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Rheem AmbiPower280e Hot Water Heat Pump

by Rheem
Save $351.00
Original Price $5,150.00
Current Price $4,799.00

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✔ NZ Stocked

🛡 Official Warranty

📞 Need help? 0800 464 664

Description

Rheem AmbiPower 280e Heat Pump Water Heater

Reduce your water heating electricity use with the Rheem AmbiPower 280e. This 280L heat pump water heater draws warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it into your water, providing an efficient alternative to traditional electric storage water heating without relying on direct sunlight.

280L Storage Up To 6 People R290 Refrigerant Electric Backup Element

Ideal For

  • Family homes needing more hot water storage
  • Replacing traditional electric storage water heating
  • Homes wanting to reduce water heating electricity use
  • Off-grid homes with a suitably sized power system

Key Benefits

  • Uses warmth from the surrounding air
  • Does not require direct sunlight
  • Advanced microchannel heating technology
  • Low global warming potential R290 refrigerant
  • Built-in 2.4kW electric backup element

Capacity And Heating Time

The AmbiPower 280e provides 280 litres of water storage.

Allow approximately 5 hours to heat a fully cold tank using the heat pump, based on an air temperature of 19°C and heating water from 15°C to 60°C. This is a calculated estimate; colder conditions can increase heating time.

Important Information

This water heater requires electricity. For an off-grid installation, the power system must accommodate both heat pump operation and the higher demand of the backup element. Discuss suitability with your installer before purchasing.

Professional Installation

Have the unit installed by qualified professionals, with the location, airflow, drainage, plumbing and electrical supply assessed before installation. Allow additional space around the unit for airflow and servicing, as specified in Rheem’s installation instructions.

As a general budgeting guide, allow approximately $2,000–$4,000 for installation. This is an indicative allowance, not a fixed quote. Complex installations or electrical upgrades may cost more. Your local installer can provide an accurate price for your property.

Need Help Choosing? Download Brochure

Specifications

Model Rheem AmbiPower 280e — A551E280R5
Storage Capacity 280L
Household Size Up to 6 people, depending on hot water demand
Estimated Full Heating Time Approximately 5 hours at 19°C air temperature, heating water from 15°C to 60°C
Heat Pump Recovery Rate 56L/hour at a 45°C temperature rise and 19°C air temperature
Rated Heat Pump Power Input 690W
Backup Element 2.4kW
Maximum Rated Power Input 3.1kW at 240V
Recommended Electrical Circuit 15A
Coefficient Of Performance 5.2 at Rheem’s 19°C test conditions
Heat Pump Operating Range −6°C to 43°C
Unit Dimensions 1832mm high × 696mm wide × 725mm deep; additional installation clearances required

Frequently Asked Questions

How many litres does it hold?

The AmbiPower 280e has a water storage capacity of 280 litres.

How long does it take to heat water if depleted?

Allow approximately 5 hours to heat a fully cold tank using the heat pump under the conditions listed above.

This estimate is calculated from Rheem’s published recovery rate rather than a guaranteed heating time. Weather conditions, incoming water temperature and hot water drawn during heating will affect the result.

Does it need electricity or sunshine?

It requires electricity to operate. The heat pump extracts warmth from the surrounding air, so direct sunlight is not required.

Can it be used in an off-grid home?

It may be suitable where the power system can support its electrical demand. Your installer should assess inverter capacity, battery storage, available generation and backup element operation before recommending it for your setup.

Is this the right size for my household?

Consider shower duration, baths and how many people use hot water close together. Ask your installer to assess storage capacity and recovery time against your household’s daily routine.

Does it work in winter?

The heat pump operates within its specified temperature range. Outside that range, the electric element provides heating when required. Cold weather can increase heating time and electricity use.

Your installer should assess the location and any protection required for exposed plumbing in frost-prone areas.

How much does installation cost?

Allow approximately $2,000–$4,000 as a general budgeting guide. Complex installations may cost more. Obtain a tailored quote from your local qualified installer.

How much could I save on water heating?

Rheem advertises energy savings of over 70% based on specified simulation modelling. Actual results depend on location, hot water use, tariffs and the water heater being replaced.

What warranty is included?

Rheem lists seven years for the cylinder, three years for cylinder labour, three years for the sealed system including labour, and one year for other parts and labour.

Conditions apply. Refer to Rheem’s warranty documentation for full coverage details.

Need Advice?

Choosing the right water heater depends on household demand, available power and installation requirements. Contact The Off Grid Store if you need help comparing your options.

Contact Us
Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at The Off Grid Store.

We can deliver to almost anywhere in New Zealand, unfortunately there are a few exceptions such as Chatham Islands and for larger items and Great Barrier Island. Best prices online guaranteed.

30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back no
questions asked.
Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.
Your Satisfaction Guaranteed. We handpick our products for quality, we
know you'll love them. But if there is ever something wrong, we'll fix it.

Shipping

Rheem Shipping Rates

Rheem N & S Island N & S Island Rural
Rheem Gas 16L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem Gas 20L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem Gas 26L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem Gas 27L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem AmbiPower280e Hot Water Heat Pump From $100 Call for Quote
Rheem AmbiPower MDC-180 Heat Pump 2.4kW From $100 Call for Quote
Rheem HDC270 Ambiheat Heat Pump Side Vent From $100 Call for Quote
Remote Delivery Note:
Some remote locations may require custom freight arrangements or depot collection. If this applies to your order, we’ll contact you before dispatch to confirm the best available option.
Description

Rheem AmbiPower 280e Heat Pump Water Heater

Reduce your water heating electricity use with the Rheem AmbiPower 280e. This 280L heat pump water heater draws warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it into your water, providing an efficient alternative to traditional electric storage water heating without relying on direct sunlight.

280L Storage Up To 6 People R290 Refrigerant Electric Backup Element

Ideal For

  • Family homes needing more hot water storage
  • Replacing traditional electric storage water heating
  • Homes wanting to reduce water heating electricity use
  • Off-grid homes with a suitably sized power system

Key Benefits

  • Uses warmth from the surrounding air
  • Does not require direct sunlight
  • Advanced microchannel heating technology
  • Low global warming potential R290 refrigerant
  • Built-in 2.4kW electric backup element

Capacity And Heating Time

The AmbiPower 280e provides 280 litres of water storage.

Allow approximately 5 hours to heat a fully cold tank using the heat pump, based on an air temperature of 19°C and heating water from 15°C to 60°C. This is a calculated estimate; colder conditions can increase heating time.

Important Information

This water heater requires electricity. For an off-grid installation, the power system must accommodate both heat pump operation and the higher demand of the backup element. Discuss suitability with your installer before purchasing.

Professional Installation

Have the unit installed by qualified professionals, with the location, airflow, drainage, plumbing and electrical supply assessed before installation. Allow additional space around the unit for airflow and servicing, as specified in Rheem’s installation instructions.

As a general budgeting guide, allow approximately $2,000–$4,000 for installation. This is an indicative allowance, not a fixed quote. Complex installations or electrical upgrades may cost more. Your local installer can provide an accurate price for your property.

Need Help Choosing? Download Brochure

Specifications

Model Rheem AmbiPower 280e — A551E280R5
Storage Capacity 280L
Household Size Up to 6 people, depending on hot water demand
Estimated Full Heating Time Approximately 5 hours at 19°C air temperature, heating water from 15°C to 60°C
Heat Pump Recovery Rate 56L/hour at a 45°C temperature rise and 19°C air temperature
Rated Heat Pump Power Input 690W
Backup Element 2.4kW
Maximum Rated Power Input 3.1kW at 240V
Recommended Electrical Circuit 15A
Coefficient Of Performance 5.2 at Rheem’s 19°C test conditions
Heat Pump Operating Range −6°C to 43°C
Unit Dimensions 1832mm high × 696mm wide × 725mm deep; additional installation clearances required

Frequently Asked Questions

How many litres does it hold?

The AmbiPower 280e has a water storage capacity of 280 litres.

How long does it take to heat water if depleted?

Allow approximately 5 hours to heat a fully cold tank using the heat pump under the conditions listed above.

This estimate is calculated from Rheem’s published recovery rate rather than a guaranteed heating time. Weather conditions, incoming water temperature and hot water drawn during heating will affect the result.

Does it need electricity or sunshine?

It requires electricity to operate. The heat pump extracts warmth from the surrounding air, so direct sunlight is not required.

Can it be used in an off-grid home?

It may be suitable where the power system can support its electrical demand. Your installer should assess inverter capacity, battery storage, available generation and backup element operation before recommending it for your setup.

Is this the right size for my household?

Consider shower duration, baths and how many people use hot water close together. Ask your installer to assess storage capacity and recovery time against your household’s daily routine.

Does it work in winter?

The heat pump operates within its specified temperature range. Outside that range, the electric element provides heating when required. Cold weather can increase heating time and electricity use.

Your installer should assess the location and any protection required for exposed plumbing in frost-prone areas.

How much does installation cost?

Allow approximately $2,000–$4,000 as a general budgeting guide. Complex installations may cost more. Obtain a tailored quote from your local qualified installer.

How much could I save on water heating?

Rheem advertises energy savings of over 70% based on specified simulation modelling. Actual results depend on location, hot water use, tariffs and the water heater being replaced.

What warranty is included?

Rheem lists seven years for the cylinder, three years for cylinder labour, three years for the sealed system including labour, and one year for other parts and labour.

Conditions apply. Refer to Rheem’s warranty documentation for full coverage details.

Need Advice?

Choosing the right water heater depends on household demand, available power and installation requirements. Contact The Off Grid Store if you need help comparing your options.

Contact Us
Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at The Off Grid Store.

We can deliver to almost anywhere in New Zealand, unfortunately there are a few exceptions such as Chatham Islands and for larger items and Great Barrier Island. Best prices online guaranteed.

30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back no
questions asked.
Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.
Your Satisfaction Guaranteed. We handpick our products for quality, we
know you'll love them. But if there is ever something wrong, we'll fix it.

Shipping

Rheem Shipping Rates

Rheem N & S Island N & S Island Rural
Rheem Gas 16L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem Gas 20L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem Gas 26L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem Gas 27L LPG Continuous Flow Water Heater $25.00 $30.00
Rheem AmbiPower280e Hot Water Heat Pump From $100 Call for Quote
Rheem AmbiPower MDC-180 Heat Pump 2.4kW From $100 Call for Quote
Rheem HDC270 Ambiheat Heat Pump Side Vent From $100 Call for Quote
Remote Delivery Note:
Some remote locations may require custom freight arrangements or depot collection. If this applies to your order, we’ll contact you before dispatch to confirm the best available option.