Rinnai launches new 25kW & 50kW Commercial Heat Pumps

For over 55 years, Rinnai Australia has delivered reliable, innovative comfort solutions nationwide. Combining local engineering and manufacturing with a strong focus on sustainability and performance, Rinnai is a trusted name among plumbers, builders and specifiers.

Rinnai Australia has released two new commercial air to water Heat Pumps, the CHP025 (25kW) and CHP050 (50kW), marking a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to electrification, energy efficiency, and a lower carbon future for commercial hot water in Australia.

The two models deliver 25kW and 50kW of hot water capacity respectively and are designed to meet the demands of commercial installations where performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility are all critical.

Both units run on R290 propane refrigerant, a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 3 over a 100 year horizon.

To put that in context – CO2 carries a GWP of 1 – and many conventional HFC and HCFC refrigerants used in commercial systems today carry a GWP in the hundreds or thousands.

The CHP025 achieves a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.4, while the CHP050 delivers a COP of 4.2.

In practical terms, this means that for every 1kW of electrical energy consumed, the units produce 4.4kW and 4.2kW of heat energy respectively, drawing the balance from freely available energy in the surrounding air.

Both models operate across a wide ambient temperature range of -5°C to 50°C, making them suitable for use across Australia’s diverse climate conditions. Maximum outlet water temperature reaches 70°C, with maximum return water temperature of 65°C.

Rinnai has built comprehensive safety provisions into both units as standard. Each comes fitted with an integrated R290 leak detection sensor that monitors refrigerant concentration continuously. When the sensor detects a concentration reaching 15% of the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL), an alarm is triggered, the system automatically shuts down, and a red indicator lamp illuminates. The system restarts automatically once concentration drops back to a safe level of 2.5% LFL. If the sensor itself fails, a fail-safe mechanism shuts the system down.

Beyond refrigerant safety, both models include temperature sensors, overheat sensors, and a Pressure and Temperature Relief (PTR) valve as standard.

For commissioning and ongoing monitoring, the units feature Bluetooth connectivity via the Carel Applica Smartphone App, a digital display for parameter setting and alarm viewing, and BMS integration via Modbus RTU protocol for sites using a building management system. Maintenance alerts and fault codes are built in to help reduce downtime.

• Class leading of coefficient of performance (COP)

• R290 Propane refrigerant – Non HFC/HCFC – GWP < 3

• Wide operating temperature range (-5°C to 50°C)

• Safety devices (R290 Leak sensor, temperature sensors, overheat sensors, PTR valve)

• Defrost function (reverse cycle)

• Digital display

• Bluetooth Connectivity (Carel Applica App)

• Robust construction (scroll compressor, variable speed fans, corrosion-resistant heat exchanger)

• Double wall stainless steel heat exchanger

• Electronic expansion valve

• Multiple tank/unit integration (equal flow principle)

• Comprehensive safety and regulatory compliance

• Flexible installation (indoor/outdoor, ventilation requirements)

• BMS integration (Modbus RTU protocol)

• Maintenance alerts and troubleshooting codes

• High water temperature output (factory set to 65°C)

• IPX4 rated

• Significantly reduces energy consumption

• Lower environmental impact

• Reliable HWS for diverse climate, with auxiliary booster for extreme condition

• Reduces risk of overheating and over pressure incidents

• Maintains performance in cold conditions by automatically removing ice buildup

• Easy monitoring, parameter setting, and alarm viewing for simplified operation and troubleshooting

• Simplifies commissioning and monitoring via mobile devices, improving user experience and maintenance

• Long service life, reliable operation, and reduced maintenance needs

• Ensures durability and safety by preventing water/refrigerant mixing

• Precise refrigerant control for optimal efficiency and performance

• Scalable for large commercial applications, ensuring even load distribution and efficient operation

• Meets Australian standards and codes, ensuring legal and safe installation

• Adaptable to various site conditions and building layouts

• Enables remote monitoring and integration with building management systems

• Proactive maintenance and quick fault identification, minimising downtime

• Suitable for commercial hot water needs, with recommendations for tempering valves to prevent scalding

• Suitable for environments exposed to water splashes, increasing installation flexibility

The CHP025 and CHP050 replace the outgoing CHP20 and CHP40 models and deliver meaningful improvements across the board. Output capacity increases from 20kW to 25kW and from 40kW to 50kW respectively, while COP figures have also improved. The new models introduce R290 refrigerant in place of R513A, extend the lower end of the operating temperature range from 0°C to -5°C, and push maximum outlet water temperature up from 65°C to 70°C.

Both units retain the same footprint as their predecessors, making them a practical upgrade path for existing installations.

• Increased output capacity: 20 kW → 25 kW: 40 kW → 50 kW

• R290 low GWP refrigerant: Less than 3

• Refrigerant: R513 → R290

• Improved Coefficient of Performance (COP): 4.25 → 4.40: 4.10 → 4.20

• Wider operating temperature: 0ºC to 50ºC → -5ºC to 50ºC

• Higher output temperature: 65ºC → 70ºC

• Recessed fans: Non-Recessed → Recessed

• Integrated primary circulation pump: Yes

• Same footprint: Yes

• Safety protection: R290 Leak Sensor

• Higher water flow rate: 48 L/m → 54 L/m: 96 L/m → 120 L/m

• Weight: 235 kg → 237 kg: 360 kg → 413 kg

The CHP025 and CHP050 are rated to IPX4, making them suitable for environments exposed to water splashes and giving installers flexibility across a range of site conditions. Units can be installed indoors or outdoors subject to ventilation requirements, and multiple units can be integrated using the equal flow principle for larger commercial applications.

Installation must comply with a range of Australian standards and codes including AS/NZS 3500, AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 60335.2.40, AS/NZS 5149, and the Plumbing and Building Codes of Australia. Units must be installed, commissioned, serviced, and maintained by an authorised person only.

Both units have a 2 year warranty for parts and labour on the compressor and components (components include sensors, thermostats, valves, and all refrigeration components excluding the compressor).

• Operate Safety Valves: Operate the easing gear of the Pressure & Temperature Relief (PTR) valve and Expansion Control Valve (ECV, if fitted) to remove lime deposits and check for blockages. Do this every 6 months.

• Check Overflow Tray & Drain: Inspect the overflow tray and drain under the storage cylinder for blockages to prevent water damage. Complete this periodically.

• Replace Safety Valves: Replace PTR and ECV (if fitted) by an authorised person. Ensure this is done every 5 years, or more often in scaling water areas

• Inspect Electrical Supply Cable: If damaged, isolate immediately and have replaced by a qualified electrician. Complete this as needed.

• Hydrogen Gas Precaution: If unused for 2+ weeks, open a non-electrically operated hot tap for 2 minutes before use to dissipate hydrogen gas.

• Draining the System: As needed, follow the draining procedure: isolate power, shut off water, relieve pressure, connect drain hose, and fully drain tank.

• General Inspection: Regularly check for leaks, insulation integrity, and secure fittings and valves.

• Professional Servicing: Annually have a trained technician perform a full service, including safety device and electrical checks.

Commercial hot water is moving to electric, and our new heat pumps are built to lead the way. Our new CHP025 and CH050 are a part of a broader commercial roadmap, with further product releases planned for 2027. Now is the perfect time to talk to us about your next project.

Get in touch with your Rinnai rep, request a quote, or view the specification guide here for more info.