Skip to main content
BDC Presents

The First 120 V Heat Pump Water Heater with Rheem

Electric Technologies, Technologies, Water Heaters

A water heater you can plug in anywhere? It doesn’t need a dedicated circuit breaker? Please join us with Kevin Clark from Rheem to talk about their new, first of its kind, 120v heat pump water heater. Kevin will tell us everything from product journey to what this means for accessibility into the decarbonizing market.


Webinar Recording


Overview:

  • The Rheem Proterra plug-in heat pump water heater is now available in a 120V shared circuit model (suitable for 15A shared circuits with lower current draw) with 40, 50, 65, or 80-gallon capacity (recommended for no more than 5 people in a household) and a dedicated circuit model (3x quicker recovery time) with 40 or 50 gallon capacity (no more than 5 people in a household).
    • Both models are up to 5x more efficient than gas models and currently reduce your carbon emissions by 79%. 
    • These models do not have back-up resistance heat so they are best suited for climates with ambient temperatures above 37℉.

  • Smart app allows you to schedule heating to coincide with time-of-use rates to maximize savings.

  • The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) conducted an independent study to evaluate the performance of the 50-gallon dedicated and shared circuit models

  • Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI) is currently conducting a field study of Rheem’s 120V HPWH as well as other manufacturers (shared circuit models).
    • Results are expected in early 2023.

  • Supply chain issues are easing–you should be able to order through a wholesaler or distributor and receive it in three weeks.

 

Q & A

  • How loud is it? Designed with a 49 dB rating for shared circuit and 54 dB for dedicated circuit. Model will also vibrate–important for contractors to add a vibration pad under unit and/or special earthquake straps to minimize vibration from traveling through the home.
  • What are the space requirements? Shared circuit: 700 cubic ft. of space, a louvered door, or ducted. Dedicated circuit: 1,200 cubic ft. or ducted exhaust and full louvered door.
  • What climates is this model suitable for? It’s not a hybrid (i.e. it doesn’t have back-up resistance heat) so it’s only recommended for climates with ambient air temperature above 37℉ degrees. If it’s located in your basement (where ambient air temp is likely to be around 50℉), it could work in a colder climate but it should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Refrigerants: R134A is used–an efficient refrigerant; future regulations will affect what’s used in the future
  • Testing and nameplate ratings: The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings are based off of Department of Energy (DOE) tests; NEEA independent study may not account for stand by loss–looks at recovery efficiency of compressor.
  • Does the rating of the system count as a continuous load per the National Electrical Code (NEC)? Yes; shared circuit can only have 50% of 15A service (continuous at 50%, approx 900W); for dedicated circuit, only allowed to up to 80% of 15A service.
  • How is Rheem working with plumbers to get these models into distribution so they can be utilized for emergency replacements? Rheem is currently training plumbers; new technology adoption can be slow as it includes risk.
  • Plans to include a thermostatic mixing valve? Shared circuit already has one; dedicated circuit can have one added by a plumber.
  • Is this a DIY product? Half of HPWH are already DIY / sold through retail channels. The 120V model is even easier given the lack of a new 240 V / 30A service, which usually requires an electrician.
  • What factors would influence the consumer’s decision to get a 240V or 120V? A place like CA makes 120V an easy choice when you want to switch from a gas water heater (just be sure to upsize to get through peak demand periods). New construction will likely have 240V / 30A service so it makes sense to keep a 240V model.
  • How much does a HPWH “cool” the space it's in? Not a huge cooling effect in a garage; some dehumidification during summer months. In a conditioned space, the effect is similar to a refrigerator (which uses heat pump technology).

CA specific questions:

  • Do these qualify for rebates under TECH in California? Yes! Usually there is a separate 120V category to account for UEF differences with 240V.
  • What barriers exist in CA plumbing code? First hour ratings for new construction in Title-24 are geared toward the 240V model. This model is typically going to be used for existing construction and retrofits.
  • If CARB confirms their phaseout date of 2030 for gas appliances, is Rheem ready to meet the demand? Yes! Rheem is ready! Rheem has invested a ton in capacity and manufacturing sites and is ready to help CA and the nation with the transition to heat pump water heaters.