Compare & Save: Rheem vs American Standard ACs
Air conditioning systems are a critical part of many homes, offices, and businesses—and choosing the right one is essential to achieving maximum efficiency and comfort, and reduce the chances of needing to call out an AC repair company. To this end, two leading brands in the industry—Rheem and American Standard—have emerged as offering excellent features at competitive prices. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of each system so you can make an informed decision about which one best meets your needs.
Company History and Product Lineups
Rheem is an American company founded in the early 1920s by brothers Richard and Donald Rheem. The two brothers set out to provide heating and cooling products for homes, businesses, and industries across the United States. They began by manufacturing gas water heaters in their hometown of Emeryville, California. In 1936, they opened a new factory in Montgomery, Alabama to produce air conditioners as well.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Rheem continued to expand their product offerings while also increasing production efficiency with the introduction of automated processes. By the 1970s, they had become one of the leading manufacturers of HVAC equipment in North America. During this time period, they also acquired several other companies including Ruud Manufacturing Company and Weather King Corporation--both of which were later rebranded under the Rheem name.
In 2000, Rheem became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RHM). Despite numerous challenges presented by changing market conditions over the years--such as competition from foreign brands--the company has remained a top player within its industry due to its commitment to innovation and quality control measures implemented throughout their supply chain management system. Today, Rheem remains one of the largest manufacturers of HVAC systems worldwide with offices located in multiple countries around the world.
American Standard (formerly known as American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation) has been a leader in the home comfort industry since 1872. Founded by John J. Uehlein, the company began by producing radiators for steam and hot water heating systems. In 1929, American Standard introduced its first central air conditioning system and went on to become one of the first companies to offer air conditioning as a standard feature in new homes.
In the 1950s, American Standard developed the first residential packaged rooftop unit for single-family dwellings--a major innovation at the time--and was also an early adopter of forced-air gas furnaces with built-in blowers. The company continued to innovate throughout the 1960s and 1970s, introducing commercial air conditioners that were more efficient than their predecessors as well as energy-saving heat pumps in 1974.
Today, American Standard is a leading manufacturer of HVAC equipment including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, indoor air quality products and humidifiers. Their products are designed to increase efficiency while reducing energy costs for homeowners across North America.
Side by Side Models From Each Brand
| Model Name | SEER Rating | Price Point | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RA18AZ Endeavor Line Prestige | 20 | $$$ | 72 |
| RA16AZ Endeavor Line Classic | 18.5 | $$$ | 73 |
| RA15AZ Endeavor Line Classic | 16 | $$ | 73 |
| RA14AZ Endeavor Line Classic | 16 | $$ | 76 |
| RA13NZ Endeavor Line | 16 | $$$ | 71 |
| WA15AZ Endeavor Line Select | 16 | $$$ | 73 |
| WA13NZ Endeavor Line Select | 16 | $$$ | 71 |
| Select Series Single Stage WA14 | 14 | $$ | 71 |
| Select Series Single Stage WA13 | 13 | $$ | 72 |
| Prestige Series: Variable Speed (RA20) | 20.5 | $$$ | 72 |
| Classic Plus Series: Two-Stage (RA17) | 17 | $$ | 72 |
| Classic Series: Two-Stage (RA16) | 16 | $$ | 76 |
| Classic Series: Single Stage (RA14) | 15 | $ | 76 |
| Classic Series: Single Stage (RA13) | 13.5 | $ | 77 |
| Select Series: Single Stage WA16 | 16 | $ | 76 |
| Select Series: Single Stage WA14 | 14 | $ | 72 |
| Model Name | SEER Rating | Price Point | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AccuComfort Platinum 20 | 22.5 | $$$$ | 55-75 |
| AccuComfort Platinum 18 | 18 | $$$$ | 55-75 |
| Gold 16 | 17 | $$$ | 72-74 |
| Silver 15 | 16.5 | $$ | 74 |
| Silver 15 Low Profile | 16.5 | $$ | 73 |
| Silver 14 | 15.5 | $$ | 73 |
| Silver 13 | 14.5 | $ | 75 |
Comparing Prices
When it comes to cost, Rheem and American Standard air conditioners vary greatly—Rheem systems typically fall in the range of 8,000-15,000, while American Standard units can be as much as 10,000-20,000. Prices for either brand can vary depending on the size and complexity of installation; however, homeowners should note that these figures are just general estimates and should seek professional HVAC company quotes for a more accurate assessment.
Price Summary
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Rheem | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| American Standard | $10,000 - $20,000 |
Performance and Noise
When it comes to purchasing an air conditioning system, performance and noise are important factors in the buying decision. While models with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating may be more expensive upfront, they can often result in lower energy costs over the life of the unit.
Overview of Rheem Models
Rheem offers several models for homeowners considering a new air conditioning system. The Endeavor Line Prestige includes the RA18AZ model with a SEER rating of 20 and a noise level of 72 dB. Similarly, their Endeavor Line Classic has three models available – RA16AZ (SEER 18.5; 73 dB), RA15AZ (SEER 16; 73 dB) and RA14AZ (SEER 16; 76 dB). There is also the RA13NZ from the Endeavor Line with a SEER rating of 16 and a noise level of 71dB. For those looking for something quieter, Rheem’s Select Series Single Stage WA14 model has a SEER rating of 14 and a noise level at 71dB while their Select Series Single Stage WA13 has similar specs but at 72dB. Additionally, Rheem’s Prestige Series features their RA20 model which uses variable speed compressor technology resulting in less noise at 72dB while still offering high efficiency with its 20.5 SEER rating. Lastly, their Classic Plus Series Two-Stage compressor offers 17 SEER at 72dB while their Classic Single Stage line starts with 15 SEER at 76dB all the way down to 13.5 SEER at 77 dB on their RA13 model
Overview of American Standard Models
American Standard is another popular choice for homeowners when selecting an air conditioning system for their home or business. At the top end is AccuComfort Platinum 20 boasting 22 .5 SEER coupled with very low levels of noise thanks to its two stage compressor operating between 55-75dB depending on conditions– making this an excellent choice for those who value quiet operation but don't want to sacrifice power or efficiency when cooling larger spaces or areas that get particularly hot during summer months.. The AccuComfort Platinum 18 is slightly lower spec'd than its sibling at 18SEP but still operates between 55-75 dB while American Standard's Gold 16 offers 17SEP as well as low levels of sound around 72-74 dB due to its two stage compressor design– perfect for medium sized homes where quiet operation is desired without sacrificing cooling power too much.. If you're looking for even quieter operation without breaking the bank then American Standard's Silver line might be what you're looking for - starting off with Silver 15 & 15 Low Profile both offering 16 .5SEP but running quietly between 74 & 73 decibels respectively – this makes them ideal choices if you'll be installing your AC unit near living spaces such as bedrooms or living rooms that need to remain relatively quiet during operation.. Lastly there's also Silver 14 & 13 which offer slightly lower specs than other models in terms ot pure cooling power but are extremely affordable options that run very quietly between 73 & 75db respectively - making them ideal solutions if you're on tighter budget but still wish to keep things relatively quiet inside your home when running your AC unit..
Which System Is Best?
Ultimately it depends on each individual homeowner's needs when selecting an air conditioning system however based on performance/noise ratio I would suggest either Rheems Prestige series Variable Speed compressor equipped RA20 model or American Standards AccuComfort Platinum 20 depending on budget constraints as both offer excellent performance coupled with whisper quite operations even under heavy usage scenarios making these units ideal choices no matter what size space needs cooling inside
Performance Summary
| Brand | SEER Rating | Noise (in dB) |
|---|---|---|
| Rheem | 13 - 20.5 | 71 - 77 |
| American Standard | 14.5 - 22.5 | 55 - 75 |
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
Basic Maintenance and Repairs
When it comes to basic maintenance and repairs, Rheem scores a 3 on our scale of 1-5, meaning that while it is doable for a homeowner to make basic repairs, they may need to hire a professional for more complex fixes. American Standard scores 5, indicating that it is very easy for the average homeowner to handle most necessary repairs without any assistance.
Comparing the Two Brands for Homeowner Maintenance
Both brands offer quality air conditioning systems with advanced features that are relatively easy for homeowners to maintain; however, American Standard surpasses Rheem in terms of ease of maintenance. With an overall score of 5 on our scale compared to Rheem’s 3, American Standard stands out as the clear winner when it comes to making basic repairs and maintenance tasks accessible and straightforward.
Our Opinion
We believe that American Standard offers superior air conditioning systems in terms of accessibility and ease of repair. The brand's overall score of 5 on our scale indicates that any necessary tasks can be completed quickly by an average homeowner without having to enlist professional help. Therefore, we recommend selecting American Standard when purchasing an air conditioning system if you are looking for maximum convenience with minimal effort required in upkeep.
Basic Maintenance Summary
| Brand | Basic Repairs |
|---|---|
| Rheem | (3/5) |
| American Standard | (5/5) |
Comparing the two brands for reliability
Rheem and American Standard are two of the most popular air conditioning systems, but they differ significantly when it comes to reliability. On a scale of 1 to 5, Rheem scored a 2 while American Standard scored a 5—a wide gap between the two models. This indicates that homeowners believe Rheem is unreliable compared to its competitor.
Rheem's Poor Reliability Score
The low score from Rheem may be due to several factors, including an insufficient warranty period or poor customer service regarding repairs. Additionally, it could be because some units have had difficulty lasting for more than five years without needing repairs or replacement parts.
American Standard's Excellent Reliability Score
In comparison, American Standard has consistently received high ratings from customers who are satisfied with their air conditioning system’s longevity and lack of repair issues. The brand offers an extensive warranty period as well as excellent customer service in case any problems arise with their products.
Our Opinion
Based on our research and analysis, we believe that American Standard is the more reliable option when it comes to air conditioning systems. While Rheem may offer attractive features such as lower cost initially, its poor reliability score suggests that it might not last nearly as long as its competitor and require costly maintenance over time—something that should factor into your decision-making process when choosing which model is right for you.
Reliability Summary
| Brand | Reliability |
|---|---|
| Rheem | (2/5) |
| American Standard | (5/5) |
Expected Lifespan of Each Brand
The two brands of air conditioning systems, Rheem and American Standard, have distinct differences in expected lifespan—Rheem typically lasting 5-10 years before needing replacement and American Standard estimated to last 10-15 years. It is important to note that this range of timeframes is not a guarantee; the actual life expectancy can vary based on several factors such as maintenance and environment.
Lifespan Summary
| Brand | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Rheem | 5-10 years |
| American Standard | 10-15 years |
Wrapping it All Up
Based on our industry experience, feedback from customers and other HVAC technicians, here is the summary of how these two brands stack up.
| Brand | Price Range | SEER Rating | Noise (in dB) | Basic Repairs | Reliability | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem | $8,000 - $15,000 | 13 - 20.5 | 71 - 77 | (3/5) | (2/5) | 5-10 years |
| American Standard | $10,000 - $20,000 | 14.5 - 22.5 | 55 - 75 | (5/5) | (5/5) | 10-15 years |
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
What Your Neighbors Say About Us
Dallas Heating and AC are excellent. They always have someone answer the phones, they are quick to come out and repair, and reasonable rates. We use them on all our properties.
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These guys did a fantastic job all around! They were quick to respond, provided a competitive estimate, and got the work done efficiently. They replaced my over the tub ac unit and the outside condenser and fixed many issues with the previous setup.
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Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
Important Notes About The Content on This Page.
The information provided on this website page is for educational and informational purposes only. It represents the personal opinions of the owners and employees of Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning, and should not be taken as professional advice. We do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the content or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk
The information about the models offered by each manufacturer on this website page was created based on the information available on the respective manufacturers' websites in 2023. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. The information is subject to change without notice and we do not guarantee that the information provided will be up-to-date or error-free. It is important to conduct your own research and verify the information with the manufacturer before making any purchasing decisions.
Noise ratings were obtained from the manufacturers technical specifications at the time of writing, and is based on a 3 ton unit running at full speed. Variable speed compressors will run quieter at lower speeds.
The opinions expressed on this website page are based on decades of professional experience as well as feedback from homeowner and business customers. These opinions are intended to provide general information and are not intended as professional advice. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. It is important to conduct your own research and verify the information with a qualified professional before making any decisions.
