Rheem or Lennox Gas Furnace?

[yanbin]

The carrier gas furnace has been working in my house for more than 20 years and cost lots gas every winter, now i am thinking to replace it with a high efficiency gas furnace, my house is about 2000 square ft. I got two contractor came in and quoted it, one iss lennox dealer, he quote G61MPV model, 70,000 BTU, 94% efficiency, the other one is Rheem dealer, quote 60,000 BTU, 95% efficiency, forget the model, they are the same price, which one i should choose? btw, the old carrier was 80,000 BUT at 60% efficiency.
Thanks.

[local 832s]

Both nice units. If they are equal in every way except name, then I would choose the best contractor. Get references, ask questions and use your instinct to see who you feel comfortable with.

[sktn77a]

Post the Rheem model number - few of their furnaces are 95%.

[yanbin]

I just called the Rheem contractor, it's model is RGSM-06 model, input 60,000 BTU.

[jpb2]

I have a slanted opinion as a Ruud dist. I have in the last 23 years sold many brands at the wholesale level.Ruud gas furnace line is by far the best I've seen.Rheem/Ruud are usually sold by a local supply house and I would think parts access and help would be better

[talktoomuch]

Rheem is the best bet. I also work for Lennox, but you will get more for your money with a Rheem, trust me.

[johnt2_2002]

the rheem units ive work on are a little noisey

I work on a lot of the Lennox G61MPV models doing maintenance on them, and they are extremely quiet, efficient, and reliable. Almost all homeowners tell me they dont even hear it running!! which is very true--I sit in front of them with all doors off and it is quiet!!..As you can tell, im voting for the Lennox!!!

But of course, judge the installing contractor too..

[BaldLoonie]

If you are in the US, the 95% furnace may qualify you for the 30% (up to $5000) tax credit. The 94% won't.

[Bsmith816]

the g61mpv is a 95% eff furnace and will qualify for the rebate. even the g61mp will qualify its just not the variable. they are both 95% and will qualify for the rebate. great great furnace and very reliable.

[Bsmith816]

i would choose lennox over rheem anytime anyday of the week. i guarantee you would be very happy with the lennox.

[bspecker]

The most important thing to consider is the contractor. Any furnace that is not installed properly will not work well and you will not get the efficiency you are paying for. All things being equal with the contractor, Lennox is a much better choice.

[sktn77a]

I just called the Rheem contractor, it's model is RGSM-06 model, input 60,000 BTU.

Don't see the RGSM on their web site:

http://rheem.com/Products/Heating_and_Cooling/gas_furnaces/

Just make sure the furnace is 95% or greater if you're in the US and intend to claim the tax credit. I'm partial to Rheem but I think most of the major name HVAC companies are comparable. The install will probably have a greater effect than the difference between brands.

[yanbin]

sorry, I made a mistake on the Rheem model, it is RGRM-60, 60000BTU

[jid1877]

the g61mpv is a 95% eff furnace and will qualify for the rebate. even the g61mp will qualify its just not the variable. they are both 95% and will qualify for the rebate. great great furnace and very reliable.The G61MPV−36B−071 is 95% and the G61MPV−36B−070 is only 94.1%.

[docholiday]

If it's me, I shoot for comfort... install a mod

[CamarosRus]

I believe the RHEEM variable speed blower furnace model is the RGRM (06EMAES to be complete).

Myself (amatuer H.O.) trying to decide if payback/monthly elec cost savings of variable speed ECM blower motor is worth upfront ($600 more) purchase price.

As well when and if ECM motor goes bad (after 10year warranty) youve got $600 retail cost to look at. (Dont know what JOHNSTONE, etc gets for these ECM motors)

Chuck Sharin
Renton,WA

[tedkidd]

I believe the RHEEM variable speed blower furnace model is the RGRM (06EMAES to be complete).

Myself (amatuer H.O.) trying to decide if payback/monthly elec cost savings of variable speed ECM blower motor is worth upfront ($xxx more) purchase price.

As well when and if ECM motor goes bad (after 10year warranty) youve got $xxx retail cost to look at. (Dont know what JOHNSTONE, etc gets for these ECM motors)

Chuck Sharin
Renton,WA

Chuck, if you are looking at payback, weatherize your house and keep the Carrier.

When we do TREAT modelling the furnace is almost NEVER the best investment.

If you really want to analyse your options from a cost/benefit perspective you need to have a comprehensive home analysis performed. Otherwise you are just taking pot shots, and it sounds like you might be going off in the wrong direction. Go to www.bpi.org and look for an accredited contractor near you. Preferable certified in Shell as well as Heat and Heat Pump.

I assume you want quiet and comfort and convenience and efficiency, or you'd get space heaters and carry them room to room. When you do replace the furnace, get multi-stage with variable speed motor. The incremental cost is pennies a day over the life of the equipment, and the savings is usually greater than that. Then you need to add in some intangible benefits you are not yet aware of, and the ones you hopefully will never be aware of unless you do this wrong.

[CamarosRus]

tedkidd, Dont know where CARRIER gets involved in my situation. I'm replacinh 30 year old PAYNE with rusted out burners...............

Went to BPI web site. They evidently are not a factor in WA state as no contractors are listed in my ZIP or County (King/Seattle).

My house could use new windows (Vinyl Framed @ $12K)...........

But first I must install new furnace. This home may well become a rental, OR I could wind up dieing here myself ?????

I checked out two install references on RHEEM dealer. Nothing bad was said.

Dont know HOW to check out any of the Seattle area contracters, for install quality ???

Thanks to all....................

[CamarosRus]

Please asking for more comments comparing my choices

I have the RHEEM RGRM (varible speed fan, two stage gas) vs LENNOX 61VMP (variable speed fan, two stage gas

I can also save $600 up front if I go with the RHEEM RGRL (two stage gas, 2 fan speeds) or LENNOX G61 (two stage gas, 2 fan speeds)

I have been warned about LENNOX parts prices (after warranty expires) but I dont understand the LENNOX parts distribution network vs the RHEEM parts dist.

I'm still fighting myself over monthly/annual savings of variable speed(direct current) motor savings vs $600 additional buy in, versus A.C. 2 speed blower motor.

Also thinking way down the road, after warranty about $$$$ replacement cost of D.C. variable speed motor vs std fan motors ??

I over analize everything. Sorry, but it's who I am................

Thanks for the education

Chuck Sharin
Renton, WA

[Pneuma]

Get the VS motor it's going to give you a lot of comfort and it can actually help overcome minor ductwork issues you might have. You will be able to set the furnace so that when there is no heat or cool call the fan runs at 50% speed consuming about 65 watts. This reduces stratification and so the house feels more comfortable because the temperature is mor even. Install a media air cleaner with the furnace and with the fan on you then get continous air filtering. With the fan running at 50% it is very quiet.

I like Rheem over Lennox, but you really can't make a wrong choice between those two.

[CynicX]

The furnaces are too similar to worry about comparison, plain and simple. Going with the better contractor is FAR more important then deciding between brand furnaces.

I've worked on both of those furnaces and I can tell you if not set up properly you'll never get the most comfort/efficiency/reliability/etc out of them. And the installing contractor is the company that is going to set it up. So you want the best of the two.

Another thing. With the Lennox it has a GE 2.3 variable speed motor. Its the most common variable speed motor you'll find, but they are very expensive to replace. However IF set up properly they rarely go bad. I've only replaced one or two variable speed motors that failed for no good reason, then 100+ that just werent set up right. So once again this falls onto the contractor. A variable speed blower motor is the way to go with a new system...

Personally I prefer the Lennox. I never really cared for Rheem/Ruud, and for every ten people that share my OPINION you'll find ten people with the exact opposite.

[dkold]

In my area we have to have lennox parts shipped in. No parts in town. Rheem parts available from two sources here however.

[stebs]

I have a lennox G61mp and a rheem rgfd. My neighbor has a lennox G61mpv. both lennox's are the same size. The g61mpv is quite a bit quieter than the g61mp in my opinion. It might be the ductwork, but the the g61mp (non variable) has a bit of a whine at certain speeds. I personally like the rheem rgfd myself of the three.

Another thing you gain with the variable speed blowers is the ability to have the blower slow down a bit during cooling to aid in dehumidification of the house. They are also quite a bit more energy efficient. the variable speed blowers also allow a little more freedom for the installers to tweak the speeds to get the temp rise closer to where they want it.

[Some Dude]

Rheem

[tedkidd]

Does wa have some type of energy star program? That'll likely offer similar protection/qc to bpi.

Do you ride a horse to work? Get the vs motor.

[CamarosRus]

I've counter offered the RHEEM contractor with a lower price which they eagarily accepted. This contractor is on PSE's (local utility company) approved/referal list and is
also a RHEEM top team member. Frankly I have no idea how good they are at installing, setting up and adjusting. We shall see.

I did order the variable speed 60k BTU RGRM, Honeywell 4" thick media filter & Honeywell 8000 2 stage T-stat.

Given that I'm going from a 30 year old (pos) PAYNE Single Stage, I'm probably going to be so overwelmed as an amatuer HO with the new furnace, I wont be able to give much of a report, but I'll try

Thanks to all..........back with the news ASAP!!!

Chuck S
Renton,WA

[tedkidd]

Sounds good! You should be very happy with that.

Operation is a potential issue. Do you use setback? Might want to reconsider.

How you operate setback will effect things. How tstat manages staging also.

[CynicX]

I've counter offered the RHEEM contractor with a lower price which they eagarily accepted. This contractor is on PSE's (local utility company) approved/referal list and is
also a RHEEM top team member. Frankly I have no idea how good they are at installing, setting up and adjusting. We shall see.

I did order the variable speed 60k BTU RGRM, Honeywell 4" thick media filter & Honeywell 8000 2 stage T-stat.

Given that I'm going from a 30 year old (pos) PAYNE Single Stage, I'm probably going to be so overwelmed as an amatuer HO with the new furnace, I wont be able to give much of a report, but I'll try

Thanks to all..........back with the news ASAP!!!

Chuck S
Renton,WA

Just keep in mind....multiple stages/modulating isnt for efficiency, its for comfort. The longer the furnace runs the even the temp is throughout the house. I get a lot of calls reporting people new furnace "sucks" because it never shuts off.

I'm personally weary about companies that are eager to reduce the price after you ask? Were they trying to rip you off in the first place? What corners are they going to cut to make that price profitable to them?

I wont change my price even 1 dollar unless I'm leaving something out. And I'll let the customer know that. People that will pick another company over a couple hundred dollars never had faith in your company in the first place. Plus they will keep going back in forth if you get into some dumb price war and you would have been better off giving the installers a day off (which they usually prefer hehe :) )

[big sky hvac]

Without a doubt go with a Lennox. I work for a Lennox dealer, so I might be partial to them, but I just think they are a more quality built furnace. You might also ask the Lennox dealer about the G71MPP furnace. It's the "Cadillac" of the Lennox line & is not much more than the G61MPV. With a multi-stage thermostat, it will modulate in 1% increments. That's what I'm putting in my house.

[t527ed]

Without a doubt go with a Lennox. I work for a Lennox dealer, so I might be partial to them, but I just think they are a more quality built furnace. You might also ask the Lennox dealer about the G71MPP furnace. It's the "Cadillac" of the Lennox line & is not much more than the G61MPV. With a multi-stage thermostat, it will modulate in 1% increments. That's what I'm putting in my house.


to late he already got rheeeeemed..........:eek2::eek2:

as CynicX said if installer is dropping the price somethings getting left out of the job..

[big sky hvac]

Good luck with that Rheem. Something seems really fishy if the contractor is willing to give a price break to meet a competitors price. Either he's(the contractor) slow & starving for work or he bid it way too high to begin with. Hope you get everything you paid for!

[seatonheating]

How did this turn out?

[stinkmeaner]

The carrier gas furnace has been working in my house for more than 20 years and cost lots gas every winter, now i am thinking to replace it with a high efficiency gas furnace, my house is about 2000 square ft. I got two contractor came in and quoted it, one iss lennox dealer, he quote G61MPV model, 70,000 BTU, 94% efficiency, the other one is Rheem dealer, quote 60,000 BTU, 95% efficiency, forget the model, they are the same price, which one i should choose? btw, the old carrier was 80,000 BUT at 60% efficiency.
Thanks.

The G61MPV is not 94%, it's 95% now. I just got one and it qualifies for the tax credit. I like the Lennox, but you should concern yourself more with the person installing the furnace. It makes a big difference. Check out my small time review of the G61MPV (http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=511652).

[jw4335]

I prefer Lennox, but installing contractor much more important than brand. The top of the line unit will have problems if not installed properly. Call your local better bussiness bureau.

[t527ed]

The G61MPV is not 94%, it's 95% now. I just got one and it qualifies for the tax credit. I like the Lennox, but you should concern yourself more with the person installing the furnace. It makes a big difference. Check out my small time review of the G61MPV (http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=511652).




not all G61MPV furnaces are 95%. only the one with the size ending with a 1,such as 071,091.

[stinkmeaner]

not all G61MPV furnaces are 95%. only the one with the size ending with a 1,such as 071,091.

Correct. I have the 111.

[CamarosRus]

No excuse for the long delay in responding/posting other than I'm a terrible procrastinator.

I had at least six misc contractors bid on this job. Three of them were LENNOX dealers (one, the biggest in Metro Seattle). Four of the six contractors had commissioned sales people do the bidding. Most were going to use a 70K BTU model.

ALL the contractors bid high. Big Sky "guy" ........This is Seattle with plenty of contractors, plenty of techs, not all swamped with work. This contractor has a lower overhead, wanted the job, wanted my $$$$ CASH payment, and its a done deal.

I chose a small mom and pop shop that has one main install crew and a couple misc service techs. They were on the Puget Sound Energy approved list. I called and spoke to three recent satisfied customers.

I really cant comment on $$$ efficientcy as I havent been able to compare same months bills year over year.

I opted for the 16 x 25 x 5" Honeywell Media Filter vs the $500 electronic.

I need a new water heater and I plan on taking care of this soon.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/Tools%20For%20Sale%20Misc%20Tool%20Pics/tn_Furnace022.jpg
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/Tools%20For%20Sale%20Misc%20Tool%20Pics/tn_Furnace041.jpg

[CamarosRus]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/Tools%20For%20Sale%20Misc%20Tool%20Pics/tn_Furnace045.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v470/CamarosRus/Tools%20For%20Sale%20Misc%20Tool%20Pics/tn_Furnace046.jpg

[jpb2]

Pretty clean job. Congrats. What size RGRM DID YOU GET ?

[CamarosRus]

My Invoice says RGRM-06EMAES

Also want to mention that I just received $250 rebate from local utility and plan on getting $1400 tax credit on 2010 taxes. (Not a deduction, but $1 for $1 credit)

This should bring my total cost installed down to $2175

[jpb2]

No cooling ??????

[CamarosRus]

That's correct, heating only...

If I was staying in home long term I would have put in A/C as there are more than a few days when my upper floor (main floor) get very warm with old double pane windows.

Anyway it is what it is...a done deal!!!

[dktag62]

CamarosRus - I'm looking at the same model you put in, only a slightly larger btu rating. It's been a few months since the install. How's it been working ? Overall, are you happy with this Rheem model ? Was considering Lennox, but have read too many negs. thnx for the input.

David