Rheem Gas Furnace Manual PDF

The Rheem Gas Furnace is a high-efficiency heating system designed for residential use, featuring advanced combustion technology, multiple safety controls, variable-speed blower motors, and energy-saving operation modes. Available in various models with different BTU capacities, these furnaces provide reliable heating performance with AFUE ratings up to 98%. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation Requirements 3. First-Time Setup 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Venting and Combustion Air 7. Operating Instructions 8. Maintenance Procedures 9. Safety Features 10. Regulatory Compliance 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heat exchanger, burners, inducer motor, blower assembly, gas valve, control board, flame sensor, pressure switches, and thermostat connections.

FeatureDescription
Heat ExchangerStainless steel construction for durability and efficiency
Variable Speed BlowerAdjusts airflow for optimal comfort and energy savings
Electronic IgnitionHot surface igniter for reliable startup
Multi-speed InducerEnsures proper venting and combustion
Control BoardMicroprocessor-based for precise operation
Safety SwitchesPressure and limit switches for protection
Gas ValveModulating or two-stage for precise heat control
Flame SensorMonitors burner operation
Thermostat ConnectionsCompatible with standard 24V systems
AFUE RatingUp to 98% annual fuel utilization efficiency

Installation Requirements

Professional installation required. Verify local codes and obtain permits.

  1. Location: Install in approved spaces with proper clearances and combustion air.
  2. Gas Connection: Use black iron pipe with proper sizing and leak testing.
  3. Electrical: 120V AC power with proper grounding and disconnect.
  4. Venting: Category IV PVC or approved metal venting system.
  5. Drain Lines: Condensate drainage to approved location.

WARNING! Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide; improper installation can be deadly. Use qualified HVAC technicians only.

First-Time Setup

Initial startup must be performed by qualified technician.

  1. Verify installation: Check all connections, clearances, and venting.
  2. Gas pressure: Set manifold pressure to specifications on rating plate.
  3. Electrical: Verify proper voltage and thermostat wiring.
  4. Startup sequence: Follow manufacturer's startup procedure.
  5. System check: Verify proper operation of all safety controls.

CAUTION! Never bypass safety controls. Always test carbon monoxide detectors after installation.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Settings

Integrated control board with LED status lights and diagnostic codes.

Thermostat Settings: Heat/Cool/Auto, Fan On/Auto, Temperature setpoints.

Control Board: Status LED (green=normal, red=fault), diagnostic flash codes, dip switch settings for blower speeds, gas heat staging, and accessory control. Blower Speeds: Cooling, heating, and continuous fan settings adjustable via dip switches. Limit Controls: Manual reset high limit switches, rollout switches, pressure switches.

Venting and Combustion Air

Proper venting critical for safe operation. Category IV systems use PVC pipe.

  1. Vent Pipe: Schedule 40 PVC, CPVC, or ABS depending on local codes.
  2. Clearances: Maintain required distances from combustible materials.
  3. Terminations: Roof or sidewall with proper bird screens and caps.
  4. Combustion Air: Provide adequate fresh air for proper combustion.
  5. Slope: Horizontal runs slope 1/4" per foot toward furnace.

Tip: Always verify vent system integrity with manometer test.

Operating Instructions

Normal operation controlled by thermostat settings.

  1. Thermostat Setting: Set to HEAT mode and desired temperature.
  2. Startup Sequence: Inducer motor starts, pressure switch proves, igniter heats, gas valve opens.
  3. Flame Establishment: Flame sensor confirms ignition, main burners operate.
  4. Blower Operation: Blower starts after heat exchanger warm-up delay.
  5. Shutdown: Thermostat satisfied, gas valve closes, blower runs for cool-down.
  6. Continuous Fan: FAN ON setting provides constant air circulation.

WARNING! Never operate with access panels removed. Keep area around furnace clear.

Maintenance Procedures

Annual professional maintenance recommended for safety and efficiency.

  1. Air Filter: Replace every 1-3 months depending on usage.
  2. Burner Inspection: Clean burners and check flame pattern.
  3. Heat Exchanger: Inspect for cracks or corrosion.
  4. Blower Assembly: Clean blower wheel and housing.
  5. Drain System: Clear condensate lines and trap.
  6. Electrical: Check connections and component operation.
  7. Gas System: Test gas pressure and leak check.

CAUTION! Turn off gas and electrical power before servicing.

Safety Features

Multiple safety systems protect against hazardous conditions.

Safety DeviceFunction
Flame Rollout SwitchesDetect improper burner combustion
High Limit SwitchesPrevent overheating of heat exchanger
Pressure SwitchesVerify proper inducer operation and venting
Flame SensorConfirms burner ignition within trial period
Gas ValveAutomatic shutoff if flame not detected
Ignition ControlLimited trial for ignition with automatic lockout

Regulatory Compliance

UL listed and ANSI Z21.47 compliant. Meets U.S. Department of Energy efficiency standards. Installation must comply with National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54, National Electrical Code NFPA 70, and local building codes. Manufactured by Rheem Manufacturing Company. For technical support, visit www.rheem.com or contact 1-800-432-8373.

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Furnace won't startPower, thermostat, safety lockoutCheck circuit breaker, thermostat settings, reset switch
No heatGas supply, igniter, flame sensorVerify gas valve on, check igniter operation, clean flame sensor
Short cyclingDirty filter, limit switchReplace air filter, check for blocked vents/registers
Blower won't stopThermostat fan settingCheck thermostat FAN setting (ON vs AUTO)
Lockout conditionSafety device trippedCheck diagnostic lights, reset power, call for service
Unusual noisesBlower, inducer, ductworkInspect blower wheel, motor bearings, duct connections

Reset Procedure: Turn thermostat to OFF, turn off power for 30 seconds, restore power, set thermostat to HEAT.

Service: 1-800-432-8373; www.rheem.com - Use qualified HVAC technicians only.

Rheem Gas Furnace Manual PDF © - All Rights Reserved 2025