Rheem vs Gibson AC prices, pros and cons

• Do you like this article?
• Tweet

Rheem and Gibson are major air conditioning manufacturers specializing in residential and commercial home-cooling products. Are they right for you? Read on to find out.

Get free quotes on Rheem vs Gibson ACs today!

Quality

Both Rheem and Gibson produce high-quality air conditioners. While Rheem products are made with steel and a variety of other durable metals, Gibson products are typically made of various plastics and encased in a steel cage for protection.

A major factor in the Rheem vs. Gibson AC debate is air conditioner quality, which is highly influenced by a product's seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more capable the product is of circulating air throughout the home quickly, powerfully and without draining a significant amount of energy.

Gibson products have a SEER range of 13 to 16. Rheem HVAC units begin at 16 SEER, the upper end of Gibson's range, and go up to 19.5.

In terms of power, Rheem offers more options, but the products that match in terms of SEER rating are comparable in overall quality.

Variety

When it comes to Rheem vs. Gibson AC products in terms of quality, Gibson has a fairly limited product selection to choose from, specializing in basic units without many bells and whistles.

Rheem has six major home-cooling product lines, each of which offers at least two product models for variety. In addition to a wider SEER range, Rheem also offers more variety in terms of features, including:

• Temperature-control systems.
• Digital touch screen thermostats.
• And an onboard, diagnostic LED display panel for the company's pricier Prestige line.

Air conditioner prices

Gibson really shows its competitive edge when it comes to price. While Rheem offers more variety and more powerful options in its pricier lines, Gibson is known for having stellar quality for such a reasonably priced AC product.

It's impossible to determine the exact price of an AC unit because the AC price is only part of the total amount. You must also factor in labor and installation as well.

You should receive a free in-home estimate before you actually hire a contractor to do the work. Your contractor can also provide you with more information about the standard 10-year protection plans offered by both Gibson and Rheem.

Overall comparison

Rheem pros

• Quiet.
• Wide SEER range.
• Energy Star rated.
• Steel construction.

Rheem cons

• Price.
• Bulky.
• Installation costs.
• Limited product protection.

Gibson pros

• Affordable.
• High quality.
• Energy Star rated.
• Both commercial and residential lines.

Gibson cons

• Limited variety.
• Small range of SEER options.
• Less durable.
• Basic features only.

In an overall comparison of Rheem vs. Gibson AC lines, the final decision comes down to personal preference. While Gibson produces very efficient units with remarkably low price points, Rheem offers superior construction quality and much higher SEER ratings. Get free estimates from local contractors who can also help you make the final decision between these two very different but solid brands.