Rinnai RL94iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
As consumer demand for energy efficient home appliances continues to grow, tankless water heaters have become quite popular. Because dozens of manufacturers are competing for a market share, the market has quickly become saturated. Rinnai is one of those rare brands that has been manufacturing home appliances for decades, and there is a reason why their loyal clients continue to buy from them, generation after generation.
The newest addition to the Rinnai family of products is the Rinnai RL94iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater. With an impressive max flow rate of 9.4 gallons per minute (gpm), this model is designed for large homes and commercial applications. It boasts a thermal efficiency percentage of 83, and in residential settings, the control settings for the hot water temp range from 98 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Settings for commercial applications can climb as high as 185 degrees.
Weighing in at a hair over 50 pounds, the RL94iN is not a lightweight, but it does have a streamlined, compact design that will minimize the amount of space it requires for installation. The digital controls and LED display are conveniently located on the front of the unit for easy access.
Read on to find out more about what the Rinnai RL94iN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater has to offer!
Key Features
- This model has a thermal efficiency rating of 83%.
- The Rinnai RL94iN is equipped with a MC-91-1US Digital Controller with Error Code Indicator.
- Its max BTU output is 199,000.
- This product is Energy Star qualified.
Pros
- Rinnai offers a 12 year warranty on the heat exchanger, a 5 year warranty on parts, and a 1 year warranty on the cost of labor.
- The design features improved scale detection, which lessens and controls mineral scale deposits.
- The flow delay, after turning on the faucet, averages 15 to 20 seconds.
Cons
- The price tag is expensive.
- The digital controller for commercial applications is not included with the purchase and must be bought separately.
Product Review
At its maximum capacity, the Rinnai RL94in can deliver an impressive 9.4 gallons of hot water each minute. According to Rinnai, this is sufficient to supply hot water to up to five faucets at once. This flexible model is designed to serve both residential and commercial applications. The advanced digital controls will allow the user to different temperature settings for different plumbing appliances. The hot water temperature range begins at 98 degrees and climbs all the way to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit can reach up to 185 degrees in temp, but accessing this higher temperature range requires the separate purchase of a Commercial Controller.
Because the Rinnai RL94iN is powered by natural gas, it will not raise your monthly electricity bill. What most buyers are unaware of is that this model is available in two different configurations: liquid propane and natural gas. Since the power source requirements are different for each model, it is advisable to determine what your home’s available fuel source is before making a purchase.
One of the primary drawbacks of this unit, besides its high price tag, is that it has specific and exacting installation requirements. Being a natural gas tankless water heater, it utilizes an open flame, which does produce emissions. A small percentage of buyers have incurred the additional expense of having to run an additional gas line to their homes when their existing gas line was not sufficient to power the RL94iN. Additional valve and vent kits can be ordered with this unit. Although you might be tempted to install your own water heater, Rinnai strongly encourages buyers to hire a professional to do the installation work.
The Rinnai brand has always been known for the industry leading warranties they offer on all of their products, and this model is no exception. The manufacturer provides a 12 year warranty on the heat exchanger, a 5 year warranty on all components, and a 1 year warranty on parts and labor. It should be noted that Rinnai will honor these warranties only if the installation work is done by a professional and licensed technician.
There have been a minor handful of complaints regarding the amount of noise that the RL94iN produces, but the majority of purchasers believe that its noise output is within the acceptable limits, with the noise level being the same as a bathroom exhaust fan. With the tremendous capacity that this unit offers, a small amount of noise would be expected.
Thank You For Reading
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Rinnai RL94iN is one of the largest and most powerful tankless water heaters on the market today. Although expensive, its price tag is less expensive than what you would pay for other comparable models. Because it has fared well for both professional and consumers, coupled with a strong warranty from the manufacturer, this tankless water heater would be a solid investment for any home or small business.
If this model isn’t the right fit for you, check out my other tankless water heater reviews and see if you can narrow down the right one. We cover a pretty extensive range of products.
