Who Rinnai fits
Rinnai is the tankless unit we install most often. If you are replacing an existing tankless, Rinnai is a natural pick when you want service and parts that are easy to come by. If you are converting from a tank, we first confirm the house is a good tankless candidate, because the brand does not change the physics: the gas, the vent, and the demand have to work.
Rinnai's residential page lists several tankless families. The condensing models are the RX (SENSEI RX), RXP (SENSEI RXP), RUS, and RUCS. The non-condensing models are the RE, REP, and V. Rinnai also lists an REHP heat pump water heater and I-SERIES Plus condensing boilers, including combi models that provide space heating and hot water. Named features include the Rinnai Central mobile app and Smart-Circ recirculation. We focus on tankless, so ask us if you are curious about the others.
What to know before choosing Rinnai
Condensing or non-condensing
Condensing models are rated for higher efficiency; Rinnai describes the SENSEI RX as a condensing design rated up to 0.98 UEF. A condensing unit also has to deal with condensate, and non-condensing units have their own venting requirements. We confirm which style fits your vent path and drain options as part of the assessment.
Gas line and meter
Most homes in our service area have a standard "250" gas meter, rated for 300,000 BTU/hr. We apply a 75% demand factor to your total connected gas load and check it against that rating. If a tankless pushes you over, we price an upsized line, often from 1/2" to 3/4". The calculator on our tankless page gives a ballpark, and we confirm on site.
Vent path
Gas units are typically vented through the wall with a concentric vent kit. We look at the exit point and clearances before we quote.
Scale
Local water has enough mineral content that most units need an annual descale on most units. We can do it or show you how. If you want help with water quality, see water quality and filtration.
How we install a Rinnai
- Assessment. We measure incoming water temperature, check gas and electrical capacity, and pick the mounting spot.
- Sizing. We calculate temperature rise and your peak simultaneous demand, then choose the unit.
- Flat-rate quote. One number, told to you before work starts.
- Install and commissioning. We run gas, water, and vent, mount the unit, and test temperature rise across all fixtures.
- Permit and inspection. Pulled and scheduled by us where required.
- Registration. We register the warranty, which matters more on a Rinnai than you might expect (see below).
Rinnai warranty: register it
The official page is rinnai.us/support/warranty. Rinnai states that all its tankless water heaters come with labor coverage of 1 year, and that you can extend that to 5 years if you register the product within 90 days of purchase. It adds that labor coverage does not apply to all products. Residents of California and Quebec, and other places that prohibit tying warranty benefits to registration, do not need to register to get the longer periods.
That 90-day window is why we register every unit we install ourselves instead of leaving it to chance. The page also says improper installation may void the limited warranty, that the warranty applies to products installed in the United States and Canada, and that products bought from unauthorized online dealers may not carry a Rinnai warranty. It recommends a trained and qualified professional who has attended a Rinnai installation training class. Heat exchanger and parts periods are in the warranty documents for your model, and terms vary by model.
Rinnai also offers an Extended Service Plan on certain models. Details are on its site, and we do not quote them here. Our own workmanship warranty is separate and is explained on the brands page.
When we would steer you somewhere else
- Your home is a small, single-bath house where a quality tank or hybrid costs less and does the job. See water heaters.
- Your gas line cannot be upsized economically, or the vent has nowhere to go.
- You want a heat pump unit with a bigger footprint, in which case Rheem or Ruud hybrid lines may be the better fit than a Rinnai tankless.
- You bought the unit online from an unauthorized seller. Rinnai says that may not carry its warranty, so call us before you buy.
Next step
Get a ballpark with the instant estimate, or contact us to book a free assessment. Compare the other brands we install on the brands page.