Rinnai Adds Wifi Heat Pump Water Heaters Rated Up to 4.0 UEF

Rinnai has released the REHPW series, a new line of electric heat pump water heaters in 50-, 65- and 80-gallon sizes, Electrek reported. The units add wifi control, more ways to connect plumbing and a certification that lets some utilities adjust their power use.

For households replacing an old electric tank, the line is rated as more efficient than standard resistance heaters, and Rinnai says it can help owners qualify for some utility demand-response rebates. Pricing goes through installers.

How a heat pump water heater saves power

A heat pump water heater takes heat from the air around it and moves it into the water tank. Moving heat this way uses less electricity than making heat with the resistance elements in a conventional electric tank. Nothing burns inside the appliance, though the emissions behind its electricity depend on the local grid.

Rinnai gives the 50-gallon model a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 3.75 and the 65- and 80-gallon models a UEF of 4.0. UEF is a standardized efficiency score, and a higher number means a more efficient unit in testing. Real bills still depend on electricity rates, how much hot water a home uses and how the heater is installed.

Depending on tank size, the series supplies up to 91 gallons of hot water in the first hour. That figure counts water already stored in the tank plus what the unit can heat during that hour, which matters in homes where several people shower back to back.

What changed from the REHP line

The REHPW builds on Rinnai’s existing REHP models. Most of the changes target installation and upkeep:

• Water connections sit on both the top and the side, so installers have more options for tying into existing pipes.
• Air intake and exhaust are both on top, which allows zero side clearance where Rinnai’s installation rules permit it.
• An optional ducting kit helps the unit fit tighter spaces.
• Carrying handles make the tank easier to move into place.
• The air filter slides out sideways for cleaning.
• The 50- and 80-gallon models get a third tank temperature sensor to help manage hot water delivery.

The units have five operating modes, 4.5 kW backup heating elements and a variable-speed fan meant to keep noise down. The heat pump keeps working with surrounding air as cold as 37°F. Space-heating heat pumps face similar limits, covered in our guide to heat pump low-temperature limits and backup heat.

Wifi, time-of-use rates and utility programs

With wifi, owners can monitor and control the heater remotely through Rinnai’s updated Central app. The app supports scheduling and has tools for working with time-of-use electricity rates, where power costs more at some hours than others.

The series also carries CTA-2045 AC Level 2 certification for demand response. That standard gives compatible utility programs a way to talk to the water heater and change how much electricity it draws. Rinnai says the certification can help homeowners qualify for local and state demand-response rebates, though availability depends on each program.

What it means for buyers

According to Rinnai, the REHPW series is Energy Star certified, meets NEEA Tier 4 requirements and complies with California’s Title 24 rules, including JA13.

The warranty covers the tank and other parts for 10 years and labor for one year. Rinnai sends buyers to an installer for a price, so the upfront cost and any rebate offset require a quote. For comparison, Electrek noted that the earlier REHP series sells on Amazon for around $2,000.

Source: Electrek