Less waiting at the sink
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, which now feature built-in recirculation. Here's the series by the numbers:
| Measure | RTG-R Series | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Water saved | RTG-R Series Up to 12,000 gallons a year | What it means Rheem's estimate for the built-in recirculation. Over a 15-year lifespan, more than $1,000 in water savings. |
| Energy used | RTG-R Series Up to 25% less | What it means Than a standard 50-gallon gas tank water heater, with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.82. |
It's a meaningful upgrade that benefits homeowners and contractors alike, and it signals where the water heating industry is headed.
Recirculation, built into the unit
The headline feature is the integrated recirculation pump. Instead of a separate pump and additional plumbing, the RTG-R builds recirculation right into the unit, which simplifies professional tankless installation. 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. Water conservation matters more than ever, especially in drought-prone regions like Houston, something Houston tankless specialists see firsthand. That makes recirculation a compelling feature beyond convenience.
Less energy, cleaner air
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.
Efficiency reaches past the utility bill, too. These units reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 65%, a significant win for air quality. For homeowners who want to shrink their environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort, the RTG-R makes the math easy.
Built for the people who install it
Rheem clearly designed this series with installers and service techs 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 just as thoughtful. A standard Phillips screwdriver is all you need for disassembly, and the front door slides down and hangs in place for easy access to the internal components. For contractors juggling a full schedule of service calls, those details save real time on every job.
Wi-Fi models answer to your phone
Wi-Fi-enabled models connect to Rheem's EcoNet® platform, giving homeowners full control from their smartphones. From the app, you can adjust the water temperature, schedule the recirculation pump, monitor water and energy usage, and receive maintenance alerts.
Indoor Wi-Fi models also include LeakGuard™ technology, which detects leaks and automatically shuts off the water supply. That kind of proactive protection can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage and give homeowners genuine peace of mind.
Performance and warranty
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, and the brand's exclusive Hot Start Programming™ minimizes the 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.
Rheem backs it with a strong warranty: 15 years on the heat exchanger, 5 years on parts and 1 year on labor.
Is the RTG-R worth a look?
The RTG-R Series is incremental but meaningful innovation, the kind that makes a real difference in daily life. Rheem took an already solid product and made it smarter, more efficient and easier to live with.
If you're tired of wasting water and waiting for a hot shower, or you're a contractor who wants installs that go smoothly and service calls that go quickly, the RTG-R is worth a serious look. Learn more about the full RTG-R tankless lineup at Rheem.com/Tankless, compare it with other tankless brands, or talk to Hot Water Guys about a tankless installation.
Common questions
How much water does the RTG-R's recirculation save?
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.
How efficient is the Rheem RTG-R Series?
It uses up to 25% less energy than a standard 50-gallon gas tank water heater, with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.82, and it reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 65%.
How many bathrooms can an RTG-R unit support?
Up to three and a half bathrooms, depending on the model and temperature rise. Gas input rates reach up to 199,900 BTU/h.
What warranty comes with the RTG-R Series?
Rheem's warranty covers the heat exchanger for 15 years, parts for 5 years and labor for 1 year.