So, are you on the lookout for the best Rinnai tankless water heater?
Well, in this post, I would be walking you through some of the best Rinnai tankless water heaters available on the market.
Moreover, I would also be through light on the “must-have” features in order to help you make an informed buying decision.
Lastly, I would be responding to the Rinnai tankless hot water heater reviews related queries so that you can clear most of your doubts if NOT ALL.
But, before that, I would be needing a small help from your end.
Are you interested in helping me?
Well, if your answer is “YES”, then all you need to do is to respond to a couple of questions that I would be asking you in a while.
So, what is your budget for a Rinnai tankless hot water heater?
Which is your preference; Rinnai tankless gas water heater or an electric tankless water heater?
Would you be interested in buying a Rinnai propane tankless water heater?
Alright, enough questions.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive deep into the discussion.
What is the best Rinnai tankless water heater for the money?
Frankly speaking, all the Rinnai heaters that have made it to our list are of high quality and worth the investment.
However, if you’re interested in knowing my “top 4” picks, then definitely, I would be more than happy to share it with you.
Editor’s Choice
So, here are my “top 4” picks which aren’t only based on the scores that they have received in our evaluation process but also, the feedback that they have received over a period of time from our clientele.
Rinnai Tankless Gas Water Heater
Rinnai Propane Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai Indoor Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
Top 10 Best Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Reviews
So, here we come with our “top 10” product list which is the result of hours of research and evaluation.
Before, I’ll walk you through the hot water heaters, please allow me to explain to you the process that we follow to shortlist the products.
First and foremost, our team of experts comes up with a set of evaluation parameters on which we want to evaluate the product, in this case, the product is the Rinnai tankless water heaters.
Each evaluation parameter is assigned a certain weightage which depends upon its ability to influence a buyer’s decision.
During the evaluation process, each product is assigned a certain score across the evaluation parameters.
Finally, we sum up the scores and shortlist the top 10 products for review.
In case, you still have any doubts or queries then you can contact us, and we would be more than happy to assist you.
We’ve divided the Rinnai tankless hot water heater review into two sections, that is, Rinnai tankless gas water heater, and Rinnai propane tankless water heater.
Rinnai Propane Tankless Water Heater
Well, going forward, we would be having an in-depth discussion on some of the best Rinnai propane tankless water heaters available on the market.
Here, I would like to make my point very clear that we would be only reviewing the tankless heaters that have been shortlisted during our evaluation process.
Rinnai V65IP Tankless Water Heater
The Rinnai V65IP is a unique blend of high efficiency and comfort and is a compact, easy to install, and reliable propane tankless water heater.
So, if you’re looking for an indoor tankless water heater for your entire home, then definitely, you should try this option as it comprises almost all the features that you might be looking for in your favorite Rinnai heater.
Depending upon the groundwater temperature, the unit is capable of providing a flow rate of up to 6.5 GPM.
Unlike conventional heaters, the Rinnai V65IP doesn’t possess the risk of either bursting or standby heat loss to the environment.
As a result, it is not only safer to use but also reduces your electricity bills.
You don’t have to store hot water in the tank anymore as it will supply you with endless hot water instantly.
It is also equipped with Control-R 2.0 mobile app features that allow you not only to set the timer as per your requirements but also, put the system into vacation mode remotely.
The brand boasts about the compact and sleek design that allows the unit to be installed in even a tiny space effortlessly.
Well, the manufacturer also claims that the Rinnai V65IP uses 40% less energy as compared to a traditional water heater which is definitely something to brag about, isn’t it?
Furthermore, the unit is equipped with innovative and advanced technologies including Wi-Fi monitoring that allows you to NOT only monitor important parameters including efficiency but also, address the issues before you ever experience a break in the service.
And, the best part is, the life expectancy of this unit is somewhere around 20 years which is almost twice that of a traditional tank.
It has an energy factor of 0.82 and can provide you hot water in the temperature range of 98 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lastly, the unit is backed by 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Rinnai RU199eP Tankless Water Heaters
The SENSEI RU199eP is a small, compact, easy to install, and high-performing propane tankless water heater.
Irrespective of the ease of installation, I would highly recommend you hire a technician for the installation purpose because a false installation might make your warranty void.
You can exploit the recirculation feature of the unit in order to reduce the wait time for the hot water.
It goes without saying that the unit is powerful as well as capable to provide hot water for showers, faucets, etc simultaneously.
Irrespective of the type of home you possess, the RU199eP would serve the purpose of hot water effectively.
You don’t have to heat the water again and again and store it in a tank so the chances of heat loss to the environment are almost negligible.
On top of it, the RU199eP is energy star qualified along with a uniform energy factor of 0.92 which clearly depicts that you don’t have to worry at all about the energy-efficiency.
Lastly, the unit is backed by 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts which clearly shows the trust and confidence that the manufacturer has in its offering.
Rinnai RU199iP Tankless Water Heaters
Well, so here I’m with yet another great product from the brand Rinnai.
Like the aforementioned models, it also possesses a small, compact, and sleek design that allows you to install the unit in tiny spaces as well as in non-traditional spaces including an attic, crawl space, or even a closet.
However, for the installation, my advice would be to hire a professional to negate the last hour misadventure.
Like the other Rinnai tankless, it is also energy efficient and claims to use up to 40 percent less energy as compared to a traditional tank heater.
Not only that but also the life expectancy of a Rinnai tankless is almost twice that of a conventional heater.
Just forget to mention, the unit is energy-star qualified along with a 0.93 energy factor.
Furthermore, recirculation technology used by the Rinnai tankless reduces the wait time drastically.
The unit is not only user-friendly but also, highly flexible in terms of uses at multiple fixtures.
Lastly, the RU199iP is backed by 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Rinnai RU98IP 9.8 GPM Indoor Ultra-Nox Condensing Tankless Propane Water Heater
So, here I come with my favorite tankless propane water heater, and trust me, Rinnai RU98IP is perhaps the best Rinnai tankless that I’ve come across in my life.
Needless to say, the Rinnai RU98IP comprises almost all the ingredients that you might be looking for in your favorite heater.
However, if you’re on a shoestring budget then the RU98IP might not be the best choice for you as it is quite expensive.
Honestly speaking, with the maximum BTUs of 199,000 and a max energy factor of 0.94, the unit is bound to deliver high-performance effortlessly.
If you vouch for the environment-friendly product, then I’ve got a piece of good news for you.
Yes, you guessed it RIGHT.
The unit has a low NOx emission, and it meets the standards of both California and Texas.
Moreover, the Rinnai tankless is powerful enough to meet the hot water requirement of a mid to large size home requirement.
Well, since the Rinnai tankless comes with condensing technology so you don’t have to worry at all about energy efficiency as well as energy savings.
On top of it, the unit is compatible with a full line of Rinnai digital controllers so compatibility isn’t an issue at all.
The installation process is simple and less time-consuming.
Furthermore, the unit is up to 96% thermally efficient.
And, the temperature range with the controller falls in the range of 98 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lastly, the unit is backed by 12 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Rinnai RUR98iP 9.8 Max GPM Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Propane Tankless Water Heater
Well, the Rinnai RUR98iP is equipped with innovative and advanced technology to help you with an endless supply of hot water instantly.
It comprises recirculation technology which works both with and without a dedicated recirculation line in order to help you with reduced wait time for hot water.
The installation process is newbie-friendly, and the manufacturer offers you more than one venting option, that is, Concentric and PVC.
Not only that, but Rinnai’s condensing technology features dual heat exchangers in order to provide maximum efficiency up to 0.96 energy factor.
If everything is well in place and working fine then you can expect the maximum flow rate to go up to 9.8 GPM.
In simple words, you can expect the Rinnai RUR98iP to give you the maximum output by occupying minimum space.
Lastly, the Rinnai RUR98iP is backed by 12 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts which definitely shows the confidence of the manufacturer in its offering.
Rinnai Tankless Gas Water Heater
Well, in this section, I would be walking you through some of the best Rinnai tankless gas water heaters available on the market.
Rinnai V65IN Tankless Water Heater
Well, the Rinnai V65IN is small. compact, and high-efficient tankless gas water heater meant to provide you with an endless supply of hot water.
The Rinnai V65IN is capable of providing a flow rate of up to 6.5 GPM.
Moreover, the control-R 2.0 mobile app features and thus, helps you to schedule throughout the day and allows you to put the system into vacation mode remotely.
In simple words, you can save a good amount of time by automating tasks.
The unit is energy star certified and comprises of energy factor of 0.82.
If you vouch for environmentally friendly products then definitely, you’ll vouch for this unit as it comes with Ultra-Low NOx emission.
Similar to other Rinnai tankless water heaters, it also has a simple and less time-consuming installation process.
However, my suggestion would be to expedite the installation process under the guidance of a technician even though you’re confident of doing it on your own.
It is compatible with a full line of Rinnai digital controllers, and the temperature range with controllers falls in the range of 98 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even the tech support at Rinnai is worth mentioning, and you’ll get assistant until and unless your problem is fully resolved.
Lastly, the Rinnai tankless is backed by 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Rinnai RUR199iN Tankless Water Heaters
The energy Star-certified gas tankless water heater comprises almost all the essential features that you might be looking for in your heater.
Not only is the unit small, compact, and sleek designed, but also consumes up to 40 percent less energy than the convention tank.
Though the installation process is simple and straightforward still I would suggest you should expedite the process under the guidance of an expert.
Or, else, you can hire a professional in order to expedite the installation process.
The unit is also equipped with ThermaCirc360 technology which reduces the wait time for hot water by exploiting the recirculation feature.
Irrespective of the size of your home, the Rinnai tankless will do the trick for you.
The 84 lbs RUR199iN can deliver a flow rate of up to 11 GPM, and the unit will expedite the operation quietly and smoothly.
Well, you might not find the Control-R app as fancy as many out there, but it is completely functional and will serve your needs effortlessly.
Not only does the unit comes with easy-to-control units but also, delivers consistent temperature irrespective of the amount of hot water you’re using.
Lastly, the Rinnai RUR199iN is backed by 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Rinnai RUC98iN Ultra Series Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
The Rinnai RUC98iN comes with ultra-low NOx emissions and a maximum BTUs of 199,000 which clearly depicts the strength as well as environment-friendliness behavior of the product.
To make installation newbie-friendly, easy, and less time-consuming, the Rinnai tankless gives you a couple of options in terms of venting, that is, concentric or PVC.
Moreover, the unit is small, compact, and sleek which makes it a great choice for indoor installation.
On top of it, the Rinnai tankless hot water heater is equipped with condensing technology which makes it more energy-efficient than ever before.
In simple words, the Rinnai tankless is equipped with almost all the essential features to help you achieve an optimum result effortlessly.
With 95% thermal efficiency and a flow rate of 9.8 GPM, the unit is bound to deliver high-performance, isn’t it?
The energy star certified Rinnai tankless has a residential temperature range of 98° F to 140° F and commercial of 98° F to 185° F.
Moreover, the unit comes with an informative manual, and the customer service is also good.
Lastly, the unit is backed by 12 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts only if you’re using it for residential purposes.
In case, you’re using Rinnai RUR199iN for commercial purposes, then the warranty on the heat exchanger and parts are 5 years each.
Rinnai RL Series HE+ Tankless Hot Water Heater
Well, if you’re looking for a Rinnai outdoor tankless water heater, then here I’m with one of my favorite Rinnai tankless that is uniquely designed and equipped with advanced technology in order to help end-users receive an optimum result.
With a capacity of up to 9.4 GPM hot water, the Rinnai outdoor tankless water heater is capable of supply continuous hot water to a couple of plumbing and appliance outlets simultaneously.
In simple words, irrespective of the size of your home, the Rinnai RL Series will tackle your hot water requirement effectively.
The exterior installation is less time-consuming and hassle-free only if done rightly.
If you’re a first-time buyer, then you must either hire a technician for the installation purpose or expedite the installation under the guidance of a professional whichever suits you.
The unit is not only energy efficient but also saves you a tangible amount on electricity bills as it will only heat that water when you’ll need it.
There isn’t any standby heat loss to the environment.
It is also equipped with innovative features such as Wi-Fi monitoring and recirculation technology.
The Wi-Fi monitoring keeps the track of the performance and informs you in advance about any malfunctioning so that the output doesn’t get hindered.
On the other hand, recirculation technology reduces the wait time drastically so that you can get hot water instantly.
The star energy certified RL94eN is backed by 12 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.
Rinnai V53DeN Tankless Water Heaters
The V53DeN is an affordable offering from the brand Rinnai.
It is capable of up to a 5.3 GPM hot water flow rate and uses natural gas as a fuel.
In spite of being affordable, the Rinnai V53DeN is equipped with almost all the essential features that you might be looking for in an “affordable” tankless water heater.
The control-R 2.0 mobile app features timers that make your work easy and hassle-free, and also, allows you to operate remotely and put the unit into vacation mode.
It could suffice the hot water needs of a small to medium-sized home, and the small and compact design allows its installation in a tiny space as well.
As compared to a traditional heater, the Rinnai V53DeN is more user-friendly and cost-effective.
And, the best part is, even though you’re on a shoestring budget, you can easily afford this idiosyncratic Rinnai tankless.
Even the Rinnai V53DeN has a good life expectancy (20 years), and you can expect it to last almost twice that of a traditional heater.
Furthermore, recirculation technology makes it easy for you to get instant hot water.
Lastly, the Rinnai V53DeN is backed by 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts which shows the trust and confidence of the manufacturer in its offering.
Rinnai Tankless Hot Water Heater Buying Guide
Well, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive buying guide on Rinnai tankless would definitely help you in making an informed buying decision.
In fact, we’ve tried to cover almost all the “must-have” features that your Rinnai tankless should have in an ideal scenario.
Energy Savings and Efficiency
Frankly speaking, energy-saving is definitely one of the main benefits of transitioning to a Rinnai tankless from the conventional counterpart.
So, in order to buy the best product, you need to pay close attention to the energy factor when choosing the Rinnai tankless model.
Here, I would like to make a point that the efficiency and savings of an on-demand system decrease as the household’s hot water requirement surges.
However, irrespective of the aforementioned statement, and in any scenario otherwise, a Rinnai tankless hot water heater will most probably outperform a tank-style water heater when it comes to energy savings.
Like many other appliances, Rinnai tankless also uses an energy factor (EF) rating to measure the water heater efficiency.
Below are some points regarding the Energy Factor rating from the EnergyStar.gov site.
- An energy factor (EF) is the measurement of a water heater’s overall efficiency
- The EF rating is determined by the useful energy that is coming from the water heater
- This number is then divided by the amount of energy (gas or electricity) that went into the water heater in order to heat the water
- In simple words, the higher the EF rating, the more efficient the water heater
- The EF rating is based on the amount of hot water produced by a single unit of fuel consumed
Warranty
Definitely, warranty is yet another important factor that you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to buying a Rinnai tankless.
Well, the good thing is, most of the Rinnai tankless that we’ve reviewed so far comes with 10 years warranty on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts which clearly shows the trust and confidence that the brand Rinnai has in its offering.
In simple words, most of the Rinnai tankless models offer you a good warranty duration so you don’t have to worry at all about the warranty.
Fuel Supply Line
Well, the fuel supply line is the gas line that supplies the Rinnai tankless with fuel.
At the same time, it is equally important that the unit is sized properly to provide enough fuel for larger burners that are necessary to deliver instantaneous hot water.
Well, the burners on a Rinnai tankless gas water heater can have outputs in the range of 200,000 BTUs/hour which is definitely higher than a tank-style water heater (75,000 BTUs/hour).
I wouldn’t deny the necessity of increasing the size of your gas fuel line in order to accommodate your new Rinnai tankless.
Ignition
Frankly speaking, there are three main types of ignition systems installed in the Rinnai tankless gas water heaters.
What I’ve observed from my past experience is that the more expensive the ignition system, the more expensive the tankless water heater will be, and vice-versa.
Let’s have a quick at the main types of the ignition systems.
Standing Pilot Light
- First and foremost, pilot light burns constantly
- Secondly, the Rinnai tankless models that use this technology are less expensive to purchase
- Moreover, these models come with higher operating costs and offer less energy saving
Direct Ignition
- It will deliver a spark to the main burner whenever water follow would be detected
- Improved energy efficiency over standing pilot light systems
- In most of the cases, an electric hook up is needed.
Hydro-Power Ignition
- Water flows into the tankless system that activates a small turbine which ignites the burner
- No electric connection or battery is needed
Venting
Frankly speaking, proper venting is a point of concern with not only the Rinnai gas tankless water heater but with any other gas tankless heater.
In fact, the venting requirements differ widely from tank-style water heaters.
Venting adds to the flexibility of the unit as it can not only run through the roof but also horizontally through the side walls with ease.
Most of the tankless water heaters require category III venting which is made from stainless steel.
Though it’s corrosive resistant at the same time, it’s expensive too.
It goes without saying that Category III venting is necessary because, with the efficiency in combustion, condensation develops within the vents.
Condensation being acidic, standard venting material will not take much before breaking down.
Nonetheless, two types of tankless water heaters don’t require venting, and we would be discussing them in a while.
Outdoor Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Gas tankless water heaters require incoming air for combustion and venting is used to direct the exhaust outside.
Honestly speaking, an outdoor unit will already be outside so it wouldn’t be necessary to vent these models.
The Rinnai outdoor tankless water heater is designed to be installed on the exterior of a house.
Furthermore, the outdoor Rinnai units utilize the free airflow to vent exhaust so no additional venting is necessary.
Well, selecting an outdoor Rinnai tankless water heater is ideal if you’re planning to go tankless in a home that is already built.
The thing that I really like about the Rinnai outdoor tankless water heaters is that most of the units are easier and less expensive to install since fewer modifications may need to occur.
In fact, most outdoor tankless water heaters are equipped with self-warming components that allow them to operate in low temperatures.
At the same time, if you’re a resident of a zone that experiences freezing temperature on a frequent basis, then outdoor tankless units might not be the best choice.
Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
The good thing about the condensing Rinnai tankless water heaters is that they use a more sophisticated venting design that completely negates the use of venting.
As compared to non-condensing tankless heaters, the condensing counterparts are more expensive upfront but at the same time are less expensive to install as they don’t require venting.
Let’s have a quick look at some of its idiosyncratic features.
- It extracts the heat from the exhaust
- Moreover, eliminates the need for expensive venting materials
- In general, achieves a relatively higher efficiency rating. mostly in the mid-’90s
- The higher upfront cost is easy compensated by the high efficiency and lower installation expenses
Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
The non-condensing tankless water heaters are less expensive and require venting which might lead to a complex installation process.
There are two different types of venting options available, that is, direct vent, and power vent.
Let’s discuss each one of them.
Direct Vent
- It draws air from outside the home into a tankless heater for combustion
- The system uses two vents, that is, one for air intake, and the other for exhaust
- Tankless heaters using direct vent can be installed in small space
Power Vent
- It draws air from inside of the home into the tankless heater for combustion
- Vents the exhaust outside
- It needs to be installed without fail in an area that provides adequate air for combustion
How to select the right size Rinnai tankless water heater as a beginner?
Definitely, an interesting question, indeed.
And, trust me, when I was buying my first tankless water heater, I was also inquisitive about this question.
Well, if I’m not wrong then Rinnai tankless like other gas tankless water heaters are rated by the maximum temperature rise possible at the given flow rate.
So, in order to find out the exact size, you’ll have to determine the flow rate as well as the temperature rise that you’ll need for your applications.
Before we move further, I just want to make a point here that never commit the mistake of saving a few bucks by under-sizing your Rinnai tankless hot water heater.
By following the below steps, you would be able to find the right size for your Rinnai tankless.
Step 1
First and foremost, you need to jot down your requirement in terms of the number of devices that you wanna run and their total flow rate.
The flow rate is usually measured in Gallons per Minute.
So, what you need to do, is to add all the flow rates in order to come to a final number that you would be expecting from your Rinnai tankless.
Still, have doubt?
Let’s understand it with the help of an example.
Suppose you want to run 3 faucets with a flow rate of 0.50 GPM each, and a shower head with a flow rate of 2.5 GPM simultaneously, then the total flow rate that you would be needing is 4.0 GPM.
So, you should look for the Rinnai tankless size that can offer 4.0 GPM or above.
However, low-flow water fixtures can help you to reduce the flow rate to some extent.
Step 2
Another important factor that you should look for is the degree of temperature rise that is required.
Determining the temperature rise isn’t a tedious process, and irrespective of you being a first-time buyer, you can expedite it on your own with ease.
All you need to do is subtract the incoming water temperature from the desired output temperature.
For example, the incoming water temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the outgoing desired temperature is 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, the difference would be your requirement, that is, 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flow Rates
So, here I’m with the chart that will show the range of water usage range and average water temperature for various fixtures.
What my suggestion for you would be to consider 2.5 GPM for a shower and 1.0 GPM for your bathroom as a reference point in determining your total simultaneous water needs.
| FIXTURE | AVERAGE FLOW GPM | AVERAGE TEMP |
| Tub | 4.0 GPM | 102°F |
| Shower | 2.5 – 3.0 GPM | 104°F |
| Washing Machine | 2.0 GPM | 120°F |
| Dishwasher | 1.5 GPM | 110°F |
| Kitchen Sink | 1.5 GPM | 110°F |
Moreover, the Rinnai tankless hot water heaters are able to produce a large temperature rise per GPM than an electric tankless water heater.
Typically, a 70°F water temperature rise is possible at a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute through gas-fired demand water heaters and 2 gallons per minute through its electric counterpart.
At the same time, you also need to keep in mind that the faster flow rates or cooler inlet temperatures can sometimes reduce the water temperature at the most distant faucet.
Pros and Cons of a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Let’s have a quick look at the pros and cons of using a Rinnai tankless in order to help you make an informed decision.
Advantage of a Rinnai Tankless
First, we’ll talk about the advantages so that you can have a clear understanding of the positive side of a Rinnai unit.
Cost-Effective: A Rinnai tankless hot water heater is highly cost-effective, and the manufacturer claims that the unit consumes electricity up to 40 percent less as compared to a conventional heater.
Longevity: As compared to a conventional water heater that lasts somewhere around 8 to 10 years, you can expect a Rinnai tankless to last almost twice, that is, 20 years.
Portability: Most of the Rinnai tankless that we’ve discussed so far are small, compact, sleek so you can install them even in a tiny space with ease. In fact, most of these units can be easily mounted on the wall in order to free the floor space, and some units are designed to be installed outside.
Endless Supply of Hot Water: By buying the correct size, Rinnai tankless hot water heater, you can mitigate the risk related to lack of hot water supply. Most of the Rinnai units are meant to provide you with an endless supply of hot water.
Fresh and Instant Water: Since the Rinnai tankless heat the water only on demand so the hot water doesn’t have to be kept in a tank that may contain rust and specks of dirt.
Brand Value: It goes without saying that Rinnai is a well-known and well-trusted brand that is known for offering high-quality products.
Customer Service: Rinnai has great customer support in order to help end-users in clearing their doubts. Moreover, the executives are well trained and would give a prompt response in most of the cases.
Replaceable Parts: Unlike a tank-style water heater wherein you need to replace the entire unit in case of leakage, the Rinnai tankless are designed to be repaired, that is nearly every part can be replaced.
Disadvantage of a Rinnai Tankless
The Rinnai tankless has its own share of cons that you can ignore, right?
However, the good news is pros overshadow the cons.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the disadvantages of using a Rinnai hot water heater.
Initial Cost: Well, as per my knowledge and experience, I can affirm that one of the main disadvantages of a Rinnai tankless is the upfront cost which is more than a conventional heater.
Installation Cost: Other than the product cost, Rinnai gas tankless heater and Rinnai propane tankless can cause a dent in your savings as the installation cost is huge.
Expensive Venting: Non-condensing gas-fueled tankless water heaters require expensive category III venting material.
Output Limitations: If your hot water requirement is higher than the unit capability, the appliance won’t be able to deliver hot water. In the absence of a storage tank, Rinnai tankless hot water heater is only able to deliver as much hot water as it can heat at any point in time.
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Trust me, water heaters of any kind require maintenance, and it’s not with only tankless heaters, but any kind of machine requires maintenance, right?
Moving further, let’s see what will happen if a tank-style water heater doesn’t get a dose of annual maintenance.
A tank-style water heater might move forward to the path of self-destruction in the absence of annual maintenance because the water stored in the tank will start eating away inside of the tank walls finally leading to leakage.
And, the worst part is, in case of tank-based water heater leakage, you don’t have many options but to replace the unit which will definitely be a costly affair.
However, in the case of a tankless water heater, if you fail to perform annual maintenance then it will send an error code that will prevent the unit from heating any water at all.
Tankless water heaters are prone to minerals scale build-up.
As we all know, water is full of minerals which over time will scale within the unit and eventually will put the additional workload on the heat exchanger leading to overheating.
And, the final outcome will be a shorter life expectancy and low efficiency.
So, in simple words, you need to expedite the annual maintenance irrespective of the type of hot water heater you’re using.
Rinnai Tankless Hot Water Heater Error Codes Troubleshooting
Well, in this section, I would be walking you through various error codes, and how to deal with them.
| Error Code Number | What It Means | How To Fix |
| 02 | The water heater will not work during freeze protection mode | Place a service call |
| 03 | Power interruption during Bath Fill | Turn off all the hot water fixtures in the house. Press the ON/OFF button twice to reset the unit and code. If code reappears, the P.C. board will likely need replacing |
| 05 | Bypass servo fault | Turn off the power supply to the unit and then turn it back on. Open a hot water tap to fire up the unit. If error code “05” reappears, the bypass valve will need replacing |
| 07 | The circulation flow rate has dropped below 2.1 GPM | Confirm unit has power. Confirm water supply is on and you have at least 30 psi coming in. Check for loose, damaged, or broken connections in the pump wiring harness. Drain tank and confirm the inlet water filter isn’t clogged |
| 10 | Air supply or exhaust blockage | Confirm that recommended Rinnai venting materials are used. Make sure there aren’t any obstructions in the venting system. Confirm vent length and diameter is within proper limits and clearances. There is a 95% chance the issue is with improper vent pipe installation |
For more error codes, you can download the pdf file here.
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Manual
Well, if you’re looking for a pdf format of the Rinnai operation and installation manual, then you can download the file by clicking on this link.
How to Install a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater?
How to Flush a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater?
FAQs
Well, in this section, I would be responding to the queries related to Rinnai tankless in order to help you make an informed decision.
How much does a Rinnai tankless water heater cost?
Frankly speaking, it depends on the Rinnai tankless model that you’ve opted for.
However, on average, you can get some of the best models in the range of $900 and $2000.
Just for information, the aforementioned price range doesn’t include installation or venting.
For a more accurate quotation, either you can contact a local Rinnai dealer or you can check it on Amazon.
Can a Rinnai outdoor tankless water heater be used in cold climates?
Well, I’ve got a piece of good news for you.
Yes, you heard it, RIGHT.
The Rinnai tankless comes with a freeze protection feature that allows it to operate up to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
But, at the same time, you need to make certain arrange so that the heater operates in a hassle-free manner.
First and foremost, all the pipes feeding the unit must be heat traced and insulated to provide freeze protection to them.
In case, you’re using a Rinnai outdoor tankless water heater then you must install an optional drain down system on the unit.
The benefit of installing such a system is to allow all water inside the unit to drain out in case of a gas outage or component failure.
What type of fuel do Rinnai tankless hot water heaters use?
The Rinnai tankless uses natural gas or propane gas as fuel and has electronic ignition.
Do Rinnai tankless water heaters have a UL Rating?
Rinnai tankless water heaters are not UL certified but are certified by CSA International to ANSI Z21.10.3 Standard Gas Water Heaters, Volume III, Storage Water Heaters with Input Ratings Above 75,000 Btu/h. However, the following internal electrical components are UL certified:
1. Transformer E (UL 1411)
2. Relay (UL 41515)
3. Wire & Conduit (UL 1430)
Does Rinnai manufacture an electric tankless water heater?
Well, as per my knowledge and experience, Rinnai doesn’t manufacture an electric tankless water heater to date.
What size gas line does a Rinnai tankless water heater require?
To be honest, the gas connection on the unit is 3/4 inch MNPT.
But, it doesn’t mean that is the size your gas line should be.
In fact, the gas supply should be sized in such a way that it would be able to handle a total load of all appliances in your location.
If you’re not aware then let me tell you, most of the Rinnai tankless would be adding up to 199,000 BTUs per heater installed at your location.
Most importantly, gas line sizing should be performed by certified professionals.
What is the minimum water flow required to operate a Rinnai tankless hot water heater?
Definitely, an important question, indeed.
The Rinnai tankless heater needs to see over 0.6 gallons per minute of water flow through the hot side to ignite and to stay in operation.
Unfortunately, the unit will turn off if the flow rate will fall below this level.
Wrapping Up the Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Review
Well, first and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Moreover, I along with my core team member have put loads and loads of effort order to come up with this comprehensive buying guide on the Rinnai tankless water heaters.
In case, if you’ve liked our efforts and want to appreciate us, then feel free to share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
Cutting long-story-short, and getting back straight to the topic.
To be honest, all the Rinnai tankless including Rinnai outdoor tankless water heater models that made our list are of high quality, and I’m very confident that they will serve your purpose.
Nonetheless, the term “best” is relative and not absolute so it is quite possible that the Rinnai tankless that may be best for me might not even cater to your needs and vice-versa.
So, always look for the Rinnai tankless model that not only caters to your requirements but also falls well within your budget.
Lastly, do let us know about your favorite Rinnai tankless model from our review list, it motivates us to work more and in a much better way of moving forward.
[Also Read]
