Last updated on March 5th, 2022 at 04:14 am
Image from Amazon
Compared to R94LSi, the Rinnal RL94iN has some new improvements covered here in my unbiased review.
Benefits of owning a Rinnai RL94iN
Production Capacity of 9.4 GPM
With a production capacity of 9.4 GPM, there is no fear of hot water running out for your household with the Rinnai RL94iN installed. In fact, it can provide hot water to up to 5 plumbing and appliance units simultaneously.
Compact and sleek design
This Rinnai tankless water heater has a space-friendly compact and sleek design, unlike a tank water heater with a storage tank. However, the RL94iN can only be installed indoors only and is certified for installation in mobile homes.
Digitally controlled temperature setup
Adjusting and troubleshooting of this tankless water heater is controlled by an in-built control panel digitally (MC-91-2US) and ranges from 98 Degrees Fahrenheit to 140 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Similarly like the R94LSi, the RL94iN can be installed together with an additional temperature controller: MCC-91-2US. This increases the maximum temperature from 140 to 185 Degrees Fahrenheit. This option is available for commercial or hydronic purposes.
Runs on natural gas or propane
As compared to oil and coal, natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel in terms of emission, with the least emissions in terms of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, with virtually no ash or particulate matter released. Propane is also a viable alternative fuel source, like natural gas, is lower in terms of harmful emissions.
Green Product
Rinnai RL94iN is an Energy-Star® certified product with its thermal efficiency of 84% and energy factor of 0.82. Installing this tankless water heater also qualifies you for 300 USD under the non-property energy property tax credits. It also meets California and Texas NOx emissions standards.
The Rinnai RL94iN, like all Rinnai products, has a longer life span of more than 20 years compared to traditional tank water heaters. The primary components that make up all Rinnai tankless water heaters like the digital panel and heat exchanger are also all recyclable.
Additional Functions
The Rinnai RL94iN possess some in-built functions like:
- Enhanced scale detection function that controls and lessens the formation of mineral scale deposits (limescale), especially for areas with “hard” water. This is critical as limescale build-up will lead to a drop in water temperature causing more energy required to maintain your desired temperature. Hence, this function will increase the life span and efficiency of your unit.
- Circ-LogicTM recirculation program allows the control of the on/off sequence and operational cycles of the recirculation pump using key variables like the length of recirculation loop, piping insulation, and the homeowner’s comfort and efficiency preferences.
- Temperature lock function prevents the accidental or unauthorised changes to the water temperature that also prevent tampering by kids.
Summary of Specifications for Rinnai RL94iN
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Height = 23 in. Width = 14 in. Depth = 9.3 in. Weight = 46 pounds |
| Hot Water Capacity | 0.26 to 9.8 GPM |
| Installation Mode | Indoors |
| Minimum Activation Rate | 0.4 GPM |
| Minimum/Maximum Gas Rate (Input BTU/h) | 10,300 – 199,000 |
| Minimum/ Maximum Water Pressure | 20 – 150 PSI (Recommended water pressure 30-80 PSI) |
| Ignition | Direct Electronic |
| Temperature Settings | 98°F - 140°F (factory default) 98° F - 185° F with MCC-91-2US |
| Type of Controller | MC-91-2US (included) MCC-91-2US (optional for Commercial or Hydronic Applications) MC-100V-1US Deluxe Controller (optional) BC-100V-1US Bathroom Controller (optional) |
| Electrical | AC 120 Volts, 60 Hz |
| Electrical Consumption | Normal: 97 Watts Standby: 2 Watts Anti-Frost Protection: 120 Watts |
| Service Connections | Gas Supply: 3/4 Inch MNPT Cold Water Inlet: 3/4 Inch MNPT Hot Water Outlet: 3/4 Inch MNPT |
| Venting | Direct Venting |
| Approved Gas Types | Natural Gas or Propane |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes |
| Energy Factor | 0.82 for Natural gas or Propane |
How does the Rinnai RL94iN rank on popular websites?
Alpine Home Air
2 customers at Alpine Home Air gave it an average rating of 5.0/5.0. Out of 2 customers, all gave it the maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Amazon
488 customers at Amazon gave it an average rating of 4.4/5.0. Out of 488 customers, 306 gave it the maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Lowe’s
1204 customers at Lowe’s gave it an average rating of 4.4/5.0. Out of 1204 customers, 667 customers gave it the maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Home Depot
633 customers at Home Depot gave it an average rating of 4.4/5.0. Out of 633 customers, 377 customers gave it the maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Supplyhouse
5 customers at Supplyhouse gave it an average rating of 4.2/5.0. Out of 5 customers, 4 customers gave it the maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Total Home Supply
1 customer at Total Home Supply gave it the maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Customer Reviews on Rinnai RL94iN
I have read reviews for Rinnai RL94iN from verified purchasers and summarised them into their pros and cons.
The Pros
Quality workmanship, quiet mode of operation, space-saving design and the capability to handle multiple concurrent modes of usage are mentioned advantages. One unit of RL94iN, as mentioned by a customer, is able to support two showers and laundry without running out of hot water.
Consistent hot water production, with minimal fluctuations in temperature, is also frequently mentioned by customers.
Another asset was the savings in utility bills that were enjoyed by customers making it a green product worth considering.
The Cons
Licensed professionals aka Rinnai ACE (Advanced Comfort Expert) is recommended for hire to carry out installation and servicing. Click here to access the link for the list of professionals. Nevertheless, there were also cases of self-installation where it is mentioned that insufficient documentation is provided in the manual.
Besides the consistent hot water production, similarly there were cases of fluctuation in temperatures though it is due to more of the seasonal changes in water temperature and not the capability of the unit.
Another con mentioned by customers would be the inability of the unit to function at places with low inherent water pressure due to its optimum range of 30 to 80 PSI.
The customer service was a commonly mentioned drawback; Multiple reviews have stated that Rinnai did not honor their coverage criteria in their warranty, with poor support from their dealership.
Product information and manual
Warranty
There is a limited warranty that comes with the Rinnai RL94iN. The heat exchanger is covered for 12 years for residential usage only, 10 years for residential and space heating, and 5 years for commercial settings. There is a 5 year warranty for the other parts and 1 year labour warranty coverage.
Download the document below:
Note: In order for this warranty to apply, it is required that a licensed professional who has attended a Rinnai installation training class did the installation of this water heater.
Click here to access the link provided by Rinnai to find the licensed professional or ACE (Advanced Comfort Expert) in your region.
Manual
Specification Sheet (PDF)
Operation and Installation Manual (PDF)
Best Deals for Rinnai RL94iN
As I was doing my research on this Rinnai tankless water heater, I found out that among the reputable websites that offer this product, Amazon was the only site that consistently offers the lowest prices for RL94iN.
Therefore if you are interested, here is the link: Rinnai RL94iN Best Deals
About Wilson YeoI am the admin of Green Energy Helps and I possess a keen interest in how green energy and how leading a green lifestyle can help to reduce our individual carbon footprints.
From my website, I will provide useful information about green energy and tips that allow you to leave the green way. Besides that, I will provide unbiased reviews about green products and whether they are suitable for you!