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. 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, also last much longer than those traditional tank water heaters by more than 20 years. 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 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.
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. Hence this function increases the life expectancy and ensure the efficiency 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 |
| 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 the Rinnai RL94iN an average rating of 5.0/5.0. Out of 2 customers, 2 gave it a maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Amazon
488 customers at Amazon gave the Rinnai RL94iN an average rating of 4.4/5.0. Out of 488 customers, 306 gave it a maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Lowes
1204 customers at Lowes gave the Rinnai RL94iN an average rating of 4.4/5.0. Out of 1204 customers, 667 gave it a maximum rating of 5.0/5.0. (discontinued)
Home Depot
633 customers at Home Depot gave the Rinnai RL94iN an average rating of 4.4/5.0. Out of 633 customers, 377 gave it a maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Supplyhouse
5 customers at Supplyhouse gave the Rinnai RL94iN an average rating of 4.2/5.0. Out of 5 customers, 4 gave it a maximum rating of 5.0/5.0.
Total Home Supply
1 customer at Total Home Supply gave the Rinnai RL94iN a 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 below.
Installation and assembly
It is recommended that a professional is engaged to install this unit if the buyer has not much experience in installation and plumbing. The list of licensed professionals aka Rinnai ACE (Advanced Comfort Expert) segregated by regions to carry out installation and servicing of Rinnai products can be found on the Rinnai website. Click here to access the link.
Nevertheless, there were also cases that the installer was the customer himself/herself. This was where it was mentioned that the documentation provided in the manual was insufficient.
Functionality
Quality workmanship, quiet mode of operation, space-saving design and the ability of the RL94iN to keep up with demand when it’s needed were mentioned fulfilment in terms of functionality. One unit of RL94iN, as mentioned by a customer, was able to support two showers and laundry without running out of hot water.
Consistent hot water production, with minimal fluctuations in temperature, was also frequently mentioned by customers. However, there were cases of fluctuation in temperatures mentioned though it was due to more of the inherent water temperature due to seasonal effect and not the capability of the unit.
Another asset was the savings in utility bills that were enjoyed by customers making it a green product worth considering. However, one mentioned con 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.
Customer Service
Multiple reviews from customers have commented that Rinnai did not honor their coverage criteria in their warranty, with poor support from their dealership.
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.
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.
(Download the Warranty document here)
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 the Specification Sheet for Rinnai RL94iN here)
(Download the Operation and Installation Manual for Rinnai RL94iN here)
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!
