Rheem vs. Carrier

[mamatrio]

thoughts?

[heaterman]

thoughts?

One begins with "R" and one begins with "C"? Kind of vague?

[RyanHughes]

You need to compare particular models, not just brand name. Or more importantly, installing dealers and not brand name.

[ga-hvac-tech]

You need to compare particular models, not just brand name. Or more importantly, installing dealers and not brand name.

This is the key!

[mamatrio]

assuming they are equal... any significant difference between the 2 brands? If you are comparing the Rheem Prestige series with the Carrier Puron series. Both are 16 SEER, 4 ton systems.

Consumer Reports says that Carrier has more problems than Rheem. I guess I just wanted to know if anyone has any real problems with either. Obviously, any installed unit (or component) could be a lemon, and if you have a great tech/installer, then it really shouldn't be a problem. However, we all know that, regardless of what we are discussing - whether it HVAC, automobiles, healthcare, etc... that some are just plain better and have a better track record of support.

[aintitfun]

I am very partial to Rheem/Ruud, and I have good reason for it. I would recommend it over Carrier/Bryant.

[tedkidd]

what neighborhood? Middle to lower income rheem. Mercedes and BMWs in garage? Carrier infinity hybrid heat communicating with computerized zone and Internet control.

Either way get communicating equipment and make sure it is not oversized.

[ga-hvac-tech]

There have been some issues with Rheem/Ruud HP's recently, I think the problem has been identified and a fix is in the system.

I am a Ruud dealer... The equipment is, IMO, ROCK SOLID. Yes, any equipment can have problems. And Yes, install is important.

Find someone that you trust and comes recommended.

[simplyrollin]

Carrier is out in front of Rheem by a good margin, especially on split systems.

[ga-hvac-tech]

Carrier is out in front of Rheem by a good margin, especially on split systems.

Just plain straight heat and cool, that would be a matter opinion... and lets not forget the Consumer Reports in July of 2009.

[jpb2]

Willis washed

[aintitfun]

Carrier is out in front of Rheem by a good margin, especially on split systems.

Completely false! Especially on heat pumps, get real!!

[Trog]

There have been some issues with Rheem/Ruud HP's recently, I think the problem has been identified and a fix is in the system.

Can you elaborate on that, or at least indicate what model range is involved. Inquiring Rheem HP owners want to know.

[aintitfun]

Actually we are a rheem/ruud dealer too, And I am not sure what he is referring to. ???

[1972gs455]

Stay away from all Rheem products.

[aintitfun]

Stay away from all Rheem products.


Tell us the rest of the story. My guess is you are a Homeowner who had some sort of bad experience that may or may not have been the direct cause of the manufacturer.

[heaterman]

Tell us the rest of the story. My guess is you are a Homeowner who had some sort of bad experience that may or may not have been the direct cause of the manufacturer.

One of the main reasons to ignore anything published in consumers report. Their poles are not true reflections of real world usage.

[ga-hvac-tech]

Can you elaborate on that, or at least indicate what model range is involved. Inquiring Rheem HP owners want to know.

Read this thread:

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=464152&goto=newpost

IMO the issue is based on a few areas: The TXV (which I think has been resolved at the production level), the accumulator, and not following installation installation instructions in regard to lineset sizes.

Note that as far as I know; ALL brands of resi equipment have had their issues.

[mamatrio]

Read this thread:

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=464152&goto=newpost

IMO the issue is based on a few areas: The TXV (which I think has been resolved at the production level), the accumulator, and not following installation installation instructions in regard to lineset sizes.

Note that as far as I know; ALL brands of resi equipment have had their issues.

Can't read the text - locked for pro users I assume.

This is why I came on here asking. I use CR as a tool; it isn't the end all, but certainly better than nothing.

So, GA, I cannot tell if you are being sarcastic earlier. Are you or are you not a proponent of Rheem?

[ga-hvac-tech]

Can't read the text - locked for pro users I assume.

This is why I came on here asking. I use CR as a tool; it isn't the end all, but certainly better than nothing.

So, GA, I cannot tell if you are being sarcastic earlier. Are you or are you not a proponent of Rheem?

I am a Ruud dealer (Rheem and Ruud are the same product with different name badges and model numbers). Having said that, I would not blindly push my product if I did not believe in it from a non-biased viewpoint.

The distributor in my area is good about standing behind their dealers... not something all supply houses do.

Given that installation and customer service are 1000% more important as brand; I think I offer a better package to my customers than just pushing a brand which has a good image this year (and may or may not provide a good ownership and value experience over the projected life of 15 years).

Hope this helps...

[BobbyBJr]

I have been very involved in the thread that was linked to, but I think you'd have to have pro status to actually read it. The issue there is with a 15 SEER system that something isn't exactly right with. After posting questions about it, several others have contacted me with similiar problems, but they have all been with the 3 ton 15 SEER models. It does make you wonder, but we'll get to the bottom of it. We have many of the 16 SEER Rheems out there and have had only one problem with one of them. The rest have ran fine. We also install our share of Lennox, Carrier and Trane and they all have something come up from time to time, so as has already been mentioned, the installing contractor is more important than the brand. I probably would not jump at the chance to install another 3 ton 15 SEER right now, but I'd have no problem with any of the other models. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[Trog]

I feel better. We put in a 16 SEER Rheem system. :)

Thanks.

[CynicX]

You CAN NOT use consumer reports for HVAC equipment at all. Consider the system is only as good as the company that installs it leaves a huge fail point in those reports. Some other stuff like certain appliances, then yeah, maybe ok. Not devices that functionality is based off of install quality...

I prefer Carrier as I've never been a big fan of Rheem/Ruud equipment. Mostly because I think it looks ugly. Secondly I (this just might be me not being a Rheem dealer) have trouble finding good tech support. And it seems like every time I have a problem I'll order a part and get the wrong parts and the parts that are right are different enough to throw a novice for a loop.

Example, I found a bad fan motor and blade on a 2001 ish Rheem HP. I also sold the customer a new contactor since it was pitted very badly and we include a new capacitor with motor installs. So it was a motor, blade, capacitor and contactor. I just ordered it all from Rheem to avoid truck restock.

I got a motor, blade, capacitor and 120 coil volt relay. That relay isnt even part of the unit. No big deal just use a contactor off the truck. I had to have a maintenance guy go do the job because I was busy and he calls me, "hey this capacitors is wrong for the compressor and new motor". Ok use one off your truck, an hour goes by "Hey I cant figure out how to wire this motor up, the old one was three wires the new one is five". Guess they went generic with the motors, so I had to explain for a hour how to hook the thing up. He gave up and I was afraid he was going to damage something if he didnt get it right. Needless to say I have to go back out there to wire up a motor.

I was a little aggravated by the entire experience. By my co-workers but mostly rheem. But this seems to happen more often then I care to deal with.

I do like the ease of compressor replacements though!! heheh

[ga-hvac-tech]

You CAN NOT use consumer reports for HVAC equipment at all. Consider the system is only as good as the company that installs it leaves a huge fail point in those reports. Some other stuff like certain appliances, then yeah, maybe ok. Not devices that functionality is based off of install quality...

I prefer Carrier as I've never been a big fan of Rheem/Ruud equipment. Mostly because I think it looks ugly. Secondly I (this just might be me not being a Rheem dealer) have trouble finding good tech support. And it seems like every time I have a problem I'll order a part and get the wrong parts and the parts that are right are different enough to throw a novice for a loop.

Example, I found a bad fan motor and blade on a 2001 ish Rheem HP. I also sold the customer a new contactor since it was pitted very badly and we include a new capacitor with motor installs. So it was a motor, blade, capacitor and contactor. I just ordered it all from Rheem to avoid truck restock.

I got a motor, blade, capacitor and 120 coil volt relay. That relay isnt even part of the unit. No big deal just use a contactor off the truck. I had to have a maintenance guy go do the job because I was busy and he calls me, "hey this capacitors is wrong for the compressor and new motor". Ok use one off your truck, an hour goes by "Hey I cant figure out how to wire this motor up, the old one was three wires the new one is five". Guess they went generic with the motors, so I had to explain for a hour how to hook the thing up. He gave up and I was afraid he was going to damage something if he didnt get it right. Needless to say I have to go back out there to wire up a motor.

I was a little aggravated by the entire experience. By my co-workers but mostly rheem. But this seems to happen more often then I care to deal with.

I do like the ease of compressor replacements though!! heheh

My experience is that wrong parts issues are human, not manufacturer specific... and the motor thingy has happened to me on more than one brand... companies do substitute parts as time goes along... just the nature of the beast...

[CynicX]

My experience is that wrong parts issues are human, not manufacturer specific... and the motor thingy has happened to me on more than one brand... companies do substitute parts as time goes along... just the nature of the beast...

I definitely agree. But it seems, in my area all of a certain type of human are working at the same place.

As far as the motor goes. I've run into SLIGHT changes (like there was a molex but no longer and the wires need to be run back to a control or something) but never an actual generic motor (reversible) with Carrier, or Lennox for that matter. Granted I can understand the reasoning behind it. Replace 5 motors with one = $$. But in this particular circumstance I'm a little annoyed. I hate having to draw out a simpler schematic for people to replace the schematic thats already on the motor, which I guess isnt Rheems fault but replacing a motor with an OEM part should be a direct swap IMHO....

Anything that saves me time saves me money. And the opposite applies...

[Special Ed]

I've found that Rheems/Ruuds seem to have unusually high head pressures for no apparent reason at times. I think the design of their condensers are probably to blame for that. IMO.

[tedkidd]

MAMATRIO - If you were buying a car and you had a really good salesperson, someone interested in getting you the right car, what would that look like? Would they tell you what brand to buy?

I think they'd ask you a lot of questions. They'd get a really good understanding of your needs, possible changes to your situation (twins on the way? Maybe minivan instead of coupe). Understand your budget. Understand features you might not know about, but could be really unhappy you don't have (I like rain sensing wipers). Someone interested in selling you a box and cashing their paycheck will get you excited about the "deal" they have to offer.

So, decide if you want best solution, most satisfaction, lowest overall cost -

or if you want cheap up front, schlock install, high overall cost, and possibly inadequate operation. Cheapest price, best service, highest quality - there is no magic - you can only have two. Recognizing this going in will help you get what you want.

Then chose a salesman accordingly.

[simplyrollin]

You CAN NOT use consumer reports for HVAC equipment at all. Consider the system is only as good as the company that installs it leaves a huge fail point in those reports. Some other stuff like certain appliances, then yeah, maybe ok. Not devices that functionality is based off of install quality...

I prefer Carrier as I've never been a big fan of Rheem/Ruud equipment. Mostly because I think it looks ugly. Secondly I (this just might be me not being a Rheem dealer) have trouble finding good tech support. And it seems like every time I have a problem I'll order a part and get the wrong parts and the parts that are right are different enough to throw a novice for a loop.

Example, I found a bad fan motor and blade on a 2001 ish Rheem HP. I also sold the customer a new contactor since it was pitted very badly and we include a new capacitor with motor installs. So it was a motor, blade, capacitor and contactor. I just ordered it all from Rheem to avoid truck restock.

I got a motor, blade, capacitor and 120 coil volt relay. That relay isnt even part of the unit. No big deal just use a contactor off the truck. I had to have a maintenance guy go do the job because I was busy and he calls me, "hey this capacitors is wrong for the compressor and new motor". Ok use one off your truck, an hour goes by "Hey I cant figure out how to wire this motor up, the old one was three wires the new one is five". Guess they went generic with the motors, so I had to explain for a hour how to hook the thing up. He gave up and I was afraid he was going to damage something if he didnt get it right. Needless to say I have to go back out there to wire up a motor.

I was a little aggravated by the entire experience. By my co-workers but mostly rheem. But this seems to happen more often then I care to deal with.

I do like the ease of compressor replacements though!! heheh

You are exactly right. They are the worst company as far as parts are concerned. Have you seen the rediculous blower mounts they use. They design the units to only use their specific OEM part. Until recently, you even had to use their condenser motor because of the 4 screw holes it mounted to on top the condenser. Then, you got to love the 3 microfarrad capacitors they use for their dual capacitors on their condensers and gas packs. Not many manufacturers use a 3 mfd cap for a condenser motor. How about the secondary pans for their air handlers, what kind of crap is that. Ever replaced their wrap-around-the-blower heat strips, or even their side mounted sequencers? I know one thing, I have replaced quite a few expansion valves and evap coils for this brand over the years. What about all their non-industry standard low voltage color coded wires. Rheem would probably get a better reputation and sell more product if they would redesign their equipment to be more "industry standard". They are an eye sore on the side of peoples homes. On a positive note, they are better than some of the other brands on the market.

[simplyrollin]

I've found that Rheems/Ruuds seem to have unusually high head pressures for no apparent reason at times. I think the design of their condensers are probably to blame for that. IMO.

I have seen the same thing, maybe thats why they put those resetable head pressure switches on them!

[BaldLoonie]

So it is OK for Carrier to use a special 4 ear motor mount but not for Rheem to use their mount that most "universal" motors have holes for? A Rheem vs Carrier thread is the last place for anyone to complain about anyone but the blue oval for proprietary and expensive parts.

A low profile green unit is less obvious beside a house than a 4' x 4' bright white box!!!

[Piper78]

I wouldn't recommend either, I'd go for a Comfortmaker !
My 2 Cents

[aintitfun]

I wouldn't recommend either, I'd go for a Comfortmaker !
My 2 Cents

He already is, he said he is looking at a carrier :couchhide: