Complete Rheem Hot Water System Review: Everything You Need To Know

Rheem Australia Hot Water Systems

Rheem is a global manufacturer of residential and commercial solutions for heating and cooling. This company is well-known as the only manufacturer in the world that provides the biggest range of systems in home heating, cooling, water heating (including pools/spas), and refrigerating. Rheem Australia has one of the most varied product offerings of hot water systems on the market.

Whether you’re looking for Australian residential systems or commercial hot water products, this popular brand likely has what you need. To learn more about the company, including its history, reputation, and what to expect from its extensive product range, read our comprehensive Rheem review. 

About Rheem: Company Background

The company was founded in California in 1925 by two brothers, Richard and Donald Rheem. They began with water heating systems, later expanding to produce HAVC systems in the 1950s. 

Over the past century, the brand has grown to be not only a household name but an international leader in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) market. It’s also currently the biggest water heating manufacturer in North America and is owned by the global Paloma Group. 

The company has a wide range of products, a huge network of installation specialists, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Within Rheem’s massive product range are budget-friendly options, which make it a desirable alternative to other industry leaders such as Trane and Carrier. 

Rheem Australia has been developing water heaters since 1939, with manufacturing facilities in Sydney and Melbourne. 

Rheem Sustainability Values

The company prides itself on its steadfast focus on creating sustainable energy solutions for homeowners and businesses. To demonstrate its commitment to environmentally friendly energy, Rheem goes so far as to post public yearly reports on its progress in its initiative of “A Great Degree of Good™”

For example, the 2025 goal is to design for eventual zero waste. Rheem seeks to launch heating and cooling products that reduce greenhouse gas footprints by 50%. Additionally, they’re driven to train 250,000 plumbers, contractors, and other specialists in sustainable product design and installation. 

How the company intends to reach these goals is outlined in its progress report, which includes the selection of materials, responsible recycling, and smart features for eco-efficient products, like the more recent tech advancements in the Rheem electric hot water heaters.

Regardless of whether this goal is achieved in the timespan, it’s apparent how serious they are about adding to a brighter future for the environment rather than detracting. 

When it comes to heating and cooling appliances, this is especially necessary to find more ways to support the world’s resources and global energy usage footprint. The very fact that Rheem is taking action is one of their biggest drawcards.

Rheem Australia Local Sustainability Scheme

The environmental sustainability of the Rheem Australia brand covers five aspects of the development and delivery of its products:

• Sustainable product development
• Packaging according to the Australian Packaging Covenant Sustainability Framework
• Operational initiatives for less energy consumption and waste in internal manufacturing of Rheem Australia products.
• Community engagement with various local authorities to meet certain performance criteria. 
• Tracking the impact of the manufacturing process on the environment through the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan and Emission Monitoring Results process. 

Rheem’s Commitment To Greener Solutions

Two key eco-conscious schemes stand out in Rheem’s top-quality product range: their EcoNet® and ENERGY STAR®-certified Products.

EcoNet®

The EcoNet® product range by Rheem includes smart air and water systems, which integrate the EcoNet® Thermostat Smart Monitoring System to add personalisation and direct controls, even from a mobile app. Currently, a few of Rheem’s water heaters are run with the EcoNet® system. The benefits of these systems, beyond the convenience of remote controlling, include more eco-friendly energy usage and cost savings for the homeowner.

ENERGY STAR® Products

Many of Rheem’s heating, cooling, and water heating products are ENERGY STAR-Certified, a U.S.-based collaborative program that works with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These products have earned this label by being specifically designed to pass independent testing.

The ENERGY STAR certification process has resulted in savings of 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity for U.S. residences and commercial businesses since 1992. Additionally, more than 3.5 billion tons of greenhouse gasses have been reduced. For perspective, this is equivalent to the yearly emissions of 750 million cars.

Rheem Australia Product Types

Below is the full range of Rheem’s featured hot water residential and commercial products, as listed on the official Rheem Australia website.

Solar Hot Water Systems

By drawing energy from sunlight, solar hot water systems offer a heating solution that doesn’t contribute to high greenhouse gas emissions like more traditional systems. There are many types of solar water heaters; however, they typically consist of rooftop solar panels that transfer heat from the sunlight into a water storage tank. The water is preheated and then enters the hot water system to eventually be used in the home. 

Electric Hot Water Systems

These are the most traditional and common hot water systems for residential and commercial usage. Electrical elements will heat water within a storage tank, initiated when a hot water faucet is turned on. Although these water heaters are often less energy efficient than more innovative means (like solar), the newer Rheem electric hot water systems have been designed to be more energy efficient. Electric systems are very versatile and can also be used in conjunction with solar or gas systems as a backup energy source when needed. 

Gas Heating Systems

Typically, these systems use propane or natural gas in a burner to preheat water stored in a tank. They have faster recovery times than more traditional electric systems, which allow for more efficient accessibility of hot water round-the-lock keeping the temperature high. Simple gas systems are slightly less energy efficient than the continuous flow gas systems, which Rhem also offers (explained below).

Gas Continuous Flow Systems

Also referred to as tankless water hearts, the gas continuous flow hot water systems heat water on demand, which removes the need for a large water storage tank. The water is heated as it flows through the unit, with the eclectic element or gas burner fueling the heat. 

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work to transfer the surrounding air heat to heat the water. Consider how an air conditioner operates; it is the exact reverse of this mechanism. Heat pumps generally use less energy than traditional water heaters, making them eco-friendly choices for homeowners. They can be used along with the Rheem electric hot water systems as a back-up source of energy-efficient water heating.

Rheem Water Heaters For Pool & Spa Systems

Rheem currently has 5 products in the pool and spa heater range to support Australian households and businesses to experience year-wide pool and spa system water heating. 

The Complete Rheem Hot Water Product Range

Solar Hot Water Systems Product Range

• Rheem Hiline Roof System (Non-Frost): 4 Products
• Rheem Premier Hiline Roof System (Frost Protected): 3 Products
• Rheem Loline Split Solar System (Limited Frost Protection): 4 Products
• Rheem Premier Loline Split Solar System (Frost Protected): 3 Products

Rheem Electric Hot Water Systems Product Range

• Rheem 491/492 Series Electric: 10 Products
• Stellar Stainless Steel: 9 Products
• Rheem 111/191 Series Electric: 7 Products
• Rheem DualTEMP: 4 Products
• Continuous Flow Electric: 2 Products

Gas Water Heaters Product Range

• Rheem 4 Star: 3 Products
• Rheem 5 Star: 5 Products
• Rheem Indoor: 2 Products
• Rheem Stellar: 2 Products

Rheem Gas Continuous Flow Systems Product Range

• Continuous Flow (12 – 27L): 16 Products
• Spare Parts: 13 Products
• Recess Boxes & Pipe Covers: 5 Products
• Temperature Controllers: 5 Products
• Instantaneous (Pronto): 2 Products
• Flue Components & Accessories: 3 Products

Rheem Heat Pumps Product Range

• Ambiheat: 1 Product
• MPi Series: 1 Product

Rheem Commercial Systems

Rheem has a range of hot water systems to suit commercial environments. The commercial product range includes:

• Rhem Electric Hot Water Systems
• Rheem Solar Water Heaters
• Rheem Gas Heating Systems
• Rheem Heat Pump Systems
• Rheem Commercial BMS & Remote Monitoring
• Rheem Lazer Boiling Water Systems
• Rheem Heat Exchange Systems

Best-Selling Rheem Hot Water Products

Rheem Ambiheat

The Rheem Ambiheat HDc270 Heat Pump is one of the more sustainable heating options for households that aren’t able to use traditional solar water heaters. What makes this heat pump unique is its heavy-duty design, utilising wrap-around microchannel heating technology, which creates more balanced water heating that’s delivered through your plumbing fast, even in cold climates (-5 to 43+ degrees Celsius). It has a 270L capacity, a touch-screen LED control with three heating modes, and can save a home up to 73% on water heater energy consumption when compared with a traditional electric heater.

Rheem MPi-325

Rheem MPi-325 Series II Heat Pump is recommended for medium-sized families that live in moderate to warm climates. This particular model of pump is one of the quietest operating heat pumps that Rheem provides, which makes it a good option if you’re placing it in an area close to living quarters, but don’t want to be disturbed. The pump also has a back-up electric element which can support a steady flow of heat even during cold evenings. The 325L tank provides enough hot water for up to 5 people.

Rheem Loline Range

The Loline range is a series of solar hot water systems by Rheem. With different tank capacities (270, 325, and 400), there’s a heater suited to every sized household. These tanks have been designed with backup electric boosters or the possibility to co-install solar continuous gas flow water heaters when there isn’t enough sunlight to power the systems. All Loline products are most suited to warmer climates but do have a frost damage prevention mechanism to help keep the system up and running if the weather is bringing a cooler temperature.

• Rheem Loline 270: Suitable for 2-5 people
• Rheem Loline 325: Suitable for 2-6 people
• Rheem Loline 400: Suitable for 3-7 people

Rheem Hiline Range

The Rheem Hiline solar hot water system range is great for warmer clients and suited to homes that have limited ground access for storage tanks. This system has both the solar collector and the storage tank mounted together on the roof. Just like the Loline range, these solar systems can be boosted with gas or electric systems for days when the weather is bad, and the sun isn’t giving the juice needed to power the home’s water needs.

• Rheem Hiline 180: Suitable for 2 people
• Rheem Hiline 300: Suitable for 5 people

Top Benefits of Choosing Rheem Hot Water Products

Rheem is undoubtedly a leader in residential and commercial water heating. The company has definitely earned the accolades it’s received in this industry over the past 100+ years since its inception. Below are some of the reasons consumers choose Rheem products:

Huge Hot Water Product Range

Rheem currently has the largest range of products in the HVAC global arena. Their varied product offerings don’t take away from the quality of the systems. Over the past century, the company has sought to create high-functioning hot water products HAVC market consistently. 

This long period of learning and innovating has allowed Rheem to establish high authority in global hot water. Currently, the Rheem electric hot water systems are among the most sought-after affordable household heating products.

As you can see in our list above, Rheem currently has more than 30 products in hot water in both residential and commercial settings, giving consumers a huge range of abundant choices for their needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for gas systems, hybrids, or electric hot water systems, Rheem likely has what you need.

Serious About Energy Efficiency

With its growing initiatives in cleaner, more energy-efficient solutions in hot water, Rheem’s dedication is very apparent. Regular progress reports in the scheme “A Great Degree of Good™” detail how 

Rheem aims to achieve its goal of 50% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, along with zero waste, by 2023. For eco-minded consumers, the growing range and quality of EcoNet® and ENERGY STAR® Products that Rheem produces gives peace of mind.

Great Rebates & Warranties

One of the star qualities of Rheem is making its hot water systems accessible to consumers through its affordable prices, rebate schemes, and long warranties. Consumers have peace of mind that their systems will be repaired or replaced without having to pay high fees, and by choosing a Rheem solar system or heat pump, some consumers will have access to local rebates, helping to reduce the cost of their units. 

Rheem Warranty Information

The length of Rheem’s warranties is one of the biggest advantages of going with a Rheem hot water product. They range from 1 year all the way up to 12 years, with an average warranty of around 7 years. 

With a call center available 7 days to answer warranty queries (more on Rheem’s customer service below), customers can access their warranty claims fast. You will need to work with Rheem’s trained and qualified professionals, who will repair and replace if needed, your water heater components or system. 

In your owner’s guide, the warranty information will be outlined for that specific product (including the terms of the warranty, what is covered, and how to make a claim). 

Rheem Hot Water Heater Installation

Can I install Rheem products myself?

It is not advised to install any hot water system yourself. While it may be tempting to do DIY installation, there are multiple reasons why you’ll put yourself and your home at risk if you are installing a system without the technical training and expertise. DIT installation of your Rheem product can result in ineffective usage or damage to your home over time from incorrect installation. Additionally, for your warranty to be valid, you’re required to go with a professional installer who is certified to set up your system correctly. 

Where can I find a Rheem Installer?

You can find a local Rheem-approved installer by reaching out to Compare Hot Water. No need to spend hours searching online and making calls for quotes; you’ll find the right technician through the network of Australian-wide installation professionals that Compare Hot Water has access to. They’ll set you up with a company that provides affordable rates, and is experienced installing Rheem products.

What is the cost of installing Rheem products?

The cost of your Rheem installation will vary depending on a range of factors, including the system you’ve chosen, where it will be installed (your home environment may make installation more complex), and the expertise of the professional you choose. Some of the Rheem electric hot water systems will be faster and cheaper to install than the solar water heaters, for instance.

Our advice would be to get help with searching for local installers in your area, so they can gather a range of quotes and help you choose an installer that is both skilled and fits your budget. Compare Hot Water can provide you with an installation consultation to link you with an affordable certified installer. 

Rheem Australia Customer Service

The company also provides a long list of distributors, rebate providers, and educational content (like troubleshooting guides and product specs) to help consumers with their questions. Note that what may be available on the official Rheem site is slightly different from the Rheem Australia webpage. The Australia-wide customer service phone number is listed on the website. If you need to contact the customer service department, the online form allows you to choose the right category for your query and input your details and questions. There’s currently no online chat function.

For comprehensive assistance with choosing your Rheem product and getting insider tips for the best installers in your area, the team at Compare Hot Water can assist you. These expert advisors in hot water systems know the Rheem brand and its products in-depth and are connected to a wide network of local professional installers all across Australia.

Rheem Price Range

Overall, Rheem is an affordable hot water brand. For example, the range of Rheem electric hot water systems starts from less than $1,000 to $5,000 (or more) for advanced units, often including the supply and installation of your product. 

The general price of a Rheem electric hot water system is $1,500. Solar hot water systems are more expensive, ranging from $2,000 to upwards of $5,000. 

Of course, the price will be highly dependent on the type of system, how new the model is, whether you can access rebates, and where you purchase the product from. For an accurate quote on all current Rheem hot water systems, contact the team at Compare Hot Water.

Rheem Accolades & Awards

With 100 years and counting in healing and cooling, plus the extensive water heaters product range, it’s no surprise that Rheem has earned many awards over the years. Below are some of the recent accolades that Rheem has been awarded from various industry players. 

• Winner of “Overall Company of the Year” from the IoT Breakthrough Awards 2022.
• Winner of a “Good Design” award in the Building Materials category of the IoT Breakthrough Awards 2022 (ProTerra® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater).
• Winner of CES 2023 “Innovation Award” in the Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy category (Rheem’s ProTerra Plug-In Heat Pump Water Heater).
• Winner of the 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award.
• Two 2023 Edison Awards (Silver in the Engineering & Robotics, Commercial Technology category: Rheem Renaissance™ 15-25 ton Commercial HVAC line and bronze award in the Consumer Solutions, Sustainable Design category: Rheem ProTerra® Plug-in Heat Pump Water Heater).

Rheem Australia: Our Verdict

The Rheem hot water company is a global leader in HVAC for a reason. The main points that really make Rheem hot water systems stand out from competitors include affordability, eco-consciousness, and consumer care. Rheem Australia provides more affordable hot water systems here than most other hot water system manufacturers in Australia.

Additionally, Rheem’s strong commitment to developing energy-efficient water heaters through eco-friendly manufacturing is a big plus for conscious consumers. The huge amount of educational information on all products for Rheem’s residential and commercial consumers is impressive. 

Rheem Review: FAQs

Can I put my new Rheem system inside my home, like my previous water heaters?

If you’re using one of Rheem’s electric hot water heaters, yes, they can go inside. If you have a new gas system and want to place it inside your home, you will need to use Rheem’s indoor gas heaters that can be attached to an indoor gas supply. While solar hot water tanks can be placed inside, the solar panels must be outside for the best access to sunlight. 

If you’re using a solar system boosted by natural gas only, you’ll need to install the booster outside. When it comes to installing the Rheems heat pump system, they cannot be installed inside with your electric or hot water heater though; they must remain outside. Since you’ll be working with a professional installer for your Rheem product, they will help you decide where the system would be best to place in or outside of your home.

Can my Rheem solar system give me hot water when it’s not sunny?

Yes, solar hot water systems are made to store hot water in their storage tanks to last throughout the evening and during days that do not have much direct sunlight. Plus, all of Rheem’s solar water heaters have an electric or gas boost that gives you access to hot water during longer periods of bad weather. 

You can also use heat pumps to draw from the air and convert it to heat, and they are also able to be used along with your solar, electric, or natural gas system as a backup supply. Speak to your installer about the best option for your location, your home’s energy needs, and the climate. In our above review, you can get more information on how to find a great Rheem installer in your local area.

Can the Rheem Stainless Steel hot water heater products be used in any area?

The Rheem Stainless Steel electric water heater range, known as “Rheem Stellar® Stainless Steel,” isn’t suitable for every environment. Rheem has a stainless steel suitability map guide for consumers to refer to on its website. It outlines every Australian state and region where it’s not recommended to install due to weather, where warranties will be void, or where water quality should be checked.

What is the difference between Rheem’s heat pump water heater and the solar hot water system?

Heat pumps don’t use solar collectors mounted on the roof to extract sunlight; they use advanced technology to extract air from the environment to produce hot water with the heat generated from the air. 

This is different from traditional solar hot water heaters that use sunlight to heat the water. Both systems do have government incentives and rebates in Australia, however, making them a great choice for environmentally-minded consumers who are also looking to save money.

Does Rheem offer a warranty for my product?

Rheem provides warranties for all of its hot water products, ranging anywhere from 1 year all the way up to 12 years, depending on the make and model. The general warranty averages seven years. You can refer to the product guide of your unit to understand the warranty terms and how to make a claim. Additionally, Compare Hot Water has access to Rheem-certified technicians to help with maintenance, repairs, or replacements to your unit. Many licensed professionals will even offer same-day service to repair your systems.

Are Rheem hot water systems good?

Yes, the range of hot water systems that Rheem offers are some of the best on the Australian market. This global brand is a household name and has been around for over a century. Being a long-term player in the market has given the company ample time to refine the development of high-quality and energy-efficient hot water systems for residential and commercial use. This strong commitment to energy efficiency not only gives eco-minded consumers peace of mind but also results in high savings on a household’s hot water bills. These are just some of the many benefits of choosing Rheem.

How long should a Rheem hot water system last?

The typical lifespan of a Rheem hot water system is somewhere between 5 and 15 years. This depends on a huge range of factors, like whether the system has been maintained regularly, the type of Rheem systems being used, the outside environment, and your household usage. You can extend the lifespan of your Rheem system if you follow the recommendation to service the system every 3-5 years.

Which Rheem water heater is the best?

The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for in your Rheem hot water heater. While we can give recommendations of best-selling products in this Rheem review, note that you should consider your preferences and needs of your systems to determine the best model for your home.

For larger households, the Performance Platinum Series Gladiator 50-gallon electric hot water heater is a top choice, as it can comfortably provide heated water for a four-person household. Another benefit of this water heater is the EcoNet app access, allowing you to remotely monitor and control the water heater and even connect it with Alexa or Google Nest.

Another favourite water heater is the Rheem Hybrid Water Heater, which is loved for its energy efficiency and cost savings. Because this heater uses a heat pump, it can reduce energy consumption significantly, lowering your energy bulls. It operates super quietly and also uses the same mobile app control as the smart system mentioned above.

For information on the best Rheem model suited to your weather conditions, property, and budget, Compare Hot Water can offer you expert advice on Rheem products.

Is Rheem Australian-made?

Although Rheem is owned by the U.S.-based Paloma Rheem Global Inc. Company and was founded in America, the Rheem Australia Pty Limited subsidiary company has been Australian-operated since 1939. Rheem Australia began manufacturing electric storage water heaters first, moving onto a wider range of gas, electric, and solar hot water heaters. The Australian manufacturing facilities are found in Melbourne and Sydney.

Why is my Rheem water heater not producing hot water?

There are a few potential reasons why your Rheem water heater isn’t working in the efficient way it should be. Troubleshooting your system requires some knowledge about your system.

Ultimately, it is always best to consult with a professional who has experience and the right credentials to work with repairs and installations of Rheem systems. Contact Compare Hot Water to find a professional near you. Some potential reasons why your system may not be working include:

Low water flow: the supply of your water may be limited due to broken pressure regulators or other plumbing issues not related to your water heater.

Water leakage: Your system may be leaking somewhere in the fixtures of the piping, or the cylinder of your electric storage tank, for example, may have an issue. This would require an emergency plumber or hot water specialist to come to your household and replace it ASAP.

Pilot light out: If you’re using a gas hot water system, the pilot light may have been extinguished. This is a very common reason for an interruption in hot water flow. It’s simple to turn back on: simply check the value is on and relight the pilot.