Rheem AC reviews usually place it in the middle of the market: a full lineup from 13.4 to 20 SEER2, a 10-year conditional parts warranty with unit replacement on its upper models, and pricing between the value brands and Trane, Carrier and Lennox. It earned Very Good owner satisfaction in Consumer Reports' 2022 survey. The trade-offs are a lower efficiency ceiling than the premium flagships and a warranty that, like most, depends on registration and excludes labor.
This review is compiled from Rheem product pages and brochures, industry news and published survey data. We did not install or test the equipment. Check the current documents for the exact model you're quoted.
Who Makes Rheem?
Rheem and Ruud are sister brands owned by the Paloma Rheem group. Rheem is also a major water heater maker, and its HVAC equipment is sold through contractors who often handle plumbing as well. In 2025 the group acquired Fujitsu General, which builds Fujitsu ductless systems, and Rheem and Ruud have sold Fujitsu-built ductless units since 2016. Our best mini split brands guide covers that side of the family.
In 2026 Rheem and Ruud merged their separate contractor programs into a single Pro Partner program, with enrollment through participating distributors. Pro Partner contractors get priority placement in the brands' contractor locators, which is one way to find an installer who handles the brand regularly.
Rheem AC Lineup: The Endeavor Line
Rheem's current central air conditioners belong to its Endeavor Line. The "AY" models use R-454B refrigerant.
| Model | Series | Max SEER2 | Compressor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA19AY | Prestige | 20 | Inverter variable-speed, 40% to 115% | Up to 13 EER2; flagship |
| RA16AY | Classic Plus | 17 | Check the spec sheet | Unit replacement coverage |
| RA15AY | Classic | 16 | Single-stage | Up to 13 EER2; as low as 69 dB |
| RA14AY | Classic | 15.2 | Single-stage | Common replacement unit |
| RA13NY | Classic | 13.4 | Single-stage | Northern states only |
| WA15AY | Select | 15.2 | Single-stage | Entry line |
The Prestige RA19AY's 40% to 115% range means it can run slightly above its nominal capacity on the hottest days and well below it the rest of the time. Older reviews often quote the R-410A RA20 at 20.5 SEER, which uses the pre-2023 rating method and no longer reflects the current lineup.
Rheem vs Ruud
Ruud's Achiever, Achiever Plus and Ultra series mirror Rheem's Classic, Classic Plus and Prestige. Ruud's Ultra inverter heat pump (RD18AY) lists 19 SEER2, 10 HSPF2 and a heating range from -22°F. The two brands are sold through different contractors, so if one quote seems high, ask for the matching model from the other brand.
Rheem Warranty
- 10-year conditional parts on registered units across the Endeavor Line.
- 10-year conditional unit replacement on the Prestige RA19AY and Classic Plus RA16AY. If the compressor fails in that window, Rheem replaces the outdoor unit.
- Registration required for the full term. Rheem's and Ruud's documents don't use the same deadline everywhere, so check the certificate for your model and have the installer register it right away.
- Labor not included. Rheem sells a paid extended plan called Protection Plus, and many contractors offer their own labor warranty.
What Owners, Installers and Surveys Report
Survey data. Consumer Reports' May 2022 survey of members' central air systems rated Rheem and Ruud Very Good for owner satisfaction. The published coverage didn't list a predicted reliability tier for either brand. Consumer Reports updated its ratings in 2025, with brand results for subscribers only.
What owners commonly praise: price relative to the premium brands, quiet operation of the Prestige inverter models, and how easy it is to find a contractor.
What owners commonly complain about: base single-stage models that run at full speed every cycle, and warranty repairs that still leave a labor bill.
Rheem also sells its EcoNet smart thermostat and app. If connected control matters to you, ask whether the model you're quoted is EcoNet-compatible and whether the thermostat is included.
Rheem vs Goodman
| Rheem | Goodman | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Paloma Rheem | Daikin |
| Sister brand | Ruud | Amana, Daikin |
| Top AC efficiency | 20 SEER2 (RA19AY Prestige) | 19 SEER2 (GXV9S) |
| Entry efficiency | 13.4 SEER2 (northern states) | 15 SEER2 (GLXS3B) |
| Refrigerant | R-454B | R-32 |
| Registered parts warranty | 10 years, conditional | 10 years, register within 60 days |
| Unit replacement | Prestige and Classic Plus | Select models |
| Consumer Reports 2022 | Very Good owner satisfaction | Fair predicted reliability |
| Price position | Mid-range | Value |
| Distribution | Pro Partner contractors via distributors | Distributors; no warranty on unauthorized online purchases |
Base single-stage models from Rheem and Goodman are similar in efficiency and design, and either can be a sound choice installed well. Rheem pulls ahead slightly at the top of the range, and both brands offer unit replacement on their upper models. Goodman usually wins on price. Note the refrigerant difference too: neither R-454B nor R-32 mixes with the other or with R-410A, so a future coil or condenser replacement needs parts made for that refrigerant. Our Goodman AC reviews cover Goodman's lineup in detail.
Who Rheem Suits
- Good fit: homeowners who want mid-range pricing with a credible inverter option, buyers who like dealing with one contractor for HVAC and water heating, and anyone who wants unit replacement coverage without paying for a premium flagship.
- Weaker fit: buyers chasing maximum efficiency (Trane, Carrier and Lennox go higher; see Trane vs Carrier) or cold-climate heat pump performance from a named cold-climate line.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Rheem
- Is this an Endeavor Line "AY" model, and is the indoor coil matched on the AHRI certificate?
- Does this model carry unit replacement, and what are the conditions?
- Will you register it in my name, and what is the deadline on the certificate?
- What labor warranty do you include, or is Protection Plus being quoted?
- Did you size it with a Manual J load calculation?
Installed price depends on tonnage, compressor type, line set and electrical work, permits and local labor rates. The installed central AC prices guide covers those factors. Rheem's matching furnaces are compared in the best furnace brands guide, and the best AC brands compared page shows the wider market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rheem a good AC brand?
Rheem is a mid-market brand with a full lineup from basic single-stage units to the Prestige RA19AY inverter model at up to 20 SEER2. Its registered warranty includes 10 years of conditional parts, with unit replacement on its higher models. Consumer Reports' 2022 member survey rated Rheem and Ruud Very Good for owner satisfaction.
Is Rheem better than Goodman?
Rheem's top model reaches 20 SEER2 vs 19 for Goodman's GXV9S, and Rheem offers unit replacement on both its Prestige and Classic Plus models. Goodman is usually the lower-priced option and uses R-32 refrigerant where Rheem uses R-454B. Base single-stage models from the two brands are close, so the installer and price often decide it.
Are Rheem and Ruud the same?
Rheem and Ruud are sister brands under the same parent company and share equipment platforms. Rheem's Classic, Classic Plus and Prestige series line up with Ruud's Achiever, Achiever Plus and Ultra series. They're sold through different contractors, so compare quotes on the matching models.
Who owns Rheem?
Rheem and Ruud belong to the Paloma Rheem group, whose parent is Japan's Paloma. In 2025 the group also acquired Fujitsu General, the maker of Fujitsu ductless systems, after Rheem and Ruud had already been selling Fujitsu-built ductless units since 2016.
Does the Rheem warranty require registration?
Yes, for the full term. Rheem's 10-year conditional parts warranty and the unit replacement coverage on Prestige and Classic Plus models depend on registering the equipment after installation. Check the certificate for the deadline and any state exceptions, and ask your installer to register it in your name.