Rheem Mod--Is There an Equivalent?

[bydabeach]

We spec'd a Rheem Modulating furnace for our new construction, and the builder asked me today if we could go with an "equivalent". I steadfastly said no, and that we chose that furnace based on a lot of research (most of it here, thanks). I have a few questions:

1. Is there such thing as an equivalent anyway?

2. We also spec'd the modulating T'stat, and from what I read here, it will not be out until the end of the summer. What thermostat should I ask for if the thermostat is not out before construction is complete?

3. Does the Rheem mod installer have to be specifically certified to install the mod system?
Thanks, and sorry for multiple questions in one post.

[Midwest]

York/Coleman have introduced a modualting furnace model, but I have no hard data on how or if they compare to Rheem's mod. Someone on this site will be able to get you information, but these are the only modulating furnaces I know of available today. If he isn't offering the York modulating model, he isn't offering anything equivalent. A Ford Focus is similar to a Hummer in that it has an engine, seats, four wheels, steering wheel, etc. but there is no equivalence between them beyond basic descriptives.

[BaldLoonie]

1. I sure don't see the York as competition on comfort. Nobody will convice me that a board knows better at what heat the house needs over a thermostat.

2. Use your existing til the new touchscreen comes out.

3. Supposedly but like everything else, probably ignored.

[allant10]

York now makes a modulating gas furnace that is actually better in my opinion than the Rheem. With the Rheem you MUST use thier expensive tstat, with the York you can use a standard single stage tstat. The York furnace also modulates in 1 degree increments vs. 5 degree on the Rheem. The Rheem can take many hours to set up and some good technitions may still have trouble getting it set up correctly. The York comes set and ready to go out of the box (plug and play).

[mayguy]

Originally posted by BaldLoonie
1.2. Use your existing til the new touchscreen comes out.

Bald,

This is a new home.

bydabeach,

Just have the company put in a basic T87 round stat till the new one comes out.

There is nothing out there that can match the Rheem. However, York just came out with one.

[BaldLoonie]

What's to set up on the Mod? Stick the supplier sensor in the supply, put the stat on, turn her on. On powerup, it will go through its thing and be modulating in 5 minutes. Still can't see how a board knows better what level of heat the house needs than a sophisticated thermostat.

[acoolguy]

Did anyone mention RUUD?, same as Rheem, maybe a little better.

[docholiday]

The Rheem has been around since the mid to late 90's and has a very strong track record, The York just came out with theirs and has yet to work out their bugs. I agree with the set up, takes all of about 5 minutes to configure the dip switches.