Rheem performance platinum heat pump water heater

With sustainability at the forefront of these innovative designs, the ProTerra Plug-ins' industry-first 120V Heat Pump technology results in installations with minimal to no electrical work. The 120V ProTerra Plug-in is available in two versions, allowing users to explore the Dedicated Circuit or Shared Circuit models. The Dedicated Circuit model offers the largest compressor in the industry and delivers the fastest heat pump water heater (HPWH) recovery on the market, performing similarly to a standard gas water heater. The Shared Circuit design offers HydroBoost mixing valve that extends the hot water in the tank for maximum output performance and requires no electrical work.

"The 120V ProTerra Plug-in models are a gamechanger for California," said Ankur Maheshwari, Director of Global Product Management and Decarbonization Lead at Rheem. "Many cities throughout the state have gas bans and efficiency requirements, which make HPWH the ideal option for new construction and replacement. Rheem provides our California customers with a comprehensive solution to meet both their sustainability goals and hot water performance needs."

Market demands and ongoing feedback from plumbing partners served as the catalysts for the latest expansion of the ProTerra family of HPWH. With minimal clearance requirements and the ability to fit in a standard tank footprint, the units were designed for quick and easy retrofit installation, effortlessly fitting in tight spaces. 

The ProTerra Plug-in models utilize the Rheem EcoNet® app's Wi-Fi controls, allowing for convenient operation and monitoring. Capabilities include adjusting water temperature, scheduling and tracking energy usage from a smart phone. The EcoNet app will also alert users with updates on the unit's system health, with the goal of keeping hot water flowing in the home. The Shared Circuit model is demand response ready with built-in EcoPort (CTA-2045 port) which easily connects to utility programs for additional energy cost savings.

ProTerra Plug-in models are best suited for use in most regions of California where average ambient temperatures remain above 37° F throughout the year. Rheem provides an online selector tool to help homeowners identify their ideal HPWH solution. Homeowners and plumbing contractors in California can also benefit from incentive and rebate programs providing additional cost savings. 

The development of ProTerra Plug-in HPWH technology began in 2019 with the roadmap to decarbonize California's buildings, which included plans to replace gas-burning appliances with electric versions (CA Title 20). Previously, HPWHs needed 240V hardwired service. Replacing a gas water heater with a 240V HPWH in older homes presents a challenge, as common 100-Amp electrical panels often have no capacity left to add high energy-draw appliances like a 30-Amp water heater. The 120V plug-in solves the electrical challenges of replacing a gas water heater.

Prior to its public release, performance of the 120V ProTerra Plug-in was validated in a field study facilitated by the Advanced Water Heating Initiative, a U.S. Department of Energy-affiliated collaborative that aims to realize the carbon and energy savings of HPWH by scaling adoption. In conjunction with public utilities like PG&E, SCE and SMUD, the trial leveraged a Rheem ProTerra Plug-in Heat Pump with HydroBoost and LeakGuard™ (a Shared Circuit model) as the first of 32 HPWHs that were installed in single family homes to prove they sufficiently met demand. Overall results of the study will be released following the completion of project's remaining installs, but the 120V ProTerra Plug-in units installed to-date have demonstrated they are an ideal, plug-and-play retrofit solution that deliver on homeowners needs.

ProTerra Plug-in comes with a 10-year limited tank and parts warranty. For more information, please visit www.rheem.com/ProTerra.

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Rheem Proterra vs Performance Platinum – Which Water Heater is Better?

  • Matt Greenfield
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Rheem performance platinum heat pump water heater

All household water heaters must be Energy Star certified beginning in 2015. The Rheem Proterra and Performance Platinum water heaters are more efficient than regular models and should result in yearly energy cost savings for you. The electric burner assembly in both Rheem Proterra and Performance Platinum only activates as necessary, rather than continuously heating the water.

The distinctions between the Proterra and the Performance Platinum water heaters are discussed in this article. The Professional Series includes a useful upgrade and an additional function that contribute to a longer water heater life.

Rheem performance platinum heat pump water heater
Source: rheem.com

There are different water heater models with fewer upgrades and features, as there are for almost everything else, allowing for a distinction. The improved models of Rheem Water Heaters have enhancements and characteristics that make them more likely to live longer.

Hybrid Water Heaters vs. Electric

Rheem’s hybrid electric water heaters use heat pumps to warm the water in your house. Instead of producing heat directly, an electric heat pump will transfer heat from one location to another to warm your water.

These systems, which combine elements of classic and the best hybrid water heaters, can include different settings that lower the price of your water bill. The method for using the system to heat water on demand is up to the homeowners. Hybrid water heaters are ideally installed in an area that will stay between 40 and 90 degrees because they draw heat from the air.

The water heater in your home is frequently stressed out since it is utilized for many different things daily. Because of this, if your electric water heater is not well-made or operating efficiently, it could be a financial burden on your household each month.

Buying an electric water heater has several advantages. These products are frequently the most cost-effective and efficient ones on the market. Electric water heaters, from small to huge tanks, come in various sizes for both short-term and long-term use. An electric water heater will require less room than a typical gas water heater because it does not require a discharge exhaust.

Rheem Pro household water heaters are only available in one series from us. There are variations in warranty duration, cost, and features. You may choose the ideal Rheem water heater for your home with the assistance of our installation coordinators, who can guide you through the decision-making process.

Energy Efficiency

When comparing the energy efficiency of different devices, the Rheem Prottera water heater comes out on top. The energy factor of their Performance Platinum model is 3.75 as opposed to AO Smith’s 3.45 and Bradford White’s 3.39. This will result in annual savings of $10–$15. That’s not noteworthy. The Rheem offers the best value for your money, given that it is also the most affordable model.

Performance

Some of the Rheem Proterra and Rheem Performance water heaters have a UEF rating of about 90 percent, and both offer outstanding efficiency. In the end, Rheem Professional heaters outlast Performance heaters in terms of durability. They have copper heating components and better gas valves.

The heating elements in the Performance series heaters have stainless steel and a copper element, compared to the Performance series water heaters’ two copper heating elements. Since stainless steel resists corrosion, it has greater durability.

The Rheem Performance series versions come equipped with a plastic drain valve and a gas control housed in a plastic container. On the other hand, the Professional series units have a brass metal drain valve and a gas control enclosed in a metal box.

Price Comparison

The top-of-the-line heat pump water heater from Rheem is called the ProTerra. With the price of ProTerra at $1,916 (for a 50 gal. tank), it has been established that it didn’t outperform the less expensive Performance Platinum model.

You can buy the same energy factor, annual operating cost, and warranty duration for $200 extra. With this model, they just add a leak detection and auto-shutoff feature.

The Rheem Performance Platinum heat pump water heater, which costs $1,672 for a 40-gallon tank and $1,699 for a 50-gallon tank, is the least expensive. This is $383 less expensive than the Bradford White AeroTherm and $127 less expensive than the AO Smith Signature Premier.

Warranty

The typical warranty length ranges from 5 to 12 years, depending on the mode. Both the Rheem Proterra and Performance Platinum fall within this range, so you shouldn’t have any problem using them. Additionally, maximum GMP varies from model to model and ranges from 0.9 to 11.

How Long Do Rheem Water Heaters Last

Rheem performance platinum heat pump water heater
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For Rheem ProTerra Durability

The user is kept in mind during the design of heat water systems. Straightforward, long-lasting, and thin. The best materials were used to create these tanks. They do, however, have a used-by date like anything else. Depending on the quality of the water and how well the heater system has been maintained, Rheem ProTerra systems typically last between 5 and 15 years.

For Performance Platinum Durability

If one gets the Rheem Performance Platinum heat water system effectively serviced every five years, one could extend its lifespan by years. Checking for leaks in the tank and its fittings, inspecting the electrical system, replacing crucial valves, and, most significantly, inspecting and replacing the sacrificial anode is all part of a service.

Which Water Heater Is Better for You?

You can choose from various tankless heaters in the Rheem ProTerra and Rheem Performance lines. If you want a two-in-one deal that covers installation fees, choose Rheem ProTerra water heaters. If you need water heaters that are more reasonably priced, pick the Performance series. Whatever Rheem heater model you decide on, remember that good maintenance will keep it operating effectively for a very long time.

Is Rheem performance platinum a good brand?

The Rheem Performance Platinum Smart Electric Water Heater is the best electric water heater in our guide. Both quiet and efficient, this water heater comes with a 10-year warranty to give you peace of mind when purchasing it. It uses a hybrid pump, making it more efficient than regular electric water heaters.

What is the difference between Rheem performance platinum and ProTerra?

The ProTerra is Rheem's top of the line heat pump water heater. But when we reviewed it, we discovered that it wasn't much better than the cheaper Performance Platinum model. For $200 more you get the same energy factor, annual operating cost and warranty length.

How long does a Rheem performance water heater last?

Rheem hot water systems have a typical life span of between 5 and 15 years depending on water conditions and how well the system has been serviced. You can add years to the life to a Rheem hot water system if you have it serviced every 5 years.

What is heat pump mode on Rheem water heater?

Heat Pump Mode: This mode will heat with Heat Pump operation. It will not use electric heat during normal heating and demand cycles. This mode has a low recovery but minimizes power consumption.