Rheem

Can solar work on a day without sun or in bad weather?

Yes. All Rheem solar water heaters come with either a gas or electric boost function, so you can get hot water even when it’s cloudy. Different systems are suited for different climate zones. Your Rheem Solar Specialist can advise on what is right for your location.

Can a solar hot water system work on a day without the sun or in bad weather?

Yes. All Rheem solar water heaters come with either a gas or electric boost function, so you can get hot water even when it's cloudy. Your installer can advise on what is right for your location as different systems are suited for different climate zones. A Heat Pump is an alternative option and will work without the sun as it extracts heat from the surrounding air to heat water.

What's the most economical or efficient water heater?

The answer depends on a range of factors including the climate where you live, your roof space and any shading, energy tariffs, and access to natural gas. If your home has natural gas available, gas boosted solar, or energy-efficient gas storage or continuous flow may suit. If not, an electric boosted solar water heater or a Heat Pump may be the answer. Do you have a low off-peak electricity tariff? Electric water heating on an off-peak tariff may have the lowest running cost.

How long does it take to install solar?

Not long at all, particularly if the installation is well planned. If a ground level storage tank is installed first, you won’t be out of hot water for long, as the tank can operate using its gas booster until the collectors are installed. An experienced installer will organise the necessary trades (a licensed plumber and electrician) so you are quickly enjoying hot water from your new solar hot water system.

How long does it take to install a solar water heater?

Not long at all, particularly if the installation is well planned. If a ground level storage tank is installed first, you won't be out of hot water for long as the tank can operate using its electric or gas booster until the collectors are installed. An experienced installer will organise the necessary trades (a licensed plumber and electrician), so you are quickly enjoying hot water from your new solar hot water system.

I already have natural gas connected for cooking. Can I replace my electric water heater with a gas model and use the existing piping?

Maybe. It will depend on the size of your existing gas pipe, and the type of gas water heater you want to install. Most gas storage water heaters can be fitted to the gas pipe that already exists in many houses, but a continuous flow water heater requires a larger diameter pipe to be installed from the gas meter. A plumber can check your existing set up, advise you on what's needed, and then give you a quote to install it.

Can I install a gas water heater if I haven't had one before?

Maybe. If you have gas piping in your street, your home can be connected to natural gas. Your local energy provider can advise if gas is available and arrange connection*. If gas is not available in your home or street, you can install a propane (also known as LPG) gas water heater, which can be run from refillable gas bottles*. This tends to be less economical so be sure to speak to your plumber and energy provider who can advise what will be involved. * see our website for disclaimers.

Can I install a gas water heater if I haven't had one before?

Maybe. If you have gas piping in your street, your home can be connected to natural gas. Your local energy provider can advise if gas is available and arrange connection*. If gas is not available in your home or street, you can install a propane (also known as LPG) gas water heater, which can be run from refillable gas bottles*. This tends to be less economical so be sure to speak to your plumber and energy provider who can advise what will be involved. * see our website for disclaimers

My electric water heater is inside my home. Can I put a gas, solar or heat pump water heater inside my home?

Indoor gas water heaters are available, but they require an available gas supply and fluing through an external wall. A solar tank can also be placed indoors. Heat pump water heaters can only be installed outdoors as they extract heat from the outside ambient air and transfer this energy to the water.

Am I eligible for Government rebates and incentives?

If you replace an electric water heater with solar or a Heat Pump, you may be eligible for state and federal government incentives. You may also be eligible if you install an energy-efficient gas water heater as a replacement for an electric model. Some of these incentives have end dates. Visit the Rheem offers and incentive page for more information.

Am I eligible for government incentives?

If you replace an electric water heater with a solar model or a Heat Pump, you are probably eligible for government incentives. Have a look at our Solar rebates page for details on what incentives are available for our products and contact the relevant government departments more information of their specific incentive schemes. You may need to claim rebates within a certain period of time after your installation – make sure you lodge your claim within this time period.

Should I consider a Heat Pump to replace my electric model?

Definitely. Heat Pumps have a storage tank and often use similar plumbing and electrical connections as electric water heaters. They can be quickly installed by a licensed plumber. And they consume about a third of the electricity than a traditional electric water heater. Also, you can enjoy great savings on your hot water energy consumption when replacing a similar-sized electric system.

How much energy can I save with a solar water heater or heat pump?

By installing a solar or heat pump water heater, you could save up to 65% to 73%* in zone 3. However, how much you save depends on key factors, including: • The current system you are replacing. • How much hot water you use. • The climate where you live. • The tariff(s) your replaced water heater was connected to and the tariff the solar water heater is connected to. Speak to your plumber or local Rheem solar specialist to find out more.

Is my home right for solar?

A good-sized roof – most houses will use 2 collectors which are each around 2m tall x 1 m wide. That means you need at least 2m x 2m, plus some clearance space on your roof. You’ll also need some ground space for the ground-mounted hot water storage tank. For a roof-mounted tank, you’ll need even more roof space.

I have limited roof space and don't have access to gas. What are my options?

A Heat Pump water heater is a great alternative. They are an energy efficient solution as they use the heat from the surrounding air to heat water. Heat pumps work all year round, day or night, in sunshine or rain and, unlike solar, you don’t need to install anything on your roof. For more information on Rheem Heat Pumps, check out the range and download a brochure.