Product Information Quick Specs & Benefits View sizing, power, warranty and key product details
Recommended Household Size Suitable for larger households (3 people)
Make Rheem
Model 5511180
Volume 180L
Maximum Warranty 7 years
Height 1810 mm
Width 576 mm
Noise Level 48 dB
Made In Australia
Main Cylinder Material Steel
Installed Today

Rheem Ambipower 180L Heat Pump Hot Water System

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Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump Hot Water System

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump Hot Water System is available from Installed Today as a supply-only heat pump water heater or as a complete supply and install package in selected Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Choose the unit only if you already have a licensed plumber or installer arranged, or check your supply and install package to confirm standard installation, valve kit requirements, electrical suitability, location suitability, drainage, site access and available installation timeframes before checkout.

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is a compact heat pump hot water system designed for smaller households wanting to reduce hot water energy use compared with a standard electric water heater. With 180L-class capacity, R513a low GWP refrigerant, high COP performance, advanced wraparound microchannel heating, and hardwired or plug and lead model options, it is a strong upgrade option for homes replacing a smaller electric storage hot water system.

About the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is part of Rheem’s AmbiPower heat pump range. It uses heat from the surrounding air to heat stored water, making it a smart alternative where a traditional solar hot water system may not be suitable.

Unlike roof-mounted solar hot water, the AmbiPower MDc-180 does not rely on direct sunlight to heat your water. It captures ambient air heat and transfers that energy into the tank, helping reduce water heating energy consumption compared with a conventional electric water heater under suitable conditions.

Rheem lists the AmbiPower MDc-180 as suitable for 1 to 4 people, making it a practical choice for smaller families, townhouses, units, compact homes, rental properties and customers wanting a smaller heat pump option instead of a larger 270L or 280L system.

Buy Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Supply Only

Order the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump Hot Water System online as a supply-only product. This option is ideal if you already have a licensed plumber, electrician or installer arranged and only need the unit supplied.

The supply-only product price is for the hot water system itself. Installation, old system removal, disposal, valve kits, electrical work, plumbing alterations, drainage changes, compliance upgrades and additional site requirements are not included unless selected separately as add-ons.

Supply-only is best for customers searching for:

  • Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 price

  • Rheem AmbiPower 180L heat pump for sale

  • Rheem 551D180 heat pump hot water system

  • Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 supply only

  • 180L heat pump hot water system supply only

  • Rheem heat pump water heater

  • R513a heat pump hot water system

  • Compact Rheem heat pump hot water system

Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Supplied and Installed in Brisbane & Gold Coast

Installed Today can supply and install the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump Hot Water System in selected Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

This option is designed for customers who want the heat pump supplied and professionally installed through one streamlined online order. The supply and install pathway helps confirm whether this system suits your property, whether a valve kit is required, whether the installation location is suitable, whether drainage is available, and whether any additional installation add-ons may be needed before checkout.

The installed-from price is based on the product plus the matching standard installation option. Final pricing may vary depending on site access, electrical suitability, drainage, valve requirements, old system removal or disposal selections, pipework changes, base requirements, compliance requirements and selected add-ons.

Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Installation in Brisbane

For Brisbane customers, the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 can be ordered with supply and install options through Installed Today. This is suitable for homes replacing an existing electric hot water system where the current location, access, plumbing, drainage and electrical supply are suitable for the selected installation option.

The 180L-class size can be a practical fit for Brisbane townhouses, smaller homes, units, granny flats, rental properties and customers wanting to upgrade from standard electric storage to a more energy-efficient heat pump hot water system.

Customers in selected Brisbane suburbs can complete the installation check before checkout to confirm whether standard heat pump installation, valve kit selection, electrical work, drainage, extra plumbing add-ons, old system removal or disposal options may be required.

This makes the page suitable for customers searching for Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 installation Brisbane, Rheem heat pump supplied and installed Brisbane, and 180L heat pump hot water replacement Brisbane.

Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Installation in Gold Coast

Gold Coast customers can also order the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump Hot Water System with supply and install options in selected service areas.

This pathway is useful for homeowners, landlords, property managers, renovators and unit owners who want the product and installation organised together instead of buying the heat pump separately and arranging trades afterwards.

Complete the supply and install check to confirm whether the existing setup is suitable and whether additional items such as valve kits, electrical work, drainage changes, pipework, base support, access requirements or old system disposal may be required.

This helps customers searching for Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 installed Gold Coast, Rheem heat pump installation Gold Coast, and 180L heat pump supply and install Gold Coast.

Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Right for Your Home?

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump may be suitable if you are replacing a smaller electric storage hot water system and want a compact heat pump option from one of Australia’s most recognised hot water brands.

It is commonly suited to smaller households, units, townhouses, rental properties, compact homes and households wanting lower water heating energy use than a standard electric water heater.

Rheem lists the AmbiPower MDc-180 as suitable for 1 to 4 people, but real-world suitability depends on shower length, hot water usage, tariff setup, climate, installation location, airflow, drainage, electrical supply and household hot water habits.

This system may suit you if:

  • You are replacing an existing electric hot water system

  • You want a compact 180L-class heat pump hot water system

  • Your household has around 1 to 4 people, depending on usage

  • You want a Rheem heat pump with low GWP R513a refrigerant

  • You want a system that does not rely on direct sunlight

  • You want hardwired or plug and lead model options

  • You want backup element support

  • You want touch screen LED control

  • Your property has suitable airflow, drainage and installation space

  • Your electrical setup is suitable for the selected model

  • You want the choice of supply only or supply and install

Extra work may be required if:

  • The system is being moved to a new location

  • Existing valves are old, missing or non-compliant

  • Extra pipework or drainage changes are needed

  • Electrical upgrades, power point changes or circuit changes are required

  • Access is restricted

  • A compliant base, tray, drainage or insulation is required

  • The old system needs additional removal or disposal work

  • The installation location has poor airflow or unsuitable clearances

  • The existing setup does not suit a heat pump installation

  • The selected hardwired or plug and lead model does not match the site

Key Features of the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180

  • 180L-class heat pump hot water system

  • Model 551D180

  • Suitable for 1 to 4 people, depending on usage

  • New generation 178L capacity heat pump design

  • Uses heat from surrounding air to heat water

  • Does not rely on direct sunlight

  • Smart energy-efficient alternative to a standard electric water heater

  • High COP of 4.5 at 19°C under stated test conditions

  • Can save up to 70% on water heating energy consumption in Zone 3 compared with an electric water heater under Rheem’s stated conditions

  • R513a refrigerant

  • Low GWP refrigerant with listed GWP of 631

  • Advanced wraparound microchannel heating technology

  • Designed for uniform and faster water heating

  • Suitable for cold climates with operating range from -7°C to +43°C

  • Suitable for harsh water conditions

  • Hardwired version with 2.4kW backup element available

  • Plug and lead version with 1.4kW backup element available

  • User-friendly touch screen LED display

  • Eligible for STCs where requirements are met

  • May be eligible for additional incentives in some states

  • 7-year cylinder supply warranty under Rheem warranty terms

  • 3-year cylinder labour warranty under Rheem warranty terms

  • 3-year sealed system supply and labour warranty under Rheem warranty terms

  • 1-year parts supply and labour warranty under Rheem warranty terms

Quick Specs

Brand: Rheem
Range: AmbiPower Heat Pump
Product: Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump
Model: 551D180
System Type: Heat Pump Hot Water System
Marketed Capacity: 180L class
Listed Capacity: 178L
Recommended Household Size: 1 to 4 people, depending on usage
Refrigerant: R513a
Listed Refrigerant GWP: 631
COP: 4.5 at 19°C under stated test conditions
Heating Technology: Advanced wraparound microchannel heating
Operating Climate Suitability: -7°C to +43°C
Control Type: Touch screen LED display
Hardwired Models: 551D180C and 551D180C/B
Hardwired Backup Element: 2.4kW
Plug and Lead Models: 551D180C3P and 551D180C3P/B
Plug and Lead Backup Element: 1.4kW
Water Quality Suitability: Suitable for harsh water conditions
Government Incentive Eligibility: STCs where requirements are met
Cylinder Warranty: 7 years, subject to Rheem warranty terms
Cylinder Labour Warranty: 3 years, subject to Rheem warranty terms
Sealed System Warranty: 3 years supply and labour, subject to Rheem warranty terms
Parts Warranty: 1 year supply and labour, subject to Rheem warranty terms

Compact Heat Pump for Smaller Homes

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is designed for smaller households that want heat pump efficiency without moving to a larger tank size.

Its 180L-class capacity makes it a practical option for units, townhouses, smaller homes, granny flats and rental properties where hot water demand is moderate and the installation location suits a heat pump setup.

For larger households or higher hot water demand, a larger heat pump such as a 270L or 280L model may be more suitable.

Lower Energy Hot Water

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is designed to reduce water heating energy use compared with a standard electric water heater.

Heat pump technology works by absorbing heat from the surrounding air and transferring that heat into the stored water. This allows the system to produce hot water efficiently without relying only on direct electric element heating.

Rheem lists potential water heating energy savings of up to 70% in Zone 3 when replacing an electric water heater under stated conditions. Actual savings can vary depending on location, the system being replaced, hot water consumption, tariff setup, household usage and installation conditions.

R513a Low GWP Refrigerant

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 uses R513a refrigerant, listed with a global warming potential of 631.

This gives customers a modern heat pump option with lower GWP refrigerant technology while still delivering reliable hot water performance for smaller households and replacement installations.

Advanced Wraparound Microchannel Heating

The AmbiPower MDc-180 uses advanced wraparound microchannel heating technology designed to support uniform and faster water heating.

This design helps transfer heat efficiently into the stored water and supports recovery performance for daily household hot water demand.

Hardwired and Plug and Lead Options

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is available in hardwired and plug and lead configurations.

The hardwired version includes a 2.4kW backup element, while the plug and lead version includes a 1.4kW backup element. The correct option depends on the selected product variant, existing electrical setup, available circuit, installation location and compliance requirements.

This is important to confirm before ordering or installation, especially when replacing an existing electric storage water heater.

Touch Screen LED Display

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 includes a user-friendly touch screen LED display.

This helps make system operation easier for the homeowner and provides a more modern control interface than many older electric storage systems.

Suitable for Cold and Harsh Conditions

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is designed to operate across a broad climate range and is listed as suitable for cold climates from -7°C to +43°C.

It is also listed as suitable for harsh water conditions, making it a practical heat pump option for a wider range of Australian homes where installation conditions and water quality need to be considered.

Government Incentives and STCs

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 may be eligible for government incentives where requirements are met.

Eligible heat pump hot water systems may qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates and may also be eligible for additional state-based incentives in some areas, depending on product model, installation location, installer requirements, installation year and program rules.

Any rebate, STC discount or incentive should be confirmed before ordering or installation.

Common Uses

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 can be suitable for:

  • Electric hot water system replacement

  • Heat pump hot water upgrades

  • Smaller homes

  • Townhouses

  • Units and apartments

  • Granny flats

  • Rental properties

  • Investment properties

  • Homes with 1 to 4 people, depending on usage

  • Homes wanting lower energy use than standard electric storage

  • Homes where traditional roof-mounted solar hot water may not be suitable

  • Properties needing a compact heat pump hot water system

  • Supply-only orders where a licensed installer is already arranged

  • Supply and install orders in selected Brisbane and Gold Coast areas

Suitability depends on household size, hot water usage, tariff setup, installation location, airflow, drainage, plumbing condition, electrical supply and compliance requirements.

Why Order From Installed Today?

Installed Today gives customers a simple way to order the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 Heat Pump Hot Water System as either a product-only purchase or a supply and install package in selected Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

You can compare the unit-only price, check the installed-from price, complete the installation compatibility check and select matching installation add-ons before checkout.

Why customers choose Installed Today:

  • Supply only or supply and install options

  • Installed-from pricing shown separately

  • Compatibility check before checkout

  • Valve kits and installation add-ons available online

  • Brisbane and Gold Coast service area support

  • Suitable for heat pump hot water replacement orders

  • Clear product and installation pathway before checkout

  • Compact 180L-class heat pump replacement option

  • Product-only ordering for customers with their own licensed installer

  • Supply and install pathway for selected heat pump upgrades

  • Hardwired and plug and lead model options available

  • Rheem heat pump hot water system from a recognised Australian hot water brand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 supply only?

Yes. You can buy the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 as a supply-only product if you already have a licensed installer arranged. The unit-only price does not include installation, old system removal, disposal, valve kits, electrical work, plumbing alterations, drainage changes or compliance upgrades unless selected separately.

Can I get the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 installed in Brisbane?

Yes. Supply and install options are available in selected Brisbane service areas. Complete the installation check to confirm whether the standard heat pump installation option suits your property and whether additional add-ons may be required.

Can I get the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 installed in Gold Coast?

Yes. Selected Gold Coast service areas are available. Installation suitability depends on access, existing plumbing, electrical requirements, drainage, valve condition, airflow, clearances, compliance and selected add-ons.

Is installation included in the product price?

No. The main product price is the unit-only price. The installed-from price is shown separately so you can compare supply only against supply and install.

What does the installed-from price include?

The installed-from price is based on the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 unit plus the matching standard installation option. Final pricing may vary depending on valve kits, removal or disposal selections, pipework, electrical work, drainage, access, compliance and other selected add-ons.

Do I need a valve kit?

Many hot water replacements require compatible valves to meet installation and compliance requirements. The installation check helps identify whether a valve kit is recommended for your order.

What is the model number for the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180?

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 model number is 551D180.

What is the tank capacity?

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is commonly referred to as a 180L-class heat pump and is listed with 178L capacity.

How many people is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 suitable for?

Rheem lists the AmbiPower MDc-180 as suitable for 1 to 4 people. Actual suitability depends on shower length, hot water usage, tariff setup, climate and household habits.

What refrigerant does the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 use?

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 uses R513a refrigerant.

What is the GWP of the refrigerant?

Rheem lists the R513a refrigerant used in the AmbiPower MDc-180 with a GWP of 631.

What is the COP of the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180?

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is listed with a COP of 4.5 at 19°C under stated test conditions.

Does the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 need direct sunlight?

No. The AmbiPower MDc-180 uses heat from the surrounding air and does not rely on direct sunlight to heat water.

Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 hardwired or plug and lead?

Both options are available. Hardwired models include 551D180C and 551D180C/B with a 2.4kW backup element. Plug and lead models include 551D180C3P and 551D180C3P/B with a 1.4kW backup element.

Does the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 have a backup element?

Yes. The hardwired version has a 2.4kW backup element, while the plug and lead version has a 1.4kW backup element.

Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 suitable for cold climates?

Yes. Rheem lists the AmbiPower MDc-180 as suitable for cold climates with an operating range from -7°C to +43°C.

Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 suitable for harsh water conditions?

Yes. Rheem lists the AmbiPower MDc-180 as suitable for harsh water conditions.

Can the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 reduce running costs?

Yes. Rheem lists potential water heating energy savings of up to 70% in Zone 3 compared with an electric water heater under stated conditions. Actual savings depend on location, household usage, tariff setup, installation conditions and the system being replaced.

Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 eligible for rebates?

The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 may be eligible for STCs and may be eligible for additional incentives in some states where requirements are met. Eligibility and value can vary depending on location, installation year, product model, installer requirements and program rules.

What is the warranty on the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180?

Rheem lists the AmbiPower MDc-180 with a 7-year cylinder supply warranty, 3-year cylinder labour warranty, 3-year sealed system supply and labour warranty, and 1-year parts supply and labour warranty, subject to Rheem warranty terms and conditions.

Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 good for replacing an electric hot water system?

Yes. The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 can be a strong heat pump replacement option for selected smaller electric hot water systems, provided the property has suitable space, airflow, drainage, electrical supply and plumbing conditions.

Tempering valve information:
Where a hot water system is capable of delivering water above 50°C, a compliant tempering valve must be installed to control the temperature delivered to personal hygiene fixtures such as showers, baths, basins, and bathroom outlets. This helps reduce the risk of scalding and assists with meeting plumbing compliance requirements.

A tempering valve blends hot and cold water to deliver a safer controlled outlet temperature to required fixtures. The hot water unit itself may store water at a higher temperature, but the water delivered to personal hygiene outlets must be controlled where required by plumbing regulations.

If your property already has a suitable, compliant tempering valve installed, your licensed plumber can assess whether it is appropriate for use with the new hot water system. Existing valves may not always be suitable due to age, condition, compliance requirements, valve type, location, or system compatibility.

If a compliant tempering valve is not already installed, or if the existing valve is unsuitable, one must be supplied and installed by a licensed plumber as part of the hot water installation.

Tempering valves are not automatically included with every supply-only hot water unit unless specifically selected, listed as included, or purchased as part of a suitable valve kit. If a tempering valve is required, please purchase the appropriate valve kit with your order or arrange for your licensed installer to supply and install the correct tempering valve on site.

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the installation is completed by appropriately licensed trades and that all required valves, fittings, electrical work, plumbing work, and compliance requirements are allowed for as part of the installation.

A Simpler Way to Buy Hot Water, Filters, Pumps and Plumbing Products

Buying a new hot water system, water filter, pump or plumbing product should be clear, simple and easy to organise.

Installed Today helps you compare products, check supply-only pricing and, where available, build an optional installation package before checkout. That means you can choose the product, review the available options and order with more confidence, without the usual back and forth just to understand the starting price.

Whether you already know exactly what you need or you are still comparing options, Installed Today gives you a clearer way to buy the right product for your home, budget and timing.

Why Customers Choose Installed Today

Supply Only or Optional Installation

Choose the product on its own, or add installation where available on selected products and in eligible service areas. This gives you the flexibility to order the way that suits you best.

Clear Pricing Before Checkout

See the product price upfront, then review available installation options and common add-ons before placing your order. You can check the package total before checkout, instead of waiting on basic pricing just to get started.

Product Details That Actually Help

Key specs, sizing details, warranty information, product features and suitability notes are shown clearly, making it easier to compare products properly before you buy.

Common Installation Add-Ons Available

Where relevant, you can add common installation extras such as valve kits, bases, access-related items, removal, electrical options or other site-specific upgrades before checkout.

Built Around Brisbane and Gold Coast Homes

Our product and installation options are selected with common Brisbane and Gold Coast homes in mind, including local water quality, access issues, plumbing layouts, replacement requirements and typical installation conditions.

One Simple Order

Add the product and selected options to cart in one order, instead of trying to organise separate suppliers, installers, parts and payments yourself.

Practical Help Before You Buy

Not sure which size, model or installation option is right? Installed Today gives you a clearer path to compare your options before you order.

Designed to Make Your Decision Easier

Installed Today is built for customers who want a faster, clearer and more convenient way to buy.

Instead of guessing what is included, waiting for basic pricing or trying to work out which extras may be needed, you can review the product, compare your options and move forward with confidence.

Choose supply only if you just need the product.

Choose an optional supplied and installed package where installation is available and you want the product and selected install options organised in one order.

Add common extras before checkout if your job needs additional parts, removal, access support or site-specific options.

It is a simpler way to organise the product, the selected extras and the parts of the job that matter most.

Important Installation Note

Installation availability, inclusions and add-ons vary by product type, service area, site access, existing services, selected options and property requirements.

Some jobs may require additional work, upgrades or checks before installation can proceed. Final suitability may need to be confirmed based on site conditions, plumbing, electrical requirements, valves, drainage, access and compliance requirements.

Supply-only orders do not include installation, old unit removal, disposal, valve kits, electrical work, plumbing alterations or compliance upgrades unless these are clearly selected or included in your order.

Fast Delivery and Install-Aligned Shipping

Installed Today makes delivery simple, whether you are ordering supply-only or choosing an optional install package.

For supply-only orders, you can select from available delivery options at checkout. For eligible orders with installation selected, shipping is included and coordinated to align with your selected installation period where possible.

Delivery Options

Same Day Delivery

Same day delivery may be available for selected hot water systems in Brisbane and Gold Coast metro areas when ordered before 7:00am.

Availability depends on stock, courier capacity, delivery location, product type and safe transport conditions.

Express Delivery

Express delivery is available on selected products and locations, with an estimated delivery timeframe of 1–4 business days.

Standard Delivery

Standard delivery is available on selected products, with an estimated delivery timeframe of 2–8 business days.

Free Shipping with Installation

When you select an eligible installation package, delivery is included as part of the supplied and installed order.

Your product delivery will be organised to align with your selected installation period where possible, helping avoid separate courier timing, storage issues or delays between delivery and installation.

Fast Metro Delivery

Most hot water orders in metro areas are delivered quickly, with many arriving within 1 business day depending on stock, location, order time and courier availability.

Weather and Transport Delays

Hot water systems are large, heavy products and cannot always be transported safely during rain or unsafe handling conditions.

Delivery timeframes may be affected if wet weather impacts loading, unloading, transport access or safe delivery conditions.

Express Delivery Refund

If your express delivery order takes longer than the estimated 1–4 business day express timeframe, your order will move to the standard 2–8 business day delivery timeframe and your express shipping charge will be refunded automatically.

Order Tracking

We will send your delivery details once your order has been dispatched or scheduled.

For supplied and installed orders, delivery timing may be coordinated around your selected installation period rather than sent as a separate courier-only delivery.

Need Help with Delivery?

Not sure whether to choose supply-only delivery or an optional install package? Contact our team before ordering and we can help you understand the best option for your product, location and timing.

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