Rheem Classic Plus Series – R96P Review
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AFUE:Up to 96%
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ENERGY STAR ®:No
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Burner Type:Dual Stage
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Blower Type:Variable Speed
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Warranty Score:
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Overall Grade:
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Price:$4,585 - $5,670
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BTU Output:41,000 - 109,000
In order to help homeowners shop for furnaces and air conditioners, we developed our own proprietary algorithms which weigh a range of criteria and factors to provide an easy-to-compare grade (e.g. B-, A+, etc).
Warranty Grade: It can be difficult to know which brands and models offer the best warranty coverage, particularly because a lot of the key details are hidden in dense warranty documents filled with hard to understand legalese. Thankfully for you, we’ve carefully studied them and created this grading system to account for things like the length AND quality of their guarantee, coverage restrictions and more!
Overall Grade: This grade weighs key factors like efficiency, ENERGY STAR certification, comfort, noise level (for A/Cs), our warranty grade, and more.
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The Rheem Classic Plus series is a mid-tier furnace. The R96P delivers a solid, consistent performance over a long term. It has an AFUE rating of 95%-96%, which is quite energy efficient and can help reduce your utility bills.
This unit provides a two-stage operation that adjusts speed according to weather conditions. It primarily operates at low speeds but will switch to higher grade during frigid weather. This saves energy while maintaining consistent temperature indoors.
In a Nutshell
Average Price (installed): $4,585 - $5,670
Top Features
- PSC Motor
- 96% residential gas furnace CSA certified
- PlusOne™ Diagnostics
- PlusOne™ Ignition System with DSI
- PlusOne™ Water Management System that detects drain blockages
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for steady performance without burning a hole in your pocket, this mid-range furnace is a good option. The two-stage multi-speed PSC motor provides consistent heating without any cold spots. Efficient airflow reduces noise by 20% without compromising the quality of heating. With a 95%-96% AFUE rating, you might be able to use the local utility rebate programs as well.
In Depth Review
Rheem Classic Plus Series R96P Specifications
- Sub-models available: R96PA0402317MSA, R96PA0602317MSA, R96PA0702317MSA, R96PA0852521MSA, R96PA1002521MSA, R96PA1152524MSA
- BTU input: 42,000 - 112,000
- BTU output: 41,000 - 109,000
- Compressor type: Two Stage, Multi-Speed PSC
- ENERGY STAR ® Rated
Durable Construction
The Rheem Classic Plus Series R96P is built to last. With a primary construction of aluminized steel and secondary construction of stainless steel, it has superior corrosion resistance in different kinds of weather. Your unit will last for a very long time.
PlusOne Systems
The unit comes with Rheem’s patented PlusOne® Ignition System with Direct Spark Ignition. This system creates ignition without the need of a pilot light, which means it is much more reliable. The PlusOne® Water Management System has a patented Blocked Drain Sensor that immediately detects a blocked drain and shuts off the furnace. This helps to prevent water spills and any damage caused.
Easy Maintenance
The system is designed for easy installation and maintenance, which also helps reduce your overall cost burden. You can save money on installation costs because experienced professionals can do this easily and quickly. The heat exchanger is removable so it is easy to repair or replace it. This unit also comes with PlusOne® Diagnostics 7-Segment LED for quick service calls.
Other Key Features
- 4-way Multipoise design
- A blower Shelf design that can handle all furnace orientation options
- Removable heat exchanger for better repair or replacement
Warranty Information
This unit comes with a Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts limited conditional warranty. Registration is required to gain the benefits provided by the warranty, extend it, or use other Rheem customer service options. You will only get a basic warranty if you don’t register.
Comparable Models by Rheem
Model Comparison by Lower Price
The Rheem Classic Plus Series R95P is a more affordable alternative to the R96P. This unit has a 95% AFUE rating so it will reduce the cost of your utility bills. This is a single-stage multi-position unit, which means it won’t heat as uniformly as the R96P but it does a reasonable job.
Model Comparison by Features
The Rheem Classic Plus Series R96T has a Two Stage, Constant-Torque ECM and comes with a clear 96% AFUE rating. The two-stage operation offers more consistent heating and ensures the room doesn’t have any cold spots. It is slightly more energy-efficient compared to the R96P but most features are similar.
Model Comparison by Premium Tier
If you’re willing to splurge a little, consider a furnace from the Prestige Series. The R96V has a variable speed blower along with a two-stage operation with ECM. This design will spread heat more evenly and maintain better indoor temperature than the Classic Plus Series R96T. The unit comes with an ENERGY STAR rating and a 96% AFUE rating as well.