Rheem Hot Water Systems: How to Choose the Right Rheem System for Your Home

Rheem is one of Australia’s best-known hot water brands, with electric, gas, instant gas, heat pump and solar hot water options available across different household sizes and property types.

The right Rheem hot water system depends on your energy source, household size, number of bathrooms, shower habits, available space, water pressure, gas type, electrical supply and whether you are replacing like-for-like or changing to a different system type.

Installed Today helps customers compare Rheem hot water systems online, including selected Rheem electric, gas, instant gas and heat pump options. Supply-only ordering is available across major Australian metro areas, with selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown.

Quick Answer

Choose a Rheem electric hot water system if you want a familiar storage tank option and the home does not have gas.

Choose a Rheem gas storage system if the property already has natural gas or LPG and you want a tank-style replacement.

Choose a Rheem instant gas system if you want continuous flow hot water, have suitable gas pipe sizing and water pressure, and want a compact outdoor wall-mounted unit.

Choose a Rheem heat pump if you want an efficient electric storage-style option and have outdoor space, clear airflow, condensate drainage and suitable electrical supply.

Solar hot water may suit homes with suitable roof orientation, minimal shading, safe roof access and the right booster setup, but roof conditions need to be checked carefully before ordering.

Why Choose a Rheem Hot Water System?

Rheem is a familiar name in Australian hot water and offers a broad range of systems for different homes, energy sources and household needs.

A Rheem system may suit customers who want:

• A recognised hot water brand

• Electric, gas, instant gas or heat pump options

• Common replacement sizes

• Options for natural gas and LPG

• Storage and continuous flow choices

• Suitable products for smaller, medium and larger households

• Product options that can be compared online before ordering

The best Rheem system is not automatically the largest or most expensive model. It should be selected based on household demand and installation suitability.

Rheem Electric Hot Water Systems

Rheem electric storage systems can suit homes without natural gas or LPG, simple like-for-like replacements and households that want a familiar tank-style hot water system.

Electric storage hot water systems heat water in a tank using an electric element. They are commonly used in Australian homes and are available in different capacities.

Rheem electric hot water may suit:

• Homes without gas

• Like-for-like electric storage replacements

• Small to medium households, depending on tank size

• Homes with suitable electrical supply

• Outdoor or indoor locations where the selected model is suitable

• Customers wanting a straightforward storage tank option

A popular option is the Rheem 250L Electric Hot Water System, which may suit many medium household replacement situations where the size, location and electrical setup are suitable.

Customers comparing other electric options may also look at 250L electric hot water systems, 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems.

Do not automatically replace the old system with the same size if it regularly ran out of hot water. Household demand should be checked first.

Rheem Gas Storage Hot Water Systems

Rheem gas storage systems use natural gas or LPG to heat water stored in a tank.

They can suit homes that already have a gas storage system and want a familiar replacement option. Gas storage can also be practical where the property has suitable gas supply, suitable location and household demand that matches the tank size.

Rheem gas storage may suit:

• Existing gas storage replacements

• Homes connected to natural gas or LPG

• Customers wanting stored hot water

• Properties with a suitable tank location

• Homes where the gas type and installation setup are already suitable

Product options include the Rheem 4-Star 135L Natural Gas Hot Water System, Rheem 4-Star 135L LPG Gas Hot Water System, Rheem Stellar 330 Natural Gas Hot Water System and Rheem Stellar 360 Natural Gas Hot Water System.

Natural gas and LPG are not interchangeable. The selected Rheem gas model must match the property’s gas type. Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Rheem Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

Rheem instant gas systems, also called continuous flow gas hot water systems, heat water as it passes through the unit when a hot tap is turned on.

They do not store hot water in a tank, which makes them compact and useful for many homes with limited ground space.

Rheem instant gas may suit:

• Homes with existing natural gas or LPG

• Customers wanting continuous flow hot water

• Properties with suitable gas pipe sizing

• Homes with suitable water pressure

• Outdoor wall-mounted installation

• Like-for-like replacement of an existing instant gas unit

• Homes where a storage tank takes up too much space

Rheem instant gas options include the Rheem 16L Natural Gas Hot Water System, Rheem 20L Natural Gas Hot Water System, Rheem 20L LPG Gas Hot Water System, Rheem 26L Natural Gas Hot Water System and Rheem 26L LPG Gas Hot Water System.

For 26L systems, gas pipe sizing and water pressure must be suitable. Bigger is not automatically better, and multiple outlets can still exceed the system’s capacity if demand is too high at the same time.

External gas hot water units are designed for outdoor installation unless the specific model is approved for internal flued installation.

Rheem Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Rheem heat pump hot water systems use electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into water stored in a tank.

A heat pump can be a practical option for homes replacing older electric storage systems, moving away from gas or looking for an efficient electric storage-style system where the location is suitable.

Rheem heat pump hot water may suit:

• Homes wanting an efficient electric option

• Properties without gas

• Customers moving away from gas

• Homes with outdoor installation space

• Locations with clear airflow

• Properties where condensate drainage can be managed

• Homes with suitable electrical supply

• Households where tank size suits daily hot water use

A Rheem option to compare is the Rheem AmbiHeat 270L Heat Pump Hot Water System.

Heat pumps are not automatically best for every home. Outdoor location, airflow, drainage, noise placement, access and electrical suitability all need to be checked before ordering.

Customers comparing broader options can browse heat pump hot water systems, medium heat pump hot water systems from 200L to 280L and large heat pump hot water systems over 280L.

Rheem Solar Hot Water Systems

Rheem also has solar hot water options in the broader market, although solar hot water suitability depends heavily on the property.

Solar hot water may suit homes with:

• Strong roof sun exposure

• Suitable roof orientation

• Suitable roof pitch

• Minimal shading

• Suitable roof structure

• Safe roof access

• Maintenance access

• Correct tank and collector sizing

• Suitable electric or gas booster setup

Solar hot water systems generally need boosting for cloudy weather, cooler conditions or high-demand periods. STCs, rebates and incentives can change, so eligibility should be checked before choosing a system based on incentives.

If the roof is shaded, difficult to access or unsuitable for collectors, a heat pump hot water system may be a more practical efficient alternative.

Rheem System Size Guide

The right Rheem hot water system size depends on household usage, not just the number of people.

Consider:

• Number of people in the home

• Number of bathrooms

• Shower length and frequency

• Whether showers run at the same time

• Bath use

• Kitchen and laundry use

• Existing system performance

• Whether the old system ran out of hot water

• Energy source

• Gas type

• Gas pipe sizing

• Water pressure

• Electrical supply

• Outdoor space and access

As a general guide:

• Smaller households may suit smaller electric storage or 16L instant gas options

• Medium households may compare 250L electric, 135L gas storage, 20L instant gas or medium heat pump systems

• Larger households may compare 315L to 400L electric, larger gas storage, 26L instant gas or larger heat pump options

These are only general comparisons. Final sizing should be confirmed against the home’s actual use and installation requirements.

Rheem Electric vs Rheem Gas

Rheem electric and Rheem gas systems suit different homes.

Rheem Electric May Suit:

• Homes without natural gas or LPG

• Simple electric storage replacements

• Customers wanting a familiar storage tank

• Properties with suitable electrical supply

• Homes where gas installation is not practical

Rheem Gas May Suit:

• Homes already connected to natural gas or LPG

• Customers wanting gas storage or instant gas

• Properties with suitable gas pipe sizing

• Homes with suitable water pressure

• Customers wanting a compact continuous flow option

If the home does not have gas, adding gas infrastructure may increase complexity. If the home already has a suitable gas setup, gas replacement may be practical.

Rheem Instant Gas vs Rheem Gas Storage

Rheem instant gas and gas storage systems work differently.

Instant gas heats water on demand and does not store it in a tank. It can suit homes wanting a compact wall-mounted system and continuous flow hot water, provided gas pipe sizing and water pressure are suitable.

Gas storage heats and stores water in a tank. It can suit homes already using a similar gas storage setup and customers wanting a familiar replacement style.

Choose instant gas if:

• You want continuous flow hot water

• You have suitable gas supply

• Gas pipe sizing is suitable

• Water pressure is suitable

• Outdoor wall space is available

Choose gas storage if:

• You are replacing gas storage like-for-like

• You prefer stored hot water

• The existing tank location is suitable

• Gas type and supply are already suitable

Rheem Heat Pump vs Rheem Electric Storage

A Rheem electric storage system may suit homes wanting a simple, familiar replacement where the electrical supply and tank location are suitable.

A Rheem heat pump may suit homes wanting a more efficient electric storage-style system, provided there is outdoor space, clear airflow, condensate drainage, access and suitable noise placement.

Choose electric storage if:

• You want a straightforward tank replacement

• You have limited outdoor airflow

• Heat pump placement is not suitable

• You want a familiar system type

Choose heat pump if:

• You want an efficient electric option

• Outdoor space is suitable

• Airflow is clear

• Drainage can be managed

• Noise placement is acceptable

• Household usage suits tank recovery

Rheem Pricing: What Affects the Cost?

Rheem hot water system pricing varies depending on system type, size, product model and installation requirements.

The product price is only one part of the total cost. Total replacement cost may be affected by:

• System type

• Tank size or L/min rating

• Natural gas or LPG model

• Like-for-like replacement or system change

• Installation location

• Access

• Pipework changes

• Valve upgrades

• Gas pipe sizing

• Electrical work

• Drainage

• Old unit removal

• Compliance upgrades

For supply-only products, the listed price generally covers the product only. It does not usually include installation labour, plumbing changes, electrical work, gas work, new valves, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless clearly listed or selected.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Some heat pump and solar hot water systems may be eligible for STCs, rebates or incentives depending on the product, location, installation details and current program rules.

These programs can change. Eligibility should be checked before purchase and should not be treated as guaranteed.

Gas and electric hot water systems are not automatically eligible for rebates. Do not choose a Rheem system based only on a possible incentive. The system still needs to suit the home, household demand, installation location and energy source.

Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations

In Brisbane and Gold Coast homes, Rheem hot water replacement suitability can be affected by property age, access, energy source and system location.

Common considerations include:

• Narrow side access

• Existing pipework condition

• Valve upgrades

• Electrical supply

• Natural gas or LPG availability

• Gas pipe sizing

• Water pressure

• Heat pump airflow

• Condensate drainage

• Noise placement

• Coastal exposure on the Gold Coast

• Whether the old system is internal or external

• Whether the existing system kept up with demand

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible Installed Today products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where shown. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

Supply-Only vs Supplied-and-Installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, address and installation requirements.

For supply-only products, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

• Installation labour

• Plumbing alterations

• Electrical work

• Gas work

• New valves

• Pipework changes

• Gas pipe upgrades

• Drainage changes

• Tempering valve upgrades

• Pressure limiting valve upgrades

• Expansion control valves

• Old unit removal

• Disposal

• Compliance upgrades

• Concrete bases or slab work

• Flue kits unless listed

• Temperature controllers unless listed

• Relocation of the system

• Rebate administration

• Site assessment

For gas systems, confirm gas type, gas pipe sizing, water pressure and outdoor installation location.

For electric systems, confirm tank size, electrical supply, access and drainage.

For heat pumps, confirm airflow, condensate drainage, electrical suitability, access and noise placement.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing a Rheem hot water system, check:

• How many people live in the home?

• How many bathrooms are used daily?

• Are showers used at the same time?

• Does the household use a bath?

• Did the old system run out of hot water?

• Is the home connected to natural gas, LPG or electricity only?

• Is the gas type correct?

• Is gas pipe sizing suitable for instant gas?

• Is water pressure suitable?

• Is electrical supply suitable?

• Is there outdoor space for a heat pump?

• Does the heat pump location have clear airflow?

• Can condensate drainage be managed?

• Will noise placement be an issue?

• Is the roof suitable if solar is being considered?

• Is access suitable for delivery and installation?

• Is the product supply-only or supplied-and-installed?

• Has a licensed installer confirmed suitability?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Rheem hot water system?

The best Rheem hot water system depends on your household size, energy source, number of bathrooms, installation location and budget. Electric storage may suit homes without gas, instant gas may suit homes with suitable gas supply and water pressure, and heat pumps may suit homes with outdoor space and clear airflow.

Is Rheem electric hot water good for families?

Rheem electric storage systems can suit families where the tank size matches household demand. Common electric sizes include 250L, 315L and 400L options across the broader electric hot water range. Do not choose the same size as the old unit if it regularly ran out of hot water.

Is Rheem instant gas better than gas storage?

Not always. Rheem instant gas can suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water and a compact wall-mounted unit. Rheem gas storage can suit like-for-like tank replacements. The better choice depends on gas supply, water pressure, pipe sizing, space and household usage.

What size Rheem instant gas system do I need?

Common instant gas sizes include 16L, 20L and 26L. The right size depends on bathrooms, shower habits, simultaneous use, gas pipe sizing and water pressure. Bigger is not automatically better.

Can I use LPG with a natural gas Rheem hot water system?

No. Natural gas and LPG systems are different. The unit must match the property’s gas type. Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter.

Is a Rheem heat pump worth considering?

A Rheem heat pump may be worth considering if you want an efficient electric storage-style hot water system and have suitable outdoor space, clear airflow, condensate drainage, electrical supply and suitable noise placement.

Are Rheem hot water rebates available?

Some heat pump and solar hot water products may be eligible for STCs, rebates or incentives depending on current rules, product type and installation details. Eligibility can change and should be confirmed before purchase.

Does supply-only pricing include installation?

No. Supply-only pricing generally covers the product only. It does not usually include installation labour, plumbing work, gas work, electrical work, valves, pipework changes, drainage, old unit removal, disposal or compliance upgrades unless clearly listed.

Can I install a Rheem hot water system myself?

No. Hot water installation can involve plumbing, electrical and gas work. Licensed trades should complete the work where required.

Final Word

Rheem hot water systems can suit a wide range of Australian homes, but the best model depends on the property. Electric storage can suit homes without gas. Gas storage can suit familiar tank replacements. Instant gas can suit continuous flow demand where gas pipe sizing and water pressure are suitable. Heat pumps can suit homes wanting an efficient electric option where outdoor location requirements are met.

Before ordering, compare the system type, size, gas type, electrical supply, access, drainage and installation requirements. For supply-only orders, confirm suitability with a licensed installer first.

Customers can compare Rheem hot water systems, electric hot water systems, gas hot water systems, instant gas hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems online with Installed Today.