Rheem
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Prestige® Series lineup with variable-speed and high-efficiency design
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EcoNet® Smart Thermostat integration across furnace, AC, and heat pump
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Copeland™ variable-speed scroll compressors for steady comfort
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Composite base pans and optimized sound-dampening for quiet performance
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High-efficiency heat exchangers and coil designs extending service life
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Tiered product range (Value, Classic, Prestige) to suit different budgets
Daikin
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DM97MC Modulating Gas Furnace with up to 98% AFUE and Daikin ComfortNet™ control
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DX9VC Air Conditioner featuring inverter-driven compressor and up to 19 SEER2 efficiency
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DZ9VC Heat Pump offering year-round comfort with up to 19 SEER2 and 9 HSPF2
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Part of Daikin Industries, the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer
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Strong focus on inverter technology, indoor air quality, and global R&D leadership
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Industry-leading 12-year parts warranty with available unit replacement coverage
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Rheem HVAC
Rheem has earned a reputation as one of the most balanced HVAC brands – not only offering premium features but also focusing on practical reliability and wide product availability. For this review, I’m looking at three key products that represent the core of Rheem’s residential lineup: the Prestige® Series R98V Furnace for heating, the Prestige® Series RA19 Air Conditioner for cooling, and the Prestige® Series RP19 Heat Pump for year-round performance. These models represent Rheem’s higher-end offerings but are still accessible to homeowners who want advanced comfort without straying into ultra-luxury pricing. Over the years, I’ve tested multiple Rheem installs, and I’ve also heard consistent feedback from contractors and homeowners alike – their systems are seen as well-rounded, efficient, and dependable. With that said, let’s break down their performance across the eleven critical aspects
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Daikin HVAC
As the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, Daikin brings a global engineering pedigree to the U.S. residential market. Known worldwide for its ductless mini-split systems, Daikin has also invested heavily in its residential ducted lineup, blending the reliability of American furnace traditions with advanced inverter-driven cooling and heating technologies.
For this review, I’m focusing on three flagship models from Daikin’s current catalog: the DM97MC Modulating Gas Furnace, the DX9VC Air Conditioner, and the DZ9VC Heat Pump. Together, they showcase how Daikin applies its international expertise—variable-speed compressors, precise modulation, and advanced comfort controls—to traditional U.S. home HVAC systems.
In my field experience, Daikin systems often appeal to tech-forward homeowners who value cutting-edge efficiency and smart features, but also want dependable heating and cooling that fits seamlessly into ducted homes.
