Rinnai’s new heat pump water heaters get smarter – and easier to install
Rinnai has launched a new lineup of electric heat pump water heaters that adds wifi controls and more installation options to an appliance that can cut the energy needed for hot showers.
The REHPW series comes in 50-, 65-, and 80-gallon sizes. It builds on Rinnai’s existing REHP lineup, with changes designed to make the units easier to install, monitor, and maintain.
Hot water with less electricity
Heat pump water heaters pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it into the tank. Moving that heat requires less electricity than producing it with conventional electric resistance elements. There’s no fuel combustion at the appliance, although emissions from its electricity supply depend on the grid.
Rinnai lists a Uniform Energy Factor, or UEF, of 3.75 for the 50-gallon model and 4.0 for the two larger versions. Higher numbers mean greater efficiency under standardized testing; actual bills depend on electricity rates, hot water use, and installation conditions.
The lineup delivers up to 91 gallons of hot water in the first hour, depending on tank size. That rating includes both stored hot water and what the unit can heat during that hour – useful context when several people take consecutive showers.
There are five operating modes, 4.5 kW backup heating elements, and a variable-speed fan designed to keep noise down. The heat pump can operate with ambient air as low as 37°F.
More ways to fit it in
Installation is where some of the more practical upgrades show up.
The new Rinnai heat pump water heater units have water connections on both the top and side, giving installers more options for connecting existing plumbing. Both the air intake and exhaust are on top, allowing zero side clearance where Rinnai’s installation requirements permit.
An optional ducting kit adds flexibility for tighter spaces. Carrying handles help with moving the tank into place, and the air filter slides out horizontally from the side for cleaning.
Rinnai has also added a third tank temperature sensor to the 50- and 80-gallon models to help manage hot water delivery.
Smarter controls and potential utility rebates
Wifi adds remote monitoring and control. Rinnai’s updated Central app supports the REHPW series, including scheduling and tools to use time-of-use electricity rates to manage energy use.
The units also carry CTA-2045 AC Level 2 certification for demand response. That gives compatible utility programs a way to communicate with the water heater and adjust its electricity use. Rinnai says the certification can help qualify homeowners for local and state utility demand-response rebates; availability depends on the program.
The series is Energy Star certified, meets NEEA Tier 4 requirements, and complies with California’s Title 24 requirements, including JA13, according to Rinnai. Warranty coverage includes 10 years for the tank and other parts, plus one year for labor.
Rinnai directs buyers to an installer for pricing, so the upfront cost – and how much a local rebate might offset it – will require a quote. However, the REHP series price on Amazon hovers around the $2,000 mark.