Rheem AC prices are reasonable, a little above average, but not in Lennox or Carrier range. They’re listed in detail below.
The average cost of a Rheem air conditioner is $5,100 to $7,600 installed.
Rheem air conditioners have been upgraded in quality and efficiency in the last few years, so they are well worth considering.
What’s In this Rheem Air Conditioner Price Guide?
Rheem Air Conditioner Unit Price Table with Installation
Rheem currently makes 7 air conditioner models, and each model is available in a range of sizes from about 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs.
As many top manufacturers do, Rheem divides them into three categories. They provide a rough idea of the quality and efficiency of the units.
Rheem divides the models into:
- Rheem Prestige – Top of the line
- Rheem Classic Plus – Midgrade and most popular
- Rheem Classic – More affordable, least efficient
This itemized Rheem air conditioner price list is broken down into unit cost, installation cost and total cost range.
| Series & Model | Top SEER | Performance | Equipment Cost | Installation Cost | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prestige RA20 | 20.5 | Variable | $4,475 - $6,450 | $1,400 - $2,800 | $5,875 - $9,250 |
| Classic Plus RA17 | 17 | 2-stage | $4,050 - $5,600 | $1,250 - $2,700 | $5,300 - $8,300 |
| Classic RA17 (1) | 17 | 2-stage | $3,650 - $5,185 | $1,250 - $2,700 | $4,900 - $7,885 |
| Class RA16 | 16 | Single-stage | $3,500 - $4,950 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,700 - $7,600 |
| RA14**W (2) | 16 | Single-stage | $3,485 - $4,400 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,685 - $7,050 |
| RA14 | 16 | Single-stage | $3,400 - $4,885 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,600 - $7,535 |
| RA13 | 15.5 | Single-stage | $3,315 - $4,750 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,515 - $7,400 |
Notes:
(1): The RA17 is made in two versions. The Classic Plus RA17 uses the Rheem EcoNet communicating thermostat and system. It costs up to $1,000 more for the AC and thermostat combination. The Classic RA17 is a non-communicating system and can be controlled with a more affordable thermostat.
(2): This AC is designed for the West/Southwest and is only available in sizes up to 3.5 tons / 42,000 BTUs.
Rheem Air Conditioner Cost Factors (Equipment Only)
There are three main components of central air conditioning. The outside unit is called the condensing unit, though often referred to as an air conditioner. It contains the condensing coil.
An evaporator coil must be installed indoors, usually in the furnace or air handler.
And a set of refrigerant lines, aka line set, connects and carries refrigerant between the condensing unit coil and indoor/evaporator coil.
All three components vary in cost for these reasons:
Size of the System: Condensing units range from 1.5 tons of cooling to 5.0 tons. One ton is 12,000 BTUs of cooling (heat removal), so the range is 18K to 60K BTUs.
The indoor coil must be matched in capacity with the condensing unit. For any Rheem AC model, the bigger the system, the higher the price.
Efficiency: SEER is the seasonal energy efficiency ratio/rating. It measures average efficiency over the AC season. EER, or energy efficiency rating, is used too. It’s the efficiency rating with an outdoor temperature of 95F, 50% humidity and maintaining an indoor temperature of 80F.
Rheem efficiency ranges from 15.5 to 20.5 SEER. The more efficient the unit is, the more it will cost.
Compressor Stages: Rheem, like most top manufacturers, uses three compressor types. The cost rises with an increase in performance.
- Single-stage compressors run at 100% capacity whenever on. While affordable, these units sometimes create temperature imbalances and waste energy. They don’t dehumidify as well.
- Two-stage compressors run at 65% of capacity most of the time. The benefit is greater efficiency, better temperature balance and humidity reduction. The units run at 100% when outside temperatures rise quickly and the AC has to catch up – or you turn down the thermostat by several degrees.
- Variable-capacity compressors in residential split systems have been in use for about 15 years. All top brands use them. The compressor runs at capacity from 40% (less for some models) to 100% based on the cooling needs. They change capacity by 1% or smaller increments, so air conditioning is very precise and comfortable. They remove humidity more effectively too.
Refrigerant lines: They come in various diameters based on the volume of refrigerant that must flow through them. The larger the system, the more refrigerant they need. Sets vary in length based on how far the condensing unit is from the indoor coil. Bigger and/or longer line sets equals higher cost. Cost ranges from $115 to almost $400 with an average cost of about $200.
Installation Cost Factors
Installers consider time and materials when estimating a job. As you see, there’s a wide range of installation costs.
Simple jobs: Placing the outdoor unit on the ground. Having the furnace or air handler indoors in an easy-to-access location like a first-floor utility room or a full basement. Most installation charges will be less than $2,000.
Moderate jobs: Placing the outdoor unit on the ground. Having the furnace or air handler in a location that is more difficult to reach, such as a crawlspace or the attic. Most installation costs will range from $1,750 to $2,500.
Difficult jobs: Placing the outdoor unit on the roof. Having the indoor unit in a crawlspace or attic. When installation is difficult, that part of the cost is usually above $2,000. In some cases, it will exceed $3,000.
How to Get the Best Rheem Air Conditioner Price
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for a lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest rebates as we talked above.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.
Rheem HVAC Options and Extras
Technically, the three components discussed above might be all you need.
It’s also possible you’ll need or want to add other components to the system.
Here’s an HVAC accessories price list. Each item is discussed below.
| Series & Model | Top SEER | Performance | Equipment Cost | Installation Cost | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prestige RA20 | 20.5 | Variable | $4,475 - $6,450 | $1,400 - $2,800 | $5,875 - $9,250 |
| Classic Plus RA17 | 17 | 2-stage | $4,050 - $5,600 | $1,250 - $2,700 | $5,300 - $8,300 |
| Classic RA17 (1) | 17 | 2-stage | $3,650 - $5,185 | $1,250 - $2,700 | $4,900 - $7,885 |
| Class RA16 | 16 | Single-stage | $3,500 - $4,950 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,700 - $7,600 |
| RA14**W (2) | 16 | Single-stage | $3,485 - $4,400 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,685 - $7,050 |
| RA14 | 16 | Single-stage | $3,400 - $4,885 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,600 - $7,535 |
| RA13 | 15.5 | Single-stage | $3,315 - $4,750 | $1,200 - $2,650 | $4,515 - $7,400 |
Zoned Ductwork
Zoning is popular in large homes and with homeowners that want to cut energy bills.
Motorized dampers are installed to separate the ductwork into zones such as living space and sleeping. Zones range from 2 to 10 or more. Each zone has its own control, so if more AC is wanted, the damper remains open. If less air conditioning is wanted, in the sleeping area during the day, for example, then the damper is partially or fully closed. Cost: $1,500 to $3,000 or more based on number of zones.
Thermostat: There are several reasons to change the thermostat. If you’re upgrading the performance of the system, your current thermostat might not be equipped for a two-stage or variable-capacity air conditioner or additional components.
Our Thermostat Buying Guide has comprehensive information about what is available and what they cost.
Or you might want to upgrade to a programmable, smart home or WiFi thermostat. Popular smart thermostats from Honeywell Lyric, nest, ecobee, lux geo and others range from $99 to $400 with most costing about $200.
Rheem’s smart system is called EcoNet. It uses an EcoNet WiFi thermostat and app to control all Rheem products in your home – AC, furnace, water heater, etc. The thermostat cost is about $400 installed.
Rheem Whole Home Exact Fit filter: This is a MERV 8 pleated media filter in a 5” cabinet. The initial cost is about $500 if you’re having a new AC installed. Replacement filters range from $30 to $60. There’s no need to buy a Rheem brand replacement. Universal brands work, as long as they are the correct size.
A MERV 8 filter is good for general air cleaning. If anyone in your household has allergies, then a MERV 11 or MERV 13 filter is a better choice. MERV ratings and other details are discussed on our Best Air Conditioner and Furnace Filter guide.
Rheem makes fewer accessories than Trane, Carrier and a few other brands. For example, it does not make whole-house dehumidifiers, electrostatic or UV air purifiers, humidifiers or ERV/HRV ventilators.
Rebates for Rheem Equipment
Rheem puts equipment on sale throughout the year. A Rheem dealer can tell you what the current sales are.
A more reliable source of deals is local energy companies. Most offer rebates on efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and even programmable thermostats.
Here are a few current examples:
- Up to $450 on Rheem’s 16 SEER and higher air conditioners
- Up to $500 on Rheem’s modulating gas furnaces and $400 on its 96% AFUE two-stage models.
Rheem isn’t showing them, but many utility companies give $10 to $50 rebates on programmable thermostats.
To find rebates on the Rheem site, select the product category such as Air Conditioners. Then look for the Rebate notice next to each one. When you select the Rebate option, a window will open showing rebates from energy providers in your area. You might have to type in your Zip Code if Rheem hasn’t detected your location or has it wrong.
Related Articles: 6 Places to Get Latest HVAC Tax Credit and Rebates
FAQs
We hope this Q&A with common questions helps.
Q: Does Rheem offer financing?
A: Yes. It’s called Residential KwikComfort Financing, and it is through Synchrony Bank.
Q: How do Rheem and Ruud compare?
A: They are identical brands. The only difference might be in installation, and that is an important part of getting a new central air conditioner.
If there are separate Rheem and Ruud dealers in your area, we suggest requesting estimates from both.
Make sure:
- They are quoting you prices on identical equipment. Check the Rheem and Ruud websites to compare. Model numbers are nearly identical.
- The installer is certified and experienced.
- They know you are getting competing estimates.
Our best advice is to choose a highly rated (Google, Yelp, BBB) dealer with experienced, certified installers. Price is secondary to quality installation. If the AC installation is poor, the unit won’t run as efficiently as it should and might break down prematurely.
Q: How long are Rheem AC warranties?
A: All warranties are 10 years.
The top 2 models also have a conditional 10-year unit replacement warranty. If the compressor fails while under warranty, Rheem will replace the entire condensing unit.
Q: How long will a Rheem air conditioner last?
A: The average range for a quality AC is 15-20+ years. Factors are how heavily it is used and how well it is maintained. For the best durability, have your HVAC system cleaned and tuned every year. In fact, Rheem requires regular maintenance to keep your warranty in effect.
