Rheem Manufacturing Company is one of the largest manufacturers of heating, cooling, and water heating products, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1925 by Richard and Donald Rheem in San Francisco, Rheem began manufacturing water heaters in the 1930s (coast-to-coast distribution by 1936). Key milestones: glass-lined tank (1954), Rheemaire central AC system (1956), Ruud acquisition (1959), first scroll compressor rollout (1994), first 14 SEER condensing unit (1997), first hybrid heat pump water heater (2009). America's #1 water-heating brand.
Product Lines
- Residential HVAC: Central AC, heat pumps, air handlers, furnaces, ductless mini-splits; Classic, Classic Plus, and Prestige series
- Commercial HVAC: Rooftop units, commercial split systems, light commercial equipment
- Residential Water Heaters: Storage tank gas and electric, tankless (gas and electric), hybrid heat pump (UEF 3.0+)
- Commercial Water Heaters: High-capacity storage, commercial tankless, condensing and non-condensing gas
- Solar water heating systems and hydronic products
- Raypak: pool/spa heaters and commercial hydronic boilers (Rheem subsidiary)
- Ruud: parallel HVAC and water heating brand (acquired 1959)
- EcoNet: smart home control platform for Rheem heating, cooling, and water heating equipment
Why Contractors Specify Rheem
- Single-vendor HVAC and water heating coverage for residential heating, cooling, and hot water
- Product range from builder-grade to high-efficiency across all categories
- Technology firsts: hybrid heat pump water heater (2009), scroll compressors across lineup (1994), 14 SEER (1997)
- EcoNet smart platform integrates HVAC and water heater control in one residential interface
- National contractor support, technical assistance, broad parts and warranty infrastructure
How to Choose Rheem Products
Residential HVAC: select split system, packaged, or ductless per Manual J load; Classic (standard efficiency), Classic Plus or Prestige (higher SEER/AFUE). Water heater: match energy source (gas/electric/heat pump), storage capacity, and efficiency tier. Hybrid heat pump water heater for highest efficiency and rebate eligibility. Commercial water heating: size to peak hourly demand; condensing or non-condensing gas per venting configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Founded? 1925 by Richard and Donald Rheem in San Francisco; water heaters since 1930s.
- #1 water heater brand? Yes. America's #1 water-heating brand.
- Hybrid heat pump water heater? Heat pump extracts heat from air to heat water; UEF 3.0+ vs. 0.9 for electric resistance. First introduced 2009 by Rheem/Ruud.
- What is EcoNet? Rheem's smart home control platform for HVAC and water heating monitoring, scheduling, and diagnostics from a smartphone.
- Brands owned? Ruud (HVAC and water heating, acquired 1959) and Raypak (hydronic boilers and pool heaters).