If the unit is working correctly, it shouldn't "squeal like a pig" (Rheems are fundamentally different from other manufacturers as they energise the reversing valve on heat, unlike other brands which reverse on cool).

All manufacturers have had issues with their copper coils over the last few years (because of the poor quality recycled copper they have been using resulting in formicary corrosion and leakage). Aluminum coils are a cost-effective (cheaper than copper) short-term fix that might have a whole different set of problems down the road(!?)

Okay, fine, but...

There will be a problem when two dissimilar metals meet. That interface should be minimized. The Rheem coil seems to maximize this problem.

not much field history yet on the RP17...you do want the Econet controller, no substitute...Rheem has made the transition to all aluminum coils...while the RP 17 is inverter type, it is not truly variable within a range, it is 3 stage. Not a big deal but I don't understand why Rheem did this...quiet in both cooling and heating mode...good cold weather performance numbers...

IMO

Thanks again Tigerdunes. I've read consumer complaints directed at both Trane and Lennox variable speed heat pumps with respect to noise in heating mode. I thought that this might be due to the type of compressor used with these inverter driven systems, and that by extension, this might also apply to the RP17.

Have any of you Pros actually installed any of these? I gather that they are very new, and it seems impossible to find any first party consumer reviews.

Typically people migrate to the less costly options and bare bones approach rather than spending money on more premium solutions. So it is somewhat rare that people will spend the extra money on an inverter type system. This is likely where complaints come from is the 'inexperienced' that are thrown into installing something they are unfamiliar with. Then you wind up with a compressor that squeals like a pig.

Installers rarely know how to 'fix' a regular HVAC system, but yet they are trusted to install a more premium option? Kind of boggles the mind if you ask me.

The higher end equipment I typically sell and install is: Communicating HVAC System, 2 stage heat, 2 stage cooling with dehumidification control. In first stage you can't hear it run unless you are right next to the outdoor unit. (Obviously, I installed it myself... no installers here.)

The RP17 proposal I have in hand came from a Trane dealer as an alternate bid. This dealer also proposed Trane XL18i and XL16i systems. All are two ton systems. I am gravitating towards the XL16i at the moment, but the Rheem RP17 has a higher SEER, 18.5 vs. 17 for Trane, and it is $500 less. The Rheem also has much better heating performance at 17F than either Trane, on the order of 10,000 BTU/hr. more. The reliability and durability of the Rheem are to big unknowns, plus the Trane has two years additional warranty on the compressor. It's really a tough call.

I just personally installed a RP20 in my own house last month. It is an Amazing system coupled with the Econet thermostat. My energy savings so far look incredible opposed to my old Frigidaire 15 SEER HP.

Fascinating... I've read elsewhere that the RP20 would not be available until December 2016.

After lengthy deliberations and competitive bidding from both Rheem and Trane dealers, I've decided to go with the Rheem RP17 3-stage heat pump. The two main things that lead to this decision were the superior SEER rating in cooling mode, and the superior BTU output in heating mode. Trane XL16i and XL18i heat pumps have HSPF ratings similar to the Rheem RP17, but their BTU output at both 47F and 17F were less than two thirds that of the Rheem. What this means in practical terms is that the Rheem RP17 can easily carry its rated heating load at 17F without reverting to more costly resistive backup heat. Winter temperatures at or below 17F are quire common in my area from late December through mid-February.

This system is scheduled to be installed in late October. I will report back over the heating season to let you know if the engineering difference listed above translate into real world energy savings.

It all comes down to the installation of the system now. If it doesn't work from the get go be sure to write down & post all the excuses provided to you...

The RP17 system has been running a little more than four weeks now. The only issue to speak of has been a problematic touch screen on the Econet thermostat. Yesterday the installer sent out a service tech to replace that and to add temperature sensors on the supply and return lines. I am not sure if the latter factor into the control algorithm, but you would think that the combination of airflow and delta T would provide a fair approximation of the actual BTUs being delivered. Time will tell if the system behaves any differently with these sensors installed.

Twelve weeks into it now. The system threw some error codes the first time the temperature dipped into the teens. The error codes indicated high refrigerant pressure and compressor envelope protection. That was four weeks ago. My installer came out the next day, diagnosed the problem with their Rheem factory rep on the line, and adjusted the refrigerant charge. There have been no issues since then, and the system has demonstrated an ability to quickly raise the indoor temperature by four degrees when it is only 18 degrees outside without reverting to backup electric resistance heat. Needless to say the the heating capabilities of this system are quite impressive.

While I would love to provide an apples to apple comparison of the electric usage of this system vs. the one it replaced, the facts are that it has been much colder this year than last and I've been heating more aggressively with this system as well. According to me electric utility, December 2016 was on average six degrees cooler than the prior year. My last electric bill was up year on year, but my utility attributes that to the change in temperature. Looking at it from that perspective, the additional heating degree-days programmed into the thermostat were free.

We had a 3-ton RP17 system installed in October. 2016. Within a few weeks I noticed the outside unit making unusually loud noise...like a rapid clicking sound. Sounds much louder than what I would expect during a defrost cycle. Also started receiving an alarm message on the EcoNet thermostat (A910_O Inverter Fault - lost rotor position 15). Has anyone encountered similar problems?

Better get your installer out to have a look at that. From the installation manual:

L15 – Lost Rotor Position- A910_O Inverter
Fault
If the inverter loses the rotor position in the
compressor the inverter will automatically shut the
compressor off and keep it from operation. There
is a 5 minute delay after this fault occurs before
ICC will restart the compressor. If this fault occurs
3 times during a single call for operation the
ICC will lock out the compressor to keep it from
continuing to operate and flash an ”L” on the dual
7-segment LEDs followed by a 15.

IMPORTANT:This mode of active
protection must be manually reset.

I had the Rheem 3-ton RP17 system installed in March 2016. I'm getting rid of it. I've had these issues:
-Econet thermostat has an inaccurate temperature sensor that is always off by several degrees.

-Heat pump is very noisy in heating mode. At low speed it sounds like a rock tumbler, or like failing bearings.

-I had the A910_O Inverter
Fault error multiple times in heat mode until the heat pump quit working entirely. Over a two-month period in November and December I had my local HVAC company out here nine times. They replaced several parts and spent a lot of time on the phone with Rheem techs. I had backup electric heat at a cost of roughly $75/mo. more.

-After some nagging I got Rheem to send somebody out. The first time they sent two techs who were here literally five minutes, and then left, leaving the local HVAC tech not knowing what to do.

-After much more nagging Rheem sent another rep who actually stayed long enough to run tests and see for himself that the unit was fatally defective. He brought a replacement heat pump a few days later.

-That was three weeks ago. New unit sounds like rock crusher and now it is making the same error message.

I am going to have the entire system removed and replaced with a different brand. Fool me twice, shame on me.

My rp17 on cold days will sound very loud. Buzzing noise almost like the sound when a compressor has locked up or the sound of a cheap air compressor. My HVAC installer called his support technician. Solution was to use the econet installer settings to lower the max compressor RPM down from 6000 to 4000. It still made some noise and again we lowered the max rpm to 3600.

What should the max rpm be? Was it installed wrong by not limiting the rpm from the get go? or is the lowered RPM setting just bandaid to coverup for something else?

I emailed Rheem and they refused to answer my question about what the RPMS should be.

Contact the local Rheem distributor - they will help you out.

Where are you located?

Did you decide on a Rheem model? I'm also in the Twin Cities and looking at a RP20. There are a few comments of their thermostat, is that your concern?

The Rheem RP17, also known as the Classic Plus Series RP17, is a three-stage heat pump with an efficiency rating of 18.5 SEER and 10.5 HSPF. The unit's inverter-driven three-stage Copeland scroll compressor provides optimal efficiency and helps to avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations.

The RP17 is EcoNet enabled, allowing it to be integrated with a home's heating, cooling and water heating system. The EcoNet system can be controlled remotely with mobile and tablet devices. A new composite base pan is corrosion resistant and, along with enhanced mufflers, an optimized fan orifice and improved reversing valve sizing, helps provide low operating sound levels.

https://www.airconditionersductless.com/

The unit has 35% fewer cabinet fasteners, a diagnostic service window with two-fastener opening and external gauge port access to make servicing the unit easier. Cabinet strength is enhanced by curved louvered panels and rugged corner posts, with a powder coat paint finish and rust resistant screws which protect against rust and corrosion.

I still haven't decided. And yes, I'm seeing that people are having issues with the Rheem thermostat. Additionally, we have an open floor plan that's not really conducive to zoning, and I understand the Rheem thermostat is geared for more of a zoned system. My rep suggests the Rheem RP16 or RP17 with a Honeywell thermostat and 3 sensors. He says it will control the air exchanger and furnace humidifier as well as the furnace and heat/pump AC. I'm just having no luck finding testimonials on these pumps that have been around for years. It doesn't make sense to me.

Have a quote of $13k for RP17 and $15k for RP20, both with 98% furnace

Wow. That's a couple thousand less than what I was quoted by two HVAC places. To be fair, though, they are going to have to run venting lines over a hallway and through a storage room in order to put in the furnace and RP16, 17 OR 20 in. Would you mind sharing who you rec'd your quote from?

Also my house only needs 2.5 ton which may affect price

New century systems in Corcoran

they have A+ with BBB

so far they are leading my search

i asked for a price break down which they did

Thanks! Yes, we need a 4-ton.

It's quite a project selecting the right servicer, but I know it's important we get a good one!

I’d like to get feedback from current users on their experience with Rheem heat pumps