Rinnai announced on 16 January 2024 a programme of product launches across its heating and water heating ranges, grouped under three categories it labels H1, H2 and H31. The company said the programme covers hydrogen and DME ready water heaters (H1), hybrid systems (H2) and low-GWP heat pumps (H3), and that the products are intended for both commercial and residential applications1.
The programme begins with low-GWP air source heat pumps using R290 refrigerant, according to the announcement1. Rinnai said this will be followed by a range of electric cylinders in multiple sizes and instantaneous electric water heaters rated from 21 to 27kW1. The company also stated that the KCM and E Series of condensing gas-fired water heaters will be introduced for light commercial and residential applications1.
Later in the first quarter of the year, Rinnai said it will launch plate heat exchangers for larger commercial and industrial sites1. No prices, efficiency figures, capacities for the cylinders, or confirmed launch dates within the quarter were given in the announcement1.
"RINNAI expand PRODUCTS FOR HEATING AND WATER HEATING IN ALL FUELS - GAS, ELECTRIC and renewables."
The announcement describes the company as "determined to provide UK customers with cost effective low carbon solutions towards commercial hot water and building heating provision"1. It also refers to Rinnai Infinity PLUS storage as "a cost-effective gas fired water heating" option where very large hot water demand is required1.
| Category | Products named |
|---|---|
| H1 | Hydrogen and DME ready water heaters |
| H2 | Hybrid systems |
| H3 | Low-GWP heat pumps |
Source: Rinnai UK1
Why it matters for households
The products named span gas, electric and renewable fuels, so the programme touches the main routes a UK home uses for hot water and space heating. The R290 air source heat pumps and the electric cylinders sit in the same part of the market as the hot water cylinders for heat pumps and hot water heat pumps that households considering a move away from a gas boiler would look at, while the instantaneous electric water heaters are a different approach again, heating water as it is drawn rather than storing it1.
For a household weighing energy independence, the significance is in what becomes available rather than in anything a homeowner can act on now. Rinnai has not published prices, efficiencies or a confirmed date for any of the products, so the practical effect on running costs or on the choice of system for a particular home has not been reported1. The gas-fired water heaters in the programme are aimed at light commercial and residential applications, and the plate heat exchangers at larger commercial and industrial sites, so not every item in the list is intended for a domestic installation1.
What happens next
Rinnai said the low-GWP R290 air source heat pumps come first, followed by the electric cylinders and instantaneous electric water heaters, then the KCM and E Series condensing gas-fired water heaters, with plate heat exchangers later in the first quarter of 20241. The announcement offers a pre-launch pack by telephone and a brochure request form, but gives no further dates1.