Rheem Air Conditioner Repair Guide & Error Codes

Our extensive Rheem Air Conditioner Repair Guide will help you troubleshoot many issues related to your Rheem air conditioner, from replacing your air filter to common problems!

Please note, the following is for informational purposes only. Any servicing you attempt is at your own risk.

Rheem At a Glance

When you purchase a Rheem air conditioner, it’s important to take care of it properly to get the most efficient operation and longest life from the unit. Today we’ll tell you about the common maintenance and repair issues you might encounter with your Rheem cooling system.

Check out our Rheem Air Conditioner Review >>

What’s Wrong With Your Air Conditioner?

Common Air Conditioner Problems and Troubleshooting

Remember to turn your a/c completely off before opening it up to look around or attempt any fix.

Not cooling properly?

This could be something as simple as a thermostat setting, but it could also be that the unit isn’t the right size for your home, or that the refrigerant is low. Signs that the refrigerant is low include the unit blowing hot air, bubbling or hissing noises, ice on the refrigerant line, and fluctuating temperatures.

Compressor won’t run?

When there’s a problem with the compressor, there are many possible causes, including low refrigerant, too much refrigerant, a loose connection, low voltage, and defective contactor or capacitor.

Bad smells?

Air conditioner filters can absorb odours from your home, such as smells from cooking or smoke and distribute them throughout the house. The easiest way to fix this problem is to change the filter regularly.

Reduced airflow?

This is likely caused by a dirty or clogged filter, and can be fixed by changing the filter.

Won’t run at all?

There are many potential causes for this problem, including defective control board, power problems, thermostat settings, bad wiring, and high- or low-pressure control problems.

Leaking water?

One possible cause of this is the drain pan is full because of a clog, and the leak can cause damage to the unit. If you do notice water leaking, the drain line may need to be unclogged.

Coil problems?

Condenser coils can get dirty and need to be cleaned once a year, whereas evaporator coils can be damaged by corrosion and should be serviced every three years.

Rheem Air Conditioner Error Codes

Note that these error codes may or may not be accurate or apply to your system. Each manufacturer has a range of different sensor and error codes used for different model lines and these may differ from one model series, production run, region, and may have been updated at any time. This not a comprehensive list and these are for informational purposes only. Any use of them is at your own risk.

Error Codes

Rheem Air Conditioner Repair Costs

The cost to repair a Rheem air conditioner will typically be in the $250 to $1,000+ range depending on what is being fixed. This factors in the cost for a technician to diagnose the problem, and the cost of parts and labour to fix the issue.

Your unit may be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, which would cover parts, as well as the labour warranty if applicable, which usually comes from the company that installed it. That’s why choosing a reliable HVAC contractor that offers great warranty coverage is so important.

You can use our AC repair cost calculator to get an idea of the cost.

When to Get a Technician for Air Conditioner Repairs

While you can address some air conditioner maintenance and problems yourself, some require help from a licensed technician. A few of these problems include:

• Unit is operating erratically
• There’s a problem with the compressor or coils
• You smell burning coming from the unit
• Unit won’t run or cool properly, and it’s not because of a thermostat setting
• Circuit breaker keeps tripping, or power fuse keeps blowing
• Power cord is damaged or getting hot
• Refrigerant Leaks
• Unit is making loud and strange sounds
• Wiring or electrical problems
• Unit is leaking, or water is dripping onto it

If you encounter any of these problems or suspect them, you should turn the unit off right away and don’t turn it back on until it’s been serviced by a licensed technician.

Who to Call For Air Conditioner Repairs

When your air conditioner breaks down or requires maintenance or repairs, it’s important to seek help to ensure your comfort and to keep the unit in good working order. But if you don’t know who to trust for air conditioner maintenance, then choosing the right HVAC company can be daunting.

To help you find the right technician, we’ve created an independent HVAC contractor certified partners page that can help you find a company that has all the right licenses and insurance, a good reputation, experience in the field, and more.

Rheem’s Warranty Coverage

New Rheem air conditioners are all protected by a warranty that could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on repair costs. The warranty terms depend on the model of your cooling system.

Air conditioners in Rheem’s prestige series come with a 10-year limited parts warranty. Models from their Classic series come with a 5-year limited parts warranty, as well as a 10-year conditional parts warranty. To be eligible for the limited warranty, certain conditions must be met regarding registration, installation, and ownership.

Protect your Rheem air conditioner: Register and access your Rheem A/C warranty here

How to Replace Your Air Filter

Rheem recommends replacing your air conditioner filter every 90 days, and this will ensure the best air quality in your home, save you money, maximize the unit’s efficiency, and guarantee you get the most years from your air conditioner. Here’s a quick guide to help you through the process of changing the filter:

• Shut off power to the unit to avoid getting a shock
• Find the filter, which is usually found in the return air duct
• Remove the old filter by sliding it out of the slot
• Replace the filter with a new one by using the arrows printed on the filter
• Turn the unit back on