Rheem · Furnace

23 HALC limit open (HALC LIMIT OPEN)

High severity RGPE/RGLE

What the control is telling you

Heat Assisted Limit Control open. HALC is only on downflow/horizontal models; when it opens it often means the main blower stopped turning unexpectedly. Thermostat also shows Call For Service / CHECK FURNACE to the homeowner.

Applies to: RGPE/RGLE 2-stage 80+

Likely causes

Blower stopped or failed (60/61/68)
Airflow restriction
Loose HALC wiring

Test and repair steps

Check whether the ECM blower is running; troubleshoot blower faults first.
Check for airflow restrictions dirty filter, dirty blower wheel, closed dampers or registers.
Check wiring between IFC and the HALC.
Check temperature rise is within range.
Check the HALC resets once the blower runs; replace if open at normal temperature.

Settings for these units

Filter sizes as shipped, upflow (Table 19) · RGPE/RGLE

Cabinet width	Input	Bottom filter	Side filter	Quantity
17-1/2 in.	50, 75 (000 Btu/h)	15-3/4 x 25 in.	15-3/4 x 25 in.	1
21 in.	75, 100 (000 Btu/h)	19-1/4 x 25 in.	15-3/4 x 25 in.	1
24-1/2 in.	125 (000 Btu/h)	22-3/4 x 25 in.	15-3/4 x 25 in.	1

Use one filter location only - do not double-filter or filter the supply side.

21 in./100K: cut 3-1/2 in. off filter and frame for a side filter; 24-1/2 in./125K: cut 7 in.

Reduced clearance to combustibles (Fig. 3 and 4) · RGPE/RGLE

Model size	Cabinet width (A)	Right side	Top	Front	Vent
RGPE upflow/horizontal 05	17-1/2 in.	3 in. (note 2)	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)
RGPE upflow/horizontal 07(A)	17-1/2 in.	3 in. (note 2)	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)
RGPE upflow/horizontal 07(B), 10	21 in.	0	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)
RGPE upflow/horizontal 12	24-1/2 in.	0	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)
RGLE downflow 07(A)	17-1/2 in.	3 in. (note 2)	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)
RGLE downflow 07(B), 10	21 in.	0	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)
RGLE downflow 12	24-1/2 in.	0	1 in.	3 in.	6 in. (note 3)

Note 2: right side may be 0 in. with type B vent.

Note 3: vent clearance may be 1 in. with type B vent.

Models that show this code

10 models in RGPE/RGLE

RGLE-05(-)BMKRRGLE-07(-)AMKRRGLE-07(-)BRQRRGLE-10(-)BRMRRGLE-12(-)ARMRRGPE-05(-)BMKRRGPE-07(-)AMKRRGPE-07(-)BRQRRGPE-10(-)BRMRRGPE-12(-)ARMR

Other codes on the same units

12 Low flame sense
13 Flame lost
14 Unexpected flame
22 Main limit open
26 Line and neutral reversed
33 Rollout switch (MRLC) open
44 Low pressure switch closed (stuck)
45 Low pressure switch open - inducer high speed

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Source: RGPE/RGLE: Table 16 p.49 / Table 20; user menus p.52. Summarized in our own words; check the original manual for your model.

Homeowner looking at this code? See what it means for you and when to call a technician.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.