Richmond Encore 80-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater
Richmond Encore 80-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater Review
The Richmond Encore 80-Gallon Heat Pump Water Heater is Rheem's plumber-channel large-capacity heat-pump under the Richmond brand. Functionally equivalent to Rheem ProTerra 80-gallon at Home Depot.
Specs: 80 gallons stored, integrated heat pump + 4500W backup resistance element, UEF 3.42, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified, 10-year tank warranty, 10-year compressor warranty.
The 80-gallon capacity handles 5+ person households with overlapping demand. Operating cost about $18/month versus $65 for 80-gallon electric resistance — saves $5,500+ over 10 years.
About $2,099 plumber-channel pricing, $3,200 plumber-installed before federal + utility rebates. After IRA Section 25C credit + utility rebates, net install cost often drops to $1,200-$2,200.
Install requirements: 750+ cubic feet of air around unit, 50-90°F ambient, condensate drainage. About 78" tall × 27" diameter — substantially larger physical footprint than 50-gallon heat-pump.