two-stage compressors
Two-stage compressors are far better than single-stage. Since it typically operates at 65 percent of capacity, it can offer you a higher efficiency. And unlike the former, it can make the temperature stable, and it has a dehumidification capability.
The compressor will run a hundred percent only if the outdoor temperature gets too hot and the air conditioner needs to work harder and produce better air cooling.
Variable-capacity compressors
All leading air conditioner brands utilize this type of compressor. Typically, this compressor type only runs at a 40% capacity. But they can go below 40% or up to 100% depending on the cooling requirements.
The compressor's running capacity changes slightly, usually by one percent, resulting in better and more accurate air cooling. Plus, a variable-capacity compressor can dehumidify most effectively.
Factors Affecting The Air Conditioner Installation Costs
The air conditioner installation cost will vary on the job's difficulty. Check below:
Simple Jobs
The simple installation process amounts to $2,000 or less. Those simple jobs we are talking about here are installing the outdoor air conditioner unit on the ground. Also, establish the air handling unit in an accessible location, mainly in a basement or in a utility room on your ground floor.
Moderate Jobs
The only difference between moderate jobs from simple jobs is the placement of the air handling unit and the furnace. And in this job difficulty, the air handling unit and furnace need to be in an attic, crawlspace, or anywhere more demanding to reach. The installation cost can run from $1,700 to $2,600.
Difficult Jobs
If you want to locate your outdoor air conditioner on your roof, then that is the time we will consider it a difficult job. Plus, if you want to place your air handling unit in your attic or crawlspace it can also be time intensive. Difficult jobs will require payment of more than $2,500. There are also some instances that it will be higher than $3,000.
Rheem Air Conditioners Additional Installation Options
If you want to achieve maximum efficiency, check these options out. We are sure you will like to consider installing both of them to save money from monthly energy bills!
Ductwork Zoning
If you have a large home, we highly recommend having zoned ductwork. Considering it will help you cut high monthly energy bills.
You can have two or more zones, and each will have its own control. The installation cost ranges from $1,400 to $3,200, depending on the zones you want to have.
Thermostat
Your existing thermostat might not be appropriate for a Rheem air conditioner that you will install. So, you must check it first and let an HVAC professional install a new one.
It would be best to upgrade to a new thermostat that can handle two-stage or variable-capacity compressors. There are many programmable, smart, or WiFi thermostats that you can pair with a Rheem air conditioner. The thermostat installation cost is around $200, while the prices of the thermostats are around $99 to $400.
You can also utilize Rheem's smart system, the EcoNet. You will have to use a WiFi connection and download the app to freely control all the Rheem devices around your home. The thermostat and installation will cost you around $400.
How Long Does A Rheem Air Conditioner Last?
Typically, an air conditioner can last from 10 up to 15 years. But that will depend on how well you maintain your air conditioning unit. If you know that you properly take care of it, you can anticipate its lifespan of over 15 years.
As we always suggest in our air conditioning tips and advice, schedule your air conditioner to have an annual tune-up to extend its lifespan and achieve optimum efficiency. Furthermore, Rheem manufacturers specify that consumers always have their Rheem units well maintained to retain the warranty.
Read: "How Long Does A Rheem Air Conditioner Last?"
Wrapping Things Up
We often consider buying an air conditioner because of the brand name, but that is not how it is done. Instead, check for the air conditioner's SEER rating and performance. Those two are the most important things we should consider when purchasing a new air conditioner for our home. They can help us save money on our monthly electricity bills by optimizing energy efficiency.
Since you have already come this far, you might want to check these posts out, as well:
Rheem Air Conditioner Fan Not Working – What To Do?
Lennox Air Conditioner Vs. Rheem: Which To Choose?
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Rheem Furnace?