Noisy Rheem Hybrid Water Heater
Does anyone have a Rheem hybrid water heater and is the noise excessive? We just had a 65 gallon unit installed in our new house and whether it is in the high efficiency or heat pump mode, it sounds like an industrial ice maker at a cheap motel. It is located in the utility room next to the two bathrooms to shorten the hot water supply pipe and save water. It is in the condition space of the house and the walls of the utility room are insulated to deaden the sound. Still you can hear it from every room in the house. I am so disappointed. I purchased it because it is supposed to be highly efficient and my researched indicated it is not louder than a refrigerator. I am here to tell you it is loud, very loud. Industrial loud!!! I am going to contact Rheem tomorrow and discuss it with them. I would rather go back to a propane water heater rather than have to listen to this thing. I could move it to the garage and repipe and rewire it. However I bet even in the garage it would be excessive noisy.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Replies
Do you think that something is not right with your unit or installation? I am very interested to hear from others who have installed HPWH - how noisy is it? We are about to switch from gas to electric WH.
It is very noisy. You can hear it operating from every room in the house. No way I would be able to sleep with it running.
You can hear our hybrid water heater in every corner of the house. It's pretty terrible. We've got an 80 gallon Bradford White.
See:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/hpwh-loud-and-smells-like-dirty-socks
I have a 50 gallon Rheem Heatpump water heater. The fan runs in 2 stages. Noise is minimal in stage 1, which it is using 90 percent of the time. Noise is Comparable to a regular fridge. Stage 2 that it is using mainly during the Colder winter months when the air in the basement is cooler has more air throughput. It is louder. But even that is not as terrible as you describe it. You got a faulty unit or you are hyper sensitive to noise.
How do you get it to run in stage 1?
What is the noise you are getting from the unit? Depending on what it is (fan noise, compressor vibration, cover rattle), there are some simple ways to reduce it. A recording might help.
Is the utility room floor concrete or wood construction? Piping copper or pex?
With the heat pump running, 74 dBm, fan only, 74 dBm, with nothing on in the house, 36 dBm. I called Rheem and they are sending me a new fan as they diagnosed this as the problem. We will see. Rheem stated the noise level should be 49 dBm. My refrigerator runs at 49 dBm.
Sound is measured in dB, not dBm. The latter is a measure of dB in reference to 1mW.
The water heater chooses the fan speed automatically, based on the demand for heating input. I have not control over it. But I observe it kicks in only in winter for me.
Deleted
Rheem customer service diagnosed it as a fan issue. I pressed them on what should be the db level and they stated 49 db. I am skeptical that a brand new unit would have a defective fan. I have a 65 gallon unit purchased through home depot back in February of this year. I do not believe moving it to the garage would help as you would still hear it plus it would add 40' of pipe between the water heater and those bathrooms.
Did you ever get this resolved. I'm dying here
I'm also curious if you had any resolution with this.
Are you able to measure the noise with a dB meter? I know they make apps for smart phones that claim to measure noise, but I'm not sure how accurate they are.
Just anecdotal evidence, but I also have a Rheem hybrid water heater. I'd say that it's subjectively louder than a refrigerator but not by a lot. I work from home roughly 10' from it and the only time the noise becomes a problem is if I'm on a call. Just closing the door to the room cuts out the noise almost entirely. So... yeah, this is nowhere near as bad as you're describing.
It doesn't run predictably during the summer months (tap water is already pretty toasty here in Phoenix) but I'll try and open a noise meter next time I'm around when it does.
Okay, my unit is 60 dBA (65 dBC) right next to it and it goes down to 49 dBA (+5 dBC) 12 ft away. I ran a real time analysis on the noise spectrum and it makes sense that the dBC rating would be roughly +5 dB since most of the noise was, indeed, in the lower to mid ranges. There was very little noise in the high ranges -- everything above 2 KHz was 30 dBC and falling.
Listening to the noise, I would characterize the majority of it being a "wooshing" sound, likely from the compressor. The fan does make a mild rattling sound, but you really have to be listening for it. There is also a hum, which is likely also likely the fan.
I will say that regardless of the measurements, it is SIGNIFICANTLY noisier than my refrigerator! But my fridge is nearly silent, so I'm not sure how good of a benchmark that is.
I downloaded an app for my phone and it measured 74 db at 3'. I measured my refrigerator at 49 db. The issue is the water heater can be heard from every room in the house even with the door closed to the utility room. If I had known it was this loud, I never would have purchased it. It never occurred to me that Rheem would make a water heater that sounds like a piece of industrial equipment.
Kieran973 posted the actual issue. The Gen 5 is redesigned and has a new compressor and blower. The noise level went from 49 db on the Gen 4 to 60 to 70 db on this redesign. They also removed the integrated duct collars which now requires $250 worth of external plastic duct adapters if you want to duct the unit which many do.
Read through the reddit threads. Everyone who has been sent a replacement blower by Rheem has not had that fix the problem.
There is one reddit user who posted that their replacement water heater just installed last week is actually 49 db unlike their previous Gen 5. Several customers have reported that Rheem said the issue has been fixed and will be available off the line as old inventory gets depleted. Only one user, though, has actually reported this resolved so I'm going to hold on for a while to see if there are more confirmed reports before I replace my existing 23 year old water heater.
If it were only possible to get a Gen 4 new, but it's not, so nobody will be exchanging their noisy Gen 5 for an old stock Gen 4.
If you need a new water heater now, why not just get an AO Smith or Stiebel Eltron heat pump model?
Neither will fit in my 28x28 exterior heater closet. The intake vent must be on the top, like the Rheem/Ruud.
How could Rheem so royally screw the Gen 5 up. I have a Gen 4 and it's been absolutely great. It's reasonably quiet and I use the inlet ducting, no adapters needed.
They had built such a good reputation for their HPWH's only to trash it. This reeks of a been counter middle management screw up.
I wonder if Rheem has fixed the noise issue since. HomeDepot has reviews complaining about the noise issue as recent as last week. So, I'm afraid the issue is still outstanding. Alternatively Home Depot still has units in stock that were made before Rheem fixed the issue.
I wonder if I'll have a better luck with Ruud (https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ruud-PROUH50-T2-RU375-30-50-Gallon-5kW-EF3-50-Tall-Professional-Ultra-Hybrid-Electric-Water-Heater-10-Year-240v?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=retargeting&utm_campaign=lowerfunnel#qna-content ). I'm aware that Ruud is another brand of Rheem so that it may have the same issue.
We have decided to go with the regular electric heater (replacing 22 year old gas one). It was very sad, but we have a small house and I can not stand noise. It is also sad that it is impossible to find a showroom where there will be working heat pump water heater so that we did not have to rely on word of mouth. Hope that the next time there will be quiet hybrids or split heat pump heaters with condenser outside. Or at least ones that one can program not to run at night.
@Salesi, what is the manufacture date on the water heater?
Just made an account so I could comment on this.
Looking into HPWHs and found that the latest Rheem have some kind of fan or compressor issue that causes them to be too loud. Some redditors have successfully gone through the process of calling Rheem and getting them to replace the units with the same units that are somehow much quieter - under 50db.
Instead of living with something that sounds terrible, I'd suggest you call up Rheem and hold them to their 'maximum noise level of 49db' and 'whisper quiet' promises. You won't be the first to ask for this, but they might pass you from fence to post before agreeing to it.
Link to someone who did this:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Plumbing/comments/m0qmym/rheem_professional_prestige_proterra_hybrid/gu9xxzp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
I am glad to find this forum and just registered an account.
I had mine installed in the garage by a professional in August 2021. Model #: PROPH50 T2 RH375-30, Build date: 06/15/2021. I am in Northern California. So I have not experienced the Stag 2 noise level yet. The Stage 1 noise is already driving us crazy and I have to use the electric element to heat water most of the time before the issue can be solved. The energy cost is a lot higher than the old gas water heater due the PG&E rates on top of the expensive new water heater and installation cost.
Here are a few data points while the heat pump is running:
• Noise level is around 63 dBA, 3 ft away for the outlet, frequency is around 185 Hz (yes, it's the heat pump noise)
• Noise level is around 70 dBA, 2 ft on top of the unit inlet. base frequency 185 Hz with some other lower frequencies
• Noise level is around 51 dBA, inside the house, across a wall from the water heater.
I have been in contact with Rheem Hybrid Water Heater Support (800-995-0982) for several weeks and a dedicated support person is assigned to my case. Their plan to install a foam kit and a vibration isolation kit to see if the issue can be solved before take the next steps. It’s very doubtful to reduce from 63 dBA to 49 dBA.
I believe that these units (with 60-70 dBA) are simply defective (vs. the 49 dBA in the spec). Rheem should proactively solve the issue from the root (engineering and manufacturing) and provide replacement units within the spec to us, including the cost of re-installation.
I chose Rheem because of the "quietness" and now it becomes my bad headache.
@Salesi, did the fan replacement work and how is the situation?
I had a Proterra Pro 65 gallon installed on Saturday (9/18/21) and mine is way louder than expected too. The built date on my unit is 9/2020. The unit is installed in the garage but there is a humming noise that can be heard from the two rooms adjacent to the garage. I am very disappointed with this product. I called the Rheem and they were quick to tell me they know about a fan issue and offer to send me a replacement fan. However, they will not cover the labor expense. I had this professionally installed so I won't be able to do this myself. The installer said they will eat the cost to replace the fan for me. I am very grateful for them but I am very skeptical that new fans will resolve the noise issue. Can someone please explain the details on how they got a replacement unit from Rheem? Did it resolve the humming noise and if it did, can you please provide a manufacture date for the unit?
Update: Rheem is sending me Part# AP20519, "Fan Motor Premium." Has any one else received the same part and was successful with getting rid of the excessive humming noise? I believe this is a different remedy than their fan replacement or foam kit?
@Fred_M, what was the part number they sent you? Do you also find it ridiculous that Rheem is not covering Labor for any of this? I am not a plumbing so I can't replace these parts myself.
I received a replacement fan just as you did. It did reduce the overall noise a little bit. See my post (#65) for more details. The replacement fan was the same make and model as the original fan ... ebmpapst model W1G200-EC91-84A. Maybe Rheem is hand picking "quieter" fans for people who complain?
I also received this same fan as a replacement [ebmpapst model W1G200-EC91-84A though it has AP20519 written in Sharpie on the label, packing slip says "FAN MOTOR PREMIUM", images attached). I didn't replace the fan because they said I was eligible for a replacement unit but after draining and switching heaters at HD, the new one is just as loud. When I called back and mentioned I had a replacement fan on hand but it looked like the same model as the factory installed fan the phone tech told me this was the wrong replacement and was sent out by mistake. They are overnighting me a new fan along with a return label, asking me to ship the AP20519 fan back to them. I don't have the new fan in hand yet but the emailed shipping invoice lists part "AS48782 - ASSY BALL BEARING FAN MOTOR". Will update with an image when I receive it but my take is that Rheem is scrambling to address noise issues and sending out parts willy-nilly.
Unfortunately, I don't think the replacement fan they sent you is the upgraded model.
They are also sending me a "foam kit" to line the inside of the shroud with sound dampening material but it's currently out of stock and might be a week or two. I'll wait until that arrives before I drain the tank and try and swap the parts before I know how much these changes mitigate the noise.
Thanks, Jon. The paperwork I got with my replacement fan had a loose post-it in the box with "AP20519" written on it along with a packing list with a part number of AP20519 describing it as "FAN MOTOR PREMIUM." The manufacturer label on my original fan and the replacement fan is identical as far as the model number. Giving Rheem the benefit of the doubt ;) it could be the case that later model fans were either better balanced or ebmpapst made some changes to improve the sound performance and kept the same model number. In any case, the replacement fan I got was, in fact, quieter than the original as you can see in my report at post #65 below.
I am certainly interested in your outcome!
Second replacement fan arrived today (along with a return slip for the AP20519 fan). For those following along at home or unfortunate enough to end up here from a similar search, attached are images of Rheem's suggested replacement fan (AS48782) this is probably the unit you should request if you're troubleshooting with their service line to save a step. Feels heavier duty with a metal housing. I'm awaiting the foam dampener kit before I drain and disassemble the unit to replace the fan so I can't report on any sound mitigation yet.
Please keep us updated, interested to hear how this plays out. I have the same issue but haven't been able to get a hold of someone at Rheem after a few calls.
@DCredditor08, I received two parts - a foam kit (SP21173) and a vibration isolation kit (SP20883). None of them has been installed yet - my plumber is busy and the work is not profitable to him. My worry is that what if the loud humming/vibration noise remains after the kit installation.
Will find out and let you know.
where does the SP20883 (vibration isolation kit) go? My neighbor received the foam kit and a new fan motor. His fan motor part# is different than mine though. He said it helped a little but he still gets a slight hum noise. We compared ours and mine is definitely louder. This is crazy.... Rheem is just sending out parts and hoping that it fixes the same issue.
The SP20883 (vibration isolation kit) should be installed under the water heater inside the drain pan.
Here is a website for your reference: https://www.gpconservation.com/product/rheem-vibration-isolation-kit/
Deleted
That's really disappointing to hear. We got a Rheem prestige and put it right next to our bedroom. We also put it into its own closet, with lots of interior wall insulation and a floor seal on the door. All that being said, I never know when it's on, because it's so quiet. It was installed in the summer of 2020 and I couldn't be happier with it.
Glad I found this thread--a contractor wants to put a Rheem ProH50 in their new-house plumbing bid, and I was wondering whether a cheaper A.O. Smith hybrid might do just as well....answers my question. I've listened to a Geospring in my basement--through an un-insulated floor--for over five years, and while it seemed noisy at first compared to the natural-draft gas tank, I've gotten accustomed to it. Putting the tank in a garage with insulated common walls seems like the way to go.
I have had the GeoSpring for eight years and it has been great. Not too noisy and have never had a problem. I build about five houses a year and emphasize energy efficiency and try to be all electric, though it is ultimately the clients' decision. I was disappointed when GE dropped out of the HHP water heater game. Started trying State brand because my plumber thought that they would be good. Nightmare- constant issues and callbacks. I have recently begun putting the Rheem water heaters in all of my houses and now I am terrified that I will be getting an onslaught of callbacks about the noise on the newer ones. At least I know that it is a real issue and not my clients being oversensitive...
“Putting the tank in a garage with insulated common walls seems like the way to go.”
If you are in Miami Florida yes If you are in Portland Maine not so much.
Walta
Reply
I'm in suburban Philadelphia and mine is in a similar setup but a well insulated storage room (closed cell spray foam) with a common wall to the house. I cut an opening in the wall and installed a 14"x8" central air register to pass done heat in the winter. It's 23° outside and 50° by the tank.
Given the noise complaint a number of people are experiencing with hybrid water heater and the fact they cost between around 3 times more than a "regular" resistant water heater (at in my area), I think I'll put the difference in a solar system we're looking at installing on the new house.
Kris
That is exactly what we have been advocating for on houses that we build where solar is an option.
Just had my 65gal Rheem installed in my garage a couple feet from the kitchen door on a concrete floor. Measured 56 dBa one foot from menu pad and 53 dBa 3 feet in front (hot outlet side). Fan shoots air toward the back into the side wall. I built some storage 1.5 feet above it and hung a thick blanket in front down to about 3 feet from the floor and now at 3 feet away it is 49 dBa. Used iPhone "decibel" trial version which agrees with iPhone "dB Meter", both free trial versions. For comparison, my 4 foot wide GE Monogram is 41 dBa. The Rheem is right up against the wall next to the living room and the sound is 34 dBa in the living room a few feet from the wall, really nothing. The manufacture date on the Rheem is 7/2021. In the moderate weather SF Bay Area, three adults use 4.5 kWh/day after 2 weeks of use. Scheduling works great. Overall I'm satisfied. I think the Rheems are still one of the quieter HPWHs.
Thank you so much for sharing your information! Nice way to block noise, and separate cold air and room air, for your picture.
I would be very happy if my Rheem had noise level close to yours. It's 49 dBA in my living room (water heater is in the garage). BTW, I use a free version of "Decibel Meter" on my iPhone.
Would you share your unit's MFD? Mine is 15JUN2021. I am hoping that yours is in July or later. As I am hoping Rheem has fixed the manufacturing issue to reduce the noise level to 49 dBA 3 feet away.
Thanks Fred. The Home Depot label on the box said "MFG. DATE: 07/2021" . XE65T10H45UO 65 GAL 4500/4500 240V. "Decibel Meter" with Filter A setting on my iphone reads the same as the two apps I mentioned above. Purchase price and install including mix valve, expansion tank, two new 220 lines from the panel (one for future HP dryer) was $7,500. Note that I will get a $2,650 local rebate for switching from gas. I do have solar panels.
I'm in a similar boat as other folks in this thread with a 50gal ProTerra from HD. Installed it in the basement a month ago and you can hear it throughout our small house and my wife sees clients virtually which has created an additional noise issue for her work. Went through a very slow and protracted process with Rheem involving several calls and a LOT of wait time, finally diagnosing fan and compressor noise with a tech (using a db meter on my phone). The unit registers 74-76 db to the side but 80+db on top of the unit. Rheem sent me a replacement fan and a set of rubber vibration feet but I've held off on replacing either because it would involve draining and moving the unit to do either. There is a loud whooshing white noise from the fan (like a cheap kitchen exhaust fan) but what is more aggravating is a 220 hz hum that I suspect is from the compressor. I'm reluctant to invest more time on swapping parts and am planning to exchange the whole unit and hope for a proper functioning one (another Rheem tech on their hybrid service line also said that mid 70's dbs would warrant a replacement, confimed it should be 49db). There are no listed Rheem techs in my area (southern Maine) so it's on me to pull the unit and swap it. Here's my questions for those who might have experience with this: Quickly confirmed the exchange at HD today before I show up with a wet unit and get denied (they said no problem with a receipt) I did a quick scan of the MFG dates on the units in stock. My unit was made June '21. The units I could get to range in MFG date from 4/21 - 9/21 - am I better to go with a newer unit or older one in hopes of avoiding another dud? (my inclination is newer but hoping for real world feedback on quiet MFG dates). Also: since I have them, I'm thinking I might proactively install the anti vibration feet and possibly swap the fan on the new unit (or at least see if the installed one resembles the replacement fan). Anyone browsing this thread who has experience on this, I'd welcome your feedback. Really exhausted by this unit and Rheem's lackluster customer service.
Not much help, but I'm wondering if it's feasible to test a new unit with a temporary fill from a garden hose (or similar) before making permanent connections. I'm not sure that's really any easier, but I offer the idea in the spirit of brainstorming.
That's pretty steep.
Hi BobWCA, It's good to know that yours' MFD is in July 2021. It indicates that Rheem might have fixed the noise issue already. These Rheem HPWHs are currently backordered. I am hoping to get a replacement in the next a few months.
Interesting that my local rebate is also $2,650. I also have solar panels.
Don't forget to claim you $300 tax credit on form 5695!
Hi Everyone - I’m so happy to have found this post. I’m having the exact same issue with a 80 Gallon Proterra that was installed a few days ago. Mfg date is 9/21.
I can’t take the humming sound. It spreads all over the house. I believe it’s the compressor and not the fan. The only way I’d be able to tell if the fan also bothers us is if the humming was fixed.
I appreciate all the time you put into these posts. Does anyone have a successful resolution to the issue (I hope)? Thank you in advance. I’m desperate!
Is the tank in contact with the wall/framing at all? It didn't completely solve the noise issue for me but it helped to make sure there was a gap so it wasn't touching the adjacent wall.
“I believe it’s the compressor and not the fan.”
The way I would test your theory is to power the unit down and then block the fan from being able to move (think coat hanger) and then power the unit up. Then you can listen to the compressor run for a minute or 2 without the fan noise. Most fan motors will not have a problem surviving this test.
Walta
When I called Rheem about my noise issue they had me run a diagnostic that ran just the fan. It was something like holding down the up and down arrows. When mine is running it is around 74 db and when I ran just the fan it was 70. I was surprised that it was the fan instead of the compressor. They sent out a replacement fan but I haven’t installed it because I would need to move the unit to do so. I did sort of solve my issue by scheduling it to only run at night and to be off during the day. We must not use a lot of hot water because we have yet to run out. A nice byproduct is that we are using less than 2 KW a day.
Mfg date of 9/21 is worrisome as I have a hope that the noise issue is fixed for units built on or after 07/2021.
@Rheemed, what is the dBA level of the humming sound - 3 feet away from the fan when the compressor is running?
Did you ever get this resolved? I also have an 80 gallon unit and I'm in the same boat. Mine was installed in the summer and my plumber gaslighted me and told me this was just how it was. They even exchanged it for a second one from home Depot and it was just as God damn loud. So they convinced me that was the quietest it would ever be.
Noises driving me up a wall and I've gotten in so many fights with my spouse about this it is actually hurting our relationship.
Whenever the buzzing occurs is the only thing I can focus on....
Have you tried using a dB meter? I have the same model and it has have a 48 dB drone sound, lower than my refrigerator but annoying if I focus on it. The sound may be travelling along the air space between the joists. Try Roxul SafenSound to block sound. Can you heat the furnace as loud?
I should add the Rheem 65 gal Hybrid water heater was installed 3/21. In 8 months it used 391 kWh of electricity, averaging 75 kWh in March, April and October and 29 kWh May to Sept. I have 2 solar water panels on the roof with demonstrable results.
The Rheem EcoNet software is excellent. It allows me to program high demand in the going-to-work hours in a 4 person household and then let it control itself after that. It has leak control. The filter is suggested for monthly cleaning although mine has no visible lint or dirt when I do.
Does anyone know if the Ruud Professional Ultra Series has the same problem? It looks pretty darn similar.
Some reasons for noisy water heaters are a leaky internal hot water tank or the accumulation of limescale, mineral deposits, etc. Failure to drain and drain the water heater also causes unpleasant noises.
I am considering purchasing the 80 gallon Rheem hybrid heat pump water heater and was assured by Rheem that the noise issue has been resolved with units built after May of 2021, or with serial numbers whose first two digits (week number) are greater than or equal to 22, and the 3rd and 4th digits (year) 21 or greater. I am now reconsidering again after seeing posts from people still having problems with models manufactured after that date. Is the AO Smith a better option now?
Also, I was told emphatically by Rheem that in the case of the hybrid electric heat pump water heater, the Professional and Home Depot consumer models are virtually identical, but my contractor insists that this is not the case, that the pro models are always made with better components. Anyone have any insight on this? The contractor says its a 4 month wait for the pro model, and a $500 premium, so I would prefer to just get it from Home Depot unless there really is a significant difference..
Playing with fire my dude. If I could tell my former self any advice I would say run. The nightmare it has been is not worth any energy savings this piece of shit might claim. The hum wakes me up at night on the second floor bedroom when it's in the basement. I fixate on it and have gotten in huge blowout fights with my wife about it. Our plumber refuses to help (he replaced it once and the replacement is just as loud, told me that's just how it is) and rheem support has been anything but supportive.
Plus sounds like you are using a contractor or plumber to install it? If you do not have the means and will to physically rip this thing out of the wall and drag it back to home Depot don't take the gamble.
I just finished swapping my 50 gallon Rheem (MFG date 06/21) for the newest unit I could find at my local HD (MFG date 09/21). No change in sound difference: 74-76 db off the side of the unit, 80-82 db off the top, Much of the noise is an aggravating 220 hz hum you can hear throughout my house which now sounds like an old, poorly maintained, convenience store. I have no idea whether the pro models are any different but I'd suggest you consider other options than the current Rheem units if sound is an issue.
Jon, may I ask how long your units were upright before being operated?
See my reply with updates to your next comment in the thread.
After a couple of hours on hold I finally got through to Rheem tech support. As we know, they are aware of the noise issues with the generation 5 models, and even though Rheem has now removed the "whisper quiet" claims from their spec sheets and product descriptions and no longer mention the 49 db sound rating anywhere, the tech person I spoke with believes that Rheem has not officially changed the rating, but says that typically they are seeing between 50 and 60 DB "in the wild." They still are also receiving plenty of complaints with 60 - 70+ DB, but this tech person claimed that many of these are the result of installers not allowing the units to rest upright long enough after being shipped laying horizontally. Not sure how this would affect the fan, but apparently if the refrigerant is not allowed to settle down into its proper position before running the unit, it may create a situation where the compressor will be permanently noisy (Anyone else hear this or comment on whether it makes any sense?). I may have to risk it and hope to receive one of the quieter ones, and make sure it sits upright for a day or two before it is installed. I take a little comfort knowing that we have at least one person posting above (BobWCO) that received a Gen5 model with reasonable noise levels, and 1 or 2 on Reddit who seem to have succeeded in solving the noise problem through the warranty process.
If there were a clearly better alternative, I would go with it. I am tempted by the AO Smith, but it may be too fat to fit in the utililty closet with proper clearances, and cannot be remotely controlled. Also, with very few reviews available, it is hard to know if the AO Smith will end up being any quieter, or if their 51 DB claim will hold up in the wild. The Steibel Eltron cannot deliver enough water fast enough (just one electric element for high demand recovery). I found an interesting 66 gallon heat pump water heater from Electrolux (48 DBA) on Amazon and EBAY, but I called the company and they discontinued their water heaters 6 years ago, and replacement parts may not even be available. Haven't looked into the Bradford White yet, but I am not holding my breath based on the commenter above....
Do you know for certain one way or the other whether Steibel Eltron's units are quieter? (and as we've learned from Rheem, I'm less concerned about what they say on paper, and what they actually produce when installed...)
A Rheem hybrid call support that I spoke to on the phone also floated this theory and it's a possible factor but does not translate to either of my installed units. The first unit (MFG date 06/21) was upright at HD, loaded into my truck upright, and with the exception of being tilted 45° for ~15 seconds to get through my bulkhead door, was always upright. I had a project come up so it sat in install position for about a month before connection and activation. The second unit (MFG date 09/21) went through the same process (bulkhead tilt, etc . . .) and sat upright for 36 hours before activation.
Just got off my 5th call with Rheem Hybrid tech trying to troubleshoot and came to the realization that the replacement fan the previous tech sent me was not the supposedly quieter ball bearing unit, but just another one of the original fans. I'm relieved I didn't go through the effort of swapping it out as the instructions are extensive and involved. Additionally they sent me the rubber vibration dampening feet and not the hood foam replacement kit that is supposed to mitigate some of the compressor sound. There's not a Rheem tech within two states of me so I either have to try and find someone locally that will do it for the $150 service cap that Rheem offers or do it myself. Because the unit is installed on a platform within 12" of the basement ceiling (installation specs allow for as little as 6") I'll have to drain and disconnect the unit to get the 16" metal upper shroud off to attempt to replace the fan.
It's been a minor nightmare and a significant time/labor drain. I re-advise against these current Rheem units as it seems like a major gamble on getting a quiet unit and support is clumsy, slow, and disorganized.
I had the same advice from Rheem before I installed mine. It was upright for more than 72 hours before installing it. See my post #65 for much more detail. I'm certain the any refrigerant/oil had plenty of time to settle before startup. I was getting an annoying 64dBA after installation, but was able to reduce it a bit with a replacement fan and some other measures.
I have the 50 gallon version and all I can hear is the whoosh sound of the fan moving air. Although mine is in an attached storage room that shares a wall with my kitchen. I have ductwork from behind my fridge for the intake and lower on that wall a 14”x8” open central air register connecting the 2 rooms so I can get some heat out there in the winter. Maybe try to find some YouTube videos of the same model running to see if it sounds similar, maybe yours has an issue.
Just installed mine 2 weeks ago and they haven't fixed the noise issue. Manufacturered 11/21. 78-80 db a ft away on top. I can hear it humming away through out my first floor. WH is installed in my basement utility room that is insulated. Called rheem and they sent out an isolation kit to dampen the noise. This shouldn’t be needed as my WH sits on a concrete floor, but we will find out if it helps dampens the noise.
I received the dampening kit as well (four dense rubber feet) and put them under the new replacement unit since I had them on hand but found it didn't make a difference. I imagine they might be helpful if a unit was installed upstairs with sound transfer through framing but does little in a basement/slab installation.
I don't think im going to install isolation kit, as it defeats the leak detection. All this effort into making this thing not loud is not worth it and I cant believe Rheem keeps selling them even knowing about it. Im going to return it to HD and hook up my 12yr old water heater.
Isolation pads did absolutely nothing to dampen the sound. Time for another call to rheem
I did some pretty extensive research on the sound problem and was able to reduce it somewhat. I posted a PDF of my saga at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15AbxYCowloRsAuCNfjPAZcDhmtOyJINC/view?usp=sharing
In it you will find pictures, "before and after" sound measurements, sound spectra plots and much more.
Hope you find it useful!
tgtech
Thanks for the great analysis, write-up, and data.
Very impressive report.
Walta
Outstanding. Please send to Rheem. Also, from what I'm reading about this unit, Rheem should strongly consider returning to their Gen 4 model. Seems like almost everybody on this forum would be willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of efficiency for a 10-20 dB reduction in sound levels.
In fact many of us would not even consider buying the Gen 5 due to its noise issues, but would have happily purchased a quiet Gen 4.
@Aun Safe: +1!!
Thanks, tgtech! This matches my experience exactly. I had a 65G Rheem hybrid installed in June 2021 that was horribly loud. I warranty replaced it twice, and both replacement units had the same problem. The most recent replacement was manufactured in Aug 2021. Rheem doesn't seem to have solved their serious manufacturing problem yet.
Does anyone have a recommendation about using the scheduling to limit the noise nuisance to hours when nobody is home, or time-of-use rates are lowest? If I heat the water to, say 135, then turn it off for the rest of the day, is that likely to keep the temperature above 120 for the rest of the day, under normal usage?
I'm giving it a try now. Would love to hear anyone else's experience!
I use mine on a schedule because like many others here, the noise is loud and annoying.
I have mine installed in my garage. I can hear the fan noise thru the wall into my adjacent family room. Right above my garage is my son’s room where the noise resonates and is hard for him to go to sleep. The noise is almost as loud in his room compared to the garage.
I’ve schedule mine on heat pump only from 9am-9pm at 125 degrees. I have the 80 gal version. 3 out of 4 family members take showers in the evening. I do take a shower as well after playing tennis a few days in the evenings during the week. Most days, I only take a shower in the mornings around 520am. Therefore, a few days out of the work week, I’m taking a shower at night and then another shower the following morning typically when the unit is not scheduled to run or be on.
The hot was that remains in the tank after 9pm is still very hot by 520am the next morning. We’ve noticed that with our 80 gal unit, there is enough hot water for 7 showers and the 8th being a bit cold. We only noticed this when one of us gets caught with the cold shower because for some reason the water heater schedule never came on the day before. So to remedy this, I do check the app daily.
Another reason why I run it from 9am-9pm is we have solar. I noticed that the heat pump in the unit adds about .4kwH to the current house load. Not too bad. It’s not too much electricity and my solar panels can keep up. When the sun goes down, my Tesla Powerwall can easily keep up allowing for the hybrid water to still run. I’ve also noticed that the unit kicks on at 9am and runs to about 12 noon and then the tank is full of hot water. Even though I set the schedule from 9am-9pm, the unit isn’t always on the whole 12 hours. It shuts off when it is filled and turns on when it senses a demand.
The scheduling makes the fan noise tolerable. The fan noise is intolerable when the household starts to go to bed and there is less noise around to mix with the fan noise when it is on.
I hope this helps someone. Bottom line: there is plenty of insulation around the water tank that the hot water “made” is still hot 8-9 or more hours later.
I really like the unit besides the noise. My solar runs it and this unit doesn’t cost me anything every month. I live in Nor Cal.
Patrick
Hi Everyone, I've been reading this thread and there is a lot of good information, I just wanted to update you with my experience.
So as read (here or somewhere else) it seems that Rheem/Ruud did improve the units recently. Mine was built in May 2022 and I'm happy to report that the noise is actually not too bad.
The fan is definitely not noisy, I mean it make a fan noise, but not any worst that a ventilator.
The main noise comes from the compressor, and I would say it's similar to a low end fridge.
The insulation looks identical to what tgtech reported on his amazing document.
BUT there is an added piece of molded rigid styrofoam in between the casing and the compressor. The same type of styrofoam from those single use coolers.
The noise wasn't so bad, I would have left it as is, but I did order some Kilmat and some foam eggcrate sound proofing (similar to: https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Self-adhesive-Sound-Proof-Panels/dp/B09Q8JFBX7/ref=sr_1_7?crid=237RE7J1L9JUV&keywords=sound+proof+foam&qid=1668447617&sprefix=sound+proof+foam%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-7)
So I did line the interior of the enclosure with one layer of Kilmat and then added the foam where I could without tampering with the airflow and touching the heat pump exposed "plumbing".
Here's the result (base on a basic phone app).
Right next to the unit:
Original 60dB, Kilmat 56dB, Kilmat + Foam 54dB
About 20 feet away, with the utility room door closed:
Original 38dB, Kilmat 36dB, Kilmat + Foam 35dB
Next I tried to place the foam on top of the unit (similar to tgtech "hat") and THAT seems to be the most efficient solution. So my next step will be to do my own version of the hat, mine will be slopped, as this will deflect the sound inside the utility room rather than at the ceiling above or the door next to the unit.
I'll report back once done, but it might be a while since the noise is definitely not a nuisance right now...
Cheers, thanks to everyone who pitched in on this issue.
Hi all,
I'm having the same noise problems with our newly installed Rheem hybrid heater (ProTerra 40 gal). I had assumed the ridiculous level of noise was due to the fact that our basement is cold in winter (in midcoast Maine) and that it would be quieter in summer, but after reading this thread, I fear that may not be the case.
I have a slightly unrelated question: my answer to the noise so far has simply been to run the heater in "ELECTRIC" mode. However, the heater seems to switch itself back to Heat Pump mode after a certain, indeterminate period of time. I have to go down to the basement every other day or so (when I hear the noise rumbling through the floorboards) and switch it back to electric only.
Anyone else have this happen? Any idea how to keep it on electric mode only until we can try to solve the noise problem? It was almost impossible to find a plumber to install this unit in the first place (we bought it over the summer and it sat in the basement waiting to be installed for months) so replacing or repairing is a long-term prospect.
We've tried the obvious - turning it off and on, disconnecting WiFi. The temp is set at 125 F.
We have tried to contact Rheem several times already and never gotten though to actually speak with someone.
Thanks much for any advice!
Seems like a waste of money to pay for a HPWH and run it in electric mode 24-7-365.
Is it too late to return it and get a refund?
Seems to me Rheem has no incentive to fix the problem or update the specifications unless they start see returns.
Walta
Hi Walta,
I don't disagree, but I did not anticipate the noise. It's a non-starter. We will try to discuss with Rheem, but it doesn't sound like anyone on this thread has had much luck even replacing a whole unit.
Since the unit we replaced looked to be from the 90's (the house is new to us), I'm assuming even on full electric it'll be more efficient than it was.
The install cost $600. If we can even return it at this point (as we bought it over the summer, I doubt it), we'd have to pay for a plumber to disconnect and then pay again for another install.
I am hoping the noise is not so drastic over the summer, when there is heat in the basement to fuel the heat pump.
@kmp007: if you setup the Econet app, you can program a schedule, and the water heater will stay in whatever mode you select according to the schedule. There's also a way to force it to stay in the chosen mode. It might be long-pressing the Mode button. I can't remember for sure, but it should be in the manual.
Each time I've called Rheem support, it typically takes about 20-30 min on hold. Note too that they have a separate number for support for heat pump water heaters, and if you call the main support number, they can't help you and you'll have to call and wait again.
If you can get through to Rheem customer support, they will give you one of two options:
- replace the fan; they'll ship the part to you and pay someone to install it
- replace the unit; they'll issue a warranty claim number and cover the cost of the replacement unit and a licensed plumber for the labor.
They'll probably offer the fan first. In our case, it didn't make any difference. We replaced the fan, and then the whole unit. That also didn't make any difference, because they have a manufacturing quality problem and apparently no fix yet.
They don't accept returns, as far as I know. Maybe your plumbing supply store? I strongly recommend returning it, if your plumbing supply store accepts it.
FYI, running it overnight in heat pump mode, and in electric mode during the day did not work well for us. We don't take showers or wash laundry or dishes overnight, and it wasn't much better than running it in electric mode all day -- which costs nearly 3x what heat pump mode costs. These units are very efficient.
It's possible we could put it in vacation mode during the day. We shower at night though, and I haven't been willing to risk an unhappy spouse if we're out of hot water by then.
Thanks, Jonathan - I did finally manage to get the EcoNet app set up and scheduled all timepoints to "electric." We'll see if that works. I would put it in heat pump mode overnight but I can still hear it even 2 floors above in our bedroom. I might try Vacation mode overnight when it's not quite so cold (-5 F tonight in midcoast Maine!).
Deleted
Kieran,
Are you sure backup is necessary? We have extended outages here and get by fine on what's hot in the tank when the power goes out.
Deleted
Hi Kieran, I'm looking to do almost the exact same thing but on a smaller scale for a 480 sq ft cottage. I considered the Enphase battery but now I'm thinking of using my EV (has vehicle to load) instead. I'll use the solar/IQ8s to recharge the EV during the day, use EV as a giant battery at night (connect the V2L to Enphase IQ System Controller 2 through the "generator" circuit). Also wondering how much I will be able to run on the 1,900W I can get from the V2L! I'll probably have to pick and choose what to run when and maybe get a couple soft starters to limit surges. Very curious to hear how you get on with your project.
Cheers,
Tim
An update on our situation. Rheem finally upped the amount of money (from $150 to $250) they would offer for an independent technician to come and swap out the original fan for the replacement ball-bearing "builder fan" and add a foam kit on our 50 gal, ProTerra unit (already a replacement unit). Pro tip: if you call enough, apparently Rheem will eventually relent and increase compensation. Because Rheem doesn't have any technicians in my state the onus was on me to find and schedule someone. First person I called "doesn't service Rheem crap" - their words. Second wouldn't touch it for the $150 compensation. With the increased $250 I had a certified HVAC friend come over and help ($225 cost to me that Rheem will supposedly reimburse in 4-8 weeks) - he also avoids Rheem and directed me to a 2017 Bradford White heat pump unit at a neighbor's house that was significantly quieter. Since you need to remove the entire upper shroud, it's hard to imagine a practical installation scenario where you won't need to drain and disconnect the unit to replace the fan. The foam kit appears identical to the factory foam so it felt like a futile exercise to scrape and replace it but we did anyway. Reassembled and installed, the builder fan is *marginally* quieter that the original but, if anything, with the reduction in white noise from the fan, the compressor whine is just as loud and more pronounced. My tech's assessment is that the predominant noise issues are from the compressor and that the insulation bag around it (detailed in tgtech's post #65 earlier in this thread) is completely inadequate. I'm exhausted and at a loss. With easily a dozen uncompensated hours of my time replacing units and parts and dealing with Rheem tech support I'm out of steam on this. We're living with it for now but it's a constant aggravation. When I find time, I'll likely just return this to HD and reluctantly go back to our old on-demand propane water heater that I've fortunately left intact. There's a role for Rheem to help advance efficient domestic water heating and it seemed like their Gen4 units were quiet, but they're just not being accountable about these new units and their noise issues and are going to sour a lot of people to hybrid water heaters in the process. I don't have the energy for it but if a class action emerges, I'm ready to sign on. Caveat emptor . . .
I summarized a few steps people might consider taking to reduce noise levels. Results all depend on how much time/energy/$ you want to "invest" to achieve different levels of noise reduction.
Outlined are steps to
- Add sound deadening mats
- Add wall/cavity insulation
- Add compressor insulation
- Change the fan
- Add a "hat" to the inlet to redirect sound
- Hang sound deadening blankets
- Add sound absorbing panels
- Add sound isolation under the bottom of the tank
- Add ducting
Do I agree Rheem should address the complaints? Absolutely! Should owners have to undertake significant efforts to solve the problem? No!
I agree that Rheem should consider design/component changes to prevent the issue from occurring in the first place.
See attached. I hope it may help a few of you.
tgtech,
Thanks for posting that. It's very useful.
Followed the steps to install the replacement fan and added sound deadening mats. Interestingly I'm now getting condensation on the exterior of the water heater near the air outlet. Didn't occur before to my knowledge. Happens especially with high humidity in the garage and long heat pump run times when metal gets cold. Anyone else seen this after new fan install?
Hello Cloister,
When you had the builder fan installed, did you have to repin the connector at all? The new builder fan comes with a yellow wire I'm assuming goes to any ground point but the connector with the Blue and Brown wires are in a different order compared to the original fan connector. Did you just plug in the new fan connector without making any changes?
Any reason to think the "15-amp" models are much quieter than the "30-amp"?
I looked through all the Energy Start listings, and the only hybrid water heaters available to put on a 15- or 20-amp circuit are the Rheem/Ruud and the SANCO2 split system.
Has anyone thought about going with a Bradford White unit? Seems like Rheem shouldn't be considered until they release a redesign.
https://www.bradfordwhite.com/professionals/usa-residential-heat-pump/aerotherm-series-heat-pump-model-re#prettyPhoto
I have a GE HPWH, no complaints. They sold out to Bradford White and the one you linked to does look like the one I have
Just got my 11/21 water heater replaced with a 1/22 dated one and the loud humming is gone. What I found that was making most of the noise was the compressor vibrating on the side of the unit. Before it was replaced it was around 68db three feet away. Now its 57db. FYI rheem rep stated 55-60db was what the actual reading would be, 49db is in perfect conditions in a lab, which is impossible. I am very happy now.
Congrats on a successful resolution, Brandon. Can you detail what the replacement process was like for you (did Rheem cover any of the labor cost)? I've replaced my unit once with no improvement on the sound but I had to do the actual labor of pulling, returning, and reinstalling the new unit myself and am reluctant to do it again.
It was a lot of back and forth with rheem on the replacement process. What ended up happening was a plumbing company came out and we determined that the unit was defective. I had to reorder a new water heater. Plumber disconnected water heater and we returned it at the store. At the same time he picked up the new water heater and installed it. Rheem covered the labor cost but there was a 250 dollar price difference. Rheem has a price change form. I filled it out and I will be reimbursed the difference soon.
@brandon21, is there a manufacture date outside of the box? We want to order 2 from HD but they don't have it in store so we have to get it shipped home. I would like to inspect the box and see if it's a 2022 build before we unbox.
I believe the build date should be on the box. Or you can tell from the serial number Qxxyyzzzzz, which means it's built the xxth week of year 20yy.
Brandon, so glad that you got a good replacement unit. Congrats!
Really appreciate the information as there is a hope that Rheem fixed the humming noise issue in 2022. After numerous contacts with Rheem, a replacement unit is authorized. It has to go through via a wholesaler with my plumber. I will pay attention to the build date.
I'm glad the 57 improves your situation!
I don't believe the Rheem rep though. There are videos online measuring 49 dB for an installed Gen 4 unit. 57 dB is definitely a major regression from the previous model, and I don't recommend anyone take the chance of buying one. Try the AO Smith if it fits!
The new AO Smith Voltex AL is supposedly only 45 dB:
https://www.hotwater.com/lit/spec/res_elec/aosxe50010.pdf
They're on 3-4 months back order, from what I can tell. I'm disappointed enough in the Rheem that I will seriously consider replacing it once the AO Smith is in stock locally.
Wow, thanks for posting. And they even specifically brag about it their noise level:
"45 dBA operating sound level is the quietest heat pump in the industry."
With that sort of rhetoric I hope they've been paying attention to the Rheem fallout, and that the 45 dBA figure is actually accurate. Can't wait to hear some reports. I've been wanting a heat pump water heater for awhile but haven't been able to pull the trigger for fear of noise!
tgtech, Great analysis! Also looking to get one of these installed but leery of noise with gen 5. A few thoughts:
I had my 5 ton AC capacitor replaced when it failed and the compressor noise afterwards was significantly reduced. I wonder if maybe the capacitors for the compressor or the fan are not to spec, or underspecd.
Pretty sure that fan is a 2 speed and wonder if it ever operates at the lower speed. A garage install would not need a fan that can provide airflow through an additional 50 feet of ducting!
Thanks!
It's the compressor which isn't replaceable. They'd have to replace the entire water heater. It's cheaper to run the squeaky wheels around in circles with red herrings while Rheem tries to find a different supplier. Difficult in this age of component shortages and high appliance demand. The "premium" fan... lying on its side too long... isolation feet... foam shrouds... all customer service BS to keep a lid on this until they solve the root cause without shutting down the production line entirely. Happens all the time.
It would be a project ($$$) to replace the compressor as it would involve cutting refrigerant piping, recovering refrigerant, putting on a fitting, rebrazing, pulling a vacuum, refilling refrigerant, etc. Not for the faint hearted.
I have wondered if replacing the rubber vibration isolation mounts under the compressor would help.
Also, I *may* build a sound baffle at the fan outlet as the compressor noise emanates from there along with the fan noise.
Some of the sound abatement measures in my post #90 have worked fairly well, but it should not have taken the additional time and $$$ to work around the issue. Rheem is better than that (or maybe they aren't?)
I would encourage people to submit reviews to the big box store websites and the Rheem website describing their experience.
I just received my Rheem replacement Hybrid Water Heater, 50 gal, built in Feb 2022. I need to schedule an installation time with my plumber. I will tell if the new one is quieter.
Looking forward to your update! I hope you get a better unit - and if you can, use your dB app to do a before/after reading. Good luck!
The replacement new unit (PROPH50 T2 RH375-30, built in Feb 2022) was just installed in the garage. I am so relieved.
As the water heater is in a small raised 30x30 den in the garage right next to the living room, we also installed the vibration isolation kit this time. I think the new unit is improved. And the vibration isolation kit dramatically helps reduce the vibration noise inside the house.
Here are a few data points while the heat pump is running:
Before
• Noise level is around 63 dBA, 3 ft away for the outlet
• Noise level is around 51 dBA, inside the house, across a wall from the water heater.
Now:
• Noise level is around 57 dBA, 3 ft away for the outlet
• Noise level is around 44 dBA, inside the house, across a wall from the water heater.
By no means the new unit is quiet. It's just less noisy. We don't hear the annoying humming noise inside the house anymore.
Very happy to hear the good news about the Feb 2022 build that you received, Fred.
We received the 80 Gal ProTerra model a few weeks ago but haven't installed yet. It also built in Feb 2022.
Can you link me to the vibration kit that you installed? Do you have to buy a drain pan?
The ProTerra seems to have a leak detector wire but it does not come with the drain pan.
And also the expansion tank as well that you need to buy?
The vibration isolation kit (SP20883) is needed only if the water heater is on non-concrete floors. Here is a link for your reference
https://www.gpconservation.com/product/rheem-vibration-isolation-kit/
A drain pan and an expansion tank are required by city code. These were installed by my plumber. If your model comes with leak detector, I guess you need a drain pan to make it work.
The vibration isolation kit is actually 4 pieces of isolators. They need to be adhered inside the drain pan and then the water heater sits on top of them. They need to be leveled very precisely. Center the water heater as much as possible to get desired quiet operation result.
Your 80 Gal ProTerra model likely has similar noise level. Good luck!
would be helpful if everyone could supply the following information:
build date: 3721. (37th week of 2021; this is the first four digits in the serial number after the first letter, should be on the sticker on the tank)
noise level: 58 dB overall at chest level 2 feet in front of the display, with a peak in the spectrum at ~190 Hz. the spectrum we got from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.intoorbit.spectrum, and a screenshot is attached. the overall dB is from different app.
fan part #: W1G200-EC91-84A
satisfactory? NO
as background, i had this unit installed in march of 2022. complained to rheem on a 3-way call with our plumber, and they sent a replacement fan and vibration isolation kit free of charge. as the fan that arrived was the same part number as the one already installed, and rubber pads we learned were not meant for concrete floors, we installed neither. trying to decide whether it is worth pursuing further.
does anyone have a unit that is closer to the advertised spec of 49 dB. thanks!
Since our water heater is in the garage, our key measurement of noise level is from inside the house instead of 3ft away from the water heater in the garage. And whether the water heater's operation actually impacts our daily life and while sleeping.
It took us 6 months to get a replacement unit. And from my post #108, one can tell the objective noise level comparison. Subjectively, we are very happy with the replacement unit. We had to turn the original unit to "Electric" most of the time as we could not stand the annoying humming vibration noise. Now, with the new unit, we leave it on "Energy Saver" and don't even notice whether it's running or not - just like the older gas water heater. Daily electricity consumption is around 2.5 kWh and the garage is cool on hot days.
It depends on your specific situation to decide if it's worth pursuing further. There is no guarantee that you will be happy with the replacement.
has anyone tried or thought about adding a muffler to the exhaust to mitigate the fan noise?
i found this interesting paper on how mufflers work:
https://www.acoustics.asn.au/conference_proceedings/AAS2005/papers/34.pdf
figure 9 and the text above it (see attached screenshot) describe how a resonator can be used to deaden the sound at a specific frequency. one could imagine buying the duct kit for the rheem and building a bespoke muffler based on this design.
our unit has a sharp peak in the spectrum at 190 Hz. the wavelength corresponding to that frequency is about 6 feet. so the side branch would need to be 1.5 feet long. not sure whether i'd need to do this to the intake grill as well though.
Hi - sorry to hear of your noise issue. I had the same problem. A new fan was a *little* quieter, but not much. My unit was a Nov 2021 manufacture date.
Much of the noise is due to the compressor (at line frequency of ~60Hz and at a harmonic of ~120Hz) and some due to the fan (~185Hz) - see the PDF in my post #65 and sound abatement methods in #90. A tuned cavity (muffler) would probably help, but a lot of the noise comes out of the inlet on the top, too. You'd also need to consider the amount of air flow restriction. I sent the data to Rheem, but haven't heard anything.
I don't think you can get to 49dBA - I got it down from 64dBA to 57dBA with some of the abatements I described which was a significant reduction, but it took a lot of time.
Rheem 80G ProXE80T10HS45U0 manufactured 08 March 2022, serial number starting Q1022 (10th week of 2022) doesn't seem to have an 'excessive' noise issue. I only have a GE GeoSpring to compare it to. I would consider the Rheem slightly less noisy than a GeoSpring.
For those keeping track of Fan Model #'s, this one is:
ebmpapst model W1G200-EC89-86 with a date code of 46/21 (46th week of 2021... mid-Nov?)
I was wondering if anyone had updated info on the Rheem noise issue and whether Rheem has actually done anything practically with its more recent builds. I called to confirm whether their builds after March 2022 had addressed the underlying issue, but the rep could not confirm that any changes had been made. He also asked his supervisor and got the same response. Perhaps this is a "neither confirm nor deny" situation. Per my other thread I'm weighing the Rheem 65 gal vs Bradford White. Rheem is more efficient on paper than BW. The BW advertises 55 dBA vs Rheem's 49, but if the 49 isn't really accurate I might go with the BW because don't want to go through what many are describing here!
My impression is that the Rheem noise issue was fixed for July 2021 built, came back for Sept 2021 built and then fixed again for Jan 2022 built (and afterward we would hope). You may check reviews in the Home Depot website to reflect the same observation. Will the issue come back again? No one knows.
Having said so, you have a way better chance to get a less noisy Rheem than in 2021. However, If SMART WiFi control is not your main consideration then Bradford White is a safer choice. If SMART WiFi control is a major consideration (including cost and efficiency etc.) and you can install water heater by yourself, then you may try Rheem.
That's what I thought too, but ... no. It was not fixed in July. I thought so, and did a warranty replacement with a unit made in August. Same problem. And then I found out that the person who reported it had been fixed still had excessive noise, just not quite as excessive as the first time around. They gave up and decided to live with it.
I've seen no real evidence that it has been fixed, only Rheem defining their sound performance down, and setting expectations that 49 dB -- which real customers used to get in their homes -- is not going to be achieved.
Buy an AO Smith! Or try electric on-demand water heaters, if your electric panel can handle it.
From what I've read the Rheem won't operate on 100% heat pump mode? If that's true I'm not sure how it could be more efficient than the Bradford WH.
It will operate in Heat Pump mode.
But the "energy saver" is mostly heat pump with pulses of resistance heat.
In my (non scientific) electricity usage monitoring, the "pulses" of resistance heating only started occurring every 15 min (for about 1-2 min) only after the heat pump had been trying to reach desired temp for a while unsuccessfully.
My guess is that running the heat pump at 300w all day is more costly than heat pump + pulsing occasionally with a 3000w resistance heat.
"My guess is that running the heat pump at 300w all day is more costly than heat pump + pulsing occasionally with a 3000w resistance heat."
I don't think so. I don't see how pulsing resistance can ever be more efficient. It will heat the water faster though.
I'm pretty sure the Bradford White is what used to be GE which is what I have. It doesn't ever run all day, or use the resistance heat.
I had to by a wifi dongle, & use IFTTT to schedule it though, so if Rheem has that built in that's a big plus. I would hope that BW would have that by now since so many utilities are going to time-of-use rates.
Brad, you're right. I can't imagine resistance heat would be any more efficient.
Unfortunately, it seems the ECONET app & Manual are 'wrong'. (Or there's more to the energy usage than meets the eye.)
ECONET App: If I set it to "Heat Pump" mode, it pops an Alert that I should set to Energy Saving mode for the most efficiency.
Manual says:
Electric: Very Low Efficiency, Fast Recovery
Heat Pump: High Efficiency, Very Slow Recovery
High Demand: Low Efficiency, Very Fast Recovery
Energy Saver: Very High Efficiency, Fast Recovery
Vacation: Very High Efficiency, No Recovery
(See attached manual image)
If you have some way to measure electric consumption it would make for an interesting test
I just installed mine a few weeks ago,
I cant tell if Energy Saver does use the resistive elements, but it would make sense according to the description where it says the recovery is fast, the only way to have a fast recovery is by using the resistive elements.
Also, I noticed that when on Energy Saver, the unit does allow the temperature to go down quite a bit (just by touching the water, haven't measured it yet). And then when there's a big demand in water the Heat Pump and the elements kicks in. But we did have a few evenings when there was a few showers back to back where the last shower was getting cold, the unit wasn't fast enough to recover.
When in Heat Pump mode, it will ONLY use the heat pump, BUT it will maintain the temperature at the requested set point (and not allow it to go down too much).
My solution, I set a schedule where it's always on Energy Saver. (temp does go down). But an hour before everyone gets home, I set it to Heat Pump which instantly triggers the Heat Pump and almost reach the set temperature as the evening shower parade starts.
So far so good, I'm getting a very low energy consumption, and never had a cold shower since.
When I read Rheem’s patent it was clear the resistance element may operate in every mode.
First there is a “min temp” for the water tank if the tank falls below that undisclosed number the resistance element will be use to being up the temp of the tank above the min number regardless of the mode selected.
The patent made it clear that the other mode would turn on the resistance element if for any reason the heat pump fails to bring the tank up to the set temp after some amount of undisclosed time. In the electric mode the time limit is zero. We can only guess at the rest but “high demand” would have a short timer, “energy saver” would be longer, “heat pump” would be even longer. From the wording “no recovery” we might guess the “vacation mode may not use the element.
You will note Rheem was very carful not to say “heat pump only” mode.
I do not own this Rheem product but I do operate a Rheem heat pump to heat my home. I feel the Rheem engineers have written my HPs programing in ways that will maximize comfort at the expense of efficiency. I would suspect they made similar choices when they wrote this software.
i have a rheem manufactured in 9/2021 and it is 60 dB at chest height a meter away and the sound is a 190 Hz tone. a friend has a GE geospring manufactured in 7/2016 and it is 50 dB and white noise. we have complained up a storm about the noise and fortunately our installer is going to replace it for free with a regular electric one.
one way to check if you can handle the noise before purchasing one is to figure out a way to play a 190 Hz tone from a speaker and then adjust the volume until it is 60 dB as measured with your phone. then go to the living areas and see if it's bearable. i wish we had done this.
Agree the noise is horrible. We have ours set to electric during waking hours, and heat pump at night. But at the opposite end of the house, if we're not already asleep when it kicks on, it has an unpleasant whine to it.
We're getting no energy savings with this unit. We've replaced the fan once, and the whole unit twice, and it's been no use. At this point, we're saving up money for an AO Smith. 51 dB would be wonderful.
Following this thread with great interest! We ordered a 65 gallon and just installed it this past week.
It is loud, 64 db at 3 feet from the unit at the top. It’s installed in a corner of the garage that backs up to a bedroom. Sound is noticeable inside (42 db on, and 30 db off 3 feet from the wall). I have garage cabinets that form a wall on the third side so only 36 inches of the bedroom wall is exposed to heater noise. I was careful to not have wall contact to the heater to keep vibration from the house.
I feel the fan is too powerful for the unit, and probably over-spec’d for excessive ducting capability which we won’t do unless it gets too cold in the garage in the winter. It may be a 2 speed fan but I have not heard it on low, and have never seen any condensate in 10 days (not a teaspoon). The whooshing from the fan is annoying even in the garage. In the bedroom a pulsing sound (6 pulses in 4 seconds) is also noticeable on top of the low hum
The unit is a XE65T10H45U0, manufactured in Mexico 15 Mar 2022.
The fan is ebm papst W1G200-EC59-86 and I find no info when I search for it. I did find info for the W1G200-EC91-45 which some have reported receiving. It shows a 1500/2100 min/max rpm. Anyone have an idea how to force the fan to the lower speed?
I wonder if all the models are manufactured in the same place?
I also had a very difficult time connecting the app. Which works well, not that I got it connected.
After I get the permit signed off, I will try some noise mitigation efforts similar to those of tgtech and maybe call Rheem.
If you are considering putting one of these where the noise will bother you, beware. I don’t think they have corrected the issue(s)!
The heater works well. I even installed a recirc system which turns on 6 -15 minute periods from 7 AM to 6 PM, and I can see it is triggering the compressor.
The old 50 gal gas heater was over 20 years old, and we have solar (free electric) so I expect to trim $300 to 400 off my gas bill.
Hi all, I’m hoping to get some guidance here though I realize that this may simply not be possible.
I have a 918 sq ft house on the north shore of LI, a 30-35 yr old Utica boiler with an aqua booster (John Wood). The aqua booster is showing rust and it’s time to replace. I’d like to move towards a hybrid water heater, and would have done so already if not for the noise issue with the Gen5 Rheem (looking at the pro/non- Home Depot version).
I called Rheem a week or so ago, and was told that I might get a good one or a bad one, and if a bad one, they’ll send a replacement fan (nothing else). The unit is on concrete slab so I assume that isolation feet won’t matter. I was also told that there won’t be a build-date after which they’ve fixed this, and no answer as to when the Gen-6 will come out. I’m surprised they seem to be so casual about this, and that despite the noise concern, everybody seems to still want the Rheem.
I read that the trade off with the Gen-6 being 120V is lower 1st-hour ratings, and since I’ll have someone installing this for me, I don’t see 120V as being of much benefit to me. Not sure what else might have been improved, but you’d have to expect the noise issue will be a primary focus.
I’m assuming that the Stiebel-Eltron has gone up in price as much as everything else so that’s still not an option.
A while back I had gotten a good price from a local plumber on a Bradford White Hybrid, but at that time, they had installed a total of 1 of these, so I wasn’t inclined to go with them.
I’d hate to buy a Rheem and find that I can’t stand the noise, I found my old SPL meter so I’m going to look into that. Someone somewhere noted the specific/dominant frequency of the noise, hopefully I can find a test CD or something on YouTube to duplicate that. My basement seems pretty well isolated sound-wise, and the boiler room is on the far end of the house, under the living room but away from the bedrooms.
Does anyone have any suggestions besides the Gen-5 Rheem? Would you consider going back to a Gen-4?
I believe that the main difference with the 5 is a bit more efficiency, a lot more noise, and an app. Is the app the main draw of the Gen-5 Rheem? I’m not sure the benefit of the app, I had assumed I’d set this to the most efficient setting and leave it at that.
Are you running it when the house is empty because of the noise? (ironic) Maybe at night when rates are down?
Anyway, thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have.
Consider the Bradford White. It doesn't appear to have an app though.
The Gen 5 is not more efficient than the Gen 4. There is no option going to a Gen 4. They are not available anywhere. The Gen 4 is built like a tank. High quality solid and quite unit with integrated ducting collars built in. There's nothing better about the Gen 5 over the Gen 4.
Gotta love it when the "next gen" product is worse in every way from the previous gen!
“The Gen 5 is not more efficient than the Gen 4.”
Sorka I am not sure this statement is true. As I recall Rheem did not begin to claim a UEF of 4 until after the gen 5 was released.
If you have a chart listing the UEFs of by generation please post a link to it.
Walta
https://web.archive.org/web/20190202081215/https://www.rheem.com/products/residential/water-heating/hybrid/
The Gen 4 ALWAYs claimed UEF of 4.
Even the current Gen 5 claims 3.45 to 4.00 depending on the gen 5 model that you pick. No different than the Gen 4.
I use mine on a schedule because like many others here, the noise is loud and annoying.
I have mine installed in my garage last year I. march 2021. I can hear the fan noise thru the wall into my adjacent family room. Right above my garage is my son’s room where the noise resonates and is hard for him to go to sleep. The noise is almost as loud in his room compared to the garage.
I’ve schedule mine on heat pump only from 9am-9pm at 125 degrees. Outside of the ON schedule, the unit is set to 120 degrees and OFF. I have the 80 gal version. 3 out of 4 family members take showers in the evening. I do take a shower as well, after playing tennis a few days during the week, in the evenings. Most days, I only take a shower in the mornings around 520am. Therefore, a few days out of the work week, I’m taking a shower at night and then another shower the following morning typically when the unit is not scheduled to run or be on.
The hot water that remains in the tank after 9pm is still very hot by 520am the next morning. We’ve noticed that with our 80 gal unit, there is enough hot water for 7 showers and the 8th being a bit cold. We only noticed this when one of us gets caught with the cold shower because for some reason the water heater schedule never came on the day before. So to remedy this, I do check the app daily.
Another reason why I run it from 9am-9pm is we have solar. I noticed that the heat pump in the unit adds about .4kwH to the current house load. Not too bad. It’s not too much electricity and my solar panels can keep up. When the sun goes down, my Tesla Powerwall can easily keep up allowing for the hybrid water to still run. I’ve also noticed that the unit kicks on at 9am and runs to about 12 noon and then the tank is full of hot water. Even though I set the schedule from 9am-9pm, the unit isn’t always on the whole 12 hours. It shuts off when it is filled and turns on when it senses a demand.
The scheduling makes the fan noise tolerable. The fan noise is intolerable when the household starts to go to bed and there is less noise around to mix with the fan noise when it is on.
I hope this helps someone. Bottom line: there is plenty of insulation around the water tank that the hot water “made” is still hot 8-9 or more hours later.
I really like the unit besides the noise. My solar runs it and this unit doesn’t cost me anything every month. Before going with solar, the unit was costing me about $1/day at about 3kwH electricity consumption per day. I live in Nor Cal.
Patrick
We were going to take a chance on the 80 gallon Rheem pro model from a plumbing supply house but they were on long back order. Ended up cancelling and going with the AO Smith. It's rated at 51 DB (quieter than the Bradford White), a couple inches greater diameter than the Rheem, similar features, but no app. Will report on performance after it is installed.
Wise choice! Rheem hasn't fixed the problem. The units range from loud to very loud, and apparently there are enough buyers who are not complaining, so they don't seem to have prioritized fixing the issue.
Let us know how the AO Smith works out!
Also interested to know of your experience with AO Smith. My utility just raised electricity rates and with ever increasing energy prices, I am glad I got the hybrid heater. I try to think of the noise as the heater telling me "here I go again, saving you money!" ... but having it yell is annoying ;)
Am I correct in thinking that if the app is not a concern, the quality of Rheem, AO Smith and Bradford White are all comparable? The way Rheem has dealt with this makes me question why I would give them my $.
Just an FYI/ update: I spoke with Rheem again the other day, I'm told that all new units are coming with the new fan, and where I was told previously that Gen4's were still available this time I was told that they are not.
They told me over a year ago that gen 4's were no longer available. I looked everywhere. I'd pay double to get a gen 4 over the gen 5. There are NO gen 4 complaints to be found anywhere.
I think you will find Rheem water heaters 4.0 is the highest UEF rating for anything within 300% of its cost.
Bradford white looks to be 3.48 so it uses 13% more energy.
Walta
I am sure glad I got the Gen 4. I've had it about 2 1/2 years now and have had no issues. Just measured the noise level the other day and pegged 52 db just inches from the unit. It is really quiet. Hard to believe Rheem could screw this next gen so badly. BTW, the Gen 4 does come with the app.
My guess is they "updated" the design to reduce the cost and moved the manufacturing to a lower wage location. The quality has suffered. Is it only the sound level, or also the reliability that will be a problem? It looks like we'll have to wait for the Gen 6 for hope of a fix.
Let’s not kick Rheem while they are down. If the competitive products could meet Rheem’s performance at its price point this thread would have gone silent long ago.
Jonathan, I have seen no evidence of a move.
My guess is Rheem went to a vapor injected compressor like the hyper heat mini’s use in an effort to get higher UEF numbers and it makes more noise.
From reading the reports in this thread both the fan and the compressor seem be equally noisy on most units.
Walta
There is a Gen 4 unit on display at one of my local big box stores. It's dusty and bolted down with L brackets but I've considered asking if they'd let me have it as an exchange for my Gen 5. I'd feel more generous towards Rheem if they were less evasive and more accountable about their noise issues.
I think there isn't much choice but for everyone, myself included, to just wait until they release a 6th gen unit. Can everyone participating in this thread keep their eyes peeled for a next-generation unit so we can get information on that as soon as possible? I am willing to buy a 6th gen unit when one comes out and provide my findings. Rheem appears to be the only option for me sadly due to wanting HomeAssistant integration, so all I can do is wait. I can handle 49db, not 60....
A very interesting article to mitigate Rheem HPWH Noise:
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/2022/05/22/what-to-do-if-you-get-a-noisy-rheemruud-heat-pump-water-heater
Read the "Update!"... 3 layers of MLV... very tempting to try.
Great article! Unfortunately, much as I want to believe there's such a simple fix, I'm very skeptical that 3 layers of mass-loaded vinyl will reduce the noise to 48 dB.
If you look at the photo, they wrapped MLV around the side of the compressor area, but there's nothing to stop sound from going straight up -- which others have pointed out is the loudest direction -- or outward in the direction of the exhaust vent. Sound radiates in all directions and flows like water.
Even if the compressor emitted no sound from the side walls of the water heater, I measure 64 dB coming straight out of the exhaust vent on my unit. (And yes, I've replaced the fan already.) The MLV will do nothing to stop that sound. At minimum, I'd also suggest putting insulated flex duct on both the intake and outtake to try to block at least a little of the noise. I already have a duct on the exhaust, and at best it reduces the noise to 60-62 dB.
My skepticism is based on my own experience hiring professionals to do soundproofing using MLV, QuietRock drywall, Safe and Sound mineral wool insulation, and Green Glue. I hired them to soundproof an outdoor heat pump compressor near our bedroom. The outdoor unit is only 55 dB -- much quieter than the Rheem water heater that's inside the walls of our house. I have some leftover MLV from that project that I could strap on exactly like in the picture, if only to rule out the possibility that it miraculously works.
I really do want to believe! If anyone finds a magical solution and verifies it, please share.
I was just coming here to post that!!!! :)
I'm new to Rheem hybrid water heater. Just went for it because my oil burn water heater started to leak. After a month of usage what I can say that the app is a meh and noise making by it is getting started to be annoying.
I have average 67dB about 6 feet away, mostly from the intake, but most annoying sound is kind of a hum/buzz which I can hear around the house and even outside. The pitch of it is about 190Hz. No clue if that comes from a fan or a compressor so my question is how can I do that test running the unit w/o fan to check what is the source of the noise before I will call Rheem tech support. My unit was manufactured end of Jan 2022.
Jack - Even if you tell Rheem you've found the source, they will only offer to replace the fan which is only one contributor. You could simply turn off the heater, put a dowel in the fan grill to prevent the fan from turning, turn on the heater and hear/measure the compressor. Blocking the fan for a very short time probably won't hurt anything, but that is your call ... What you'll find is most of the compressor noise is at 120Hz and the fan at 190Hz.
I've read every post in this (long) thread and there is no "magic" answer nor any apparent manufacturing breakthroughs from Rheem, but with some effort you could reduce the sound somewhat. See my posts #65 and #90.
Good luck!
Has any conclusion been reached as to which of the two replacement evaporator fans, the "AP20519 - FAN MOTOR PREMIUM" or the "AS48782 - ASSY BALL BEARING FAN MOTOR" is quieter? My fan went out yesterday leaving just the compressor running. I called Rheem HPWH Support this morning and they are overnighting a new fan. They assured me that I was receiving the "improved" version. When I received my packing list email, I saw that they were sending an AP20519.
I noticed that on the parts.rheem.com website the AP20519 lists for $120 while the AS48782 lists for $75. Both are in stock. So cost would not be a reason for sending the AP20519.
My current fan is an ebmpapst model W1G200-EC91-84A. The build date of my XE80T10H45U0 is 18NOV2021 and it was installed on May 28, 2022.
BTW, with the compressor only running, I measured 49-50 db right at the outlet. When the fan was working, I measured around 57 db three feet from the outlet. That's not as loud as some people are reporting so I'm wondering if my original fan was an "improved" version.
Thanks!
Just received the AP20519 replacement fan. It is a ebmpapst model W1G200-EC89-86. I'll provide an update if it is quieter than the original fan.
How is it? I just got a replacement fan of the same model number... manufactured 33/21.
Did yours come with random metallic clips on some parts of the fan? They are somewhat loose, are these supposed to be taken off or are they for balancing the weight somehow? Two are on the leading edge of the blade lol
Hi glebonator,
I believe those metallic clips are used to balance the fan blades so do not remove them. My fan had a lot more clips than yours.
If you are replacing the fan yourself, please note that the instructions are incorrect. In step 10, it says to "Remove the screws from around the bottom of the outside of the cabinet. This is where the top meets the tank." Step 11 says to "Carefully lift the top off of the water heater." There should be an additional step between 10 and 11 that says to remove the screws at the top of the cover otherwise it is impossible to lift it off.
I found that the new fan reduced the amount of noise by a couple of db to around 55. Better but not to spec.
I can't reply to your other comment for some reason, so doing it here.
Thanks for the instructions and letting me know about the clips, I actually got nothing with the fan, it was sitting there naked and alone in a cardboard box, even looking used lol.
I'm waiting to get their foam kit just to do everything at once, so given that there wasn't even a shipping notification for that that's likely backordered...
I asked about the foam kit and the vibration kit and they said that both were out of stock and backordered.
OK, I have tried to do that - put a pencil to stop the fan but it looks like compressor will not run w/o fan when is "jammed" so it must to have some security measurements on the board. I did not heard anything from working compression even I have heard "click" to star the heat pump.
JackTheKnife Did you read post #43 about how to enter the test mode and run the fan and compressor one at a time?
Walta
Yeah, it goes into "lock mode" not to run fan only.
I'm wondering if anyone has returned the Rheem and replaced it with AO Smith?
I'm on the verge of ordering the AO Smith, but would hate to find out it's about as loud and I don't have the ability to run it while I'm at work. AO Smith also offers no sound level spec.
While reviews of both units report both 'quiet' and 'loud' sound levels, the AO Smith seems biased towards 'quiet' while the Rheem is biased towards 'loud' (besides being the subject of forum threads such as this one...).
My brother has a Bradford White HPWH. He installed it a years ago when they first came out for his all electric home. He has never complained about the sound, and I have never heard it when visiting.
So I finally moved forward with this and had an AO Smith FPTU-50 installed. I would have gone for the HPTU with the 10 year warranty but I needed to get this done and the HPTU was not readily available. According to AO Smith, the units are identical down to the anode and glass lining (I believe that the Rheem is not glass lined.)
When I first heard it running I asked: "is that it?" Noise was not bad at all.
I did read the following: 6': 54-56 db; 3': 60-62; 1': 68 db.
The heater is is the basement on the other side of my small 918 sq ft house, so I don't hear it from the bedroom.
My living room is directly above it, my couch is 8-10 feet away. From the couch, I hear a slight bit of noise, standing directly over the unit, it can hear a whooshing sound which would be noticeable if I had to sit directly above it.
What I'd like to do now is minimize how often my 35 year old boiler turns on just to maintain temp in the middle of summer. It has a Honeywell L7224U and the HL is set to 180, LL is at 160. These can be set as low as 130 and 110 respectively: I assume this would reduce oil consumption during the summer, but is it safe/advisable to do?
I'm guessing that all other settings stay the same.
I was told that I could probably turn the boiler off during the summer, but it was suggested that if this didn't result in the interior rusting, it would be tough on the seals, and leaks would probably result.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, and thanks for the feedback.
With the HP water heater in the same space as the boiler, you will have reduced humidity and lower risk of rust. How low, I don't know, but I think it's worth the risk.
Good point, thanks Charlie.
Has anyone heard about big price increases from Rheem? Because of the noise issue, I’ve been holding out for a 2022 50 gallon unit. Well, it’s finally here, and the plumber’s supplier is quoting a price that is close to double previous models. I was prepared to accept the outrageous cost until the delivery guy handed me a copy of the invoice, which showed the HPWH priced at around $1800. Something seems fishy, no?
Just installed an 80 gallon ProTerra in the basement.
It is virtually silent to the point I need to be 10 feet or less next to it to determine if it is running. I bought it from the big orange store about a month ago.
When the compressor and fan aren't running, it is virtually silent, it's true. Is it also quiet when both are running?
Since he said he needs to be right next to it to "determine if it is running," I assume he means that it is very quiet even when both are running.
Regardless, until there are widespread reports of reasonably quiet units, or until Rheem itself acknowledges the problem and says that it has been fixed, I'll be very skeptical that there's a fix, and I'll just assume a few units here and there got lucky and are quiet. I would not risk it with a Rheem at this point, personally.
Can you tell us what the manufacturing date of your unit is?
I have a Proterra 80 gallon that we just installed yesterday but manufactured in 02 2021 (ordered in December 2021, very long installation delay) that is quite loud (70db about a foot above) and 60-62db 3 feet away on the sides.
It’s not as horrible as some other have described, but still nowhere near the promised 49db.
I had a rather smooth experience with Rheem technical support who initiated a replacement authorization in a few minutes. They told me the issue has been resolved for the 2022 units.
Going through the thread, it definitely seems like it was hit or miss in 2022 as well and some units are even louder than mine.
I just want to increase the odds of getting a better unit if I go through with the replacement.
Thanks
My recently installed Rheem Professional 50 gallon was manufactured on March 26, 2022. With my Radio Shack sound meter, I measure 58-59 dB at about 3 feet from the air intake. At approximately 6 feet distance, I measure around 54 dB. Fortunately, the noise is not generally noticeable from inside the house.
Recently I have called support because after switching back from vacation mode unit got louder and they have told me to measure noise from 30 ft away :D
I guess it really depends on who you talk to. I had a total of less than 30 mins of discussion over 2 calls with the same technician at service support before they authorized an exchange. Are you thinking about asking for a new unit at this point? Yours already seemed to be on the high side without the increase in noise.
I wouldn't bet much on it actually being "resolved" - I haven't seen any mention of what Rheem has done to resolve the issue for 2022 units. I'd love to see a list of the specific changes they made to reduce noise. Have they changed the compressor make/model? Added more sound insulation to the compressor? Implemented a variable (vs fixed) speed fan? Changed the fan design/make/model? Changed the compressor mounting vibration isolation mounts? Other changes?
I am building my home now and need to buy a water heater in 4 months. I wanted a Rheem but this thread is scary. AO Smith my best option? Thanks!
Steibel Eltron also makes one. Don't think I've seen any specific reports of its noise levels, although I do think the company generally has a good reputation.
If you are building a new house, try to place the mechanical room in an area that is as far away from the bedrooms as possible. I'd also consider installing a solid door that seals well and insulating the walls. If none of those steps are practicable, I'd probably avoid any of the current HPWH and instead install a Rheem Marathon. If not as efficient as a HPWH, but it's completely silent.
I recently had a Rheem 50 HPWH installed in my water heater closet in my garage with the vibration isolation kit. The sticker on it shows July 1, 2022 for manufacturer date. The db reading next to it by outlet vent is around 65 db. Since the closet is smaller then the recommended 700 cu feet, I have a louvered door on this closet. The db reading on the outside of the closed louvered door is about 55 db, which is about 2 feet from the outlet vent. In my house on the other side of the insulated wall, I am seeing a 35-40 db reading. It is a faint humming. I can not hear it in any other room. So inside my house the noise is not an issue. In the garage it seems tolerable for now, but of course it does not run very long in the summer. Maybe that will change in winter. I am using the energy saving mode.
Hi Jim,
Have you tried to measure the sound above the HPWH?
Do you know if it's a 5t h or 6th gen Rheem?
If it is a 6th gen, it doesn't seem like they fixed the issue. It might be better, but it' still far from the 50 db right beside the unit from 4th gen Rheem HPWH.
I think this is 5th generation. It is a 30A model: not the new 15A model. The model number on the label is PROPH50 T2 RH375-30.
It is around 65 dB at the top inlet.
Would you mind sharing the first 4 digits of your serial number? My retailer received my replacement HPWH manufactured on the 28th week of 2022, I’m thinking of asking them to return it and get a newer one if it’s close to yours, which it should be.
Thanks!
Quick follow up for my Rheem HPWH. I got the warranty exchange installed this week and it’s mostly positive. Sound rating at 3 feet on first stage is about 49 db from the side and on the 2nd stage it’s 52-53db on one side and 54db on the other side. The downside is the compressor sound is still an annoying buzzing sound (minor gripe) and around 65db (bigger issue) directly at the compressor. I have very limited top clearance so far, it makes it hard to give reliable numbers away from unit as there’s plenty of resonance. My unit was manufactured July 8, 2022.
It’s now hard to discern when the unit is running while on the first floor, but still a bit annoying in the basement close to the unit. I’m going to see with Rheem if they can offer something to reduce the top noise further, but it’s still a much improved situation. As a worst case, I’ll duct the top to get some noise absorption with flex.
Following.
Anyone has any update on the noise of the heatpump? They have a new version come out with 15A plug so I wonder if there is any difference in noise.
I would not expected the 240 volt 15 amp models heat pump to be much different than the 30 amp model only the backup heater are different.
There is a 120 volt model coming but it is aimed at being a replacement for a gas heaters and being able to operate from an existing outlet in order to avoid running new wires and or panel upgrades.
https://www.rheem.com/water-heating/articles/rheem-proterra-plug-in-heat-pump-water-heaters-designed-for-easy-gas-unit-replacement-2/
Walta
I'm very interested in the new 120v dedicated circuit model. On the spec sheet Rheem lists a 55 dba sound level. They do not list the sound level for the 120v shared circuit plug-in model. I want to replace my natural gas water heater but sound is a big concern for me since my current water heater sits in essentially a utility closet between kitchen and living room. It's actually right beside the air handler for my Mitsubishi heat pump (SVZ-KP30NA) but I don't want anything insanely loud there. It appears these units are too new to have any reviews or information yet. They also state for ambient air > 37 in January; since mine would pull air from conditioned living space, I'm thinking it would probably be fine despite living on the Front Range in Colorado.
Shadeoo, we installed a Rheem hybrid hot water heater yesterday in a hot water closet off of our kitchen, in the center of our house. The unit is so loud you can hear it from upstairs and outside. It is as loud as a hair dryer. This isn't going to work for us.
@Thor2022: Is the unit you installed a 120v or a 240v?
I'm assuming this is the current model, not the new 120v plug-in model?
Yesterday my wife and I replaced our old hot water heater with a Rheem hybrid. The hot water closet is located off of a hallway next to our kitchen in the center of our house. I turn the unit on and the heat pump turned on and the noise was like that of a loud hair dryer. The water closet is in the center of the first floor of our house. Yet you could hear the noise from upstairs and outside. Trying to talk in the kitchen was like trying to talk to somebody above the noise of an idling Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Rheem, this hot water heater was not ready for release to the public. I'm going to contact Rheem on Monday for a refund.
Very disappointing to here. My conclusion remains that if you are in the market for a heat pump hot water heater, Rheem is unfortunately the absolute last brand you should pick if you care at all about noise. It still seems to be a lottery, with most people losing.
I have an AO Smith and it can be heard in every room of a four-bedroom house.
Wow, so perhaps just as bad as Rheem? Seems like in the 2018-2020 or so era, people were impressed by how quiet the Rheems were. Has everything just gone down hill?
I'd like to hear a first hand report on the noise level of the Steibel-Eltrons but I don't think anybody on this forum owns one (or at least, has never reported on it).
In fairness, in my old house I had a direct vent natural gas heater that was objectively louder. But it ran a lot less. And there's something about the quality of the sound of a heat pump that is more intrusive.
I just downloaded a quickie smart phone noise meter and at a distance of 5 ft it reads 60 db.
To put that number in perspective, using the same meter I get 31 db as the background noise level of my house. When the outdoor heat pump is running it's about 35 db.
I live fairly close to National Airport, and when the weather conditions are right we sometimes get air traffic above. Planes will typically be under 3,000 ft on their approach. This morning I measured a 747 directly overhead at 37 db. A helicopter at a few hundred feet was 60 db. So yeah, I have a quiet house. And the water heater is like having a helicopter a few hundred feet overhead.
Keep in mind this is an uncalibrated smartphone meter.
It would be very difficult to get a quiet operation of the heat pump water heater if the closet is in the center of your house.
If you had a professional installer, you should have been warned about the noise level.
My experience with the HPWH started in August 2021. First unit buzzed more than half of the 2-story house though the water heater is in garage on the first floor (message #23).
Then in March 2022, I got a replacement from Rheem and added the vibration isolation kit ( message #108), which improved the noise level by 6-7 dBA both in the garage and inside the house across a wall from the water heater.
Last Friday, I followed the article (https://www.paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/2022/05/22/what-to-do-if-you-get-a-noisy-rheemruud-heat-pump-water-heater) to wrap the top portion of the water heater with one layer of this MLV ( the 3/8 inch, 9 sf roll) (https://www.secondskinaudio.com/specials/b-stock/b-stock-mlv). The noise level in the garage remains the same. However, inside the house, the noise level reduced from 44 dBA to 38 dBA.
I follow this thread, but it is getting too long and unwieldy.
There are some really helpful gems in the almost 200 posts, but they are getting harder to find and I doubt people read most of them. It is also clear many people have put hours of time and money into this issue and were gracious enough to provide links, analyses and potential solutions.
This thread is the #1 hit when googling "noisy rheem hybrid water heater"
The website admin could consider creating a TLDR up top with a summary of "issues" "potential solutions" pointing to specific post numbers to help readers.
Just my 2 cents.
Tgtech,
You make an excellent point. It also detailed technical analysis and testing such as the one you provided are the things that make this site so informative.
In early October, we had a 50 gallon Ruud Hybrid Heat Pump WH installed in our mechanical/laundry room. Noise isn't bad at all. If we mostly close the door to the room (cat's litter box is in the room) it's noticeable, but really not a bother.
I think Ruud is either owned by Rheem owns it. The unit looks a lot like the Rheems I've seen.
So far, we're happy with it. It uses around 2kwh per day.
Stephen would you consider down loading one of the sound level apps and posting your readings. The sound being not bad is subjective the apps are not calibrated but any real data is useful.
Also post the date of manufacture from your unit.
Walta
Walta: Date of manufacture is 3/18/2022.
At around five feet from the WH, reading is 60 db. Our TV/office/ guest room shares a wall with the room the WH is in, but doesn't have a common door. In that room, you can't hear the WH at all, db reading of 40. There's just two of us, so the heat pump isn't on that much anyway. It's certainly tolerable.
I looked it up and Rheem and Ruud are owned by the same company. The manual that came with the unit has Rheem as the manufacturer.
Has anyone put their Rheem Hybrid Water Heater into Vacation Mode using the Econet app and have been unable to change it back? I should have tested this before leaving for vacation. Don't mean to hijack this thread but feel I can get the quickest response from the experts here. I think I will won't be able to switch it back until I am physically in front of the control panel and manually change the mode.
The EcoNet app has had a lot of issues of late. The issue I see a lot is that intermittently the hot water availability shows empty and the temperature setting shows 0F. I spoke with their support department and they said they are working on an update to fix some of these issues.
When I was having difficulties with my Rheem Eco net app I found the phone support people to be very knowable and helpful.
800-621-5622 Option 5
Walta
Our rheem (higher amp/80 gallon) hybrid heater is louder than I thought it would be. The app sometimes doesn’t respond to input (mode or temp changes). Our biggest issue is running out of hot water.
We don’t have a gas line so electric was the only option but these r nothing like a gas water heater for quickly heating water.
In the winter, we leave it on high demand. Although we could probably use the schedule for high demand only in the evenings.
We are considering adding a scald protection valve on the outlet of the heater so we can turn up to temp to 140 when family is in town and avoid burns at our sink faucets (our showers have scald protection) and maybe get some more hot water from it- not sure if it will help much though.
I know that solar thermal is supposed to be dead, but even raising the incoming water from 50 to 70 or 80 deg would really help performance…
Sorry for the highjack.
Alan
Installed the 65 gal unit in late April. It was louder than I would like but in a garage in summer, it did not run much. I scheduled 11PM to 8 AM to not run. I could still hear it in 2 rooms and now (winter) it runs twice as long.
I called the Rheem number and they agreed it was loud after I gathered 3 sound measurements for them. They sent a new fan which arrived smashed due to poor packing and probably poor handling on the long trip. A second was sent 2 day shipping and arrived OK.
They were the identical to the original fan (W1G200-EC89-86) which I am pretty sure is over designed for a non ducted unit.
Inspired by https://www.paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/2022/05/22/what-to-do-if-you-get-a-noisy-rheemruud-heat-pump-water-heater
I had the old fan out in about 45 minutes. Then spent another hour or so, cutting and sticking Damplifier Pro to various open metal that significantly reduced the tinny noise and reverberation. Rheem puts one large piece inside the top of the hat, but the 7 strips I added made it sound more solid even before it was reinstalled.
I rolled an 8 x 10 inch piece of Luxury Liner Pro above the compressor to block the noise going up through the incoming vent. I secured it with a large wire tie but left lots of clearance for airflow also made a half circle mat to sit on the unvented side of the top.
When it was all back together, I had lost 5-6 db and when I wrapped the outside of the top of the unit got down another 1-2 db. Noise in the house is negligible. I will add a shroud over the outlet to help with noise but mostly so I don't catch pneumonia going to the beer fridge or getting out of the car. This can only happen 5 months of the year, the other 7, the cool breeze is welcome!
As mentioned above, the AS48782 fan which has less aggressive blades would be a better option if non ducted, but insulated ducting would be the best overall install.
I have a friend with the older unit, and visited him (far away) after "becoming more familiar" with my unit. His was a little quieter and had a more refined sound, such that he decided to not use the sound control measures. His dining room is on the other side of the wall, and you could not hear it inside.
I have a Rheem 50 gal hybrid with noise issues.
1. my SN is Q 08 22 05 000. Notes above say this means it was buiit 8/22 but I bought it June 2022. So maybe the 05 is the month?
2. Anyway, basement install on solid concrete floor - I did the install myself. 67 dB at 3 ft unducted. 63 dB with 8" / 6" insulated outlet ducting to outside (about 15 ft). Compressor alone 52 dB. Fan alone 52Db. Together 63 dB. My wife can hear it up on the second floor.
Rheem is sending the fan and the floor vibration kit - not very hopeful for either but I'll install. Thanks to all above with ideas -- when it is opened up I'll add more noise insulation and see how much that might help.
3. Other noise point is the vent to outside. The 6" metal duct of the outlet is a tight fit thru the wall and the vent is attached to the house. The hybrid noise is also localized at this point, transmitted thru the air (I have insulated flexible ducting part way so noise transmission is not mechanical thru metal duct). Come spring, I plan to isolate the outlet vent from the house with rubber.
Update. I guess 08 is the week of manufacture so my unit would be Feb 2022.
FWIW, AO Smith just released this new HP heater last year rated at 45db. We’ll have to see what the reviews say about the noise. https://cleantechnica.com/2022/12/21/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-new-voltex-al-heat-pump-water-heater/
GBA has an article on a unit that appears to be a rebranded equivalent of this AO Smith: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/a-look-at-state-premiers-new-heat-pump-water-heater
Would love to hear more about noise. Also, just from Googling, it looks like the units may be hard to get ahold of at the moment.
The noise rating isn't the only thing vastly improved on this AOS water heater. It's been completely re-designed to fit very small water heater closets. The ducting is now all on the top and has actual 8" metal duct collars built in just like the Rheem Gen 4 did before they cheapened the design requiring bulky adapters. It's zero clearance back and sides and only requires 12" top and 6" front. They really made it a priority to design this heater for closed tight spaces.
There are dual connectors for installation flexibility (top or sides) so it will now replace nearly every existing water heater with minimal effort.
Now if they'd just add a 120 volt model they'd pretty much have the market cornered. I've just ordered mine. Glad I waited. Not going to miss the Rheem I never had :)
Thanks for the details about the duct collars! I didn't realize that. I'll gain 12" of closet back if it ducts from the top instead of the side.
That’s really great news! If it’s not too much of a hassle, could you send us dB readings at various distances?
Also, Rheem might have updated their lineup with UEF of 4+ (https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-water-heaters/results). The model #s don’t appear to match the ones people have posted on this thread so it’s possible that the dreaded gen 5s are gone.
Well, this one appears to be new with an all new cabinet design. They reversed the flow of the side and top vents so it now vents out the top and the duct adapter is now much smaller and metal bolting onto the top. Doesn't help for those that want to duct in as you'd still need to go from the side. The old cabinet for the Gen 5 still has the intake on the top which requires the huge plastic adapter. But it's UEF is only 3.0 which was worse than the previous 50 gallon model. For your link, I can't seem to actually find that product on Rheems site.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/WebPartners/ProductDocuments/DEF3326E-46B7-44A0-AAAF-0ACB929FF626.pdf
This sounds really good. I have a last-generation AOS HPWH, and one of the things I really don't like is that the cold water inlet and hot water outlet are on the side, directly under the air outlet for the heat pump. Since hot water plumbing typically runs along the ceiling in the basement and down to the water heater you have to run it in a circuitous path to avoid putting the pipes directly in the cold air flow. In the package they included a couple feet of pipe insulation, as if that were a solution.
Just one caution. There doesn't appear to be any hands on reviews of the new AOS unit. Perhaps it's too new. I'll be getting mine next week.
Please keep us updated! I think many folks are interested to know if this unit will live up to its 45 dB noise claims.
@Sorka95032, we are are in the market and eager to hear how yours is working out! Not caught up yet on this long forum but definitely trying to make a good decision here, turns out that's easier said than done.
It will be here Friday. Could have been here tomorrow but I won't be able to take delivery of it then. Everything is prepped. I've run power and pre-gamed everything I can without disconnecting the propane water heater.
Installed it yesterday and filled it up, bled the air, and let it sit overnight to make sure there were no leaks.
Threw the breaker this morning. It went through 10 minutes of startup diagnostics, connected to the Android app with zero issues. The app basically has 1.5 star average reviews but I had no issues at all.
I set it to heat pump only mode. With the compressor and blowers at full speed, I measured 42 dBa at 1 meter (water heater closed door is still off outside). This is with no ducting yet and reflected sound which should increase the volume. The 45 dBa spec is standing in the open with no walls to reflect sound. Note, I was NOT able to use my Realistic/Radio shack SPL meter (gold standard) since the lowest it goes on the A rating is 48 dBA. I had to switch over to a phone app but I did calibrate it at higher volume using the real SPL meter.
The only thing you hear up close is the sound of air from the ducts. The compressor can't be heard.
So this is significantly quieter than any other hybrid water heater. It can't be heard in my daughters room which shares a wall with the back of the water heater closet.
That said, the water heater only draws 250 watts in heat pump only mode which translates to about 1000 watts of electric heating (given its 4x UEF rating). This means that recovery in heat pump only mode to go from 60F to 120F is 7.5 hours. Now actual recovery will start at a much higher temp. But still, I suspect the Rheem probably draws more than 250 watts with the heat pump at full. Does anyone have any numbers on their Rheem for that?
I'll get a video up and start a new thread.
@Sorka95032, I’m guessing by your username that you’re in the Silicon Valley area? If so, which installer did you go with?
Can't respond to Sorka's message so I'll respond to this one
"I set it to heat pump only mode. With the compressor and blowers at full speed, I measured 42 dBa at 1 meter (water heater closed door is still off outside). This is with no ducting yet and reflected sound which should increase the volume. The 45 dBa spec is standing in the open with no walls to reflect sound. Note, I was NOT able to use my Realistic/Radio shack SPL meter (gold standard) since the lowest it goes on the A rating is 48 dBA. I had to switch over to a phone app but I did calibrate it at higher volume using the real SPL meter."
That sounds amazing! Did you ever start your own thread? If so I must have missed it.
@sorka95032: It would be awesome if you would start a new thread about your experience with your AOSmith 45db heat pump water heater once you get it and get it installed. Would be VERY interested in
- decibel level
- how well it operates - ie how efficient it is and it's recovery
- how well the app works
Thanks!
I second the proposal of starting a new thread rather than taking over this Rheem thread.
I might go ahead and take photos and record it. My replacement will be more difficult than average. I'm replacing a propane water heater in a 28x30x80 closet. I'll need to cap off the propane and remove the flue piping and install venting. I plan to intake vent from the attic and exhaust vent to the outside. The louvered door already exceeds to the venting requirements so I just have to run the intake. The cooled air will help keep the unit cool in the summer when it's over 100F outside.
Regarding the app, I'm not holding out too much hope for the app working that well as it has nearly 1 out of 5 star reviews universally on the Android Play Store.
Yes, but please post a link to the new thread here, so everyone knows it has started.
I fixed my Rheem Proterra model XE65T10H45U0 (65 gal) manufactured Sep 16, 2021 with the following noise fixes:
Original ebmpapst fan was W1G200-EC91-81A - very loud
1st replacement sent was ebmpapst W1G200-EC89-86 - no appreciable improvement
2nd replacement sent was Keli Motor - YJ82-19A-BT01 (www.ewmfg.com) - this knocked the fan noise down quite a bit
Compressor and resonating "voom voom" sound were still too high. Rheem sent me the SP21105 inlet duct adapter. Just laying it on top has already improved the sound level quite a bit. I plan to attach to 8" insulated flex duct and run it to a custom filter box to prevent dust from traveling into the compressor... because I want those coils to stay clean for a long time and not have to open up the top of the heater again for any reason... not fun.
Menards has the inlet duct for only $49. Quite a savings. They also have the SP17829 outlet duct (covers the fan) if needed for $29... but I found it unnecessary as most of my noise issue travels up from the top of the compressor intake.
And there you have it. Enjoying much lower energy bills compared to my overstressed electric water heater from the 80's which was full of deposits! Takes a lot of energy to blast through mineral cake.
Good luck and come see us at the Roanoke Pinball Museum in Virginia sometime. :)
Thanks for sharing.
What are your DB readings with the new fan and the inlet duct adapter?
Will share once I have the full insulated duct with filter box installed. For now, even with the inlet duct simply resting on top (still unattached) the perceivable sound level in the room above is noticeably quieter. Didn't expect that... but it bodes well for the full treatment ahead.
Do you have a link to the inlet duct from Menards?
Inlet duct is here: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/water-heaters/water-heater-parts-accessories/high-density-polyethylene-inlet-duct-for-richmond-hybrid-water-heaters/sp21105/p-60300469766-c-8689.htm
Outlet duct here: https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/water-heaters/water-heater-parts-accessories/high-density-polyethylene-outlet-duct-for-richmond-hybrid-water-heaters/sp17829/p-60300469942-c-8689.htm
Cheapest prices I've ever found for these. Better get one or both if you're on the fence.
Hello pinballwizard,
Did you have to repin your Keli fan connector? I received one from Rheem but the wire colors are different from the ebmpapst fan.
Thank You
Nope. Just plugged in as-is. Did not need to rewire it.
Thanks for the reply! What about the yellow ground wire, did you just connect it to a random screw of the unit?
I bought one of these about a year ago in December 2021, what are chances I have a loud unit?
Surely every single one manufactured after 2020 isn’t loud, is there a %?
On a side note, do these need 2 wire or 3 wire cables
sorka95032 Please do start a new thread this one is getting to long.
It is great news that anyone has a Rheem the seems to meet it specs.
Walta
My unit with SPL findings here
https://youtu.be/dYNTSFWG4aE
I ordered the same meter you have so that the apples to apples confidence is higher when I measure the Voltex....which is currently 43 dBa on my phone and below scale on my old analog SPL meter....with the heat pump running in full at 1 meter.
Deleted
Rheem replied with the following:
Thank you for contacting Rheem. We are going to need to following information to further assess the noise issue. Please collect requested information:
Measure the following with a decibel app.
Ambient dBa
dBa with fan running(EVAP FAN in TST Mode)
dBa with fan and compressor running( CP in Test Mode)
Measure All 1 meter away from the unit and holding the phone chest
Results were around 51dB video here: https://youtu.be/aFpKdVlqdUc
Acceptable?
Deleted
Also, 49 dBa is in open space without sound reflection. You can expect a couple dBa higher with a wall on the other side reflecting the sound back towards and past the water heater. So in this case, 51 is what it should be that so many are not getting.
What changed between post #239 and #240? It seems like the unit was running in a non-operational test mode?
Oh wait, your first video shows in the 61 dBa range. What did you do different?
Nothing I may have been a little closer in the first video but I really think it was working harder heating water instead of just slumping along in test mode.
I would not consider test mode valid for maximum noise levels. NEEA Tier 4 requires that the MAXIMUM level not ever exceed 49 dBa. Rheem has been very underhanded by removing the noise spec and claiming they never had one but then still claiming their NEEA T4 compliant. I guess they figure most consumers aren't going to connect the two.
I finally managed to get my 2021 unit replaced through Rheem/HD. It's definitely a big improvement (10x actually if you take the dB scale seriously hehe) and I would actually be able to work in the garage with no further improvements. Still not 49dB obviously, but we all knew the cake was a lie...
@ 3ft away from outlet
feb 2021 model had 70dB
jan 2023 model has 59dB
I plan to duct it from the attic and out into a roof vent (with a switchover to inside for the summer months). There is a noticeable amount of rattle from somewhere inside which is only audible when the compressor is running, will take the top apart, try to figure out what that is, add noise deadening and wrap the compressor in something... will report how low I'll be able to quiet this further.
Would recommend going through with the replacement if it's driving you nuts, Rheem is aware and I paid zero extra dollars for the work or the new unit (which costs at least $700 more now). They even offered me a "price difference" form if HD didn't exchange it fully (which it did), with the caveat of lowering the warranty to start with the date of my original purchase.
Rheem – 48 dB !!!!!!
After almost 3 months, 5 shipments from Rheem, 2 sets of noise material, and tearing the unit apart 4 times, I have an average of 48 dB at 3 feet. Rheem Gen 5 50 gal hybrid, installed in basement on concrete floor, in Maine.
1. Initial noise – 67 dB. I installed outlet ducting to outside because basement was so cold. Noise reduced to 63 dB. Could be heard on 2nd floor, a whine.
2. I called Rheem and they sent me a new fan. I asked if there was anything else they said no. I installed the fan and my own soundproofing inside the top and sides, and in the coils cavity. 57 dB.
3. After reinstall, I kept getting A129 top element relay not closing and T009 compressor wiring problem. After many calls to Rheem, I got new elements (not needed, but installed, and then a new circuit board. Errors cleared.
4. I called Rheem again and they mentioned the noise kit (top and fan gasket). I had already done that with my material but took it anyway. They also sent me the 4 rubber feet for the unit (for wood floors). I figured what the heck, and installed them anyway on concrete (had to shorten my outlet duct 2 inches). Still 57 dB.
5. I asked then for the KELI fan (thank you @pinballwizard ). I tried to get Rheem to send me the inlet duct adapter since most of the noise was coming out there, but they would not under warranty. So I bought it from Menards and saved $100.
6. I installed the KELI fan. I could not fit up all 4 holes on the heater to the fan. Although the fan had many holes, I could only get screws into three holes. I put more sound material on the compressor floor, on top the compressor (allowing for air), and around the fan. I also put it on the inside of the plastic inlet and outlet adapters (only 1/8” thick), and on the insides of all the inlet ducting, and had the opening face a wall with sound proofing material on it, trying to catch as much inlet noise as I could.
7. Put it all together, turned it on, and heard a ThThThThThThThThTh sound coming from the fan. I thought it was some sound proofing hitting the blades. I wasn’t going to drain the tank remove all the ducting again and pull it out to fix it, so I cut away all the outlet grill work (not needed since I have outlet ducting), and found the fan blades were hitting the housing of the fan, due to the fan housing being slightly torqued with the 3 screws. I loosened one screw slightly and the sound went away. Whew. So caution on installed a KELI fan – be sure it turns easily before closing up.
8. Hooked up the ducting. Meter said 49dB. I couldn’t believe it. After running a while, it averaged 48dB. My wife couldn’t believe it was running. I have to go downstairs to see if it is.
9. BTW, got the errors again. Going to call Rheem Monday for a new control board again. I am very careful removing the 6 heavy leads to the relays, but something must break on the board when it is removed.
10. I’ll post some pictures later.
Deleted
Wow, glad you finally got it down to acceptable levels after having to do an unacceptable amount of work on it yourself.
I hope that Rheem is aware of this post, thoroughly embarrassed by it, and knows how much business they've lost over it. If the new AO Smith unit reliably puts out the 43-ish dB that sorka is measuring, I hope nobody buys a Rheem until Rheem has legitimately gotten its act together on this issue.
I've no animosity towards Rheem - customer service could be more informed of this problem, and supply an entire kit of fixes at one time, including inlet duct adapters. But they keep responding till I am happy, would have replaced the unit had I asked (but I didn't want to haul it out a walkout basement in winter and take it to HD for return, and then have to reverse that when the new one came in). I'm stubborn and an engineer who likes to fix things and am very satisfied at where I am now. I like the product, like the Bluetooth app (it could be better). I installed it in parallel with an oil furnace HW heater, so I can choose to use oil fired HW when I burn oil in deep winter, and hybrid HW when we use out heat pumps for bridge seasons and AC in summer. Ducting outside in winter, inside in summer for dehumidifying. Total costs -- heat pump $850 (with $850 from efficiency Maine), $500 to install (copper piping, valving, condensate pump, and 50 ft of 230v wiring), $450 for outlet ducting to outside, and $125 for noise reduction. Total labor about 40 hours or more....my winter project
Here are pictures of some of the the noise work I did --
1. Floor of compressor
2. Compressor
3. inside coils cavity
4. KERI fan with insulation (note motor difference from stock)
5. Outlet adapter with one way valve beyond
Hello Bob777,
Just got my KELI fan from Rheem. I notice the wires are pinned differently than the stock fan. Did you have to repin your KELI fan connector? I have attached a pic of the KELI fan and its connector (w/ yellow ground wire?) next to the stock fan and its connector.
Thank You!
Finally installed the KELI fan and ended up connecting the yellow ground wire to a screw connecting the fan shroud to the unit. Tested the fan and its running great. Rheem provided a gasket kit to replace the top lid and fan gaskets. I also purchased the intake shroud and with all 3 changes I went from 70db to 64db one foot away from the unit.
Hi Bob-
Thank you for all of the pictures!
What sound control material(s) are you using? Source(s)?
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-10-76sqft-Insulation-Silencer-Dampening/dp/B01KAD1ZPU?pd_rd_w=tWl4t&content-id=amzn1.sym.724fac2e-0491-4f7a-a10d-2221f9a8bc9a&pf_rd_p=724fac2e-0491-4f7a-a10d-2221f9
a8bc9a&pf_rd_r=KTXHCADTW67KXEWE67K8&pd_rd_wg=gDsr4&pd_rd_r=1c47d5d5-fbe2-4d59-b8aa-44aa740b215f&pd_rd_i=B01KAD1ZPU&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_11_i
Thanks!
A few more pictures - I did a lot here since I thought a lot of sound was coming out the top.
1. Inlet adapter
2. Inlet duct opening
3. Inlet overall with opening facing wall with sound insulation on it.
4. Top shell insulation
Final ones
1. top cover insulation
2. piping showing dual operation
3. Final beauty shot in operation
Great photos. Hopefully Rheem can learn something from them.
Question on the ducting (as I'm trying to figure out if I can install something like this).
1. Where does the duct coming out the top go to? Is it the supply or exhaust?
2. Where does the duct coming out the side go to? Is it the supply or exhaust? Does it need to be that large??
Top duct is supply inlet, side is exhaust. Size is dependent on length and fittings - see the Rheem installation guide available on HD site for the heater. I have 1" of insulation on the piping so it seems even bigger.
PS - use flat washers over the supplied screws when putting on a Rheem outlet adapter -- the plastic can crack very easily when tightening the screws against the gasket. See picture 3 post #257.
I'd like to exhaust mine through the side of my house. Is it OK to reduce the duct down to a 4" penetration through the house?
Read the Rheem installation manual available on the HD site to see size and length options. 4 Inches is small --I used a 6" vent.
Acoustical Cameras - I didn't even know that this was a thing until watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtMTvsi-4Hw
Not sure if anyone has access to this kind of technology, but it would be fascinating to do an in-situ recording of a Rheem unit to precisely identify which components are producing which frequencies and the effects of various mitigation techniques.
Of course, none of this should be required by end-users!
Rheem should contract out the services of a consultant with one and work to deliver the reasonably quiet product they promised and stop value engineering a very expensive piece of technology... the 40 US Gal unit costs 2950+tax CAD here now - bonkers! And with so many reported issues.
Personally I've given up waiting on them to fix it and will just install more solar and a cheap electric resistive tank and enjoy the silence.
Owen_P
In Canada, we still don't have access to the HPTS (A.O Smith) newer model, which is even quieter and has the App. Bradford white also doesn't have the app yet available in Canada.
I think the Rheem is the go to choice if you like that feature (to me I do).
I like the leak guard and leak sense option. However, I don't know how reliable it is or maintenance it needs over time. Still putting a pan under it.
I called Rheem today and they said the new units come with the new fix with lower noise level (of this insulated fan cover)
Also, the Rheem 50 Gal, is more efficient than the AO Smith and the Bradford white.
I think between the 3 main manufactures in Canada from below, Rheem would be the winner (its sad but true).
- Rheem - CPROPH50 T2 RH375-SO (with leak sense and leak guard) - UEF - 3.75
- Rheem - CPROPH50 T2 RH375-30 - UEF - 3.45
- Bradford white RE2H50S10 - UEF - 3.48
- A.O. Smith HPTU-50N - UEF - 3.45
I am not sure if other have recently purchased the HP Water heater from Rheem, but I will be in the next few weeks and can confirm my result.
besides my own conclusion, I wonder if anyone else has purchased a rheem HP water heater recently?
thank you,
Just installed (Home Depot) Rheem hybrid WH model XE65T10H45U0 in the utility room in the basement in northern Virginia. The unit manufacture date is Nov 2022.
Measurements using the NIOSH app are below.
Next to unit: 64db
4 ft away: 55db
8 ft away: 50db
Just outside utility room with door closed: 39db
The sound is a humming noise and not bad at all.
For now I set the temp at 130 F and to get the tank going I started in ELECTRIC mode. Full tank done in just about an hour now set on HIGH DEMAND mode. I'll give it a few days and will try to post an update.
I purchased a Rheem in early May after ordering the AO Smith from Lowes, waiting 5 weeks for it, and discovering when I went to pick it up that they'd dropped it... Refund no questions -- but not even an offer to order a replacement. Astonishingly flimsy packaging.
HD is 20mi farther away, but they had the Rheem in stock. Mfg date Feb 2023.
I haven't installed the Rheem yet thanks to scope creep on the project (the old heater is still working -- but it's 40 years old, so any week now...). When I do, I'll report.
What I _can_ say at this point is that the Rheem is far more sturdily packaged.
Just installed (Home Depot) Rheem hybrid WH model XE65T10H45U0 in the utility room in the basement in northern Virginia. The unit manufacture date is Nov 2022.
Measurements using the NIOSH app are below.
Next to unit: 64db
4 ft away: 55db
8 ft away: 50db
Just outside utility room with door closed: 39db
The sound is a humming noise and not bad at all.
For now I set the temp at 130 F and to get the tank going I started in ELECTRIC mode. Full tank done in just about an hour now set on HIGH DEMAND mode. I'll give it a few days and will try to post an update.
130F, I thought it should be set to 140F?
Actually, I went down to 125F and wife complained the water was too hot so it's now at 120F and working fine.
Final update - I hope. Last I left you all was still getting A129 errors (reply #252). I got my second control board from Rheem but still was getting errors. No other solutions available, so I waited till spring (to get the unit out of my walkout basement) and replaced it with a new one from Home Depot (after removing the KELI fan and putting the original one back in the returned unit).
The process was straightforward -- I called Rheem and asked for a letter stating I was OK for a replacement, which they did. They do not give out Return Authorization numbers (Home Depot says they do), but HD accepted the letter. They gave me a new one on the spot. This one was manufactured April 5, 2023, and I picked it up on May 23.
I opened it up for the soundproofing additions. Rheem updates since Feb 2022 -- 1. thin foam sound padding ring on fan connection to frame. 2. thin foam sound padding inside chamber between fan and coils. 3. heavy foam padding on top cover (same foam padding that comes with their sound kit). Surprisingly, they are still using the same crappy fan that I replaced – not the KELI fan.
So I swapped fans (the thin ground wire on the KELI I attached to a screw holding the coils to the frame), added all the same insulation I had done previously - source https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-10-76sqft-Insulation-Silencer-Dampening/dp/B01KAD1ZPU?pd_rd_w=tWl4t&content-id=amzn1.sym.724fac2e-0491-4f7a-a10d-2221f9a8bc9a&pf_rd_p=724fac2e-0491-4f7a-a10d-2221f9a8bc9a&pf_rd_r=KTXHCADTW67KXEWE67K8&pd_rd_wg=gDsr4&pd_rd_r=1c47d5d5-fbe2-4d59-b8aa-44aa740b215f&pd_rd_i=B01KAD1ZPU&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_11_i Padding on the inside of the top cylinder, the top cover anywhere metal was showing, more inside the chamber before the fan, on the floor of the compressor area, inside the Styrofoam piece around the fan. I had to really force the top cylinder into place with all the sound padding as well as the top cover.
Results --- Ta Da – 49 dB at 3 ft and no more alarms!.
I'll monitor this site for a while if anyone has questions.....
I know that this thread is getting a little old but here's my experience (in short - the warranty replacement fan and insulation kit worked for me) :
Rheem sent me a new fan, a gasket for between the fan and housing that the fan is bolted to, and a heavier foam for the top of the air chamber that the air goes through between the coil and fan. The new fan draws 0.16 amps where the original fan draws 0.18 amps, so the new fan is slightly weaker (unless the motor became more efficient, now requiring less current for the same power output, which I doubt).
I replaced everything that Rheem sent me. It wasn't not too difficult, just take pictures of where all of the wires go on the control board before you take them off. And remember where the different size screws go when you put it back together. It took me a couple of hours to do.
To my surprise, my water heater is now very quiet. Not 49 dB, as Rheem claims, but it dropped from around 70 dB to 60 dB, which is huge. I used to clearly hear the water heater shrieking when I was on another floor of my house, in my garage, across the house. Now I don't hear it at all in the garage. The kit worked for me. What a relief!
Just checking in to see if there is any consensus on if the noise issue is still there in new off the shelf units. Sounds like bob777 and others still needed the upgraded fan and extra insulation.
I don't think it's fixed. I bought a Proterra50 on sale from HD last month and installed it - on a concrete floor, PEX between the connectors and the copper house pipes. I expected whitish fan/compressor noise but there was also a very annoying whine that sounded like an electronic alarm going off that penetrated the wall between the furnace/water heater room and my adjacent basement office. I called Rheem support; first guy had me do a bunch of things, said the voltage across the capacitor behind the control panel (300-310V) was low and maybe that was the problem. Trying to damp the exposed pipes on the compressor side with my hands did nothing, nor did moving around the little piece of foam they have in there. But I was going on vacation so held off on the new capacitor; next person I spoke with said, no, it was a compressor whine, not accessible to fixing in the field and he was authorizing a warranty replacement based on the whine. Noise was ~65dB a foot away, 60dB 4-5' away and I was told there is no warranty at all just on noise level. Big hassle with warranty replacement; HD initially wanted me to return to store and wait till another was then shipped to the store, since they don't stock the Proterra in store. Finally a nice manager worked out a return/rebuy, trusting me to bring the old one back after the new one is installed.
I installed the new one today and it sounds exactly the same, with the same !@#$%^&*!! whine. Noise levels are the same and Spectroid says there are 2 peaks, at 196Hz and 2885Hz. The replacement unit was made on Halloween this year, so pretty new.
I haven't called Rheem again, at least yet. Trying to decide whether just to return the stupid thing. A new fan might make it a little quieter but won't help the whine that is what bothers me.
I'd recommend ditching Rheem and going with an AO Smith Voltex AL. Supposedly the quietest on the market. Lowes sells the same unit with a slightly different name that i don't recall at the moment.
The Stiebel Eltron is the other unit I would consider, though I do not think it has backup resistance elements.
Other than the new AO Smith and the Stiebel Eltron I don't think I would risk it with any other brand at the moment. And even the AO Smith has some negative reviews... but not for noise.
I had my plumber buy a State HP. It's in an insulated mechanical room in my garage. I can hear it when the door to the room is open and I'm in the garage, but it's not loud or annoying. Less than a dishwasher noise. Upstairs in the apartment where we live, I can't hear it at all.
I think State may also be a rebadged AO Smith. There was an article about it on GBA a few months back.
Banking on my "success" on getting my Rheem down to 49 DB (which by the way is working fine a year later), I bought an 80 gal Rheem for my son's house on in CA on sale for $500 off. I took delivery with some trepidation (see how it came).
Without even hooking it up, I called Rheem and asked for the sound kit and the KELI fan. They forgot to send it and I had to call again to have them send it. It came, but the fan was the same fan as installed in the unit, but with a paper sticker with an AP 201519 label covering the stock sticker (as if that makes it a different part). I called to complain and ask for the KELI fan, had to go to a supervisor, who told me that is their only fan in stock and is their best. I had a deadline to meet and couldnt wait or fight it any longer, so I installed the "new" fan, added all the same aftermarket noise insulation that I had put on my 50 gal unit, and had it installed in a understairs closet. Running, at 3 feet, I got 60dB, but no whine. With the closet door closed, it is in the low 50's outside, and is very livable. Noise is not transmitted upstairs thru the stairs either.
So - current models are possibly quieter than in 2022 and 2023, but not at 49 dB.
One sticking point - the WiFi connection is only at 2.4 GHJz, and does not connect to 5 Ghz.
Also - Rheem is now putting a much thicker noise pad over the compressor - I did not have to supplement it with more padding.
Picture show over labeling of fan and the packaging of my unit when I got it. The large truck couldn't negotiate our street, so they 3rd partied it to a shipper with a pickup truck who delivered the 300# package like this... I am lucky the thing works at all.
Geez, I was all excited about this technology and was about to order a Rheem 66 gallon Performance Platinum model, and ironically one of the reasons I chose that model was the advertised 49 db noise level. I may go with AO Smith instead. It sounds like there is no "gen 6" and while there may be better insulation, I spend most of my time at home in an office adjacent to the laundry room where the water heater will be. I already have to deal with a noisy outdoor unit on the other side of another wall for my Mitsubishi mini split heat pump heater and A/C.