I replaced my Goodman furnace with a used Rheem Criterion furnace recently. The heat output has been outstanding but now that it's getting warmer, I have yet to enjoy the benefits of the air conditioner outside because I can't get it to come on. I thought that I wired it improperly so I've spent the greater part of the day re-wiring this thing and can't seem to get it right.
The fan works, the heater lights up (fires and heats) but the air conditioner just sits there.. no noise... nothing.
I've wired it to a RiteTemp 8029 thermostat and the final wiring scenerio I've landed on is:
RC jumped to RH - red
W-W
Y-Y
G-G
The Rheem Criterion gas furnace is wired:
G=G thermostat
W=W thermostat
R=R thermostat
C= (blue) to blackish green a/c

I am at my wits end at this point. I'm wondering if I'm spinning my wheels for nothing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

Make the thermostat call for cooling,go out side to the a/c, check for a red button below or around the refrigeration lines on the unit. Push it in(its a high pressure switch). What happens? Did you use Y=yellow at the furnace?

Just checked the outside unit. Could not locate any buttons (red or otherwise) on the outside or the inside of the unit.

Sorry I missed that last part... :) Yellow is connected to the thermostat (y post) and the clay colored wire (thought it was discolored yellow) to the a/c. By the way, thank you for the lightening fast response!

Did you use the same color wires at t-stat and furnace going to AC unit? Y-cooling, C- common. Is the breaker on going to the unit and is the disconnect on at the unit (240 volt power)? I know it sounds dumb but it helps us narrow it down.

Smart questions, not dumb at all. I've got red thermostat, red heater and red a/c connected together with cap then white thermostat connected to clay (white, yellow?) a/c... Breaker is on and the disconnect in on... Glad you mentioned that because I left out those red wires in my question...

If you have a RC and a RH on the T-stat you have to have a jumper between them.

Goodness I'm sorry... The clay colored a/c wire is connected to my yellow t-stat wire... I've been at this so long today I'm seeing double :)

The jumper is installed to Rh/Rc

Jumper R to Y at the t-stat does the ac run?

Jumpered R to Y on t-stat and still nada. I did this while keeping the jumper on Rc/Rh as well. Is this correct?

Jumpered R to Y on t-stat but still nothing. I did this while keeping the other jumper on Rh/Rc. Is this correct?

Jumper R to Y at the furnace. To do this you may have to tape down the door switch so power will be on.

I replaced my Goodman furnace with a used Rheem Criterion furnace recently. The heat output has been outstanding but now that it's getting warmer, I have yet to enjoy the benefits of the air conditioner outside because I can't get it to come on. I thought that I wired it improperly so I've spent the greater part of the day re-wiring this thing and can't seem to get it right.
The fan works, the heater lights up (fires and heats) but the air conditioner just sits there .. no noise ... nothing.
I've wired it to a RiteTemp 8029 thermostat and the final wiring scenerio I've landed on is:
RC jumped to RH - red
W-W
Y-Y
G-G
The Rheem Criterion gas furnace is wired:
G=G thermostat
W=W thermostat
R=R thermostat
C= (blue) to blackish green a/c

I am at my wits end at this point. I'm wondering if I'm spinning my wheels for nothing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ...
You need more info.. not thermostat, but thermostat fan, thermostat 24v, thermostat common... etc. Look at the schematics that will tell what the low voltage hookups are.
(I.e. R=24vac, G=blower fan, Y=cool to A/C, C= common, W= heat, B= Blu fan relay)
Let us know... nm:)

Wow... Still not doing anything.

You have no power at A/C unit,broke 24 volt wire from furnace to A/C or open high pressure or low pressure switch on A/C. Do you have a volt meter and know how to use it?

Wow ... Still not doing anything.

Need the info of what the stat and furnace strip designators are defined as.. . nm:D

You're awesome. That's what I was thinking when I wired it for the 50th time. You have ended the torture... Now I can move in a more rewarding direction. I will test the wires in the morning. I really appreciate all of your time tonight!

Need the info of what the stat and furnace strip designators are defined as. ...nm:D

Hi T-Top, If the common is not connected to the A/C, then the interlock and jumpers from red to yellow will not work.

You have no power at A/C unit,broke 24 volt wire from furnace to A/C or open high pressure or low pressure switch on A/C. Do you have a volt meter and know how to use it?

I am sure it is one of the above. Ttop is new here, but I have yet to see a wrong answer. Looks like he is going to be a good addition to Northern Heat.


To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.

Update: I tried a different themostat (Honeywell) and I'm now enjoying all of the benefits of my heater and air conditioner. Thank you all so much for all of your help!