The Future of Hot Water
Heat Pump Water Heating is providing New Zealand homeowners with a cost-efficient, sustainable alternative way to heat their water. By utilising heat from the surrounding air, heat pump water heaters need less energy to create hot water than traditional heaters that rely purely on gas or electricity.
To put this in context, the Rheem Ambipower 280e can save you over 70% of your water heating energy costs compared to traditional water heaters. Making the change to a heat pump water heater therefore provides both a tangible way for you to live more sustainably and substantially reduce your household energy costs.
Why is this important news for Kiwis?
Water heating is the third biggest energy use for NZ homes, utilising more energy on average than even personal vehicles. This means that by reducing your water heating energy consumption, you can also substantially reduce your overall household emissions, as well as your monthly energy bill.
The sooner we make the switch, the faster we move towards a lower-carbon, more cost-effective energy future for New Zealand.
Get in touch with our team of experts: 0800 657 336
For more info: rheem.co.nz
JOIN THE SMART ENERGY REVOLUTION
Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180
Holding close to 180 litres of hot water, Rheem AmbiPower® MDc-180 offers heat pump water heating technology in New Zealand's most popular size of hot water cylinder. By changing to an AmbiPower® MDc-180, you can save almost 70% on your water heating energy costs*, making it the go-to energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to standard gas and electric water heaters.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| MODEL | A551180C5 |
| Storage Capacity | 178 Litres |
| Operating Temperature Range | -7 to +43°C |
| Rated Heat Pump power input | 683 Watts |
| Element Rating | 2.4 kW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Recommended electrical circuit | 15 Amps |
| Number of people per household | Up to 4 |
| Noise level @ 1 metre | 48 dB(A) |
| Controller info | Display + Adjustable Temperature |
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS^
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ambient air temperature | 19°C |
| Recovery rate @ 45°C rise | 61 L/hr |
| Average heating capacity (kW) | 3.1 |
| COP^ | 4.9 |
Dimensions: 1810mmH x 532mmW
Rheem AmbiPower 280e
With an ultra-low global warming potential of less than three, the Rheem AmbiPower® 280e is one of the most sustainable water heaters in our range. Amazingly, it can also save you over 70% on your water heating energy costs*. Nothing is compromised in performance though, as the AmbiPower® 280e can cater to the hot water needs of larger families across New Zealand's different climate zones.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| MODEL | A551E280R5 |
| Storage Capacity | 280 Litres |
| Operating Temperature Range | -6 to +43°C |
| Rated Heat Pump power input | 690 Watts |
| Element Rating | 2.4 kW |
| Refrigerant | R290 |
| Recommended electrical circuit | 15 Amps |
| Number of people per household | Up to 6 |
| Noise level @ 1 metre | 47 dB(A) |
| Controller info | Display Only (non-adjustable temp) |
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS^
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ambient air temperature | 19°C |
| Recovery rate @ 45°C rise | 56 L/hr |
| Average heating capacity (kW) | 2.9 |
| COP^ | 5.2 |
Dimensions: 1832mmH x 696mmW
Rheem Ambiheat HDc-270
Producing a whopping 77 litres of hot water per hour, the Rheem Ambiheat® HDc-270 is your choice for the ultimate in heat pump water heating technology. An interactive touchscreen LED display puts user-friendly functions at your fingertips, such as a Dual Timer, Vacation Mode, and Timer Control. As with the AmbiPower® 280e, the AmbiHeat can also save you over 70% on your water heating energy costs*.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| MODEL | A55127005 |
| Storage Capacity | 270 Litres |
| Operating Temperature Range | -5 to +43°C |
| Rated Heat Pump power input | 985 Watts |
| Element Rating | 2.4 kW |
| Refrigerant | R513a |
| Recommended electrical circuit | 15 Amps |
| Number of people per household | Up to 6 |
| Noise level @ 1 metre | 47 dB(A) |
| Controller info | Functional |
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS^
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ambient air temperature | 19°C |
| Recovery rate @ 45°C rise | 77 L/hr |
| Average heating capacity (kW) | 4.0 |
| COP^ | 4.4 |
Dimensions: 1825mmH x 690mmW
How it Works
Rheem Heat Pump Water Heaters are a smart, energy-efficient solution for residential hot water. Instead of generating heat directly, they extract warmth from the surrounding air—using far less electricity than conventional electric water heaters.
These systems perform reliably year-round, in all weather conditions, including cooler days. That's because they don't rely on sunlight—they use ambient air, which always contains usable heat.
What sets Rheem apart is the Advanced Microchannel wrap-around heating technology. This innovative design maximises heat transfer, improves efficiency, and ensures consistent hot water delivery.
The diagram below illustrates how this technology works, giving you a clear understanding of what makes Rheem Heat Pumps a dependable and sustainable choice:
- 1. Air Intake: Surrounding air is drawn into the heat pump unit.
- 2. Evaporation: The air passes through an evaporator coil where liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and turns into a vapor.
- 3. Compression: The vapor passes through a compressor, increasing its temperature and pressure to become a high-temperature gas.
- 4. Heat Exchange: The hot gas flows through the micro-channel heat exchanger, which heats the water in the tank.
- 5. Condensation: With the heat transferred to the water, the refrigerant returns to a liquid state.
- 6. Refrigerant Cycle: The liquid refrigerant returns to the evaporator, beginning the cycle again.
Cold water enters the tank, and heated water exits the tank. Cool air exits the heat pump.
Key Definitions
- COP (Coefficient of Performance): The ratio of useful heat produced for water heating to the power input into the water heater. A higher COP number indicates greater efficiency.
- Average Heating Capacity (kW): The amount of heating power delivered to the water during the heating cycle. This is an average because the heating power changes as the water temperature increases.
- Recovery Rate @ 45°C rise (L/hr): The volume of water that can be heated through a 45°C temperature rise in one hour. For example, at 19°C ambient air temperature, the AmbiPower 280 can heat 56 litres of water from 15°C to 60°C in one hour.
Call 0800 657 336 for more information.
