Quick answer:The Rheem AmbiPower MDc-180 is a compact 178L integrated heat pump hot water cylinder — $6,399 incl GST fully installed across Auckland by Water & Gas Worx. COP of 4.5, suits households up to 4 people. The most affordable entry point into heat pump hot water. Price includes supply, installation, old unit removal, electrical connection, and Rheem warranty registration. Installed by Peter — licensed plumber. Call 0800 322 322.
About the Rheem AmbiPower MDC180
The Rheem AmbiPower MDC180 is the entry-level integrated heat pump in the Rheem range and the most cost-effective way to reduce hot water running costs for a one to two person Auckland household. With a COP of 3.4, it produces 3.4 units of heat for every unit of electricity it consumes — up to 75% cheaper to run than a standard electric cylinder. For a couple or single-person household, annual running costs drop from roughly $900 to under $300.
Integrated means the heat pump compressor and the 180-litre cylinder are built into one outdoor unit — no refrigerant lines, no indoor component, simpler installation. We place the unit on a concrete pad or stand outside, connect it to your existing hot water plumbing, and run an outdoor electrical circuit to the dedicated switch. A backup 1.8 kW electric element handles unusually high demand or very cold snaps, though Auckland's mild winters mean the backup element rarely activates.
The MDC180 is the starting point on the heat pump upgrade path — compact, quiet at 47 dBa, and sized for smaller households. If your home has two or more people with regular hot water demand, we would typically recommend stepping up to the Enviroflo 265L or AmbiPower 280e for additional capacity. The payback period for the MDC180 versus a standard electric cylinder is typically four to six years for a one-person household.
Technical Specifications
| Capacity | 180 litres |
| Type | Integrated heat pump |
| COP (coefficient of performance) | 3.4 |
| Noise level | 47 dBa |
| Backup element | 1.8 kW electric |
| Operating range | −5°C to 40°C |
| Warranty | 5-year heat pump, 5-year cylinder |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Suitable for | 1–2 people |
Why This Unit for Auckland?
- — Installed across Auckland since 2009 — we know these units and the conditions they run in
- — Fixed pricing with no surprises — what we quote is what you pay
- — Licensed plumber and gasfitter — all certification included
- — Same-week installation available in most Auckland suburbs
- — Old unit disconnected, removed, and disposed of — nothing left for you to deal with
Frequently Asked Questions — Rheem AmbiPower MDC180
What is the Rheem AmbiPower MDC180 installed price in Auckland?
The Rheem AmbiPower MDC180 is $6,399 incl GST fully installed. This includes the unit, removal and disposal of your old cylinder, plumbing connections, outdoor electrical circuit and switch, condensate drain, and warranty registration.
How much will I save on power with the AmbiPower MDC180?
Based on a one to two person Auckland household, switching from a standard electric cylinder to the AmbiPower MDC180 saves approximately $500 to $700 per year on electricity. Payback period is typically four to six years, after which you save every year for the remaining 15-year life of the unit.
Is the Rheem AmbiPower MDC180 suitable for Auckland's climate?
Yes. It operates down to minus 5 degrees Celsius, and Auckland rarely drops below 5 degrees in winter. The heat pump runs efficiently year-round in Auckland's mild climate. The backup electric element handles any extreme conditions automatically.
How noisy is the Rheem AmbiPower MDC180?
The MDC180 runs at 47 dBa — comparable to a quiet air conditioner or a refrigerator. We position the unit away from bedroom windows and neighbour boundaries where practical. Most Auckland homeowners find the noise level acceptable in a typical side-passage installation.
Does the Rheem AmbiPower MDC180 need outdoor space?
Yes. The unit is an outdoor integrated heat pump and requires a clear outdoor position with adequate airflow around it — approximately 500 mm clearance on the sides and rear. It can be installed on a concrete pad, paving, or heavy-duty stand.
Can the AmbiPower MDC180 replace my existing electric cylinder?
Yes. We remove your old electric cylinder and install the AmbiPower MDC180 in an outdoor position. The indoor space your old cylinder occupied is freed up. In most cases, the plumbing connections from the new outdoor unit back to your hot water pipes are straightforward.
What is the difference between the AmbiPower MDC180 and the AmbiPower 280e?
The MDC180 is 180 litres and suited to one to two people at $6,399 installed. The AmbiPower 280e is 280 litres, suited to two to four people, and costs $7,499 installed. If there are two or more regular users in the house, the 280e is the better choice.
