The day I finally decided to switch to a tankless water heater was when my aging tank system couldn’t keep up during a busy holiday weekend. Cold showers after cooking a feast? No thanks! After a ton of research, Rinnai came up repeatedly as a top choice for tankless systems. Known for their cutting-edge technology and high reliability, Rinnai promised a constant flow of hot water while being energy efficient. Fast forward, and my Rinnai system has been running like a dream for a couple of years now. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering going tankless with Rinnai.
What Makes Rinnai Stand Out?
Rinnai has built a solid reputation for producing high-efficiency, durable, and feature-rich tankless water heaters. They’ve been around for over 100 years, and their Japanese engineering has become synonymous with quality. The main selling points are endless hot water, energy savings, and compact design, but there’s a lot more under the hood.
1. Endless Hot Water & Performance
Consistent Hot Water Flow
The biggest reason to go tankless is to get rid of those dreaded cold showers, especially during peak usage times. Rinnai units shine here. With my Rinnai RL94eN, I never run out of hot water, no matter how many people are showering, doing laundry, or washing dishes at the same time. These systems provide on-demand heating, which means they only heat water when you need it.
Flow Rate
Rinnai models typically offer flow rates between 7.5 to 11 GPM (gallons per minute), depending on the unit. The higher the GPM, the more hot water it can supply simultaneously.
- Rinnai RUR199iN: Up to 11 GPM, perfect for large families or homes with multiple bathrooms.
- Rinnai V75IN: A more budget-friendly model with 7.5 GPM, ideal for smaller homes.
The flow rate you’ll need depends on your household size and water usage. For reference, a typical shower uses about 2.5 GPM.
2. Energy Efficiency: Lower Bills Over Time
One of the standout features of Rinnai water heaters is their high energy efficiency. These units only heat water when it’s needed, saving you from paying to keep a tank of water hot all day.
Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Models
Rinnai offers both condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters. The difference lies in how efficiently they use exhaust heat:
- Condensing models (like the Rinnai RU199iN) are the most efficient. They recycle exhaust heat to preheat the water, which lowers energy usage and emissions. With efficiency ratings of up to 0.95 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor), these units can shave a significant amount off your energy bills.
- Non-condensing models are still efficient but have a slightly lower UEF rating. They’re also less expensive upfront, so they’re a good option if you want the tankless experience without the highest upfront cost.
Lower Energy Bills
Switching to a Rinnai tankless system can cut your energy costs by up to 40%, depending on your usage habits. I saw a noticeable drop in my gas bill within the first few months after installing my unit.
3. Installation: DIY or Call the Pros?
If you’re handy around the house, you might be tempted to try and install your Rinnai system yourself. However, tankless water heaters—especially gas-powered models—are more complex to install than traditional tank heaters. They often require upgrades to venting, gas lines, or electric wiring, depending on your home’s setup. I ended up hiring a pro for mine because it required running new vent pipes through my exterior wall.
Venting
Rinnai gas models, especially the non-condensing units, need proper venting to expel exhaust gases. Condensing models can be vented using less expensive PVC pipe due to their cooler exhaust, which might lower your installation costs.
4. Durability and Build Quality: Built to Last
Rinnai units are built to run for the long haul. The heat exchanger is made from high-grade stainless steel, which is crucial since it’s the component that does the heavy lifting by heating the water.
Long Lifespan
With proper maintenance, a Rinnai tankless water heater can last up to 20 years—double the lifespan of a traditional tank heater. Regular maintenance is key, though, especially in areas with hard water, where scale can build up over time.
Warranty
Rinnai offers a strong warranty on their units:
- 12 years on the heat exchanger
- 5 years on parts
- 1 year for labor (extendable with certain installers)
This warranty is competitive, but keep in mind that regular maintenance, like flushing the system to prevent scaling, is critical to keeping it running smoothly.
5. Smart Features: Control at Your Fingertips
Rinnai takes it a step further with smart technology built into many of their models.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
With the Rinnai Control-R™ Wi-Fi module, you can control your water heater from your smartphone. This is great for vacation homes or rental properties, as you can set the temperature remotely or troubleshoot issues before they escalate. I’ve used this feature to monitor usage and even lower the temperature when I know no one’s home.
Recirculation Technology
Some high-end models like the Rinnai RUR199iN come with built-in recirculation pumps, which means hot water gets to your taps faster, reducing the amount of time you spend waiting for the water to heat up. This is a game-changer for bigger homes with long pipe runs.
6. Common Issues & Maintenance
No product is perfect, and while Rinnai units are high-quality, there are some common issues and maintenance requirements to be aware of.
Common Issues:
- Cold Water Sandwich:
This happens in some tankless systems where you get a short burst of cold water between hot water cycles. I’ve only experienced this a couple of times with my Rinnai, and it seems to happen when someone stops and starts the shower quickly. - Scaling in Hard Water Areas:
If you have hard water, you’ll need to flush the system annually to prevent scale buildup. This is pretty typical of all tankless units but is especially important for longevity.
Maintenance:
- Annual System Flush:
Flushing the system yearly helps remove scale and mineral deposits, keeping the unit running efficiently. I picked up a flush kit that makes this process easy to do yourself. - Clean the Air Filter:
Rinnai units have an air intake filter that should be cleaned periodically to prevent dust and debris from affecting the burner performance.
7. Rinnai Model Comparison: What’s Right for You?
| Model | Type | Flow Rate (GPM) | Efficiency (UEF) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai RUR199iN | Condensing Gas | 11 GPM | 0.95 | Large homes, high demand |
| Rinnai RL94eN | Non-Condensing Gas | 9.4 GPM | 0.82 | Mid to large homes, moderate demand |
| Rinnai V75IN | Non-Condensing Gas | 7.5 GPM | 0.82 | Smaller homes, budget-friendly option |
| Rinnai RU199iN | Condensing Gas | 11 GPM | 0.93 | Multiple bathrooms, recirculation |
Should You Go With Rinnai?
After using a Rinnai tankless water heater, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic investment if you’re tired of running out of hot water and want to cut down on energy bills. Their models are efficient, reliable, and loaded with smart features that make them stand out. The higher upfront cost might make you think twice, but the savings on energy and the extended lifespan of the unit make it worth it in the long run.
For larger households or those with high hot water demand, I’d recommend going for the RUR199iN or RL94eN. If you’re a smaller household and need something budget-friendly, the V75IN is a solid choice that doesn’t skimp on performance.