[Boufeaux]

I have a 2000 sq foot home and about four years ago, I had to replace the unit outside. It was a Rheem: Model RPFB036JAS, Serial #4390M44900721. I was told this was a 4 ton unit. The company that installed the new unit told me they were replacing it with a 4 ton unit. I have had nothing but repair after repair ever since. Then one a/c man told me that what was installed was not a 4 ton unit, but a 3 ton unit. The company who installed it told me this is incorrect. My receipt says it's a 3.5 ton unit, model RPKA 035JAZ, serial #M380304621, and that it's a rheem.


The year after this company replaced the condenser, another company replaced the air handler and they replaced it with a Trane air handler. I have just been told by a couple a/c repairman ( I have had over $1500 in repairs since these two units were replaced), that 1) I am supposed to have a four ton unit for the square footage of my house, 2) that the unit installed is a 3 ton, not a 3.5 or 4 ton unit, and 3) that the Trane air handler is not compatible with the Rheem condenser, and this is the reason my unit outside keeps burning up.

Neither company returned my calls after they installed the units.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Phoebe

[hvac1000]

Call

Air Conditioning Products
Fort Smith
5600 Old Greenwood Road
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903
(479) 646-4311

Web site

Rheem Manufacturing Company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces, Air Handlers and Commercial HVAC products.

From the model number you provided it looks like a 3 ton or 36,000 BTU unit.

You have a mess on your hands.
I would call Rheem at the number above and ask them for a bit of help with your situation. They might know a VERY good contractor in your area that will look your situation over for you and tell you the truth. The serial number you posted also looks like the unit is much older than you think.

Good luck.

[Boufeaux]

Thank you for the response. I know I am going to have to go to small claims court, because neither of these companies will return calls. My receipts for the unit outside all say it is a 3.5 ton unit, which I guess from the model/serial number, it isn't. I called Trane and they told me that their air handler is definitely not compatible with the rheem unit. As a single mother, I no longer trust repairmen coming to my house and being honest with me.

[hvac1000]

You just ran into a couple of bad repair people. They are in all aspects of life so it is always wise to shop around as in getting 2 or 3 estimates and also checking with the BBB. I hope all turns out well.