Top HVAC Expo Award Names Rheem Gas Water Heater First in Innovation and Economy

The ENERGY STAR®-qualified Rheem XR90 has won the 2012 AHR Expo Innovation Award, part of the AHR Expo, the largest HVAC exposition and conference in the world.


Who is the hottest name in energy-efficient, cost-saving hot water heating? The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); and the International Exposition Company (IEC), producers and organizers of the AHR Expo, have all honored Rheem Manufacturing Company with their 2012 AHR Expo Innovation Award. The Rheem XR90 Extreme Recovery Gas Water Heater was singled out for its superiority in energy economy and water heating performance.

“The Rheem XR90 is truly a one-of-a-kind water heater that has the power to substantially impact the market,” said Peter Reynolds, general manager, Rheem Water Heating division. “The fact is, the Rheem XR90 delivers more hot water, faster and more efficiently than a standard, 50-gallon gas water heater *. We’re so honored that the judging panel from ASHRAE recognized the unit’s innovation and Rheem’s product leadership.”

Launched in July 2011, the 29-gallon Rheem XR90 Extreme Recovery Gas Water Heater heats water 42 percent faster than standard 50-gallon gas water heaters. The Rheem XR90 costs approximately 17 percent less to operate annually: only $261 versus $315 per year** for a standard 50-gallon gas model. What’s more, it has a first hour rating (FHR) of 90 gallons-meaning homeowners get three times the amount of hot water in an hour than what the tank actually holds. By comparison, a standard 40-gallon gas water heater*** has an FHR of 67 gallons.

Once the Rheem XR90 has been depleted of its available hot water, the unit can be ready with 90 gallons of available hot water in only 29 minutes. A standard 40-gallon gas water heater not only runs out of hot water faster, but this unit takes 59 minutes to be ready with 67 gallons of available hot water.

The ENERGY STAR® -qualified Rheem XR90 outperforms both standard 40- and 50-gallon units by leveraging a proprietary baffle and flue design, which retains the burner’s heat longer, so the XR90 is able to transfer more heat to the stored water. As a result, the by-products of the combustion process are drawn through the flue. The XR90 does this with a 110-VAC, fan-assisted draft inducer, powered by a standard household current. The inducer is designed to work with a standard three-inch or four-inch, double-wall B vent, usually the venting that is already in place in the home. The electrical powered and upgraded venting process helps the unit achieve an Energy Factor (EF) of .70.

Rheem will accept its AHR Innovation Award on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at a special ceremony during the AHR Expo in Chicago. Show attendees can check out the Rheem XR90 first-hand during Rheem’s exhibit space at the show (#5110).


*Rheem defines a standard 50-gallon gas water heater as one that features a 40,000 Btu/h input and 0.58 EF.
**Based on U.S. Department of Energy annual operating cost figures comparing the Rheem XR90 to a standard 50 gallon gas water heater.
***Rheem defines a standard 40-gallon gas water heater as one that features a 40,000 Btu/h input and 0.59 EF.

Company Contact Information
Rheem
Kyle Thompson
1100 Abernathy Road N.E, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA
30328
(479) 646-4311

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Original Source: Top HVAC Expo Award Names Rheem Gas Water Heater First in Innovation and Economy