Rheem Australia Solar

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.

Will I get enough hot water from a solar system?

A well designed system will provide ample hot water for your needs on most days. Rheem solar systems can come with gas or electric boosters that back-up your solar system so you can have beautiful long hot showers, even on the coldest winter night.

Who is a Heat Pump suitable for?

Solar hot water can save you money by cutting your energy use and it reduces greenhouse emissions by up to 65% in most parts of Australia. Any financial savings will vary depending on the type of Solar hot water system you install; direction and angle of the solar collectors; type of water heater being replaced; how much hot water you use and your fuel tariff. Talk to your plumber or solar installer for more information.

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.

What's the most cost effective water heater to run?

To figure out what's the cheapest water heater to run, there's a few things you need to think about, like: Is natural gas available to your home? If it is then gas boosted solar, or 5 Star gas storage or continuous flow may suit. Or electric boosted solar or heat pump might be the answer. Electric water heating on an off peak tariff can have the lowest running cost depending on your providers' tariff. Go to www.rheem.com.au to use our running cost calculator.

What's the best Gas water heater?

The best depends on what's right for you, there are two types: 1. Continuous Flow water heaters, which heat the water as you use it, so they deliver hot water that & never runs out. 2. Gas Storage water heaters which heat the water and store it ready for use, then supply it at mains pressure, so you can run several taps or showers at once. Check out www.rheem.com.au for more info.

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.

Not enough hot water?

There're lots of variables here, from the number of people to what climate you live in. So go to www.rheem.com.au so we can help you find the Rheem that's right for you. You can also call your plumber or call Rheem Service on 131 031

My energy bills are too high, what can I do?

We all want to keep the bills down, so here are some things to do. If there's a choice of tariff, check what tariff you're on. Monitor how much water you use (especially in the showers!) Maybe you need to check you have the right size water heater for your household? Go to www.rheem.com.au/WaterHeaterSelector to see which Rheem water heater might best suit your needs.

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.

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.

I bought a solar or heat pump hot water system through Rheem & how do I claim the rebates?

To claim your rebate, just go to www.rheem.com.au/Rebates. It has all the information and forms you need. You may need to claim rebates within a certain period of time from your installation & make sure you check that. You can trade your small scale technology certificates with Rheem, just download the form and send it in.

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.

How often should I have my unit serviced?

Each water heater model has different service needs, and they will also vary by how they are used and factors like water chemistry play a part. Talk to your plumber or see your Owner's Guide for more information. You can download the Owner's Guide at www.rheem.com.au. And if you're not sure of the model number you can look that up, too. Or you call your plumber or call Rheem Service on 131 031 to find out more.

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.

How much can I save with Solar or Heat Pump?

Solar hot water can save you money by cutting your energy use and it reduces greenhouse emissions by up to 65% in most parts of Australia. Any financial savings will vary depending on the type of Solar hot water system you install; direction and angle of the solar collectors; type of water heater being replaced; how much hot water you use and your fuel tariff. Talk to your plumber or solar installer for more information.

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.

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.

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 replace my broken electric storage water heater with gas?

Yes you can replace an electric water heater with gas, there are even indoor models to replace indoor electric systems. Both Natural gas and Propane models are available in a range of capacities, so whether you have gas piping in your street, which your energy provider or plumber can confirm, or have refillable gas bottles, you can convert to gas hot water.

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.

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.