Rheem Refrigerant Compatibility Guide
Find the correct refrigerant, recharge specs, and troubleshooting help for Rheem residential and light-commercial systems.
- OEM‑Accurate Refrigerant Match
- Model Lookup by Prefix
- Error Code Reference
- Fast Nationwide Shipping
Compatible Refrigerants
R‑410A
Used across most Rheem residential split systems installed over the past decade.
R-454B
Rheem's newest Prestige-series platforms are shifting to this lower-GWP refrigerant, following a joint transition program with Chemours.
R‑22
Older Rheem/Ruud-era units may still run R-22.
Model Lookup table
| Model Prefix | Series | Refrigerant | Typical Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| RA16 / RA17 | Classic Series | R-410A | 1.5–5 Ton |
| RA20 (newest) | Prestige Series | R-410A / R-454B | 2–5 Ton |
| RKNL | Commercial Packaged | R‑410A | 3–25 Ton |
| 13AJM | Legacy Split System | R‑22 | 1.5–5 Ton |
Error Code table
| Code | Meaning | Refrigerant‑Related? |
|---|---|---|
| 2 flashes | Low pressure switch open | Yes check charge & leaks |
| 4 flashes | High pressure switch open | Yes check overcharge/airflow |
| 7 flashes | Open compressor high-temp switch | Possibly confirm charge first |
Rheem's Path to R-454B: Puron vs. Puron Advance
Rheem publicly partnered with Chemours on its A2L rollout, running its own webinar series confirming it's following the Opteon/R-454B path alongside the rest of the industry.
R-410A vs. R-454B on Rheem Equipment
Classic-series equipment remains on standard R-410A, while the newest RA20 Prestige-series platform is built for R-454B. As with other brands running a tiered rollout, equipment age alone isn't a reliable indicator the specific series matters more.
Rheem and Ruud Shared Parent, Shared Refrigerant Path
Rheem's sister brand Ruud follows the identical refrigerant rollout timeline, since both brands share manufacturing and engineering under the same parent company.
Legacy R-22 Rheem/Ruud Systems
Older Rheem and Ruud residential systems built before the mid-2010s commonly still run R-22 and depend on reclaimed supply for continued service, the same as any other legacy brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the model number prefix against the lookup table above, or read the dataplate directly Rheem's newest Prestige-series equipment uses R-454B.
Yes all three names refer to the same R-454B refrigerant, just branded differently by Carrier and Chemours respectively. Rheem generally uses the generic name.
Yes, both brands share the same parent company and refrigerant rollout timeline.
Two flashes indicates a low pressure switch has opened, usually from an undercharge or leak.
Servicing a Rheem System Today?
In-stock R-410A and R-454B ship same day from our nationwide network.