,

A Review of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters from the V Series

Exploring the Rinnai V series of tankless water heaters for indoor and outdoor installation and selecting the best models to buy. A review of the main features, technical data with the comparison table of V94, V75, V65, and V53 models for a comfortable buying experience.

Rinnai V series: Models and features review

Differences

Rinnai V series water heaters are available in four series and sizes; V53, V65, V75, and V94, with the 15 models total. Every series includes indoor (i) and outdoor models (e), except the V53 group (only outdoor models are available), also models using natural gas (N) and propane (P).

The Rinnai V53e model is the cheapest of all Rinnai and is available only as the outdoor unit, as opposed to other models from the V series.

It doesn't have the temperature controller MC-91-2US included, but it is optional. It comes only with the status monitor. This is also the smallest and least powerful unit, with the 120,000 BTU of power, but can modulate to its minimum of 15,500 BTU, which is ideal for smaller jobs, like handwashing or shaving. With the flow rate of 5.3 GPM, it is very useful to have it in small homes, cottages, and apartments.

Rinnai V65i and Rinnai V75i (available on amazon.com) are designed for small and medium-size homes, providing up to 7.5 GPM of hot water and power of up to 180,000 BTU.

Rinnai V94 comes in three models V94i and V94Xi, as an indoor and V94e as an outdoor model, having a water flow of a maximum of 9.8 GPM and power of 199,000 BTU, or 192,000 BTU for the V94Xi model.

These are recommended for the whole-house water heating and up to 5 fixtures. Models are ultra-low NOx, making it great for environment-conscious owners. Even with the higher gas input, models from the V94 series are not Energy Star compliant as their energy factor is around 0.82.

Power and efficiency

Rinnai V75i water heatersRinnai V75i
(photo: amazon)
Rinnai V75eRinnai V75e
(photo: amazon)

Rinnai water heaters from the V series are non-condensing and economy models, designed in four sizes for residential potable water heating only, reaching the efficiency of 0.82, which is still higher than most tank-type gas water heaters.

Even built as economy models and for budget-oriented families, these water heaters can still generate up to 199,000 BTU as the best condensing models: RUR, RUC, and RU models, but have lower energy factors of 0.82 vs. 0.95. These are ideal for homeowners looking to replace an old tank-type water heater as the retrofit or installing one in the brand new home.

Advanced control

The Rinnai V series, from the smallest V53 to the largest V94, can provide endless hot water with the maximum temperature of 140 F in a single and multiple applications. The temperature can be set and controlled by using the MC-91-2US temperature controller, where the error codes are displayed if there is a problem with the unit.

These models are also Wi-Fi capable for added convenience, so the units can be remotely controlled and monitored.

Easy handling and installation

Due to the small size of 14" x 23" x 9" for most models, water heaters are easy to handle and mount on the wall, utilizing a direct concentric venting system and closed combustion when installed inside the house.

Venting

Indoor water heaters are designed with closed combustion, using the outside air for gas combustion while safely moving the products of combustion out, making them suitable for closet, attic, and crawl space installations.

The outdoor models are ventless - using the built-in power blower and provided slots for the exhaust.

Clean gas combustion

All Rinnai water heaters from the V series are made for water heating on demand while continuously supplying hot water to the residential and mobile homes only, using natural and propane gas, except the V94Xi, which uses natural gas only.

Users can enjoy less pollution thanks to the eco-gas burner and ultra-low NOx gas combustion found on most models.

Feature highlights

  • Direct electronic ignition eliminates the need for the pilot light
  • The environment-friendly burner complies with the 20 ppm NOx emission levels
  • The temperature controller MC-91-2US is built in the indoor models, while it is provided with the outdoor models (except the V53e model). It displays the info on its LCD screen, such as the temperature of hot water and the error codes.
  • Scale control system
  • Hot water temperature lock, which prevents accidental temperature changes
  • Water flow sensor, electronic water control device, and fixed by-pass
  • Safety devices such as the flame rod, boiling remaining flame, frost protection (up to -22 F)
  • Diagnostic systems help in service
  • Advanced electronics

Specifications - Technical data

Models / Specs V53e V65i/e V75i/e V94i/e
Gas input (BTU) 19,000-120,000 10,300-150,000 10,300-180,000 10,000-199,000
Water flow (GPM) 0.26-5.3 0.26-6.5 0.26-7.5 0.26-9.8
Energy factor 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.82
Activation rate (GPM) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
Temp. settings (F) 98-140 98-140 98-140 98-140
Altitude height (ft) 10,200 10,200 10,200 10,200
Size (inch) 14 x 21 x 7 14 x 23 x 9 14 x 23 x 9 14 x 23 x 9
Weight (lbs) 34 43.6-45.6 43.6-45.6 44.3-46.3

Warranty

With the purchase of any Rinnai V model, the manufacturer provides a limited warranty of 10 years, 5 years on the parts, and 1 year on the labor.

Rinnai V series water heaters are the most affordable tankless units to buy from this manufacturer. The units can, as the more advanced models from RUR, RUC, or RU series, provide an endless supply of hot water to up to four fixtures, with endless comfort and performance - saving space, time, energy, water, and money for every user.

emergency plumber

You might like these