,

Rinnai RUR Water Heaters: Review and Buying Tips

Rinnai RUR199 tankless water heaterRinnai RUR199 tankless water heater
(photo: amazon)

Find out how to benefit from buying a Rinnai tankless water heater from the RUR series and using it in residential or light commercial applications. Explore the latest advanced features and see how the Rinnai RUR line of tankless water heaters compares to other models.

Rinnai RUR water heaters are recommended for new homes and ones that need an upgrade, also and where the old tank-type or less efficient unit can't keep up with the hot water demand of the growing family.

With the professionally-installed Rinnai RUR water heater, homeowners will enjoy all the benefits from such an advanced unit, never running out of hot water, and having plenty of hot water delivered fast to multiple showers, large baths, and even hot tubs.

Homeowners can also take advantage of high energy and money savings, remote monitoring and controlling using a smartphone and installed mobile app.

Rinnai RUR water heaters: Models review

Rinnai RUR water heaters are top-of-the-line and Energy Star models that are coming from the SENSEI Super High-Efficiency Plus group.

There are two sizes and eight tankless models available; RUR160 and RUR199, all designed for indoor and outdoor installation, and powered by natural and propane gas.

These tankless heaters offer cutting-edge technology, which utilizes advanced electronics and smart engineering so it can use Wi-Fi for remote monitoring and scheduling, and Amazon Alexa voice control system for enhanced convenience and comfort.

In addition to that, condensing technology ensures ultra-high energy efficiency for significant savings.

Rinnai RUR160i. This is an indoor model that can produce up to 160,000 BTU and deliver up to 9 GPM of hot water, which makes it ideal for supplying plenty of hot water to 2-5 fixtures, working at the same time.

Rinnai RUR160e. This is an outdoor model that can also produce up to 160,000 BTU and deliver up to 9 GPM of hot water, making it recommended for use with 2-5 fixtures working simultaneously.

Rinnai RUR199i. This is an indoor model that can produce up to 199,000 BTU and deliver up to 11 GPM of hot water, which makes it ideal for 3-6 fixtures working at the same time.

Rinnai RUR199e. This is an outdoor model that can produce up to 199,000 BTU of power and deliver up to 11 GPM of hot water and used for 3-6 fixtures working simultaneously.

All the models can use natural gas or propane.

Features review

Ultra-efficient heating

Rinnai RUR tankless water heaters are built without storage tanks. The condensing technology, modulating gas valve, two heat exchangers, and a powerful gas burner ensure on-demand water heating and continuous hot water delivery.

Except for the ultra-high efficiency, they also operate with lower exhaust temperatures making the venting system easier to install.

ThermaCirc360 recirculation

What makes the Rinnai RUR series unique is its compliance with the ThermaCirc360 - water heating recirculation technology. Even if there is no dedicated return line, hot water is delivered fast - instantaneous; there is no wasted time and energy.

The ThermaCirc360 features bypass technology, internal pump, Circ-Logic recirculation technology, timer, and thermal bypass valve, all working together to save water, energy, and time.

This feature ensures faster hot water delivery throughout the home, with the significantly reduced wait time for hot water, enhanced convenience, and comfort. It also reduces energy consumption and greenhouse emission.

Digital controller

With the provided 24-h digital controller and its programming option, even more, energy can be saved, as the hot water usage can be scheduled 24 hours, 7 days a week.

The temperature controller is built into the front panel of the indoor-type water heater, and except the temperature control, it is also beneficial for problem diagnostics, as it displays error codes for easy troubleshooting and faster repair.

With the provided button, you can increase or decrease the temperature, also lock the controller, even obtain performance data (flow rate, temperatures, combustion hours, fan frequency, pump cycles, and others).

Great power, water flow, and low pollution

Rinnai RUR Ultra series water heaters (you can buy it on amazon.com) with its ultra-low NOx gas burner, can produce the maximum power of 199,000 Btu (RUR199 model) or 160,000 Btu (RUR160) and deliver plenty of hot water - up to 11 or 9 GPM (it requires some parameter adjustments), which makes them great for up to 6-bath homes.

Thanks to the modulating gas valve, the power can be reduced from 199,000 Btu to a low 15,200 Btu and water flow rate to 0.26 GPM, which is excellent for small jobs, such as shaving or face washing.

By installing the EZConnect Cable, two units can be electronically connected, which will make them operate as one.

Temperature controller

With the included controller, the hot water temperature can be adjusted from the minimum 98 F to the maximum 140 F in residential applications.

Flexible venting

Indoor models utilize a direct venting system with the concentric vent and twin-pipe PVC/CPVC configuration on the same indoor model, providing greater flexibility than other Rinnai non-condensing models.

Internal models can also be installed as non-direct vent models with the Category IV type of vents, and as opposed to a direct venting system (air provided from outside), non-direct models can get the combustion air from indoors.

In both cases, the exhaust must be vented outside.

The outdoor units are ventless, and they use the fresh outside air for combustion and where it releases the products of combustion. It is recommended to install them inside the recess box to protect them from the elements.

Installation

Rinnai RUR160 and RUR190 are both certified for installation in residential and mobile (manufactured) homes, not only for domestic water heating but also for combination water and space heating.

Feature highlights

  • The maximum Uniform Energy Factor of 0.93 and Energy Star approval ensures excellent energy savings and reduced NOx emission.
  • Compatible with the ThermaCirc360 allowing recirculation with or without the dedicated return line.
  • More venting options on the same unit by using the concentric PP and dual PVC/CPVC.
  • Easily adapts to existing plumbing with or without the dedicated return line.
  • The digital controller is included in all models. With the time and duration adjustment of the circulation system operation, the energy savings are maximized.
  • Ultra-Low NOx emission, thanks to the green condensing technology.
  • Safety features include; flame rod, boiling protection, combustion fan rpm check, thermal fuse, frost protection, OHS, and over-current protection.
  • The filter can be installed to reduce the sediment buildup.
  • Standard gas and water connections of 3/4".
  • Warranty; 15 years on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts.

Specifications

Model/Specs Rinnai RUR199i/RUR199e Rinnai RUR160i/RUR160e
Gas input (BTU) 15,000-199,000 15,000-160,000
Water flow (GPM) 0.26-11 0.26-9
Number of fixtures 3-6 2-5
Energy factor 0.95 0.95
Temperature setting (F) 98-140 98-140
Noise level (dB) 49/53 48/52
Max. vent length (ft) 150 150
Size (inch) 18.5x11.5x31.3(28.4) 18.5x11.5x31.3(28.4)
Weight (lbs) 73 71
Warranty (years) 15/5/1 15/5/1

Conclusion

Rinnai RUR water heaters, RUR160 and RUR199 are excellent solutions for high-demanding homes. All the models can be purchased online at a reasonable price.

Due to their small and compact design, RUR models save on space and can be easily installed and maintained while providing endless hot water in continuous supply, fast, and with less energy and water waste.

These gas appliances are ultra-efficient and green, also smart to modify the power based on the needs, diagnose the problem where the error codes are used for easy troubleshooting.

You might like these