Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump Review (250L & 315L)

As any Aussie homeowner knows, winters here can get brutally cold and unpredictable. The icy temperatures and strong winds necessitate reliable heating to keep you snug.

Among the available solutions, the Rinnai’s Enviroflo Heat Pump excels, thanks to its sturdy build, excellent energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness.

But do you even know what the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump is and why it is one of the best?

Let’s get into it!

Also read: Can You Run Out of Hot Water With a Heat Pump?

What is the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump?

The Enviroflo Heat Pump by Rinnai is an advanced system crafted to effectively heat water for Australian homes. It incorporates an air-source heat pump that captures ambient warmth from the surroundings and transfers it to the water supply.

This ingenious technology demands far less energy than conventional storage tanks, enabling homeowners to potentially cut their energy expenses by up to 75 percent.

The Pump harnesses sustainable power sources found naturally, rather than consuming non-renewable resources like coal or oil. This characteristic renders it an environmentally friendly option preferred by those mindful of their ecological impact.

Also read: Are Hot Water Heat Pumps Worth It?

The system comes in two sizes—250L and 315L—catering to different family sizes and demand levels. Furthermore, the pump is available in various configurations for both indoor and outdoor installations, ensuring compatibility with various site requirements across Australia.

How Does the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump Work?

The Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump operates on a simple principle. It pulls air from the surrounding environment and guides it over coils containing a unique refrigerant called R290.

Much like our bodies release heat through sweat during physical activity, the refrigerant within the coils absorbs thermal energy from the air, raising its temperature. This heated refrigerant then flows through a series of pipes to the heat exchanger where it releases the heat to water.

The Rinnai Enviroflo Electric Heat Pump components

To work correctly and efficiently, the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump relies on several components. These include:

The R290 Refrigerant – This is a fluid with unique properties that allow it to absorb heat from the air when compressed and release that heat when expanded. As it cycles between compression and expansion, the refrigerant transfers thermal energy from the surrounding air to the stored water, effectively heating it.

Integrated DC fan and Evaporator – The Direct Current (DC) fan is responsible for drawing air into the heat pump and passing it over the evaporator coil.

Also read: The 7 Best Heat Pump Water Heaters to Buy in Australia

The system uses a DC motor, not an AC one, because a DC motor is more energy efficient, quieter, and lasts longer.

The evaporator coil is a series of tubes with cold refrigerant inside. It absorbs heat from the air moved by the DC fan causing it to turn into low-pressure gas.

The Compressor – It compresses the refrigerant increasing its pressure and temperature. This increases its energy, enabling it to release heat efficiently in the next stage.

The dual protection Heat Exchanger – Here, the refrigerant transfers heat from the air to water. After releasing this thermal energy to the water, the refrigerant transforms back into a high-pressure liquid state, completing the cycle.

The dual protection heat exchanger has two material layers that work as a barrier between inside parts and the external environment. Specifically, it separates the refrigerant from the water circulating through the system, ensuring efficient heat transfer while preventing any potential leaks or contamination between the two fluids.

Also read: What are the Pros and Cons of Heat Pump Water Heaters?

The Intelligent Controller – This checks and changes settings for optimal performance. It continuously monitors factors like temperature, pressure, and flow rate. Based on real-time data, the controller makes adjustments that help the system perform optimally and operate reliably.

Rinnai Enviroflo 250L Heat Pump

Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump Key Features

Highly Energy Efficient

The Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump is renowned for its high energy efficiency. Instead of generating heat, the pump utilizes an innovative heat exchange system that absorbs heat from ambient air to warm water. This process significantly reduces energy consumption, using up to 75% less energy than standard electric storage tanks.

Quiet operation – Below 48 Decibels

The whisper-quiet performance, comparable to a library’s ambience, renders the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat pump suitable for residential areas where noise pollution raises concerns. Additionally, it allows for strategic installation near living spaces, seamlessly blending into your daily routines without disruptions. It’s therefore an ideal choice for those seeking serenity.

R290 Refrigerant with Only 300 Grams Charge

The Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump utilizes an eco-friendly refrigerant, R290, with a mere 300-gram charge. This innovative choice avoids traditional refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer and exacerbate global warming.

Interestingly, the refrigerant is used sparingly to minimize total greenhouse gas emission potential, aligning with contemporary efforts towards combating climate change. Consequently, it presents an excellent option for individuals seeking to diminish their ecological footprint.

Compatible with Hard Water

The heat pump is designed to function even in hard water conditions. Hard water has high mineral content that can pose scaling challenges, but fortunately, the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat system resists scale buildup, conserving its efficiency. So, if you live in areas where water hardness is an issue, you’ll enjoy a consistent hot water supply without costly repairs disrupting your routine.

1000 kPa Maximum Water Pressure Rating

The Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump boasts a sturdy construction that can withstand immense water pressure up to 1000 kPA. This impressive capacity ensures reliable performance in high-pressure systems. Also, it boosts user safety from the risk of pressure-related failures. And its robust internal components contribute to a longer lifespan.

Class-Leading Weight for Easy Handling and Installation

The pump weighs in at 112 kg for the 250 L model and 132 kg for the 315 L version. This manageable weight makes it easier to handle and install than its heavier alternatives. Installers face less physical strain maneuvering the unit, and the risk of injury or property damage during handling are minimized.

250L and 315L Capacities Available

These tanks come in 250-liter and 315-liter sizes. You, therefore, pick the right fit for your family’s hot water needs. Smaller homes may choose 250 liters for energy efficiency. On the other hand, larger homes might need 315 liters to ensure ample hot water at all times. These two options mean you can match your tank to your usage, never wasting energy and always having enough.

The Single Heating Element Boost

The single heating element boost is an extra heating feature that provides added heating power when there is high demand or extremely low temperatures. The feature prevents reduced heating performance, ensuring consistent hot water supply despite adverse climate conditions. With it, homeowners stay worry-free, knowing daily routines remain unaffected by changing seasons.

Rinnai Enviroflo 315L Heat Pump

Who is the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump Best For?

The pump best suits small to mid-sized families looking to transition from fossil fuel-based heating solutions to a cleaner, greener alternative. It helps them cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.

Rinnai’s Enviroflo heat pump is also great for people living in areas with hard water. This is because it’s built with parts that can counteract the negative consequences of harsh mineral content. The result? The pump runs well and lasts long.

How Does Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump Compare to Other Similar Products

The heat pump operates quietly, below 48 dBA – quieter than many top rivals. This low noise level makes it an ideal choice for residential areas where noise can be a significant issue.

Additionally, it utilizes R290 refrigerant with only a 300-gram charge. This ecofriendly refrigerant provides a greener solution with minimal global warming impact – a desirable feature for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Government Grants For Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pumps

Federal Small-Scale Technology Certificate (STC’s)

Enviroflo’s innovative design allows it to be eligible for Grants through the Federal Governments Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, generously covering a proportion of the up-front costs of purchasing and installing the system.

Also read: Are Heat Pumps Good for Heating Water in Australia?

These grants are called Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) and are offered based on how sustainable a hot water system is. Your STC rebate value will depend on your installation location, see the map above for your geographic Zone locations.

Tank size	Zone 1		Zone 2		Zone 3		Zone 4		Zone 5
Tank size	STCs	Rebate value based on $38* per STC	STCs	Rebate value based on $38* per STC	STCs	Rebate value based on $38* per STC	STCs	Rebate value based on $38* per STC	STCs	Rebate value based on $38* per STC
Enviroflo 250L	23	$874	23	$874	28	$1064	29	$1102	29	$1102
Enviroflo 315L	23	$874	22	$836	27	$1026	29	$1102	28	$1064

State Grants

For Victorian consumers there are additional rebates available for replacing inefficient hot water systems with Heat Pumps. Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) are offered for eligible installations on top of the Federal STC grants making the conversion to a Rinnai Enviroflo Heat pump the obvious low-cost choice.

Tank size	How Water Delivery	% Solar Savings	VEECs Replacing Electric Tanks – Metro	Estimated grant based on 1 VEEC = $24*	VEECs Replacing Electric Tanks – Regional	Estimated grant based on 1 VEEC = $24*
Enviroflo 250L	Medium load 64%		28	$672	30	$720
Enviroflo 315L	Medium load 63%		27	$648	29	$696

Verdict

Considering this discussion, the Rinnai Enviroflo Heat Pump is an ideal choice for small to medium-sized families looking for a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient hot water solution. Its quiet operation, use of eco-friendly refrigerant, and compatibility with various water conditions make it a strong contender in the market, surpassing many of its competitors.

Also read: How Much Does a Heat Pump Hot Water System Cost in Australia?

Investing in this heat pump not only brings financial rewards through energy savings but also conserves the environment, making it a win-win solution for homeowners and the planet.

Rinnai heat pump hot water heating systems come with a wide range of products offering optimal water heating solutions. They work in an energy efficient manner and provide consistent supply of hot water for household and commercial needs.