Rheem Debuts a Compact, 29-Gallon Residential Water Heater that Heats Water Faster than any 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater.

2011-07-07

ATLANTA (JULY 7, 2011) — Today, Rheem has unveiled the new XR90 Extreme Recovery Gas Water Heater. Consumers seeking more energy efficient water heating solutions now have an incredibly compact—yet powerful—option in the XR90. Needing only 29 gallons of storage, the Rheem XR90 is able to heat water faster than any standard 50-gallon gas water heater. Plus, the XR90 costs less annually to operate than any standard 30-, 40- or 50- gallon gas model.

"Homeowners can now have a smaller, more compact water heater—without sacrificing power or performance,” said Tommy Olsen, Rheem senior product manager. “With the Rheem XR90, the household gets more hot water faster, at a lower operating cost.”

The XR90 meets, and in most cases, exceeds the available hot water provided by a standard 50-gallon gas water heater. It has a first hour rating (FHR: the amount of hot water in gallons the heater can supply in the first hour following the heater’s initial firing) of 90 gallons—meaning homeowners get three times the amount of hot water in an hour than what the tank actually holds.

In addition, the Rheem XR90 heats water 42 percent faster than a typical 50-gallon gas model. It has a recovery rate—how fast the water heater replaces the hot water used—of 61 gallons per hour at a 90°F rise in temperature. A standard 50-gallon gas model has a recovery rate of 43 gallons.

Consumers will also benefit from the unit’s lower annual operating costs: only $261 for the XR90 versus $315 for a standard 50-gallon gas model. Plus, the XR90 has an Energy Factor (EF) of .70, exceeding the requirements of ENERGY STAR® Phase II. Depending on the municipality, the XR90 qualifies for certain local and state rebate opportunities, thereby lowering the up-front investment for the homeowner. Homeowners can visit the Rheem Homeowner Resource Center to find out what local and federal rebates and incentives are available.

“The U.S. Department of Energy anticipates that approximately 37 million residential water heaters will be replaced in the next five years,” Olsen added. “As homeowners evaluate their next water heater purchase, we expect them to pay extra attention to efficiencies that can lead to a lower annual operating cost. With an annual operating cost 17 percent lower than a standard 50 gallon tank, the XR90 is a perfect fit for homeowners looking for a powerful water heater at a fair price.”

The Rheem XR90 is the only gas tank-type water heater that can fit in the same space as many 30-gallon and most standard 40- or 50-gallon gas water heaters, while still providing enough hot water for standard 50-gallon applications. The height of the XR90 is 65.56 inches, but the diameter is only 17.75 inches, versus 21.75 for a standard 50-gallon unit. The slimmer profile facilitates locating the unit in tight-fitting spaces, such as attics, utility closets and garages, as well as basement mechanical rooms. One-man installation is a practical reality, with a shipping weight of only 136 pounds.

“Although the XR90 will work in any residential application, it is especially ideal for retrofit situations in which a homeowner wants to upgrade to a higher-performing model, but has only a small footprint available or simply needs to save space,” said Olsen.

Other key features of the new Rheem XR90 include:

• Integrated, self-diagnostic Honeywell® gas valve: This key control monitors all water heater operations, using an LED readout to identify problems and facilitate easier troubleshooting and servicing, should it become necessary.
• Rheem Guardian® Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance (FVIR) System: This maintenance-free protective system is a safety feature, which includes a flammable vapor detection sensor, automatically disabling the XR90 in the presence of such vapors.
• High Altitude-Compliant: The XR90 is certified up to 7,700 feet above sea level, so it can be installed in most homes throughout the United States.
• Six-Year Warranty: The XR90 includes a patented magnesium anode rod with a special resistor to protect the tank from rust. The warranty can be extended to 10 years with the Rheem ProtectionPlus™ Kit, containing a second anode rod for inclusion at the time of the initial installation.

For more information on the Rheem XR90 (Rheem Model No. 43V30-60), visit www.rheem.com, or contact your local independent Rheem contractor. To find a Rheem contractor in your area, check out the Rheem Contractor Locater.

About Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com)
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta and U.S. operations in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Minnesota and North Carolina. In its 86th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of eco-friendly, technologically advanced residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar and hybrid heat pump water heaters; whole-home standby generators, controls, swimming pool and spa heaters; indoor air-purification products; and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company’s premium brands, including Rheem, Raypak, Ruud and Richmond, have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality. Rheem is the official heating, cooling and water heating supplier to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Kevin Harvick, Inc. (KHI), and is a primary sponsor of RCR’s No. 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series® car, KHI’s No. 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series® car and KHI’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series® No. 2 truck. Harvick was named Nationwide Series “Driver of the Decade” in 2010.