Top Smart Features You Should Actually Use on Your Heat Pump Water Heater

If you’re considering upgrading to a heat pump water heater or already own one from Rheem, you might be surprised at just how smart today’s models have become. 

Rheem’s smart heat pump water heaters, like the ProTerra^® series, come packed with features that go far beyond simply heating your water. They help you save energy, control your water heater remotely, and even protect your home from water damage. 

Let’s explore the top smart features that actually make a difference in your day-to-day life. 

Advanced Leak Protection Built to Safeguard Your Home 

Water damage can be one of the costliest and most disruptive home disasters. That’s why one of the standout smart features of Rheem heat pump water heaters is their built-in leak detection and prevention system*, including: 

LeakGuard^™ Leak Detection and Prevention: This system detects leaks big or small, internal or external, and it does so in as little as 15 seconds. This gives you a crucial head start in preventing water damage and the headaches that come with fixing it. Available on ProTerra models, LeakGuard^™ works seamlessly with their energy-efficient design, helping homeowners enjoy reliable performance and streamlined operation throughout the life of their water heater. 

Automatic Shut-Off Valve: Once a leak is detected, the unit’s automatic shut-off valve activates immediately, limiting water loss to no more than 20 ounces. This rapid response helps prevent major damage and costly repairs. 

LeakSense^™ 24/7 Monitoring: This feature continuously monitors your unit for signs of leaks and sends alerts directly to your phone via the EcoNet^® app. Even when you’re not at home, you can get more peace of mind with 24/7 access to check in on your home’s hot water system. 

Remote Monitoring and Control with the EcoNet 

Ever wish you could check or adjust your water heater without heading to the garage or utility room? With Rheem’s built-in Wi-Fi and the EcoNet app, you can monitor and control your heat pump water heater right from your phone. With convenient tools, you can adjust settings, track energy use, and stay informed about how your system is running at home, at work, or even while you’re away on vacation. 

Key Features You Can Access from the App: 

• Adjust Water Temperature: Set your desired water temperature remotely, whether you’re at home or not. 

• Switch Between Operating Modes: Choose from options like Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, Electric-Only, and Vacation/Away to match your household’s needs and usage patterns. 

• Hot Water Availability Indicator: Check whether there’s enough hot water available before starting a shower or running a dishwasher. 

• Energy Usage Tracking: View detailed weekly, monthly, or yearly energy reports to see how much energy your water heater is using and identify opportunities to save. 

• Vacation/Away Mode: Maintains 65°F water temperature while you are gone to maximize savings when there is no demand for hot water. 

This app-based control is especially useful for households with fluctuating schedules, or for anyone who wants to keep an eye on their energy consumption over time.  

Learn more about EcoNet. 

Saving Energy During Peak Hours with Demand Response 

What it Does 

Rheem heat pump water heaters come equipped with demand response capabilities, which allow the system to automatically adjust energy use based on peak utility demand. This feature helps you reduce electricity costs and supports a more efficient power grid without sacrificing hot water when you need it. 

How it Works 

Compatible models like the ProTerra Hybrid include the EcoPort^™ (CTA-2045 port) and built-in Wi-Fi. These technologies enable your water heater to communicate with your local utility provider (if enrolled) or follow time-of-use settings via the EcoNet app. 

When energy demand is high, your water heater shifts its operation away from your peak hours, helping you save money while still ensuring enough hot water for daily routines. 

Why It Matters 

• Lower Energy Bills: Heat water during lower-rate periods and potentially qualify for rebates or bill credits through your utility. 

• Automated Scheduling: Once set up, the system runs in the background without manual intervention. 

• Environmental Impact: Reducing energy use during peak hours helps ease grid demand and supports renewable energy integration. 

Easy Activation 

You can activate demand response in two ways:  

1. Through the EcoNet App, set up your own time-of-use schedules to match utility peak and off-peak times. 
2. With Your Utility Provider: Enroll in a local demand response program (if available) to allow automatic coordination between your utility and your water heater. 

Whether you’re setting a schedule yourself or partnering with your utility, Demand Response gives you a simple way to reduce energy use without disrupting your routine. 

Learn About Demand Response 

Using the Right Operating Mode for Maximum Benefit 

Rheem’s hybrid electric heat pump water heaters, like the ProTerra series, offer multiple operating modes to help you match your water heating to your household’s needs. “Energy Saver Mode” prioritizes efficiency by using the heat pump as the primary source of heating, making it ideal for everyday use when hot water demand is moderate. “Heat Pump Mode” relies solely on the heat pump to maximize energy savings during periods of low hot water usage, while “High Demand Mode” combines the heat pump with the electric elements to ensure a steady supply of hot water during peak household activity. 

“Vacation/Away Mode” maintains water at a lower temperature while you’re gone, conserving energy without shutting the system off completely. Choosing the right operating mode ensures your water heater balances energy efficiency with performance, giving you the hot water you need when you need it. With the EcoNet^® app, switching modes or adjusting settings is simple, allowing you to optimize your system based on your schedule and household routines. Being informed and up to date with what mode your heat pump water heater is on will ensure hot water year round.  

Proactive Maintenance Features for Long-Term Reliability 

Maintaining your heat pump water heater doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when smart features are built in to help you stay ahead of potential problems and avoid emergencies. Rheem’s systems include proactive maintenance tools that monitor performance and notify you when something needs attention, helping you curb unexpected breakdowns or cold-water surprises. 

One key feature is the Element Health Indicator, which tracks the condition of your water heater’s heating element. If the system detects a decline in performance, it sends a notification through the EcoNet app, giving you time to schedule service or a replacement before the issue becomes an emergency failure.  

Additionally, select models come with self-cleaning or sediment-reducing technologies designed to extend the life of the tank. These systems reduce sediment buildup (one of the most common causes of wear and inefficiency in water heaters) and help maintain consistent performance over time. 

By combining real-time alerts with long-term preventative features, Rheem helps simplify your water heater maintenance and reduce the need for costly repairs. 

FAQ: Smart Features on Your Rheem Heat Pump Water Heater 

Q: What is LeakGuard, and how does it protect my home?
A: LeakGuard detects leaks in as little as 15 seconds and automatically shuts off the water supply to prevent serious damage. 

Q: Can I control my Rheem heat pump water heater remotely?
A: Yes, using the EcoNet app, you can adjust temperature, change operating modes, view energy usage, and receive alerts from anywhere using your smartphone. 

Q: What operating modes are available on my heat pump water heater?
A: The ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump water Heater has five operating modes: Energy Saver (default), High Demand, Heat Pump, Electric-only, and Vacation/Away for minimal energy use when you’re not home. 

Q: How does the EcoNet app help save energy?
A: It reduces waste and optimizes efficiency by allowing you to schedule operations, track energy use in real-time, and get maintenance alerts. 

Q: What happens if a heating element starts to fail?
A: The system alerts you via the EcoNet app about the declining health of specific heating elements, allowing you to arrange maintenance before a failure occurs. This prevents cold water interruptions and costly emergency repairs. 

Final Thoughts 

Smart technology isn’t just for thermostats and lighting anymore. It’s transforming how we manage home systems like water heating, too. With Rheem’s smart heat pump water heaters, you gain control, convenience, and peace of mind while significantly lowering your energy usage and utility bills. 

Ready to upgrade or make the most of your current Rheem heat pump water heater?
Connect with a Rheem pro or explore our Proterra line. 

*Available on select LeakGuardTM models