Rinnai vs Reclaim Heat Pump Hot Water Systems: Which is Best for Australian Homes

Quick Answer

Reclaim is the better heat pump brand if you’re looking for premium performance, maximum energy efficiency, and excellent cold-weather operation. Its CO₂ refrigerant, advanced solar controls, and top-down heating technology make it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to maximise long-term energy savings.

Rinnai is the better choice if you’re looking for a more affordable heat pump without compromising on reliability. Its range combines strong performance, smart controls, quiet operation, and competitive pricing, making it an excellent all-round option for most Australian households.

Rinnai vs Reclaim Heat Pump Comparison Table

Feature	Rinnai Heat Pumps	Reclaim Heat Pumps
Best for	Everyday households seeking value	Premium homes and solar users
System type	Split and integrated models	Split systems
Tank sizes	180L, 250L, 265L, 300L, 315L, 340L and 400L	160L, 250L, 315L and 400L
Refrigerant	R32 and R290	CO₂ (R744) and R290 (depending on the model)
Energy efficiency	Uses up to 75% less energy than a standard electric storage water heater	COP exceeding 5 under suitable operating conditions
Electric booster	Inbuilt electric boost element on selected models	No electric boost element required during normal operation
Noise level	From 45dB(A)	Around 37dB
Smart controls	Built in Wi-Fi with Rinnai Link App or SmartLife App (model dependent)	Smart Controller with optional Wi-Fi and Reclaim App
Cold weather	Operates in temperatures from -10°C to 45°C (model dependent)	Excellent cold-weather performance with built-in frost control
Warranty	7 to 10-year cylinder, 5-year compressor	Up to 15-year tank and up to 10-year heat pump
Government rebates	Eligible for Federal STCs plus applicable VIC and NSW rebates	Federal and State programs – including STCs, VEECs, and ESCs

NOTE: Warranty depends on the selected tank and system configuration.

Rinnai vs Reclaim Heat Pump Detailed Comparison

• Energy Efficiency

Both Rinnai and Reclaim heat pumps are significantly more efficient than conventional electric storage water heaters, but they achieve their performance in different ways.

Rinnai states that its heat pump range can use up to 75% less electricity than a standard electric storage water heater. 

Reclaim, on the other hand, claims its CO₂ heat pumps have a Coefficient of Performance (COP) exceeding 5, meaning they can produce more than five units of heat energy for every unit of electricity consumed under suitable operating conditions. 

Combined with its top-down heating technology, this allows reclaim systems to deliver excellent efficiency while maintaining a consistent supply of hot water.

So, if maximum efficiency is your priority, Reclaim has the edge. However, Rinnai still offers substantial energy savings and represents excellent value for most households.

• Refrigerant

The refrigerant used inside a heat pump plays an important role in its efficiency, environmental impact, and cold-weather performance.

Rinnai offers heat pumps using both R32 and R290 refrigerants, depending on the model. R32 has been used in the Enviroflo S 5kW range, while newer models such as the Enviroflo S 7kW, AR Series, and GR Series use high-efficiency R290 refrigerant.

Reclaim’s flagship systems are best known for using natural CO₂ (R744) refrigerant, which delivers excellent cold-weather performance and high efficiency. However, the brand also offers selected models that use R290 refrigerant. Both CO₂ and R290 are natural refrigerants with very low global warming potential, making them environmentally friendly choices.

• Electric Booster

One of the biggest differences between the two brands is how they maintain hot water during periods of high demand.

Many Rinnai heat pumps include an inbuilt electric boost element. So, if household demand exceeds the heat pump’s recovery rate or weather conditions reduce heating performance, the electric element automatically assists to ensure hot water remains available. While this improves reliability, the system uses more electricity whenever the boost element operates.

Reclaim takes a different approach. Rather than relying on an electric immersion element during normal operation, it uses its high-efficiency CO₂ compressor and top-down heating design to recover hot water quickly. 

The system also includes a One Shot Boost function through its controller, allowing homeowners to rapidly heat water on demand without depending on a conventional electric boost element.

That said, Reclaim offers a more efficient solution for households wanting to minimise direct electric heating. Rinnai, however, provides extra peace of mind for families with unpredictable hot water demand.

• Tank Materials

Both manufacturers offer durable storage tanks, but Reclaim provides greater flexibility.

Rinnai offers Australian-made vitreous enamel storage tanks across its range, with capacities from 180L to 400L depending on the model. Some models are available with standard or hard-water anodes to suit different water conditions and help extend tank life.

Reclaim offers a choice between glass-lined enamel and stainless steel tanks. Stainless steel tanks require less maintenance because they do not use sacrificial anodes and are suitable for most metropolitan water supplies. 

Glass-lined tanks are better suited to areas with hard or high-mineral water and include a sacrificial anode for additional corrosion protection.

If you want more flexibility when choosing a storage tank, Reclaim offers more options. Rinnai, however, provides durable Australian-made tanks backed by strong warranty support.

• Cold Weather Performance

Rinnai heat pumps are designed to operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -10°C to 45°C, with selected models featuring anti-frost protection to maintain reliable performance during colder weather. They perform well across most Australian climate zones and are suitable for the vast majority of households.

Reclaim has built its reputation on outstanding cold-weather performance. Its CO₂ refrigerant continues to extract heat efficiently even in very low temperatures, while built-in frost control helps maintain reliable operation throughout winter. Because of its efficient compressor and heating design, the system does not normally require an electric boost element during cold conditions.

If you’re a homeowner living in alpine regions or southern parts of Australia where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, Reclaim offers a clear advantage. For milder climates, both brands deliver dependable year-round performance. 

• Noise Levels

If minimising noise is a priority, Reclaim is the better choice, although Rinnai also offers quiet operation suitable for most homes.

Rinnai heat pumps operate from approximately 45dB(A), depending on the model. This is comparable to the sound of a modern dishwasher or a quiet conversation and is suitable for most residential installations.

Reclaim operates at an average of 37dB, making it exceptionally quiet. The low operating noise makes it particularly well-suited to homes where the outdoor unit is installed close to bedrooms, outdoor entertaining areas, or neighbouring properties.

• Smart Controls and Solar Integration

Both brands offer excellent smart controls, but Reclaim stands out with more advanced scheduling, energy management, and solar integration features.

Reclaim Heat Pump Smart Features

• Smart Controller with 6 operating modes
• Optional Wi-Fi controller with 8 operating modes
• One Shot Boost function
• Holiday Mode
• Remote monitoring and control via the Reclaim App
• Advanced scheduling to maximise excess solar generation and reduce grid electricity use

Rinnai Heat Pump Smart Features

• Built-in Wi-Fi on most models
• Control via the Rinnai Link App or SmartLife App, depending on the model
• Multiple operating modes, including Heat Pump, Economy, Hybrid, Boost, Element, and Vacation on selected models
• Schedule water heating to better match household demand or available solar generation.

• Hot Water Recovery

Recovery rate determines how quickly a heat pump reheats water after heavy household use.

Rinnai’s recovery performance varies across its range depending on the model, tank size, and heating capacity. The larger 7.0kW models naturally recover faster than smaller units, making them suitable for households with higher hot water demand.

Reclaim uses a top-down heating system, where heated water is returned directly to the top of the storage tank instead of heating the entire tank from the bottom. This allows usable hot water to become available sooner after large water draws. The systems are capable of recovering approximately 110 litres of hot water per hour, helping to maintain a steady supply for larger households.

So, for families with high daily hot water usage, Reclaim generally offers faster recovery and improved availability between showers.

• Warranty

When comparing Rinnai and Reclaim warranties, the main differences are the length of coverage and the components included.

Rinnai

• 10-year cylinder warranty
• 5-year compressor warranty
• 1-year parts warranty

Reclaim

• Up to 15-year tank warranty (depending on the tank selected)
• Up to 10-year heat pump warranty
• 6-year parts and labour warranty
• 7-year controller warranty (standard controller) or 10-year controller warranty (Wi-Fi controller)

• Rinnai vs Reclaim HPWH Government Rebates

Both Rinnai and Reclaim heat pump hot water systems qualify for Australian government energy-efficiency incentives, helping to reduce the upfront installation cost.

Eligible systems from both brands can receive Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Renewable Energy Target. 

Homeowners in Victoria may also qualify for Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), while eligible installations in New South Wales can receive Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) and Home Energy Saver interest-free loans. 

The Available incentives vary depending on your location, the model installed, and the accredited installer.

Which Heat Pump Is Better, Rinnai or Reclaim?

The better brand depends on your budget, household needs, and long-term priorities.

Choose Rinnai if you:

• Want a more affordable heat pump
• Prefer a trusted and well-established brand
• Need a wide range of tank sizes and system options
• Want built-in Wi-Fi and smart controls on most models
• Are looking for excellent value for money

Choose Reclaim if you:

• Want premium performance and maximum energy efficiency
• Live in a colder climate
• Want to maximise savings with rooftop solar
• Prefer faster hot water recovery
• Value longer warranty coverage and advanced smart controls

Choosing the Right System

Both Rinnai and Reclaim offer excellent heat pump hot water systems, but they cater to different types of homeowners.

Rinnai is the better choice if you want a reliable, energy-efficient heat pump that delivers excellent value for money. Its broad product range, competitive pricing, quiet operation, built-in Wi-Fi on many models, and eligibility for government rebates make it a practical option for most Australian households.

Reclaim is designed for homeowners who are willing to pay more for premium features. Its advanced refrigerant technology, outstanding cold-weather performance, faster hot water recovery, intelligent energy management, and longer warranty make it an excellent choice for those looking to maximise long-term efficiency and solar savings.

If you’re looking for the best balance of price, performance, and everyday practicality, Rinnai is the better buy. If you’re happy to invest more upfront for premium technology and the lowest possible long-term running costs, Reclaim is the better choice.