Best Rinnai Water Heaters: Reviews & Buying Tips

Explore, review and buy the most energy-efficient and Energy Star certified Rinnai water heaters for residential potable water heating and light commercial applications, and save.

See the reviews of the popular Rinnai tankless water heaters from the V, RL, RU, RUCS, RUS, RUC, and RUR series and boilers, including the latest Sensei line, with and without condensing technology, Wi-Fi capability, smart technology, all powered by natural and propane gas.

Check the specs, online prices, and selection of the top sellers to shop with confidence or fix the problem using the list of the provided Rinnai error codes and troubleshooting tips.

Rinnai water heaters - Buying tips

Rinnai tankless indoor
(photo: amazon)

Rinnai water heaters are small and compact tankless appliances that utilize the latest innovative technology, providing an endless supply of hot water to one or multiple fixtures simultaneously, efficiently.

Rinnai tankless can be used to heat domestic water in homes, commercial applications, and mobile homes, in new or existing homes, regardless of the plumbing configuration or roof construction.

According to the manufacturer, there is a model for any home type using either natural gas or propane (LP).

The small size with the dimensions of approximately 19 "x 26" x 10" makes it perfect for wall installation either indoors or outdoors, freeing up the floor space for other use. Due to the compact and lightweight design, one person could easily handle Rinnai tankless, making installation cheaper.

The state-of-the-art design brings more interaction between the unit and users, allowing Wi-Fi connection and remote monitoring and control using smartphones, including voice control commands.

The users have already confirmed the quality of Rinnai water heaters and gas boilers, which can be seen in the "Most Popular Products" magazine, a builder magazine where Rinnai was voted #1 of all HVAC manufacturers.

Top-selling models

Where to buy Rinnai water heaters?

Below is the list of the best-selling Rinnai gas models found online, where the most praised features include:

• Ultra-efficiency
• Reliable operation
• Recirculation
• Easy installation
• High-quality components
• Long life
• Low gas emission
• Flexible venting
• Lots of power
• Small size

The price of Rinnai water heaters is between $600 and $2300, while the cost of the installation varies from a few hundred to over a thousand.

Most of the top models come with a limited warranty of 15 years in residential applications and 8 years in commercial, which is one of the longest in the industry. A shorter warranty of 10 years is found on the economy models, such as those from the V series.

Features and benefits

High efficiency

There are many benefits for the owners of Rinnai water heaters; reliability, on-demand and almost instant and endless hot water supply, up to 40% energy savings, and high energy efficiency that ranges from 82% to over 90%.

The highest energy factor of 0.96 is found on condensing models from the RU, RUR, and RUC series.

Water flow

Hot water is delivered to the fixture fast, consistently, and accurately, with a minimal fluctuation in the water temperature. Some models have the Circ-Logic recirculation program that cycles an external pump for better comfort and higher efficiency. Hot water is available only when needed, saving you time and energy.

More advanced models such as tankless and condensing models from the RUR series utilize recirculation technology and have the built-in pump and thermal bypass valve, with the dedicated recirculation line mode, so the users wait and waste less. The highest water flow of the single unit is 9.8 GPM, found on RUR199, RUR98, RUC98, and RU98.

If you prefer to have a tankless water heater with recirculation, but there is no dedicated line, don't worry; some Rinnai models incorporate the ThermaCirc360 system with the bypass technology and internal pump, while the cold water line is used as the return line. This is a perfect solution for existing homes where the recirculation line is hard to install.

Smart control

Hot water recirculation can even be controlled wireless by using the Rinnai Control-R Wireless module. By installing the Wireless Push Button or Wireless Motion Sensor near the point of use, you will get on-demand hot water fast and consistently with the right temperature. The latest invention includes voice activation when paired with Amazon Alexa.

The smart technology also allows you to receive automatic maintenance alerts and choose a monitoring dealer at your choice to do remote diagnostics. This is how Rinnai helps you keep the water heater perform outstanding and very efficient – so you can save and enjoy with no worries.

And with the use of a 24-hr programmable digital controller, the user can schedule more than one operation during the day to meet different usage patterns while providing enough hot water at any fixture and at any point in time. Most water heaters have one standard controller integrated, while other types are also available but optional.

Venting options

With the direct vent sealed combustion and flexible installation options, you can install a Rinnai water heater almost on any inside or outside wall. And for more flexibility and faster installation, water heaters from the RUR and RUC series, for example, include one concentric and dual venting PVC/CPVC option on the same model.

Environment-friendly design

Superior advantages are making Rinnai tankless water heaters a world leader in the heating systems: they are "green" as they operate with reduced energy and water consumption, NOx and CO2 emission, and with a long life of 20 years, reducing waste on the landfills. Plus, all the components are replaceable and recyclable.

The actual performance life of gas burners and other heater elements depends greatly on the proper installation, quality, usage rates, environmental conditions, and maintenance.

Best advanced models to buy

Rinnai RUR98e
(photo: amazon)

The best Rinnai water heaters are coming from the RUC and RUR group or SE+ and Sensei series. These super-high efficient models utilize condensing technology, ultra-low NOx operation, smart technology, and the highest efficiency and water flow rate.

From the RUC series, buy the RUC98i model, the largest and most advanced water heater - where the temperature controller is integrated into the front panel for convenience and better comfort. With a high water flow rate of 9.8 GPM, this indoor unit can easily provide a sufficient amount of hot water to homes with up to four bathrooms.

The ability to modulate the power from 15,200 to 199,000 BTU and pre-heat water within the secondary heat exchanger ensures that the RUC98i model operates with reduced energy losses, providing great energy and money savings.

The best models from the RUR series are RUR98 (SE+ series) and RUR199 (Sensei SE+ Series) models. Both Energy Star models can provide hot water fast with a stable temperature, which increases efficiency, comfort, and user experience. This is possible as the units are designed with recirculation technology.

They also provide one of the highest energy factors, up to 0.95, and the maximum water flow rate of up to 11 GPM, making them ideal for large homes no matter the weather conditions.

The most advanced RUR199i/e models from the new Sensei series are even equipped with the integrated features such as the check valve in the venting system and electronics that will protect the unit from freezing weather; to -4 F for the outdoor unit and up to -22 for the indoor model.

The Control-R Wi-Fi module ensures easy remote control. Moreover, with the Amazon Alexa integration, the water heater can be voice-activated for even more convenience.

Flexible venting is another great benefit for users, as the heaters can be installed with concentric or twin pipes up to 150 ft.

This new series comes with the upgraded vent system, which is smaller, lighter, and less expensive and allows 14 possible vent configurations for additional flexibility.

The heaters come with a long 15-year warranty.

Top affordable models to buy

Condensing water heaters are the best from Rinnai but also the most expensive. And that is why we have selected the top affordable Rinnai models to buy, so the homeowners on a budget can also enjoy all the benefits of the tankless technology.

Rinnai RL75, for example, is a good buy as it has a high energy factor of over 0.80, the maximum gas input of 180,000 BTU, and a water flow of 7.5 GPM, which is enough for homes with up to 3 showers working at the same time. This is an environment-friendly unit with ultra-low NOx gas combustion, such as the most advanced ones.

Thanks to the Circ-Logic technology, the RL75 model can also be used in recirculation to deliver hot water fast, and with the Wi-Fi and Alexa capability, the heaters can be remotely controlled, monitored and diagnosed, when the problem occurs.

Another good and affordable model to buy is Rinnai V65 from the Value series, smaller than the previous one but still equipped with quality features and providing decent comfort for less. This one is recommended for smaller homes and where up to two showers are used simultaneously. It is available for indoor and outdoor installation, using either natural gas or propane.

Model selection

Sensei SE+ series (with condensing technology)

• RUR series (RUR199i/e, RUR160i/e, RUR98i/e)
• RU series (RU199i/e, RU180i/e, RU160i/e, RU130i/e, RU98i/e, RU90i/e, RU80i/e)
• RUC series (RUC98i/e, RUC90i/e, RUC80i/e)

SE series (with condensing technology)

• RUCS/RUS series (RUCS75i, RUS75e, RUCS65i, RUS65e)

HE+ series (non-condensing)

• RL series (RL94i/e, RLX94i, RL75i/e)

HE series (non-condensing)

• V series (V94i/e, V94xi, V75i/e, V65i/e, V53e)

(note: i - indoor, e - outdoor)

Compare Rinnai models

Buy the Best of Rinnai

Pros and cons

Pros

• A great number of models to choose from, with different sizes and designs, and for almost any home type.
• Never run out of hot water.
• Consistent supply of hot water.
• All Rinnai models are used for the whole house and point-of-use residential and commercial heating.
• Condensing models come with ultra-efficiency.
• Unnoticeable cold water sandwich effect due to the modulating gas burner and capability to work with the recirculating pump.
• Some indoor models have the digital temperature controller built-in, while others have the controller supplied.
• Simplified problem diagnostics through displayed error codes.
• Wi-Fi capable.
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics.
• Fast hot water delivery with the recirculation.
• Environment-friendly design with ultra-low NOx gas emission.
• It takes little space, it saves the wall and floor space - makes the installation easier.
• Flexible vent installation with the long pipes.
• Every part is replaceable.
• There is no pilot light; the ignition is electronic and automatic.
• The noise level is low.
• Contribute to LEED certification.
• Improves Home Energy Rating Index scores.
• Up to 15-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger for residential use.
• Up to 8-year warranty on Rinnai replacement parts.

Cons

• For some consumers and specific models, it takes several minutes to get hot water delivered (We say: it depends on how far your point-of-use is); for others, there is no real increase in time to get hot water compared to tank-type heaters.
• LC code can be seen often due to calcium issues and hard water. (Recommendation is to buy a water treatment system or flushing kit and flush the unit periodically).
• Expensive to buy the condensing model (non-condensing is more affordable).
• Hard to install.
• Professional installation is expensive.

Conclusion

Based on the hundreds of reviews of Rinnai tankless water heaters we have seen, many customers were happy with the purchase. When comparing Rinnai vs. Rheem, Noritz, Takagi, or Bosch, such as in this article Noritz vs.Takagi vs. Rinnai comparison, you will see that Rinnai quality is often superior in providing an "endless comfort and performance."

About Rinnai

Rinnai Corporation, owned by Rinnai Japan, distributes Rinnai water heaters. The business was founded in the 1920s and in the early 1930s this Japanese manufacturing giant started producing gas appliances. Distribution began operating in North American in 1974, and in 2001 a new state-of-the-art distribution, research, and training facility opened in Peachtree City, Georgia. The Rinnai manufacturer, as opposed to other manufacturers, produces all components and parts.