RHEEM PRESTIGE SERIES RA20 Noise

Condenser Fan Motor (ECM)

The RA20 uses a variable-speed ECM which relies on internal ball bearings to handle varying torque loads. Over time, the grease within these bearings can dissipate or become contaminated, leading to increased radial play and mechanical grinding. Because this motor controls the fan's RPM precisely via an integrated inverter, any mechanical resistance in the bearings also causes electrical resonance that manifests as a loud 'thrumming' or buzzing sound.

SKU: 51-102500-01

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Condenser Fan Blade

Variable-speed fan blades are subject to varying centrifugal stresses; if the blade hub develops a micro-crack or the pitch of one blade is slightly altered by debris, it creates an aerodynamic imbalance. At specific RPM ranges (harmonics), this imbalance causes the blade to vibrate excessively, potentially striking the unit's 'optimized fan orifice' shroud and creating a rhythmic clicking or scraping noise.

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Motor Mount Grommet Kit

The RA20 features a composite base pan designed to isolate mechanical noise; however, the rubber isolation grommets that mount the fan motor can harden or perish due to UV and thermal exposure. When these grommets lose their elasticity, they fail to decouple the motor's natural operational vibrations from the chassis, turning the entire cabinet into a sounding board for what would otherwise be normal motor noise.

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