Some common problems with Rheem air conditioner evaporator coils including those in RA14, RA16, and RP16 heat pump models include refrigerant leaks due to formicary corrosion and manufacturing issues. First, formicary corrosion causing pinhole leaks is most common problem for Rheem and all brands with copper coils after 5 to 8 years, where volatile organic compounds from household cleaners, paints, and off-gassing from new construction create formic acid that eats tiny pinholes in copper tubing, causing low refrigerant charge, poor cooling with temperature split less than 15 degrees instead of normal 18 to 22 degrees, and ice buildup on coil, repair costs 600 to 1,200 dollars including coil replacement at 400 to 900 dollars plus recharge at 100 to 300 dollars. Second, Rheem had some coil leak issues in 2010s with thinner copper, though improved after 2018 with better coating. Third, dirty coil due to lack of filter changes causing dust buildup that blocks airflow, reduces efficiency by 10 to 20 percent, and causes coil to freeze over, fix by cleaning coil with foaming cleaner and changing filter every 2 to 3 months. Fourth, condensate drain pan rusting and overflow causing water leak onto furnace and ceiling damage, especially with older Rheem coils. Fifth, improper installation with coil too small for outdoor unit causing poor efficiency. Regular maintenance with coil cleaning twice yearly and keeping filter clean prevents most coil problems and extends life to 15 years.
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