Rinnai RL94iN A Newer Model of R94LSi
A newer model of the previous R94LSi is the Rinnai RL94iN. This luxury series tankless water heater, like the R94LSI has been reviewed favourably online by customers who purchased it from different websites.
There is also the another model under this series that utilises propane as a fuel; Rinnai RL94iP.
As compared to R94LSi, this new model has some new improvements, which I have included in my unbiased review below.
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 compact and sleek design that does not take up a lot of space upon installation unlike a tank water heater that will come 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 also be installed together with an additional temperature controller: MCC-91-2US that can increase 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 non-toxic to the environment.
Green Product
Rinnai RL94iN is an Energy-Star® certified product with its thermal efficiency of 84% and energy factor of 0.82. It also meets California and Texas NOx emissions standards. Its energy factor of 0.82 also means that installing a Rinnai tankless water heater will qualify you for a $300 US Federal Tax Credit
Besides that, being a tankless water heater there is no costs incurred on the standby power that is required to maintain the temperature of the water in the storage tank of a traditional tank water heater.
Additional Functions
The enhanced scale detection function, which will control and lessen the formation of mineral scale deposits (limescale) in your tankless water heater, especially for areas with “hard” water is included in the Rinnai RL94iN and not for R94LSi. Thus this will increase the life expectancy and ensure the efficiency of your unit.
This is important because limescale build-up will lead to a drop in water temperature, resulting in more energy required to maintain your desired temperature. Extensive usage of hard water will also lead to a drop in life expectancy of your unit.
The built-in Rinnai Circ-LogicTM recirculation program for this Rinnai tankless water heater controls the on/off sequence and operational cycles of the recirculation pump based on key variables like the length of recirculation loop, piping insulation, and the homeowner’s comfort and efficiency preferences. The in-built temperature lock function that also prevents the accidental or unauthorised changes to the water temperature.
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
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?
Amazon
57 customers at Amazon gave the Rinnai RL94iN an average of 3.7/5.0. Out of 57 customers, 29 gave it 5.0/5.0.
Alpine Home Air
The Rinnai RL94iN is also available at Alpine Home Air but there are no reviews.
National Builder Supply
The Rinnai RL94iN is available at National Builder Supply but there are no reviews.
Customer Reviews on Rinnai RL94iN
I have read recent reviews on Rinnai RL94iN and summarised them below into pros and cons.
The Pros 🙂
The mentioned pros by customers for this Rinnai tankless water heater include,
Functionality; quality workmanship, plus its ability to produce hot water and support water sources for items like oversized bathtubs and quiet mode of operation,
Consistent temperature; the consistent hot water produced by the RL94iN has been consistently mentioned by customers to be an asset,
Space saving capability; being a tankless water heater also means that customers get to enjoy this benefit as opposed to the traditional tank water heater,
Monetary savings; the tax credits, savings in utility bills enjoyed by customers who installed the Rinnai RL94iN.
The Cons 🙁
Mentioned cons by customers include,
“Sandwich effect”; this is actually an unexplained phenomenon which as described by a customer, when the hot water was turned on, it gets hot for 10 seconds then cold for 15 seconds then finally hot consistently,
Inability to function at places with low inherent water pressure; this has been mentioned by customers due to its optimum range of 30=80 Psi.
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.
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
(Download Specification Sheet for Rinnai RL94iN here)
(Download Operation and Installation Manual for Rinnai RL94iN here)
(Published on 21st April 2013)
(Last Updated 25th February 2015)
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!
