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Review of Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

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Plastic was all the rage decades ago, but nowadays, we’re always struggling to eliminate it from our life. It’s the same with water heater systems with tanks that have been reliable for so many years. Due to the high energy consumption and the always rising energy bills, more and more people are turning to newer and better solutions. Tankless water heaters are one solid choice to check.

What makes tankless water heaters a viable solution in your home?

The most significant positive aspect of tankless water heaters is that they only give hot water on demand, using energy exclusively when tapping the water. They don’t require a tank nor power to keep the water warm 24/7. Less heat also leads to a lower energy bill, which is good for your wallet. Tankless water heaters are known for the high energy efficiency, with most models being environmentally-friendly.

Taking care of a tankless water heater is also cheaper and more comfortable than in the case of traditional systems with tanks. The water doesn’t stay in the system, so the risk for magnesium and calcium in the water to damage the system is minor. Since the tankless water heaters pose a low risk for corrosion, they also tend to last longer than conventional tanks. As for maintenance, you only need to install a water softener if the hardness of water is high. Flushing may also be necessary for most models, but it’s only once a year.

One of the many challenges of traditional water heaters with tanks is the storage space they require. But that’s not the case with the tankless water heaters, which are small and compact, and very easy to fit in. They typically come with subtle profiles, so finding them a spot in your home, without losing much storage space, shouldn’t be difficult.

Do tankless water heaters have any flaws? Unfortunately, they do. Price for gas models and secure electric units will throw some off, and the installation costs may increase the upfront investment. Modern tankless water heaters are DIY projects, but you may void the warranty when not hiring a professional licensed plumber. At the end of the day,  you’ll still find the tankless water heater a wise investment for the future, especially when checking the energy bills.

Is Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas as amazing as they say?

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas is a solid option when you want hot water with less energy. Not only that Energy Star qualifies the unit, but it also draws attention with the 96% energy efficiency. The water heater is similar to other Rinnai models and provides you several venting options, with PVC and concentric, the essential options.

Along with the high energy factor, the unit stands out with the low emission of NOx and CO2, thanks to modern technology. Truth be told, the price may scare some customers away, but Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas is worth every single penny.

Let’s take a closer look at the technical information!

When you need a powerful tankless water heater for your large household, Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series, Condensing Indoor Natural Gas is your no.1 choice. Due to the 96% energy efficiency and impressive recirculation technology, the unit gives hot water endlessly, while lowering your energy bill.

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas comes with numerous features that explain its performance and value. The built-in circulation pump ensures efficiency, whereas the internal by-pass pipe provides internal recirculation. Since it’s a modern model, Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas comes with Wi-Fi control so that you may easily connect it to the network.

It may not sound that big of a deal, but the Wi-Fi function lets you check and adjust the heating settings according to your needs.  Let’s not forget to mention the reprogrammable digital controller that lest you change the temp and save energy while doing it. The remote control eases out the adjustments for sure. The re-circulation technology helps the unit produce hot water endlessly for medium to large-sized households. The water heater may be too much for a home with a small family.

The impressive 9.8GPM water flow will sustain several bathrooms and sinks simultaneously, without ever worrying about pressure drop. You may reduce the water flow to 0.26, depending on your needs at a time.

The temperature doesn’t fluctuate throughout the use. The water heater works fast and heats the water in no time, so you don’t get the chills why waiting in the shower for hot water to come out. By the way, Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas output ranges from 15,200 to 190,000 BTU, which says a lot about the adjustability and power of the tankless water heater.

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas heats water from 98 to 185F degrees, depending on where the system is installed. The temperature ranges from 98 to 140F degrees in residential applications, whereas the temp can get as high as 185F degrees for commercial use.

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas comes with ultra-low NOx gas burner, eliminating the emission problem. Therefore, you may install the unit inside your home without ever stressing about the damaging fumes inside the house. It’s a fantastic benefit of Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas, especially when checking the opponents.

Installing the unit is straightforward, which isn’t typical for Rinnai water heaters. You need basic technical knowledge for completing the installation, but the installation manual is pretty straightforward to follow. Some video tutorials online may give an extra hand. Should you not have the skills, don’t hesitate to hire a Rinnai technician- it’s more affordable than you may think. Twin pipe PVC/CPVC offers flexibility for the installation.

The build is also worth mentioning. Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas includes many safety features (flame rod, thermal fuse, combustion fan rpm check). It also presents protection to frost, boiling, OHS, and over-current.

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas isn’t a lightweight unit (it weighs 70pounds) and needs some storage space too. It’s not a common situation for tankless water heaters, but that’s a small price to pay considering the strength and performance you get in return.

What are the best parts about it?

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas is one of the models that make it difficult to resume only to the pros. However, here’s a list for the road:

  • It’s durable, sturdy, and dependable
  • You should use it for medium to large-sized households
  • It’s reliable for commercial applications too
  • It’s safe and has Low-NOx emissions
  • It includes dual pipes for better performance
  • The safety features are many
  • It’s very well made and durable
  • It’s highly energy efficient
  • It produces up to 9.8GPM

Do the flaws worry us?

The pet peeves are minor and easy to overcome, mainly when you’re focusing on the positive aspects. Here they are:

  • It’s not a cheap unit
  • It’s too much for a small household
  • It’s heavyweight and rather massive
  • It’s better that you hire professional help for installation

Take the plunge or not?

Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas is quite a powerhouse among tankless water heaters. You shouldn’t get it if your household is small. Rinnai RUR98iN Ultra Series Condensing Indoor Natural Gas is a secure, dependable, loaded with features unit. It works best in large homes and commercial applications, as long as your wallet isn’t thin.

We can definitely connect you with a trusted provider in your area to repair, replace or maintain your heating and A/C systems. Why not let us find a professional for you?

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