Rheem hot water heat pump reviews

Rheem is a well known brand in Australia that's been producing water heaters since the late 1930's.

Contact  Details

Address: 1 Alan Street, Rydalmere NSW 2116
Telephone: 1300 615 720
Email: online form
Website

Rheem also has regional offices in most all Australian states.

Company Info

Rheem had its origins in the USA in 1925 and was named after its founders Richard and Donald Rheem. The firm originally manufactured drums for the fossil fuel industry. The company's first overseas venture was here in Australia, with the establishing of Rheem Manufacturing Co (Australia) Proprietary Ltd in Melbourne in late 1936. Like its parent, the Australian entity started out producing drums. But just three years later, the company's first water heater was manufactured in Sydney.

After buying a 50% share in the company in 1939, BHP purchased the remaining American stake in Rheem Australia in 1973. Southcorp Limited, known as South Australian Brewing Holdings at the time, purchased the firm in 1988. It then changed hands again in 2001 after being acquired by Paloma Co Ltd, which remains the controlling entity today. 

Rheem Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

As at mid-2025, Rheem offers five heat pump products for residential applications. Common among all is frost protection, all are integrated (all-in one) units and all are manufactured in Australia.

AmbiPower 280e

The AmbiPower 280e is an integrated heat pump with a 280 litre capacity and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5.2. It uses R290 refrigerant (propane) and is suitable for hard water conditions (to a degree) and cold climates; with an operating range from -6°C to +43°C. This Rheem unit has a 2.4 kW back-up element and touch screen LED display, and boasts microchannel heating technology that Rheem says provides uniform and faster water heating. 

AmbiPower MDc-180

Suited to small families, the AmbiPower MDc-180 has a 178 litre capacity. It's available in two variants; one using R134a refrigerant ( Model No: 551180) and the other, R513a ( Model No: 551D180). R513A has a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (465 - 675) compared to R134a, which has a GWP of 1430.

With an operating range from -7°C to +43°C, the AmbiPower MDc-180 can also be used in certain hard water conditions. It also has a 2.4 kW back-up element and user-friendly touch screen LED display. The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 has a COP of 4.5. 

Ambiheat HDc270

The Ambiheat HDc-270 is a 270L capacity heat pump with a COP of 4.5, operating temperature range of -5 to 43+ degrees and uses R513a refrigerant, which has a lower GWP than some refrigerants. 

The HDc20 has 4 modes: standard, vacation, and emergency heating/boost modes that can be selected via an LED touch screen on the unit. Boost is provided by a 2.4kW back-up element. A dual timer is also available with this model. According to Rheem, the HDc270 has the highest recovery rate in it the company's heat pump range.

Rheem MPi-325 Series II

The MPi-325 is a "sort-of" all-in-one system with 325 litre capacity that's suitable for for moderate – warm climates. It consists of two components, but unlike true split systems these are installed together - so it's footprint is larger than the other integrated Rheem systems.

The MPi-325 offers multi-pass water heating and boasts "whisper" technology for quieter operation - but it has a lower Coefficient of Performance (COP) than the models above of just 3.6. This unit has a 3.6 kW boost element - more powerful than the other models - but of course the idea of having a heat pump hot water system is to use it as little as possible.

Rheem says it has an LED display, but this doesn't appear to be a touchscreen. 

Rheem Heat Pump Warranty Details

As with all heat pumps, there can be a fair bit of devil in the detail in Rheem warranties, particular in relation to use in hard water areas - so be sure to check the warranty carefully before making a purchase decision.

AmbiPower 280e, MDc-180, Ambiheat HDc270

• 7 years cylinder supply
• 3 years cylinder labour
• 3 years sealed systems supply including labour
• 1 year parts supply and labour on all other parts

MPi-325 Series II 

• 5 years cylinder supply
• 3 years cylinder labour
• 2 years sealed system supply and labour
• 1 year parts supply and labour

Note that Rheem heat pumps purchased under Victoria's Solar Homes program may be eligible for 5 years "whole of system" warranty.

Have you installed a Rheem? Let us know how it's performing by leaving a review. And to compare Rheem products with those from other manufacturers, see our comprehensive heat pump hot water system guide.