Key component of Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System incorporates new high-efficiency motor—increasing the electrical efficiency of the unit

ATLANTA, April 19, 2012—Rheem today launched a newly redesigned hydronic air handler, which is an important element of the Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System. Now available in the United States and Canada, the updated Rheem Hydronic Air Handler incorporates a new, high-efficiency permanent magnet motor, which helps upgrade the electrical efficiency of the air handler.

Powered by Tankless Technology, the Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System provides a unique and highly efficient way to heat both the air and water in a home—while also being compatible with Rheem air conditioners and heat pumps. When a Rheem tankless gas water heater is matched with the hydronic air handler, hot water is circulated through the air handler and is then re-circulated back to the tankless water heater. This pairing of products provides a soft, comfortable heat to the home while maintaining comfortable humidity levels regardless of the climate.

“In the recent down economy, we’ve seen savvy mechanical contractors and plumbers identify new avenues for business. The Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System has become a go-to product for mechanical contractors to enter the tankless water heating space and for plumbers to enter the residential heating market,” said Sal Brunetto, corporate national accounts manager, Rheem. “Now that we’ve upgraded the efficiency of the Rheem Hydronic Air Handler’s motor, timing is ripe for other contractors and plumbers to use this product to expand offerings and, ultimately, increase business.”

The redesigned Rheem Hydronic Air Handler is AHRI-certified and can meet ENERGY STAR^® qualifications when paired with certain Rheem high efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps to create a home comfort system. When this air handler is paired with the Rheem Prestige^™ Series Condensing Tankless Water Heater, which operates at 94 percent efficiency, the space-heating portion of the system will be just as efficient, and the resulting system is comparable to a 90+ percent efficient furnace. Also, the air handler utilizes an 11 to 100 percent combustion modulation formula for precise temperature control. Inherent to tankless water heaters, combustion modulation technology electronically increases or decreases the burner’s flame size to match the homeowner’s temperature needs.

Additional features of the Rheem Hydronic Air Handler include:

• A low profile, 34-inch design, which makes the unit lighter and easier to handle;
• an easy-access panel so contractors can remove one service panel and access the blower, which houses the controls, motor and blower;
• an insulated blower compartment—making it one of the quietest hydronic air handlers available today;
• an integrated control board with diagnostics that manage all operational functions of the unit; the control board also provides hook-ups for a humidifier and an electronic air cleaner; and
• no gas or vent connections, which leads to greater installation flexibility and lower installation costs.

The Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System is also ideal for climates where heat pump systems are frequently used. It’s proven to be popular in states like California, which places a tremendous focus on energy conservation and efficiency. In 2012, California’s South Coast Air Quality Management Department (SCAQMD) implemented a new rule that reduces the NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions allowed from tankless water heaters to 14 nanograms per Joule of heat output. Rheem offers a comprehensive selection of tankless water heaters that meet SCAQMD’s new requirement, making the Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System an efficient heating and water heating option for California-based homeowners.

Rheem will continue to enhance the features and technology associated with the Rheem Hydronic Air Handler throughout the next year.

For more information on the Rheem Hydronic Air Handler, please visit www.rheem.com. Contractors using Rheem’s Apple iPad app^® can also find information regarding the air handler on the app.

About Rheem Manufacturing Company
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta and U.S. operations in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Minnesota and North Carolina. In its 87th 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 a primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing’s^® (RCR) No. 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series^® car, driven by Kevin Harvick. Rheem also supports the NASCAR Nationwide Series^® through its co-sponsorship with Menards^® of RCR’s No. 33 Chevrolet. Finally, Rheem will embark on a new primary sponsorship with Eddie Sharp Racing^® (ESR) of the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado that will compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series^® in 2012.