The Rinnai RL75iN is a popular non-condensing tankless water heater. It is known for being easy to install and highly efficient.
Other expert reviews all give praise to this model with many even finding it difficult to find a fault. Read on to find out why this tankless water heater deserves such a good ranking and whether it is suitable for your household.
Rinnai RL75iN Natural Gas Tankless Heater Review
This is a high capacity tankless water heater that is ideal for large households. With a maximum flow rate of 7.5 gallons per minute, this single unit is enough for up to 4 bathrooms.
However, this does depend on the local groundwater temperature. Rinnai recommends up to 3 fixtures for local water temperatures of 57°F or less and 4 or 5 fixtures for areas with higher temperatures.
| Type | Gas tankless |
| Max Flow Rate | 7.5 GPM |
| Warranty | Up to 12 years |
| Capacity | Up to 5 fixtures |
| Dimensions | 17.5 x 31 x 13 in |
| Recirculation capable | Yes |
| Ultra low Nox | Yes |
| Energy Factor Rating | 81% – 82% |
The warranty lasts up to 180 months for the heat exchanger but is only 12 months and 60 months for the labor costs and spare parts respectively. However, many experts predict that this product will last your for up to 20 years so don’t worry about the product quality.
One downside is the energy rating. At 81% – 82% it performs below the standard or many electric tankless water heaters which is also why this model did not receive a star energy rating.
Recirculation Capable
The performance and features of the Rinnai RL75iN are very impressive and highly suitable for modern daily living. One of the most interesting features is that it is capable of recirculation thanks to circ-logic technology.
One of the disadvantages of a tankless water heater is that it takes a few seconds before the hot water flows out of the faucet. The solution is a recirculation system that delivers hot water instantly.
There are several ways that this system can work so it depends on the model. Essentially, this system ensures that there is hot water moving through the pipes continuously so that when a faucet is opened there is no lag time.
Safety Features
Don’t forget about the safety features when buying a new water heater. Fortunately, this version has all the most important qualities in making sure it runs smoothly.
The unit has a tracker that acts as a reminder for the next routine maintenance time. It also measures the performance so that you are informed when there are faulty spare parts or problems with how it is running.
All products have a heat lock which makes sure there is no sudden temperature change. This is especially important for households with small children. The production is also reviewed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to ensure that each one has safe nitrous oxide emission levels.
There is also a leak detection system that automatically closes off the inlet valve to prevent worsening the situation. Finally, it has anti-frost protection that warms up the water in the pipes during extremely low temperatures to avoid freezing.
Advantages
This is a very compact design, even when compared to other tankless water heaters. Despite its size it has a high capacity which means that larger households are able to save a lot of space by installing this unit.
The high flow rate is very welcome for homes with several bathrooms. Many alternatives only reach 5 – 6 gallons per minute, even at higher groundwater temperatures.
Despite all its modern features, the RL75in is relatively easy to install. It is always wiser to have a professional do it for you but the more experienced homeowners may be able to do it themselves.
Expect a long lifespan for this product because of the high-quality materials such as the stainless steel tank. This means that the unit is less likely to leak and break down from worn down parts.
Disadvantages
Being a non-condensing water heater, it is important to have the appropriate venting. This might put restrictions on the places where it can be installed.
Regular maintenance is also necessary, with removing sediment from the main unit being the most important step. Fortunately, this is done relatively quickly using the drain valve.
The Verdict
Overall, this is a great modern design for large households. The extra features are not common in similar products from other brands so this Rinnai version wins on user-friendliness and advanced technology.
This size is perfect for large homes with several bathrooms. You can even spoil yourself with instant hot water by making use of recirculation technology. In short, this is a great product worth its price for performance and quality.
