What are the most common problems with Rheem furnaces including R92 single stage, R96V two-stage variable speed, and R98V modulating include igniter failure, flame sensor dirty, and pressure switch issues similar to other brands. First, hot surface igniter failure after 5 to 8 years is most common, igniter is silicon carbide element that glows orange to light gas, cracks due to thermal stress, causing furnace not lighting, showing error code 201 or 1 flash on control board LED, replace igniter at 100 to 200 dollars, easy DIY with power off. Second, flame sensor dirty causing furnace to light then shut off after 5 seconds, showing error with 2 flashes, flame sensor is metal rod in burner flame that detects flame, gets coated with carbon, fix by cleaning with fine sandpaper. Third, pressure switch failure showing 3 flashes, pressure switch does not close due to blocked vent pipe with bird nest or ice, clogged condensate drain for high efficiency 90 percent plus furnaces causing water backup, or failed draft inducer motor at 300 to 600 dollars. Fourth, dirty air filter causing high limit switch to trip and shut off furnace due to overheating, replace filter every 2 to 3 months. Fifth, blower motor failure after 12 to 15 years at 400 to 700 dollars. Sixth, control board failure after 12 to 15 years at 300 to 600 dollars. Regular maintenance with annual tune-up at 100 to 150 dollars prevents most problems. Service rates around 9 to 12 percent indicate decent reliability.
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