Richmond Encore 65-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater
Richmond Encore 65-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater Review
The Richmond Encore 65-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater is Rheem's plumber-channel heat-pump water heater under the Richmond brand. Functionally equivalent to the Rheem ProTerra 65-gallon distributed through Home Depot.
Specs: 65 gallons stored, integrated heat pump + 4500W backup resistance element, UEF 3.45, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified, 10-year tank and 10-year compressor warranty. Heat-pump/hybrid/electric mode controls.
The 65-gallon capacity bridges the gap between standard 50-gallon and large 80-gallon heat-pumps. Right answer for 4-5 person households where 50-gallon would be tight but 80-gallon is unnecessary.
About $1,999 plumber-channel pricing, $3,000 plumber-installed before federal + utility rebates. After IRA Section 25C (30% up to $2,000) plus typical utility rebate ($500-$1,500), net install cost often drops to $1,000-$2,000.
Install requirements same as ProTerra: 750+ cubic feet of air around unit, 50-90°F ambient, condensate drainage. Right install locations: basements, large utility rooms, attached garages in moderate climates.