The Rheem Classic series of heat pumps are single-stage heat pumps. The RPNL-JAZ units have a SEER of 13, while the RPQL units have a SEER of up to 15.5. Both are suitable for residential and light commercial applications. The Classic series heat pumps use a now-standard refrigerant that contains no chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) or hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC’s), which can sometimes leak and harm the environment.
The cabinet of the Rheem Classic series is made of galvanized steel and has been salt spray tested to ensure durability. The equipment is designed with a low profile and discharges air from the top. The top of the cabinet is stainless steel and can be removed for service.
Worked fine first year. Year two summertime, quit working. $150. Service call. Major parts replaced. Now February, outside temp 47f inside temp 61f. Heat pump not working. Needs another service call. After this time if it gives me trouble I will replace with a Mitsubishi like I should have. No more American crap engineering for me.
J. Smith
Tennessee
"Rheem does not stand by its product."
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
Put in air conditioner/furnace in 2010. In March 2016 had to spend $990 for labor and again in 2016 October was told it was going to cost another $900. Rheem does not stand by its product. They are hard to get ahold of. The customer service number is 479-648-4900 and they just go around in circles saying the warranty only pays for parts and the repairmen are just independent contractors. I will never buy another Rheem product.
Carolyn Stephens
Phoenix, AZ
"Buyer beware"
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
We had two Classic series # RPNL-049JAZ and RQRM-P1036JK heat pump units installed with our new home on July 04, 2011. Since that time, both units have repeatedly failed due to issues associated with the compressor, fan motor, leaky tubing, bad control boards, and the like. Although Rheem provided some of the parts associated with these repairs, each time we paid for labor and the $500 worth of Freon necessary to get the units running. Good luck getting a Rheem service representative either over the phone or at the site to stand by their product. We are on a first name basis with the service technician and I shudder each time we move the thermostat a couple of degrees fearing the units will fail again. Stay far away from Rheem HVAC units as you are better off with a couple of fans.
T. Steiner
Madison, AL
"Highly recommended heat pump and why!"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
We have a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, full kitchen, dining room, sitting room, and entertainment room. We upgraded our heating system from kerosene to central heat. The heat pump that we chose has proven to be an excellent choice. The Rheem Classic heat pump has precise temperature accuracy. We have had the system for two winters now and with each year there were no issues, and I expect the same this winter as well. We have not had to make any repairs and it has never malfunctioned in any way. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a durable, trustworthy heat pump to keep their family and themselves warm in the most bitter cold and any inclement weather. It is energy efficient as well, which is good news for your budget. What I like most about it is that it warms the house equally and efficiently and does so quietly and without putting a strain on our finances. I have no complaints so far. I have already recommended to family and friends. Here is my chance to inform others of this quality product.
Edenton, NC
"My unit works great"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
I had 2 systems put in and they work great! My HVAC man told me that the operation of a heat pump depended more on the man who installed it rather than the brand and model selected. I let my AC man design my duct work and install my 2 systems and I could not be more pleased with the way they work. He was right. The skill of your air conditioning man is more important than the brand or model. A poorly installed model will cause any brand to fail.
Three posters on viewpoints.com give Rheem heat pumps high ratings for efficiency and quiet operation. An owner writes on doityourself.com that his Rheem heat pump will not turn on. He receives replies about trying a reset button on the outside, or calling a technician to evaluate the refrigerant level. Problems are sometimes also caused by ants and other insects that get between the electrical contact points and this can lead to the unit not working.
An author on guidetofurnaces.com praises the Rheem heat pump warranty.
Rheem Classic Model Numbers
The Classic is available in different models which vary in efficiency and capacity.
Model Number
SEER / HSPF
BTUs per Hour
RPQL-018JAZ
15.5 / 9.5
0
RPQL-024JAZ
15 / 9
0
RPQL-030JAZ
15.5 / 9
0
RPQL-036JAZ
15.5 / 10
0
RPQL-042JAZ
15.5 / 9.5
0
RPQL-048JAZ
15 / 9
0
RPQL-060JAZ
14.5 / 9.5
0
RQPM-A036CK
14 / 8
0
RQPM-A036JK
14 / 8
0
RQPM-A048CK
14 / 8
0
RQPM-A048JK
14 / 8
0
Classic Warranty
Rheem offers the following warranty for the Classic series heat pump:
Ten-year limited parts warranty
Ten years for the compressor
Limited parts warranty for five years
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