Convenience is king in the 21st century. Ours is an era of unparalleled technological advancement; it means most of which to streamline mundane, daily tasks. Everything, from our phones and computers to our toasters and doorbells, is getting faster, smaller, and much more functional.
With technology improving the way it is, the vast, hulking Rinnai tankless water heater of the olden days is becoming, well, a thing of the past. It’s no surprise — they’re some of the most finicky and even dangerous household devices.
If you’ve ever owned a Rinnai tankless water heater, then you know how annoying it is to relight the pilot light — especially if your furnace is in some obscure corner of your house. Maybe your tank has leaked, flooding your basement and ruining your belongings. And while it happens less frequently, bad water heater has a tendency to explode, taking part in their houses with them just like what we talk about in this article about tankless water heater reviews.
Clumsy, out-of-date, tank-based water heaters are driving more and more people to go tankless. As tankless water heated grows in popularity, though, it’s challenging to navigate the saturated market and find the right unit for your needs.
The Japanese company Rinnai claims to be the #1 selling brand of tankless water heater reviews. Whether that’s true, they are one of the most popular brands in the United States. At any rate, they have a lot to choose from! My Rinnai water heaters will help you narrow down your options and find a modern and reliable Rinnai tankless water heaters.[wpsm_titlebox title=”” style=”3″]
The 8 Best Rinnai Water Heaters
Rinnai has been making tankless water heater since the 1920s, and their technology has only improved since then. They offer a wide variety of tankless heaters that cater to different sized houses and households.
As a helpful tip for these reviews, Rinnai’s headers contain useful information in their names. If the model name ends with “N,” it runs on natural gas. Names ending in “P” show that the unit runs on propane. If you already know which type of gas appliances you’ll be using for your water heaters, you can check the names and skip the models that aren’t compatible.
All the tankless water heaters in my Rinnai water heaters come with a 120-month heat exchanger warranty and 60-month parts warranty. The warranties are only valid if the unit is installed correctly, so if you aren’t confident that you can do it yourself, it’s a good idea to have a professional do it.
Decided that you’d like to buy a tankless water heater? Then read on — I will compare several of the tankless water heater in these Rinnai water heaters to help you make the best choice for all your water needs.
1. Rinnai RUC98iN
For the first of my Rinnai reviews, I’ll be looking at Rinnai’s RUC98iN natural gas tankless water heater. If you need instant, continuous water in large quantities throughout your home or commercial space, this may be the unit for you.
Overview
The RUC98iN is a powerhouse of a water heater that can deliver massive flows of water almost instantly. Created for indoor use, the RUC98iN has a 9.8 gallons per minute (GPM) water capacity. And at 82 pounds and 10 x 18.5 x 26 dimensions, it’s compact enough not to be an inconvenience. It also has a minimum/maximum water pressure of 50–150 PSI and a minimum/maximum gas rate of 15,200–199,000 BTU/h.
High Efficiency
With 95% thermal efficiency, This will save you money on your gas bill each month. It also means that you won’t lose heat in the air — most of it will go to the water, which is where you want it.
Dual Pipe System
If you’re looking to heat an ample space, like a big house or a small office building, then the RUC98iN’s dual pipe setup may be appealing. It gives you more options for creating an efficient piping layout, which will ensure that water arrives where you want it without delay.
Variable Venting
The RUC98iN also has versatile exhaust venting options. It’s possible to use either PVC or concentric vent pipes, though the latter style is recommended as it’s more efficient.
2. Rinnai V65IN
For some people, a powerful tankless water heater may not be necessary. Empty-nesters or singles who use little water may want to settle for something more modest than Rinnai’s RUC98iN. That’s why, for the second of my Rinnai reviews, I’ll be looking at the V65IN tankless heater.
Overview
The Rinnai V65IN runs on natural gas and has maximum water of 6.5 GPM rating. It’s a lower rate, combined with its dimensions of 13.9 x 8.8 x 23.6 inches and low weight of 49.6 pounds, making it ideal for use within a smaller home or apartment. Its standard ¾-inch connection type means that it should be easy to install in any home.
App Integration
The ability to control your tankless water heater via a mobile app is probably something you never thought you needed. Rinnai disagrees, so they made it possible to do just that with the V65IN. If you’re uptight about saving every bit of energy factor, then you can use the app to schedule periods of lower usage throughout the day. You can also set it to vacation mode when you plan to be away from home for longer than a day or so.
Leak Detection
Another useful feature that V65IN has is its system. If the unit senses a leak, it will automatically shut off its water supply. It’s a feature that you hopefully won’t need, but it could save you from the inevitable damage that leaks can cause.
3. Rinnai V75IN
Like the sound of the V65IN, but not sure if it’ll be powerful enough? The third of my Rinnai reviews features an alternative Rinnai tankless water heaters reviews that may be closer to what you’re looking for.
Overview
As you might guess, based on the model name, the Rinnai V75IN is a higher water capacity version of its little brother, the V65IN. It has a 7.5 GPM rating flow as opposed to the V65IN’s 6.5. This makes it better suited for small to medium-sized houses, or for small households than the V65IN.
Additional GPM
Is there anything else that sets the V75IN apart from the less powerful version? For starters, it has identical dimensions and weight — 4 x 9 x 23 inches and 49.6 pounds. That means that you would get an extra gallon per minute of water without the unit taking up additional space.
App Integration & Leak Detection
Aside from its convenient size, the V75IN also inherits its junior model’s extra features. Just like the V65IN, the V75IN has app integration.
4. Rinnai V65EP
This fourth Rinnai review is also the first review of a propane tankless water heater. If you plan to heat your water with propane, is the V65EP right for you?
Similar to Rinnai’s V65IN, the V65EP has a 6.5 GPM. It’s also the same size — 9 x 14 x 23 inches and 47.4 pounds.
Overview
Unlike the other models I’ve reviewed so far, it means the V65EP to be installed outdoors. This is great for people who might be pressed for space, especially if you need a water heater for an apartment or house that doesn’t have a garage or basement.
App Integration
Similar to the previous two models I’ve reviewed, the V65EP is Wi-Fi ready — you can control it with an app, just like the V65IN and V75IN. This feature may be more useful for this model since it has to be outside. Instead of going out to change your water heater settings, you can do it sitting down!
Five-Fixture Connectivity
You can connect the V65EP to five different fixtures, whether they’re sinks, showers, or washing machines. It’s the perfect number for a smaller home, but the V65EP could struggle with larger homes that have over two bathrooms.
5. Rinnai RL94EP
Looking for a tankless propane tank water heater that can handle your entire house? If the V65EP doesn’t meet your expectations or needs, then this Rinnai review of the RL94EP may offer you a more suitable option.
Overview
Like Rinnai’s other tankless water heater, the RL94EP is compact. It’s only 14 x 10 x 23 inches and 44 pounds. It has a 9.4 gallons per minute and support for 6 fixtures. These features make the RL94EP a potentially appealing choice for a medium-sized household.
Outdoor Setup
Like the V65EP, the RL94EP belongs outdoors. Thanks to its space-saving design, however, it won’t stick out much and get in the way of your landscaping. The RL94EP also works with Rinnai’s app, so it’s easy to reprogram from anywhere for maximum energy factor savings.
Water Recirculation
What really sets the RL94EP apart from the previous models I’ve reviewed is its recirculation technology. While the other water heater can deliver water line in less than a minute, the RL94EP can do it in mere seconds. This is an optional feature that requires extra installation, but for most people, installing the recirculation system should be worthwhile.
6. Rinnai V65IP
This next Rinnai review covers another propane-based tankless heater: the V65IP. Read on to see how this model could strike a good middle ground between the others I’ve reviewed so far.
Overview
Does the V65IP sound familiar? It should — it’s the propane-based version of Rinnai’s V series tankless heaters. With a 6.5 GPM, it has a similar water output to the V65IN. It’s also the same size — 14 x 9 x 23 inches and 50 pounds.
Wi-Fi Ready
Besides its size and flow rate, it also has Wi-Fi capability and app integration. It belongs indoors, just like its fellow V series models.
Propane Power
So what advantage does the V65IP have over the other V models that I’ve reviewed? Propane is more efficient and burns cleaner than natural gas, so it’s better for the environment. Propane is more expensive than natural gas input.
If you’re having trouble deciding between Rinnai’s V series models, you should take stock of the gas you’d prefer using. For most homeowners, natural gas is the more readily available and convenient of the two energy factor sources. Propane will allow your water heaters to perform optimally. You can’t go wrong either way!
7. Rinnai RU80EN
While all the tankless water heater in my Rinnai reviews are highly energy-efficient, they aren’t the most efficient units available. If you’re after energy factor, and therefore money savings, then the RU80EN might be more appealing than the units I’ve reviewed so far.
Overview
Rinnai’s water heaters are compact, and the RU80EN is no exception. It’s 18.5 x 11 x 26 and 70 pounds — more significant than some other models, but still not much bigger than a microwave oven.
High GPM
The RU80EN’s 8 GPM water capacity is plenty for an average household. It might even be suitable for a more enormous household, depending on your local water source’s ambient temperature.
Condensing Technology
What makes the RU80EN stand apart from the others in my reviews is the fact that it’s a condensing boiler. Condensing tankless water heater operates a bit differently. Instead of venting extra heat, they’re able to add it where you want it — in your water.
Remote Controls
While the RU80EN doesn’t work with Rinnai’s app, you can control it remotely with a separate digital controller.
Indoor or Outdoor
Keep in mind that the RU80EN has two variants — an indoor version and a free version. Indoor water heater are easier to access, while outdoor heaters take up less interior space. While the best form is a matter of preference, I like outdoor water heater better since they stay out of the way. The tankless water heater isn’t exactly meant to be displayed!
8. Rinnai RU180iP
Sometimes, all you need is pure volume. Maybe you live in a large house or own a big restaurant or other commercial space. If you need a lot of water and don’t want to wait for it, this Rinnai review might help you solve that problem!
Overview
The propane-powered RU180iP has the highest water capacity out of the devices in these Rinnai reviews. Its 10 GPM flow could work well for sizable families, frequent showerers, and dedicated dishwashers.
Wall Mounting
While it has the highest output of the models I’ve reviewed, the RU180iP is also the biggest. It’s 22 x 15 x 34 inches — bulkier than the others, but not enormous. It also weighs 74 pounds, but that won’t matter much once it’s attached to your wall! You should install it indoors, so it’s best suited for a garage or basement.
Wi-Fi and Recirculation
The RU180iP combines the best features from all the products I’ve reviewed. It’s Wi-Fi ready and compatible with the app. It’s also capable of recirculating water, so you won’t have to wait after turning the faucet.
Energy Star Qualified
If you’re eager to save power with a new tankless water heater, then you might be interested to know that the RU180iP is Energy Star qualified. That means it’s highly efficient, both in terms of energy factor use and heat retention.
Dual Pipe Setup
To top everything off, the RU180iP has a dual-pipe system. As with the RUC98IN, this setup allows you more flexibility in the way you configure your piping.
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Tankless Water Heater Benefits
I’ve already discussed some major flaws that old-school tankless water heater reviews have. Besides the inconvenience and danger, they also don’t provide a good user experience.
What do I mean by that? Well, let’s imagine that you’d like to take a shower. Depending on where in your house the heater is, you could wait for a minute or even longer for the shower to heat up. Once the water flows, it probably won’t last long — and woe to anyone who wants to shower after you!
The older tankless water heater reviews are also wasteful. Did you know that most showers use about 2 gallons of water per minute? If you have to wait for the water to flow, at least 2 unused gallons of water is going straight down the drain. If you live in a water-poor location where water often gets rationed, you’re not just wasting water — you’re also losing money.
Tank-based heaters don’t just waste resources — they’re also space hogs. Think of how much extra room you’d have for storage in your garage or basement if that humongous tank wasn’t occupying its own corner.
Tankless water heaters like the ones in my Rinnai water heaters can solve these problems. If you’re interested in knowing how they do it, read on!
Instant hot water
Despite storing vast quantities of water, tank-based heaters can rarely supply water right when you need it. That’s because water cools as it travels through your pipes — the longer it goes, the colder it is on arrival. You might get the water right away if the tank is close to your sink or shower, but few people are lucky enough to have that setup.
While it might seem that tankless water heater reviews would take longer to supply water, the opposite is exact. Thanks to powerful heating elements, tankless heaters can produce water in seconds. Some water heater in my Rinnai water heater also has a unique circulation technology that keeps water flowing through your pipes. No matter where your tankless heater is in your house, you’ll never have to wait for water again.
A constant supply of water
Not only do tankless water heater supply water on demand, but they also keep it flowing. tankless water heater takes time to reheat their contents — sometimes, it can take an hour or more to resupply fully. Tankless heaters heat water continuously.
Remember the heating elements that I mentioned above? They heat water almost immediately as it flows through the unit. If the flow of water stays at or below your unit’s threshold, you’ll have water as long as the water heater have a regular supply of gas appliances.
Water and gas savings
Because tankless heaters work so quickly, you won’t need to wait. Turn on the shower and hop in! The amount of wasted water can climb very high, especially in a large household with a lot of members. The less water that gets wasted, the lower your monthly bill will be. It’s even better if your area often suffers from droughts — you’ll be doing your part to preserve local water sources!
While tankless heaters produce a lot of heat, they don’t require as much power as you’d think. The water heaters in my Rinnai water heaters run on different gas appliances, including propane and natural gas appliances.
Although their models differ on the gas appliances they use, modern Rinnai tankless water heaters are vastly more efficient than their older, tank-based counterparts. Increased efficiency means that you’ll use less gas. And as with saving water, saving gas will also save you money every month.
Compact design
Tankless water heater takes up a lot of space, and it’s not just because of their size. Because older water heaters are rarely well-insulated, it’s not a good idea to store things nearby! When I was growing up, our water heater claimed a 5-square foot corner of our garage. That space would have been useful for storing other things!
In comparison, tankless water heaters are compact. Unsurprisingly, their lack of a reservoir tank cuts down on their profile. Beyond that, however, modern Rinnai tankless water heaters have advanced internal components that require little space. Even the largest water heaters in these Rinnai water heaters only measures 22 x 14 x 33 inches — about the size of a standard microwave oven!
So with Rinnai tankless water heaters, you’ll have plenty of room to store other things. Also, your water heaters will be easier to access for maintenance or temperature adjustments.
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The Best Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Rinnai has an impressive lineup of Rinnai tankless water heaters, but one stands apart from the others. Based on safe judgment and research, the Rinnai RU180iP is the Rinnai tankless water heaters out of all the models in my Rinnai reviews.
Not only does the RU180iP combine all the best features from the other heaters, but it’s also the most energy-efficient model on the list. The RU180iP will help you save money, and it’ll ensure that you’ll never be unsatisfied again by a lack of water![/wpsm_titlebox]
