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Rheem RTG-R Series: tankless gas water heaters with built-in recirculation. Rheem's RTG-R Series brings built-in recirculation to tankless gas water heating - saving up to 12,000 gallons of water per year while delivering faster hot water, smarter controls, and easier installation. Published on: April 2, 2026 updated on: April 2, 2026 Hot Water Guys Verified by a Plumber Tankless water heating just got a whole lot smarter. If you've ever stood at the kitchen sink waiting for hot water to finally arrive, you know the frustration -and the waste. Rheem is tackling that problem head-on with the launch of its RTG-R Series tankless gas water heaters, now featuring built-in recirculation. It's a meaningful upgrade that benefits homeowners and contractors alike, and it signals where the water heating industry is headed. What makes the RTG-R Series different? The headline feature is the integrated recirculation pump. Rather than requiring a separate pump and additional plumbing, the RTG-R builds recirculation right into the unit. The result? Hot water reaches the tap faster, and far less water goes down the drain while you wait. The numbers are striking. Rheem estimates the built-in recirculation can save homeowners up to 12,000 gallons of water per year. Over a 15-year lifespan, that adds up to more than $1,000 in water savings alone. In an era where water conservation matters more than ever -especially in drought-prone regions like Houston- that's a compelling selling point beyond just convenience. Energy efficiency that actually moves the needle. The RTG-R Series uses up to 25% less energy than a standard 50-gallon gas tank water heater, with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.82. But efficiency isn't just about utility bills. These units also reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 65%, which is a significant win for air quality. For homeowners looking to shrink their environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort, the RTG-R makes the math easy. A contractor's best friend. Rheem clearly designed this series with the people who install and service these units in mind. The RTG-R is smaller and lighter than previous generations, and its industry-best clearances -just half an inch on the sides and front- mean it can fit into tight closets and compact utility spaces where older units simply wouldn't work. Serviceability is equally thoughtful. A standard Phillips screwdriver is all that's needed for disassembly, and the front door slides down and hangs in place for easy access to internal components. For contractors juggling a full schedule of service calls, these details save real time on every job. Smart home integration done right. Wi-Fi-enabled models connect to Rheem's EcoNet(R) platform, giving homeowners full control from their smartphones. Users can adjust water temperature, schedule the recirculation pump, monitor water and energy usage, and receive maintenance alerts -all from an app. Indoor Wi-Fi models also include LeakGuard(TM) technology, which detects leaks and automatically shuts off the water supply. It's the kind of proactive protection that can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage and give homeowners genuine peace of mind. Performance you can count on. Under the hood, the RTG-R Series delivers the reliable performance Rheem is known for. A durable copper heat exchanger ensures fast, efficient heat transfer, while the brand's exclusive Hot Start Programming(TM) minimizes those annoying cold water bursts that can happen when you turn the hot water back on shortly after use. Gas input rates reach up to 199,900 BTU/h, supporting up to three and a half bathrooms depending on the model and temperature rise. Universal venting compatibility and vent runs up to 43 feet give contractors flexibility across a wide range of home layouts. And Rheem backs it all with a strong warranty: 15 years on the heat exchanger, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. The bottom line. The RTG-R Series represents exactly the kind of incremental-but-meaningful innovation that makes a real difference in daily life. It's not reinventing the water heater -it's making an already solid product smarter, more efficient, and easier to live with. For homeowners tired of wasting water and waiting for hot showers, and for contractors who want installs that go smoothly and service calls that go quickly, the RTG-R is worth a serious look. ready to start? Request your free quote. services areas

The 100-amp dilemma: why your electric panel is maxed out. Most mid-century homes in the Bay Area were built with 100-amp electrical panels, which were never designed for the total electrification of heating, cooking, and EV charging. When you attempt to add a standard 240V electric water heater, you often hit a capacity ceiling. Consequently, many contractors will tell you that a service upgrade is mandatory. This involves coordinating with PG&E, pulling expensive permits, and potentially replacing your entire main breaker box. For many, this unexpected expense kills the project before it starts. * Traditional electric tanks require a dedicated 30-amp double-pole breaker. * Many 100-amp panels are already at 90% utilization with existing appliances. * Utility-side upgrades can take weeks or months to schedule in high-demand areas like Palo Alto or Fremont. The 'no-rewire' revolution: 120V heat pump technology. To solve the issue of an electric panel maxed out, manufacturers like Rheem and AO Smith have introduced 120V 'plug-in' heat pump water heaters. These units are designed specifically for the retrofit market, allowing for avoiding electrical panel upgrade costs entirely. Furthermore, these 'power-sipping' units utilize 'volt-shift' technology to deliver high-efficiency hot water using the same amount of power as a common toaster. This makes Bay Area home electrification accessible to those with older infrastructure who want to transition away from gas. Technical advantages of low-amp models: * Shared Circuit Capability: Some models can run on a 15-amp shared circuit, though a dedicated line is always preferred. * Soft Start Technology: These units avoid high 'in-rush' current, preventing your breakers from tripping during startup. * Integrated Mixing Valves: To compensate for slower recovery times, these units often store water at higher temperatures and mix it down, effectively increasing your hot water capacity. Need to know if your home is a candidate for a 120V swap? Schedule a professional capacity assessment with its expert team today. Financial comparison: standard vs. Power-Sipping models. When evaluating the total cost of ownership, looking only at the unit price is a mistake. You must factor in the 'hidden' electrical infrastructure costs that arise when your electric panel is maxed out. | Feature | Standard 240V Electric | 120V 'Power-Sipping' HPWH | | Electrical Requirement | 30-Amp / 240V | 15-Amp / 120V | | Panel Upgrade Needed? Likely ($3,000 - $5,000) | Rarely ($0) | | Bay Area Rebates | High | Maximum (incentivized for gas-to-HP) | | Installation Speed | 2-3 Days (inc. Electrician) | Same Day (Plumber only) | By choosing a 120V model, you aren't just buying a water heater; you are implementing a financial strategy. The savings on electrical labor alone often pays for the premium cost of the heat pump unit itself. Emergency strategy: why low-amp units save the Day. When your water heater fails on a Tuesday morning, you don't have three weeks to wait for an electrical panel upgrade. This is where the 100 amp panel heat pump water heater shines as the ultimate emergency solution. Since these units can often plug into a nearby standard outlet (with proper plumbing modifications), the installation timeline is drastically reduced. Better Water Heaters, Inc. can often get your hot water back online within 24 hours while still helping you meet your decarbonization goals. * Zero Downtime: Avoid the wait for utility permits and inspections required for panel upgrades. * Code Compliance: These units meet all 2024 California Title 24 requirements for energy efficiency. * Future-Proofing: Even if you eventually upgrade your panel for an EV, you've already reserved 30 amps of capacity by choosing a low-draw water heater. As noted by the EPA, reducing peak demand is critical for the stability of its local power grid. By installing a 'power-sipping' unit, you are doing your part for the Bay Area's energy future. Maximizing your investment with local rebates. The Bay Area is currently the best place in the country to upgrade your water heater. Between federal tax credits and local incentives, the net cost of a 'power-sipping' unit can be lower than a basic gas tank. Current incentive programs: * TECH Clean California: Offers thousands in direct-to-contractor incentives that Better Water Heaters, Inc. pass on to you. * BayREN: Provides $1,000+ for switching from gas to heat pump technology. * Inflation Reduction Act (25C Tax Credit): Claim 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000, on your annual tax return. * Utility-Specific Rebates: Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and Peninsula Clean Energy offer additional 'top-up' bonuses for residents in their service areas. Don't leave money on the table. Check your eligibility for local rebates and let Better Water Heaters, Inc. handle the paperwork for you. Is a 120V water heater right for your family? While these units are revolutionary for an electric panel maxed out, they do require a slight shift in how you think about hot water. Because they pull less power, their 'recovery rate' (how fast they reheat water) is slower than a high-amp unit. However, for most 2-4 person households in the Bay Area, this is easily managed by sizing up the tank. A 66-gallon or 80-gallon 120V unit provides a massive 'buffer' of hot water, ensuring you never notice the lower power draw during your morning shower. * Sizing Matters: Better Water Heaters, Inc. typically recommend going one size larger than your current gas tank. * Location: These units need air space (usually 700-1,000 cubic feet) or ducting to operate efficiently. * Noise: Modern heat pumps are about as loud as a quiet dishwasher - perfect for garages or utility rooms. Conclusion: solving the electrification puzzle. Transitioning to a sustainable home shouldn't require a $10,000 investment in electrical infrastructure. If your electric panel is maxed out, the move to a 'power-sipping' 120V heat pump is the smartest way to achieve Bay Area home electrification without the stress of a major renovation. Ready to upgrade to a smarter, more efficient home? Contact Better Water Heaters today for a free, transparent estimate. Its specialists will help you navigate the technical requirements, maximize your rebates, and ensure you have reliable hot water for years to come. Frequently asked questions. Can I really run a water heater on a standard 120V outlet? Yes, specifically designed 'plug-in' heat pump water heaters are engineered to operate on a standard 120V circuit. While they heat water more slowly than 240V models, they use highly efficient heat pump technology to provide plenty of hot water for most Bay Area families without requiring a panel upgrade. How much can I save by avoiding an electrical panel upgrade? Homeowners typically save between $2,000 and $5,000 by avoiding a main service upgrade. This includes the cost of the new panel, permit fees, labor, and potential utility charges from PG&E to bring more power from the street to your home. Will a 120V heat pump water heater work in a cold garage? Absolutely. The Bay Area's moderate climate is ideal for heat pump technology. Even in the 'colder' winter months in areas like San Ramon or Los Gatos, these units efficiently extract heat from the surrounding air to warm your water. What happens if my family uses all the hot water at once? Because 120V units have a slower recovery time, Better Water Heaters, Inc. recommend installing a larger tank (such as an 80-gallon model) to provide a larger reserve. Additionally, many units feature a 'high demand' mode that can be activated via a smartphone app for days when you have guests.