Heat Pump Water Heater

Heat pump technology is the most advanced water heating technology available. Rheem boasts the highest first-hour recovery rate in its class and, with its super-high efficiency, it is an easy up-sell to your customers. Installation is very similar to a standard electric water heater, with the simple addition of a PVC tube for condensate drainage. Best installation sites are attics, basements and furnace rooms. Available now — call your local Rheem or Ruud distributor to order. www.rheemhpwh.com

Hydronic Space And Water Heating

The new Phoenix Evolution from Heat Transfer Products melds hydronic space heating and domestic hot water with complete system control in a single, compact, 96 percent-efficient package. One Phoenix Evolution unit effectively replaces a gas-fired water heater, a 135,000 Btu/hr. boiler and a buffer tank in a space the size of your average residential water heater.

Installation is simplified as well. The contractor must make only five connections: at the supply and return for space heating; at the inlet and outlet for domestic hot water; and at the cold-water feed for makeup water. The units are entirely preplumbed and wired to ease the contractor’s installation task on the jobsite. www.htproducts.com

Hybrid Water Heater

By utilizing heat pump technology in combination with traditional electric elements, this model from GE pulls heat from surrounding air and transfers it to the tank. This innovative process creates the same amount of hot water as a traditional water heater but can consume up to 62 percent less energy than a standard electric water heater. It exceeds Energy Star minimum requirements of 2.0 Energy Factor with 2.35 EF. www.geappliances.com/products/water/water_heaters.htm

ICON System Accessory Packages

Bradford White Water Heaters introduces its new Bradford White ICON System Accessory Packages. They work in conjunction with the company’s recently introduced ICON System gas control to provide homeowners with additional benefits such as comprehensive leak protection and better, more energy-efficient performance — including up to 36 percent savings on energy usage and an increase in usable hot water by as much as 50 percent or more.

The packages include: a fully programmable seven-day, four period/day LCD digital control that can be attached to the water heater or mounted remotely throughout the house; leak detection that includes an audible alarm and optional automatic cold water shut-off valve; and an enhanced integrated mixing device with multiple optional water connections that is quick and easy to install. www.bradfordwhite.com<

Lead-Free Tankless Water Heater Valve Kit

Cimberio Valve introduces a lead-free version of its popular CimKIT tankless water heater valve kit. The “No-Lead” CimKIT has all of the same features and benefits of the standard CimKIT such as a compact, integrated design and forward-facing, color-coded handles. However, its lead-free construction is in full compliance with California’s AB 1953 and Vermont’s S.152 laws regulating the amount of lead in plumbing fixtures. The kits are available with 3/4-inch threaded or sweat connections and can be purchased with or without a lead-free pressure-relief valve. www.cimberiovalve.com

Electric Water Heaters

The next generation Tempra and new Tempra Plus tankless, on-demand electric water heaters are now available from Stiebel Eltron. Enhancements include output to 140 degrees F, upgraded heavy-duty electronics, single-flow sensor, easy-access hinged cover and larger inlet filter screen. Ideal as backup for solar thermal systems. www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com

Commercial Water Heater Sizing Software

CertiSpec3.2 is the latest computerized sizing guide release for Rheem-Ruud Commercial Water Heaters and covers virtually the entire Rheem-Ruud commercial water heater offering, including the six new models in the SPIDERfire line of condensing-type, gas-fired, commercial water heaters.

CertiSpec3.2 is a 32-bit program with a file size of less than five megabytes. The software offers a wider assortment of features, including: a Fuel Cost Calculator, which draws comparisons of annual fuel consumption for gas vs. electric units, as well as for standard 80 percent-efficient models vs. the 95 percent-efficient SPIDERfire; special tables and charts; low NOx reference; recently introduced UHE SPIDERfire sizing option; and Microsoft Word compatibility. www.rheem.com

Fan Assisted Boiler/Water Heater

Raypak’s new Hi Delta SS (Space Saver) fan-assisted boiler/water heater comes in sizes 100 to 399 Mbtu. Added features include a compact design with synchronized two-stage controls, gas valves and fans for optimum performance. AFUE for residential boilers (sizes to 300 Mbtu) is 85 percent, with internally mounted digital electronic control/outdoor reset. Water heater thermal efficiency is also 85 percent. LED function status display, copper fin-tube heat exchanger, and H or HLW Stamp are standard. 

Hi Delta SS meets all current and expected 2012 low-NOx regulations. Compact sidewall or outdoor vents are factory-certified. Additional standard features include an integral air filter, Raypak’s acclaimed EconoMaster energy-saving control and certified TruSeal direct vent. Cast-iron, glass-lined and copper-bronze waterways are selectable, compliant with new low-lead laws established in California and Vermont. www.Raypak.com

Commercial Water Heater

Lochinvar Corp.’s Shield Commercial Water Heater provides inputs up to 500,000 Btu/hr., 96 percent thermal efficiency and storage up to 125 gallons. It is equipped with a stainless-steel heat transfer system located outside the tank, which provides a 100 percent defense against lime scale buildup. www.lochinvar.com

Solar Water Heating

SolPak is Rheem’s first all-inclusive active solar water heating system. It comes equipped with all components needed for installation: heat exchanger tank, collector panels, a controller, multispeed pump, thermal expansion tank and other essential items. Sensor wires measure the temperature at various points in the system and activate the pump to circulate the heated fluid from the collectors down to the tank and back until water is heated to the desired temperature. www.rheem.com