How to Decide: Rheem vs Rinnai Hot Water Systems

Hot water is something few of us could live without, so next time you need a hot water system replacement, you’ll want to choose a model that can adequately and reliably meet your everyday needs. If you’re looking for a new hot water system, it’s worth comparing a few brands to find the model that best suits your needs. In this article, we’ll compare two of Australia’s most popular brands: Rheem and Rinnai.

Both Rheem and Rinnai hot water systems have a variety of options to consider, including heaters without a storage tank, gas water heaters, and solar hot water systems.

So which brand is right for you? Perhaps you’ve noticed some warning signs that your system is on the way out and began researching, only to discover there are a variety of systems to heat water on the market, leaving you to wonder what is the ideal option for you. Let’s take a closer look at each so you compare and make an informed decision.

Rheem Hot Water Systems

Rheem Hot Water Systems is an American/Japanese company that has been operating in Australia since 1937 and has been a go-to option for many Australians ever since. They’re known for having a wide range of products and for being more affordable while still providing a reliable product.

Rheem produces a wide range of water heater types including electric, gas water heaters, tankless systems, and instant hot water systems.

For those looking to save money on energy bills and lower their carbon footprint, Rheem also offers solar powered hot water systems.

Types of hot water systems offered by Rheem

The Rheem range includes a variety of models including:

Benefits of Rheem hot water heaters

Reasonable-level priced hot water heaters.
Decent quality systems for a good price. If you’re looking to stick to a budget, a Rheem system may be for you.
Good reputation for durability. Rheem systems can be expected to last between 5-15 years depending on maintenance and usage. Tankless models can last up to 20 years
Wide range of water heater types. Rheem offers more choices than many of their competitors, including Rinnai. Their options include gas, electric storage tanks, and solar heaters.

Limitations/Drawbacks of Rinnai water heaters

Newer in the market compared other established brands. Because Rinnai hot water systems are so affordable, and a new comer in the electric and gas storage market we simply dont have the evidence of lengevity as of yet, wheras Rheem have over 75 years of manufacturing hot water systems in Australia. Whether the initial savings is worth it, in the long run, will depend on your budget and what you’re expecting from your hot water system.
Less features. Rinnai water heaters don’t have as many additional features as Rinnai hot water heaters do. But again, whether this is a deal breaker will depend on your needs and preferences.

Rinnai Hot Water System

Originating in Japan, Rinnai hot water systems have been a staple in Australian homes for over 50 years. They are now a trusted name in hot water systems. Their extensive range includes energy-efficient continuous flow hot water, water conservation, and installation versatility.

Rinnai offers a variety of continuous flow hot water systems, tankless water heaters as well as natural gas water heater options. Whatever your system preference may be, Rinnai designs their hot water heaters with four critical factors in mind:

The environment,
Low emission technology
Lower running costs
Maximum efficiency

Types of hot water systems offered by Rinnai

Rinnai’s hot water system types include:

Continuous flow hot water systems
Hotflo Electric hot tater systems
Hotflo Gas hot water systems

Benefits of Rinnai hot water heaters

With our impact on the environment and rising energy bills being on everyone’s mind, Rinnai’s focus on maximum energy efficiency is a huge point in their advantage. Hot water can account for a whopping 30% of the average household’s expenses, so any way you can cut down on this will pay dividends in the long run.

Great reputation for long-lasting products with a good warranty. A water heater is an investment for the next decade, so it’s worth considering long-term maintenance before making your purchase.
Advanced system features. The features that come with a Rinnai are some of the most advanced on the market, with the newest models offering remote controls, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even smart home support. Whether you need all these bells and whistles is a matter of personal taste, but it does show that Rinnai is a forward-thinking company.

Limitations/Drawbacks of Rheem hot water heaters

More expensive than other systems. Compared to Rinnai, Rheem can be an issue for those on a tight budget.
Smaller range of hot water systems. This is no problem if they happen to have what you want, but limiting if their products don’t quite tick all the boxes.
Extra features may not appeal to everyone. While the extra features mentioned above will appeal to some, other customers might find them off-putting.

How to make the final decision

Choosing between Rinnai and Rheem hot water systems is all about considering your needs. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding on your system that will help narrow your focus. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself the following questions:

How many people will use your hot water system daily?
Will the number of people in your home change? Perhaps you’re a growing family or you’re considering renting out a room.
If you’re buying a water heater for your place of business, do you expect the number of employees to stay the same, or will your team expand down the line?
What type of business are you running and what’s the water demand? Somewhere like a gym (which offers shower facilities) will use more hot water than a basic office will.
Consider who lives in your home. What’s everyone’s hot water usage like? Are there expected times when people tend to have their showers and baths?
Will you be using multiple appliances at the same time?
What’s the climate like where you live? Is it a colder area?
What’s your budget and how flexible is it?
Are you after an environmentally conscious option or concerned about water heating energy consumption?
If this is a replacement hot water system, what’s your opinion of your old model? What did you like and what would you improve?

Asking yourself these questions will help provide an idea of what you truly need from your hot water system.

If you’re still unsure or have further questions, that’s okay! There are experts for a reason, and the team at Same Day Hot Water Services is here to help with all your queries. We deal with hot water systems day in, and day out, so whatever your situation, we’ve got the experience and know-how to come up with a solution for you.

Whether you have questions about installation costs, our range of water heater systems, need to organise a service call or just have general our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help. Get in touch today by clicking here.