How to Extend the Life of Your Rheem Heat Pump Water Heater

When you get a heat pump water heater, you want it to last a long time. We can’t blame you. Let’s talk about a few things you can do to maximize the lifespan of your water heater. With regular maintenance and a few DIY tasks each year, you should be able to avoid costly repairs and having to replace it prematurely. Your household should be able to enjoy plenty of hot water and high energy efficiency for about 10 to 15 years. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take care of matters, so you only need to rely on the pros when necessary. You’ve got this. 

What Simple Maintenance Tasks Will Help Your Heat Pump Water Heater Last Longer? 

When it comes to learning how to properly maintain your Rheem Heat Pump water heater, all you have to do is remember this handful of to-dos every year: 

• Clean the air filter every 3-6 months. There should be a steady airflow, free of blockages, for your unit to deliver top energy efficiency. A clean air filter even helps improve the air quality inside your home. 

• Flush the tank annually. You don’t want sediment to build up and clog components. Just turn off the power (at the circuit breaker), as well as the cold-water supply to the unit. 

• To protect against internal corrosion and extend tank life, check out the “anode rod.” You can find it at the top of the tank, under a plastic cap and some foam insulation. You simply need to take a look at it to make sure the port is clear of any insulation.  

• Also at the top of the unit is the T&P (Temperature and Pressure) Relief Valve to ensure that the pressure safety mechanisms are working properly. Get a bucket and put it under the drain tube, then pull the valve’s lever to release any hot water. Close the lever, and it should stop dripping. That’s it. If there’s any residual water dripping, the valve might need to be replaced. 

• Inspect the condensate drain to prevent any blockages or leaks that could get in the way of peak performance and function. To find it, look near the base of the unit for a PVC or copper pipe. Do you see any water pooling or overflowing from a drip pan? If you do, that could indicate a clog. Here’s a video that will walk you through it. 

These six DIY steps put you well on your way to maintaining your heat pump water heater and help protect its lifespan. 

How Can You Keep Your Heat Pump Water Heater Running Efficiently Year After Year? 

Today’s hot water tanks are all about energy efficiency, particularly the models with heat-pump technology. When you’re getting up to 75% reduced energy usage with a model such as the Rheem Proterra^®, you’re saving as much as $576 a year. This is why it’s in your best interest to implement a few measures to ensure environmental best practices. 

Keep the area around the unit free from dust and debris to boost airflow. To maintain energy-efficient hot water, it’s also important to make sure the temperature is set to between 120°F and 130°F to prevent scale buildup. The hot water pipes would benefit from attention, as well. Namely, insulate them to prevent heat loss. Fiberglass, foam, or rubber insulation works well to do the job with ease of installation.  

Perhaps the last step is the easiest of all. Proactively schedule a pro to come in and check refrigerant, wiring and run a full diagnostic once a year.  

How Do You Know If Your Heat Pump Water Heater Needs Attention or Service? 

It’s important to recognize the early signs of performance decline so you can have a pro come in and troubleshoot for you. If you hear an unusual noise or see a leak, it’s good to address them right away to avoid damage down the road that could end up costly. A few other things to look for are:

• Reduced hot water or inconsistency of supply: This could simply mean that the household is running too many appliances and taking long showers at the same time, but this could also indicate a larger problem with your water heater.  

• Energy bills that are higher than normal for relatively the same amount of monthly usage: If you’re up to date on changing your air filter and keep the area around the water heater free from clutter to allow airflow, either your energy rates have increased, or you could use some troubleshooting. 

• Rust around the base of the tank: Leaky pipes are something you can look into yourself, but if you see no signs of a leak, you could have a corroded inner tank. 

This is when you find a licensed HVAC or plumbing pro to come in for a look. 

Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance FAQ 

Hot water heater life expectancy is something you should be able to boost by knowing a few key answers to basic questions: 

Do heat pump water heaters need to be flushed like traditional tanks?
Simple answer—yes. It helps remove sediment and keep efficiency at its peak.  

Can I do heat pump water heater maintenance myself?
Yes, you can. Routine tasks like cleaning filters and flushing the tank are basic DIY projects. You should leave things like electrical or refrigerant-related issues to a pro. 

Does lack of maintenance void my warranty?
Yes, usually it does. Check your manufacturer’s instructions. For example, Rheem requires proper upkeep for warranty claims to be honored. 

Does water quality impact the lifespan of my water heater?
In short, hard water isn’t our friend. It causes mineral deposits to build up and reduces efficiency and lifespan. 

What else can I do to get the most years from my water heater?
In addition to recommended maintenance, set the temperature to a moderate level, such as 120°F, to reduce wear and tear on the components. And remember to switch to “vacation mode” when you won’t be using it for extended periods of time. 

Why is Maintenance the Key to a Long-Lasting Heat Pump Water Heater? 

Your investment in your home is protected through your efforts. You’ll want to maximize its life span to as much as 15+ years and avoid premature replacements through regular upkeep. Regular maintenance ensures safety, efficiency and prolonged service life. Much of which can be DIY, or find a pro when needed.