If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you may wonder if a tankless option is right for your home. I was in the same boat not long ago – wanting endless hot water, but I needed to figure out the pros and cons. After months of research, I landed on the Rinnai RL94IN and couldn’t be happier.
Now that I’ve had some time installing it, I want to share my real-world experience. In this review, I’ll break down what really sold me on the RL94IN, as well as some things you might not find in the typical sales brochure. My goal is to give you an honest homeowner’s perspective so you can feel confident making your decision.
First, I love having endless hot showers without concern for running out. No more lukewarm finishes! The Rinnai RL94IN delivers a steady stream of 105° water without temperature swings. I’m also saving a bundle on utility bills compared to my old 50-gallon monstrosity. And don’t get me started on the space savings – this sleek unit is less than half the size.
There are a few important things I wish I had known beforehand, too. Installation can be more involved than with a traditional water heater. And while customer support is top-notch, it does require essential maintenance. All in all, the ups far outweigh any downs in my book.
By the end of this review, you’ll understand what real-world tankless ownership is like. Feel free to ask any other questions! I’m happy to share more about my experience to help your decision-making.
What did I like in Rinnai RL94IN ?
Making the Most of Limited Home Space
When I first saw the dimensions of the Rinnai RL94IN natural gas indoor tankless water heater natural gas, I could hardly believe such a big performance could come in such a small package. At only 17.5 inches wide, this thing is miniature compared to the bulky old tank water heater it replaced.
Living in a townhouse with limited storage, every square inch of space is valuable real estate. So, being able to stash the water heater away unobtrusively in a hall closet is a huge bonus. Plus, the compact footprint means it can fit seamlessly into areas a traditional heater simply wouldn’t.
Some of the creative installation solutions I’ve seen online have impressed me. Folks have mounted the RL94IN high up on walls, tucked into attic crawl spaces, and even retrofitted old tank slots with its svelte size in mind. The flexibility lets you personalize where it goes and squeeze the most use out of constrained spaces.
At first, I was worried something so small might not keep up with our hot water needs. But I’ve been very pleased with its output – even on busy mornings; it keeps all four showers steaming without issue. It just goes to show you can’t judge capabilities by appearance alone!
If maximizing every nook of your home is essential, the Rinnai RL94IN’s compact design deserves a close look. You’d be amazed at how much versatility such a diminutive package provides. It’s proof of the old saying – good things come in small packages!
Efficient and Endless Hot Water On Demand
Have you ever found yourself waiting for the hot water to reheat after someone in the house turned on too many taps? Are you worried about running out of hot water during a long shower? If these situations sound all too familiar, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.
As the name implies, tankless water heaters heat water directly without storing it in a tank, meaning they can deliver an endless hot water supply on demand. No more running out or having to wait for more to warm up. With a tankless hot water heater hooked up, you can use as much hot water as you need whenever you need it.
Aside from the convenience, Rinnai water heaters are way more efficient than traditional tank models. Standard tanks constantly heat a large volume of water 24/7, even if you aren’t using any. This wastes a lot of energy. Tankless units only turn on their heating elements when hot water flows through them. According to the Department of Energy, they have no standing water to reheat and use 25-30% less energy constantly.
Tankless portable hot water heaters also tend to last much longer than tanks since they don’t have the same risks of corrosion, leaks or rust from idle water. Manufacturers report lifespans of 20+ years, about twice as long as traditional tank units. The cost savings from reduced energy usage and longer product lifespan help offset a tankless water heater’s higher initial price than a tank model.
As a busy parent of three kids, I was at my wit’s end, trying to keep up with the constant hot water demands around our house. On weekends, it was non-stop laundry, dishes and showers. We finally switched to a water heater system a few years ago, and it’s been life-changing. Now, I don’t have to worry if someone jumps in the shower before the dishwasher is done. With Rinnai RL94IN tankless, the hot water keeps flowing no matter how many taps are on at once.
The specific unit we have is a Rinnai RL94IN. It delivers an impressive flow rate of 9.8 gallons per minute. That means it can support multiple fixtures running simultaneously with ease. I can’t tell you how nice it is to get the whole family cleaned up without temperature fluctuations or having to take turns. In the winter, it’s extra cosy, knowing hot water will be there whenever I need it, thanks to the unit’s non-condensing system and high-efficiency ratings.
While the installation cost was higher than a regular water heater replacement, for us, the benefits have justified it. Our utility bills are noticeably lower thanks to the energy savings. And the amount of stress and hassles we no longer have to deal with around hot water is worth more than any price in my book.
If multiple people in your household are heavy water users like mine, a tankless water heater is the way to go for comfort and convenience now and well into the future. It may cost more upfront than a tank model but will more than pay for itself with lower operating costs and a long lifetime of endless hot water on demand.
User-Friendly
After we installed our Rinnai RL94in a tankless water heater a couple of years ago, I’m consistently impressed by how user-friendly it is daily. As someone who could be more tech-savvy, I appreciate appliances that work intuitively without fussing over menus and buttons.
The digital control panel and LED display on the Rinnai RL94IN is neatly laid right on the front, so I never have to contort myself behind cabinets trying to adjust anything. Everything is clearly labelled and easy to navigate with the turn of a dial. I love increasing or decreasing the temperature a few degrees with the kids. No more scalding showers!
Making any settings changes is refreshingly simple. When we had guests staying over last month, I quickly walked them through increasing the flow to accommodate more users. Even my mother-in-law, who’s not big on technology, could get the tankless up and running to her preferences without trouble. I can see why Rinnai designs for ease of use – it removes a lot of potential stress when you need hot water ASAP.
Reliability has been another massive plus with this unit. In the two years we’ve owned it, I have yet to do a thing to maintain the Rinnai other than the occasional wiping down of the exterior. No error codes, leaks or repair calls – it works like clockwork whenever I need hot water. The peace of mind from such a low-maintenance operation has been worth its weight in gold, especially during periods when my schedule is nuts.
If you’re in the market for a new water heater and value simplicity alongside performance, I recommend considering the RL94 from Rinnai. Its user-friendly digital controls and LED display have provided our household with hassle-free hot water time after time. I’m always impressed by how effortlessly it fits into our daily lives!
What did we dislike in this model?
Regarding high-performing tankless water heaters, the Rinnai RL94IN is one of the most popular models out there. Its near-instant hot water, energy savings, and compact design make it easy to see the appeal. However, no product is perfect – so I wanted to take a closer look at some of the potential issues users have reported with the RL94IN.
Cost and installation were two areas that came up the most in my research. At around $1,500, there are more affordable options than the Rinnai RL94IN. Factor in any additional costs for installation or upgrades to your gas line, and it represents a sizable investment—several online reviews mentioned needing to pay plumbers extra to run new supply pipes. While tankless units are smaller than traditional water heaters, proper venting and gas line sizing are still important to get right.
The RL94IN’s demanding installation requirements are both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, its high performance needs sufficient gas pressure to function optimally. But for some homes, older or undersized pipes resulted in failed installations or additional expenses to remedy. Rinnai recommends professional installation for this reason, which drives costs up further.
I saw a minor complaint related to its minimal emissions as a gas appliance. Like any open-flame water heater, there will be some exhaust fumes produced. Potential odor could be a non-issue or deal-breaker for installs near windows or ventilation systems depending on your priorities and home layout.
My Verdict
My overview of the potential pros and cons was helpful as you consider the Rinnai RL94IN for your home. Tankless water heaters offer great convenience – but their installation requirements make them more of an investment than a simple drop-in replacement.
From everything I’ve read, the RL94IN performs extremely well when installed correctly. Many past buyers rave about the endless hot water and savings on their utility bills. But it’s worth getting multiple quotes from plumbers and checking your home’s gas setup before taking the plunge. The last thing you want is to deal with costly revisions or need help getting it running.
My advice would be to really do your research first if you’re drawn to the Rinnai RL94IN’s power and efficiency. Have your gas lines evaluated, get specific recommendations on any additions or upgrades needed, and then factor all expected costs into your budget. An easier fit is a less demanding tankless model or a traditional water heater if your home isn’t a solid candidate. I also reviewed Rinnai model RU199iN.
At the end of the day, only you can decide what level of potential hassle is worth it for long-term satisfaction. However, sharing my analysis of this unit’s most commonly reported downsides has helped provide a more well-rounded perspective. The RL94IN could be a fantastic choice if your homework shows it’ll be a simple install. With the right preparation, many homeowners rave about the endless hot water it provides.
I also recommend to check other tankless water heaters:
