Rheem

[Nobody]

We have typical builder-type of AC units on our Summerlin (Las Vegas) home. I've been told by a reliable source that they are around 9.0 SEER. Our summer electrical bills are in the low $700 range per month, or about $500 for AC after factoring out the pool pumps and domestic consumption. The two units are in their 6th summer.

An HVAC contractor tells me that we can save substantial power dollars by switching out the outside units and the inside coils to Rheem 13 or 14 SEER units. He said that RHEEM is probably the most "basic" of the newer systems, still uses R22 for lower head pressures and has more generic low tech parts than other systems. He said that it was what he put in his own home. The difference between the 13 and

14 SEER units is the air handler, which he said he might or might not be able to use until he does a static air test on it to see if the blower and ducts are sufficient.

I guess my first question is whether RHEEM is decent, basic equipment. If not, what brand is recommended?

The contractor also looked at the diffusers in our ceiling and told me that I should change them out with ones that offered low restriction. He said I should do this myself. Is this correct to get a more efficient system?

Nobody.

[buffalobill]

rheem favorable remarks at:

[buffalobill]

see:

[John‰]                      Â]

I lived in my last house for eighteen years. Rheem gas furnace and central air unit. I brushed out the gas burner every spring and hosed off the outside coil twice a year. Never had a service call for anything in eighteen years.

I own a five unit apartment building with three Rheem heat pumps and two 24 year old units. I am not a fan of heat pumps, but with no gas service to the property I'm stuck. They have given me terrific service with a minimum of preventive maintenance in the ten years that I have owned the building.

Much depends on the quality of the installation and the warranty service after the sale to smooth out the bugs, but for my money, I wouldn't have anything else.

John

[ds549]

i have a reem central ac ,had it for 5 years now, its a 10 seer. it uses 1/3 the electricity than my old one did. i was told it has a screw pump instead of a piston pump and thats why it uses less.so ask about that. i do keep it clean outside and inside and that thing will put frost on the dog.no problems with it so far.. lucas

[BiloxiBoy]

Damn - $700 per month on the light bill !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd be packing up and going elsewhere... Mine is about $85 per month, but then I've only got a 1,600 sq. foot home with no pool... :(

[m Ransley]

9 seer possible, 700$ alot of waist. Why go with 13-14 seer , you can go up to 19.5 seer. Trane has a Seer Comparison Savings Sheet on their site. I believe 14 seer might cut your bills in half, a 19 seer wont cut your bills as much as the increase to 14 seer did as the savings are not linear, they decrease as each higher seer is used. You can also save on using a VS DC blower motor on a new furnace, apx 25% in electrical over a regular AC blower. But get the 10 yr warranty. I would not stop looking with Rheem but check out what else is offered by other companies. Yes you need a load calculation, and duct test. But also consider your building, windows and insulation, im sure you have alot of room for improvement.