Rheem - Experts & Thought Leaders

Rheem®, a manufacturer and household name in the water heating and HVAC/R industry, kicked off the New Year with the launch of its 100th anniversary celebration, a major milestone reflecting a century of excellence, innovation, and ingenuity. Rheem attributes its legacy of success to the company’s nearly 14,000 dedicated employees, its unwavering commitment to customers and industry partners, and its entrepreneurial drive that has made the company a global pioneer in the marketplace. Events to honor the centennial will run through 2025.  excellence and ingenuity “As we celebrate Rheem’s 100th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to this moment – a journey fueled by innovation, dedication, and the strong relationships we've built with our customers, partners, and employees."  "From the early aspirations of our founders through our evolution as a global pioneer in sustainable water heating and HVAC/R solutions, Rheem's success is a direct result of the values that have guided us for nearly a century,” said Chris Peel, CEO, of Rheem. Celebrating 100 years Rheem’s rich history dates back to 1925 when the Rheem brothers—Richard and Donald—founded the company in California to manufacture steel drums, barrels, and other metal products in a plant that became renowned for its cutting-edge technology. “As we look to the future, we are excited about the contributions we will make to help shape the next 100 years of progress in our industry to build on Rheem’s legacy.”  technological advancement One hundred years later, the company is known for being at the forefront of heating, cooling, and water heating One innovation led to the next until the company became synonymous in the industry with breakthrough solutions and technological advancement. One hundred years later, the company is known for being at the forefront of heating, cooling, and water heating solutions. 100 years of innovation Rheem has planned celebrations around the globe to commemorate its centennial with milestone events such as the sealing of a historic time capsule filled with memorabilia that is slated to be opened in 2050. Rheem’s newly launched anniversary microsite Rheem.com/100 will capture Rheem’s 100 years of innovation. Visitors will be able to glean insight into Rheem’s history by way of vintage advertising, videos, and a showcase of past and current product innovations.

DEJONG, operating as a stand-alone business unit within Rheem® Global Water, has begun construction on a new manufacturing facility in Prešov, Slovakia. The future manufacturing site will have an eventual capacity of one million tanks per year and serve as a strategically located hub to meet the growing demand for hot water tanks across Europe. DEJONG DEJONG is a globally renowned manufacturer of stainless-steel hot water tanks DEJONG is a globally renowned manufacturer of stainless-steel hot water tanks and works closely with customers to co-develop multiple applications, including heat pumps, boiler configurations and solar systems. DEJONG is headquartered in The Netherlands, where it operates its Dutch production location and its European Technology Center. “DEJONG selected Eastern Slovakia because of its skilled and multi-lingual workforce, experienced builders and the presence of well-developed rail and roadways,” said Lee Fletcher, Plant Manager of DEJONG Slovakia. New flagship facility in Slovakia In recent months, DEJONG Slovakia has made significant steps to lay the foundation for its flagship facility. The multi-phased expansion is on track for the first products to roll out in 2026. “We are proud to support DEJONG in the development of their new facility in Prešov. This investment is key to Rheem’s growth strategy in Europe and together we will continue to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for heating systems to our customers,” said Arno La Haye, Managing Director, Rheem Europe. Rheem acquired DEJONG in 2022 A presence in Slovakia allows DEJONG to further extend its leadership in the European market Since Rheem’s acquisition of DEJONG in 2022, the company has doubled production capacity and invested in long-term growth. A presence in Slovakia allows DEJONG to further extend its leadership in the European market. Based in Gorredijk, the Netherlands, DEJONG is committed to sustainable products and optimizing manufacturing processes. Founded in 1859, the company leads through innovation with products that reduce dependance on carbon fuel sources. Rheem Manufacturing Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing is a global leader committed to delivering innovative products that save energy and support a more sustainable future. Rheem is the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products, and is America’s #1 water-heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries.

Rheem Manufacturing (Rheem) announced the completed acquisition of Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) from Madison Industries. NGH, founded in 1919, is a globally renowned manufacturer of heating and cooling products serving the residential and manufactured housing markets. NGH now part of Rheem’s Global Air Division With this acquisition, Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) is now part of Rheem’s Global Air Division. “Like Rheem, NGH has a people-first culture, a true commitment to its customers, and a long history of delivering market leading innovations,” said Mike Branson, President, Global Air at Rheem, adding “We’re confident that NGH will make a significant contribution to our expanding Air and Water businesses.” Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) Headquartered in O’Fallon, Missouri, USA, Nortek Global HVAC (NGH) also operates a manufacturing facility in Saltillo, Mexico, and a distribution center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, USA.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program is designed to enhance building efficiency and electrification. Running from 2024 through 2027, the program aims to overcome adoption barriers, promote advanced heat pump technologies, and create sustainable solutions for HVAC professionals. Compared with conventional packaged rooftop units (RTUs) with natural gas heating, heat pump RTUs are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by up to 50%. For those in the HVAC industry, this program is an opportunity to boost operational efficiency, align with emerging sustainability standards, and unlock new business. Transforming Commercial HVAC with Heat Pumps Known for their dual heating and cooling abilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems The DoE’s program centers on accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. By working collaboratively with stakeholders—including manufacturers, utilities, and facility managers—the initiative seeks to integrate energy-efficient solutions into commercial buildings nationwide. Known for their dual heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems. The Accelerator program prioritizes cutting-edge systems to lower energy consumption and operating costs for businesses. As decarbonization becomes a global priority, electrification of HVAC systems is also key. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, heat pumps contribute to a cleaner energy future. Practical Benefits for Professionals For HVAC professionals, the program provides a framework to explore new markets and enhance service offerings. With the Accelerator program’s emphasis on efficiency, HVAC professionals can help clients reduce energy bills, providing a tangible ROI for heat pump installations. Participants in the program also gain access to technical guidance, best practices, and case studies, fostering skills to implement heat pumps effectively. As building owners seek energy-efficient solutions, HVAC professionals are positioned as experts in heat pump technology in order to gain a competitive edge. Success of the residential challenge The retail program is a growth of an earlier program related to residential technologies The commercial program is an expansion of an earlier program related to residential technologies. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight manufacturers in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge completed rigorous product field testing to demonstrate energy efficiency and improved performance in cold weather. Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem, and Trane Technologies participated in the residential challenge. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) developed as part of the challenge will soon enter commercial production, manufacturers say.  Building upon the success of the residential challenge, DOE is now working with nine heat pump manufacturers to advance rooftop units (RTUs) for commercial buildings through a new technology challenge. Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge Expanding with the Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge through its Better Buildings program, DoE is now working with heat pump manufacturers AAON, Addison, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Rheem, and Trane Technologies to improve the energy efficiency and performance of RTUs in cold weather. The manufacturers will partner with DoE and national laboratories to create prototypes and test product performance and durability. They will then lead field validations with Better Buildings partners, including Amazon, General Motors, Ikea, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Target, Whole Foods, and others. Tackling Challenges in Heat Pump Adoption The DoE program recognizes common challenges HVAC professionals face in promoting commercial heat pump adoption and provides strategic solutions. Cost Barriers: The upfront cost of heat pumps can deter clients. The program encourages collaboration with utilities to offer incentives and financing options, making the transition more affordable. Performance in Cold Climates: Heat pumps have historically underperformed in colder regions. By focusing on technological advancements, the Accelerator addresses performance issues, ensuring systems work efficiently even in extreme weather. Workforce Training: To ensure seamless implementation, the DoE supports workforce development through training programs, thus empowering HVAC professionals to deliver high-quality installations. A Collective Push for Change The Accelerator agenda thrives on alliances, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders The Accelerator program thrives on partnerships, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders. For manufacturers and innovators, the program promotes advanced heat pump technologies that meet the diverse needs of commercial buildings. For utilities and energy providers, there are incentives to encourage adoption and offset initial costs. Building owners and facility managers can benefit from sharing insights and case studies to demonstrate the practical benefits of heat pumps in real-world scenarios. In general, HVAC professionals can benefit by staying connected to these networks, keeping abreast of new technologies and customer-centric solutions. Heat Pumps and a Greener Future Heat pumps align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet regulatory requirements. For HVAC professionals, this means not only improving the environmental impact of their services but also helping clients achieve compliance with evolving energy codes and standards. The DoE’s Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program offers HVAC professionals a clear path to embrace innovation, improve energy efficiency, and secure a leadership position in a rapidly changing marketplace. By participating in the program, HVAC experts can drive the industry forward while enhancing their businesses and delivering meaningful value to clients. As the HVAC landscape evolves, those who seize this opportunity will not only adapt but thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the years to come.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted how we view indoor air quality and HVAC systems. Consequently, HVAC systems have undergone several improvements in the post-pandemic world. Systems today tend to have better filtration, increased ventilation, and advanced air-cleaning technologies, such as UV-C light and bipolar ionization. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How have HVAC systems improved (including better indoor air quality) in the post-pandemic world?  

Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Examples include sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. The use of renewables provides environmental benefits (such as lower greenhouse gas emissions), economic advantages, sustainability, and better energy security. As a significant consumer of energy, HVAC is well-positioned to promote greater usage of renewable energy sources. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the HVAC market better embrace renewable energy?