Speaking as a homeowner, I've had great experience with Rheem products.

I just replaced my 20 year old furnace and airconditioner (Rheem builders grade) with top of the line Rheem equipment.

The original installation wasn't the greatest (I always say the duct system was designed and installed by drunks). However, both units were still running and had never had professional service. I just decided I wanted to replace them on my schedule, rather than have a failure during the height of heating/cooling season.

After researching for over a year, I had decided that I wanted a Rheem Modulating furnace. I chose that model because my (then) current furnace was vastly oversized, was extremely loud, and caused uncomfortable temperature swings (which drove me up the wall).

The new furnace runs longer (although mostly at lower firing rates) and all but eliminates the temperature swings.

I combined that with a 2 stage a/c which runs mostly in 1st stage (better humidity control).

Since you are adding on, it is most important that the equipment be sized properly. Demand that your HVAC contractor give you a printed copy of Manual J. Manual D would also be nice, since your going to be modifying/adding to your ductwork. Good luck with that, as I had interviewed 12 contractors, none of which would do one. Had to do my own.

As far as zoning is concerned, I'm not sure if there is a controller that will work with that furnace. It would be nice though, if it is possible to zone, the furnace can easily adjust firing rate (and CFMs) according to changes in load.

While I have no problem with Rheem equipment, you need to be confident that your contractor will do a top rate installation. This is most important.

V

Yup, they are great products. To me, the Mod is the best heating furnace on the market. Our customers love it. Zoning is an issue because nothing out there takes advantage of the modulating feature. You can use it as a 3 stage furnace with a good zone panel that does staging.

Also reread the last paragraph of the previous post. Hard to find good dealers.

Now you can Zone a Modulating furnace and maintain full modulating capability. I invented a control interface that allows this to become a reality.

Allow me to explain the proccess:

There is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) signal output from certain thermostats that control the firing rate of the Rheem/Ruud Modulating Furnace.

The "PWM" signal can vary depending the temperature difference from the set point of the thermostat to actual room temperature. Typically it varies from 350 to 950 million pulses per second which determines the firing rate of the furnace

This signal, presently, can not be controlled by any device on the market except for the "Four Zone Modulating Furnace Interface Board". Without this board on a Rheem/Ruud Modulating Furnace Zoned system, or any furnace that utilizes a "PWM" signal, the system is incapable to attaining Full Modulating capability due to the "V" signal from the thermostats cannot be combined together to one input to the furnace because each thermostat, typically, outputs a different "PWM" signal at different times and will cause the furnace to error out or not function at all in Modulation mode, or may not function at all.

If interested contact:
RAN Diversified Technologies at 209-323-4436 and leave a message or email randivtech@gmail.com