Rheem Heat Pumps: An Independent Review (2024)

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Rheem Heat Pumps Manufacturer or any heat pump installer and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

At a Glance: Rheem Solar Choice Heat Pumps Score Card

$ Price: Retailing at $2,500 to $2,600, the Rheem MDc-180 earns the lowest cost badge as a budget-friendly product for consumers.

• Efficiency: Rheem disclosed a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.5 for this heat pump as an average of their performance test at 19°C over the entire heat up cycle. Assuming our comparison conditions with an ambient temperature of 20°C and a water inlet temp of 15°C & output temp of 60° we estimate the COP to be between 4 and 4.5. This earns Rheem 3 points.
• Warranty: Rheem’s warranty for their MDc-180 heat pump offers 7 years for the tank parts, 3 years for labour on the tank, and 3 years for parts and labour on the sealed system. This a strong warranty that is only offered by the top brands in the market, earning Rheem 4 points in this category.
• Customer Reviews: Rheem has 388 reviews with an average of 1.8 for their older heat pump models and 30 reviews with an average of 4.8 for the latest MDc-180 model. With an overall average 3.3 Rheem scores 2 points for customer reviews, but it appears their average is on the way up with good reviews coming in for their latest technology.
• Functionality: Rheem lacks an app to control and monitor, has a noise rating above 45 decibels, and does not have a stainless steel option for the tank, so they score 2 out of 5 for the functionality we are looking for.

Uncover essential details in the comprehensive guide below and find out what you need to know before you buy.

Company Background

Rheem has a long history in Australia dating back to 1936 when the US parent company launched Rheem Manufacturing Co (Australia) Proprietary Ltd as an overseas subsidiary. The company focused on the manufacturing and distribution of water heaters.

BHP acquired a 50% stake in 1939 and later acquired the remaining 50% in 1973. Rheem Australia was acquired twice since then. First by Southcorp Limited in 1988 and later in 2001 the current owners Paloma Co Ltd acquired a controlling interest in the company.

Many of Rheem’s water heaters are still manufactured in Australia in their facilities in Sydney and Melbourne. With a local workforce of around 700 employees, Rheem operates from its headquarters in Rydalmere, New South Wales, and offers a wide range of residential and commercial water heating solutions.

Product Range Overview

Rheem distinguishes itself with a diverse array of water heaters, including electric and gas storage, solar water heaters, gas continuous flow water heaters, pool heating, and notably, heat pumps. Rheem also utilises the Ruud brand name under which it sells additional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

Rheem Heat Pump Product Range

Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump

• Tank Capacity: 178L, ideal for small families or households of up to 3 people.
• Energy Efficiency: Boasts a high COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.5 at 19°C, indicating its high efficiency and potential energy savings of up to 70% compared to conventional electric heaters in specific zones.
• Features: Includes advanced microchannel heating technology for uniform water heating and a user-friendly touch screen LCD display. It operates efficiently in a broad range of climates, from -7°C to +43°C, making it suitable for cold climates.
• Warranty: Offers a comprehensive 7-year warranty on the cylinder, with varying coverage for other components.

Rheem Ambiheat HDc270 Heat Pump

• Tank Capacity: 270L, suitable for larger households of 2 to 5 people.
• Energy Savings: Can save up to 73% on water heating energy consumption in comparison to traditional electric water heaters in certain climates.
• Features: It also incorporates advanced microchannel technology and a 2.4kW back-up element for emergency heating. Its user-friendly LCD screen interface and eligibility for STCs, VEECs, & ESCs add to its appeal.
• Warranty: Similarly, it comes with a 7-year warranty on the cylinder, among other coverage options.

Rheem MPi-325 Series II Heat Pump

• Capacity: 325L, designed for moderate to warm climates and average-sized families.
• Efficiency: Its multi-pass heating system and Whisper technology enable quiet operation and efficient heating, including frost protection.
• Installation: With locations for fitting designed for easy replacement of electric water heaters, it simplifies installation and ensures consistent hot water even in winter.
• Warranty: Provides a shorter 5-year warranty on the cylinder for this model with additional coverage for parts and labor.

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A heat pump should have a minimumCOP of 3.0 to 5.0 and a SCOP of at least 3.5, meaning that it should be able to offer comfortable, year-round heating and cooling.

The Coefficient of Performance is a key measure of a heat pump’s efficiency, indicating how effectively it converts electricity into heat. Simply put, it shows the amount of heat produced for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed. For example, a COP of 4.5 means the heat pump generates 4.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity used. This efficiency can vary with outside temperatures, typically decreasing in colder weather as the system works harder.