Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heaters || Energy Efficiency Explained 2025

  • Key Takeaways
  • Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater
  • Energy Efficiency and Performance
    • Reviews
  • Smart Technology and Controls
    • Reviews
  • Design and Installation Flexibility
  • Condensing vs Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
  • Advantages of Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
    • Reviews
  • How Condensing Tankless Water Heaters Add Value to Your Home
  • Buying Guide
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What is the efficiency rating of the Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater?
    • Can the Rinnai RX199iN be installed outdoors?
    • How much hot water can the Rinnai RX199iN provide?
    • Does the Rinnai RX199iN have WiFi connectivity?
    • What maintenance features does the Rinnai RX199iN offer?
    • Is professional installation required for the Rinnai RX199iN?
    • What makes the Rinnai RX199iN energy-efficient?

Key Takeaways

  • Condensing tankless hot water heaters, such as the Rinnai RX199iN, provide unbeatable energy efficiency, with a UEF rating of .98. This incredible efficiency minimizes energy waste and can cut your energy bills by up to 30%.
  • These heaters are time-tested workhorses, heating water instantly as needed. This is thanks to their impressive, high-performance output of 199,000 BTUs, even at peak hour demand.
  • Smart technology capabilities offer the ultimate in convenience and exact temperature control. Relax with the conveniences of a Smart Sense gas control system, Wi-Fi connectivity (optional) and digital temperature controls.
  • Compact, wall-hung configurations free up precious floor space. Their flexible installation options allow for indoor and outdoor installation, making them ideal for tight homes and businesses.
  • Condensing models are able to recycle heat from exhaust gases. This process results in more energy savings and lower greenhouse gas emissions than non-condensing units.
  • Installing a condensing tankless water heater increases your home’s value and appeal to environmentally-friendly buyers. It drives sustainability goals and saves you money on utility bills!

With the Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater, you get a reliable, endless supply of hot water with superior performance. It uses either natural gas or propane, and it provides up to 11 gallons per minute. This powerful output can provide over seven fixtures at the same time.

The space-saving, wall-mounted design frees up valuable floor space. At the same time, the Smart Sense gas control system minimizes energy use and delivers a remarkable efficiency rating of UEF .98.

Designed for indoor and outdoor installation, this high-efficiency heater comes with a Versa Vent system for venting versatility. Overall, it provides a powerful heating capacity of up to 199,000 BTUs.

You’ll get fast hot water, and you can set the maximum temperature to 140°F.

Rinnai RU199iN Condensing Tankless Hot Water Heater, 11 GPM, Natural Gas, Indoor Installation
  • Endless Hot Water: Our tankless hot water heaters offer unlimited whole-home hot water flow and come equipped with Circ-Logic for pairing with an external pump to reduce wait time for hot water via scheduled or on-demand recirculation
  • Energy and Space Efficient: The tankless design of this small hot water heater saves on space and conserves energy as it heats only when necessary
  • Optimal Water Pressure: With a hot water flow rate of up to 11 GPM, this tankless water heater provides a powerful, constant stream that can accommodate up to 7 appliances at once
  • Professional Installation Recommended: Visit the Find a Rinnai PRO page on our website to locate a qualified technician in your area to install your water heater; We do not recommend installing a water heater without a technician
  • Guaranteed to Last: 15-, 5-, and 1-year residential for heat exchanger, labor, and parts, respectively; Wifi monitoring available with Controlr module (not included)

Energy Efficiency and Performance

The Rinnai RX199iN has an awesome UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) rating of .98. This elite energy efficiency means real savings for you. This figure represents the efficiency of the unit’s energy consumption to heat water.

In real-world terms, it’s our greatest tool to cut wasted energy. By heating water only as needed rather than all day in a tank, energy use is kept to a minimum. This last feature is an all-around win for your wallet and the environment.

With a powerful output of 199,000 BTUs, the water heater is capable of powering multiple fixtures simultaneously without a hitch. Even high demand like morning showers and running the dishwasher are no problem.

It even takes a bite out of peak evening loads too boot! The Smart Sense gas control system automatically adjusts to demand, optimizing performance and maximizing efficiency.

It’s a tightrope between providing reliable, even heating and wasting gas on milder days. Its small footprint doesn’t only conserve space, it allows for practical installation in confined spaces without sacrificing performance.

You receive efficiency while maintaining function and convenience.

Reviews

Since implementing this unit, I’ve seen a drastic decrease in my energy bills, as much as 30%. Even at peak use, such as when we have guests, I have never run out of hot water.

Smart Technology and Controls

Rinnai RX199iN has a smart Sense gas control system. This technology maximizes their efficiency and helps maintain predictable performance. This innovative system smartly manages the gas consumption of your water heater. It saves energy, cuts down on waste, and saves you money on your energy bills, without sacrificing your comfort.

Use it for a quick morning shower or enjoy a long soak after a hectic day. It does so smartly, controlling fuel consumption in both situations.

If you’re a fan of convenience, you’re going to want to check out the optional Control-R module. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can monitor and adjust your water heater anywhere. From your smartphone you can adjust settings, monitor performance or even remotely power the unit on or off.

This feature is great for those who are more schedule-challenged. It’s fantastic for property managers and developers, too, who want to make sure their water heaters aren’t accidentally left on when they should be off.

The digital temperature controls that let you go even further with your HVAC system. You can make very exact changes to the water temperature. This allows you to dial it in perfectly to your preference, taking all of the guesswork out.

You can fine-tune the controls to get your perfect comfort just the way you like it. Whether you prefer a little warm water for handwashing or hotter water for deep cleaning, both are easily attainable!

Incorporated self-diagnostic tools make it easy to maintain built-in tech by catching issues before they can become problematic. From automated error code diagnosis to comprehensive system checks, this smart feature removes all the guesswork from troubleshooting.

You’ll be able to immediately identify what requires your attention and return to enjoying limitless hot water before you know it.

Circ-Logic technology is another feature that’s really impressive. This technology adapts to your household’s water usage patterns. If your family tends to use hot water in the mornings or evenings, this feature ensures it’s ready when you need it most.

By learning your habits, it’s smart enough to save energy and get rid of the annoying wait for hot water.

Reviews

Personally, I think the smartphone controls are the coolest and most convenient. Whether it’s adjusting the water temperature or monitoring the system’s status from across the world, it’s the everyday conveniences that count.

That self-diagnostic system, in turn, has proven to be a lifesaver. When there is a problem, I immediately know what to fix without having to place a service call to a technician.

Design and Installation Flexibility

The Rinnai RX199iN is an industry favorite for its small footprint, about the size of a carry-on suitcase. This design feature greatly simplifies finding a place for it – much more so than one would expect from a water heater. Perhaps you have a hidden-away utility closet or not a lot of wall space in your garage.

Due to its design, it is incredibly versatile! For those of us with smaller homes or multi-purpose spaces, this is a huge benefit. Depending on your installation setup, you can install it indoors and outdoors. This level of design and installation flexibility is especially beneficial for private residences with limited space considerations, or for businesses that require a functional, thoughtful placement.

Patented Versa Vent technology maximizes venting efficiency and creates even greater design and installation flexibility. It easily accommodates many designs yet still delivers spectacular performance. Its space-saving, wall-mounted design opens up valuable floor space.

One of the things I’ve seen this be most useful for though are in apartments or dense areas where space is at a premium. To ensure safety and precision, we suggest getting your components professionally installed. This method ensures a seamless process and ensures that your water heater is functioning at peak performance.

I really appreciated how the elegant design matched my home’s contemporary aesthetic. Thanks to all the incredible guidance, the actual installation day was simple, fun, and easy!

Condensing vs Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, like the Rinnai RX199iN, are changing the energy efficiency game. They do this by reusing heat from exhaust gases. This process recaptures the heat that would otherwise be lost, creating more efficient energy use.

With the RX199iN, that wasted heat is captured and reused to warm the water more effectively, leading to less energy used. Condensing models are a no-brainer for the average household. They significantly reduce energy bills, often with superior performance.

Non-condensing units do generally have a lower upfront cost. They’re based on a more basic process that’s not leveraging the exhaust heat. In turn, this costs you more money on energy bills over time.

If you’re looking at long-term savings, the difference is clear. This means that investing in a condensing model, such as the RX199iN, could be more expensive up front. It pays for itself in no time by reducing your utility costs.

Your decision between the two often depends on factors like budget, available installation space, and your priorities for long-term efficiency. For users with less space or a smaller budget, a non-condensing unit may be more attractive.

For anyone truly looking to invest in sustainability and energy savings, Rinnai’s advanced condensing technology is impossible to ignore.

Energy Efficiency

The RX199iN really stands out with incredible efficiency. Its intelligent features not only optimize performance but provide an added layer of convenience.

What I discovered was that customers again and again prefer condensing models for their environmental benefits and clear cost-effective performance over time. A lot of folks out there want to save energy and be green.

That’s why the Rinnai RX199iN is one of our favorite contenders in this category.

Advantages of Condensing Tankless Water Heaters

Condensing tankless water heaters, such as the Rinnai RX199iN shown above, recycle heat as they operate, making them extremely energy-efficient. These advanced systems save energy by capturing and reusing exhaust heat. As such, they use far less energy to heat water, which results in significant savings on utility bills.

For instance, someone upgrading from a traditional tank water heater might see a significant drop in energy costs over time. This incredible efficiency isn’t only great for your bank account, it helps create a more environmentally friendly home.

Their small physical footprint is a second benefit. They save valuable space, too, without the bulky tank. This makes them ideal for smaller residences or multifamily spaces, where each square foot is important.

That smaller footprint means you can install them in tighter spaces, such as a closet or utility room, without sacrificing performance. Their capacity to give unlimited hot water at any one time to several fixtures simultaneously is a real trump card.

Shower during dishwashing or laundry? No problem, the endless supply of hot water is still going strong. This added reliability makes them even more convenient, particularly for households with more water needs.

Enhanced efficiency means lower greenhouse gas emissions. These systems use energy more efficiently, making them better for the planet – a huge plus to environmentally-conscious consumers. Selecting a condensing tankless water heater could make a huge difference in your carbon footprint.

It’s a little fix with big long-term benefits. With a long lifespan and less frequent maintenance than traditional systems, these heaters are made to endure. They’re less susceptible to problems such as tank corrosion leading to costly repairs and replacements.

Taking the time to invest in one can save an immense amount of time and stress later on.

Reviews

What I’ve found and heard from many others who use these, myself included, is that the energy savings and performance are very real. The savings on my energy bills and the fact that I never run out of hot water really improve my quality of life.

I appreciate its environmental advantages, which were a large part of what drew me to this model in the first place.

How Condensing Tankless Water Heaters Add Value to Your Home

The Rinnai RX199iN is a condensing tankless water heater that’s built with energy-efficient technology. This technology is a double win, reducing your carbon footprint while increasing your home’s market value. Given their potential to reduce energy consumption, these systems are ideally positioned to meet the increasing consumer desire for a green lifestyle.

As energy costs go up, a home with that kind of technology is just a better investment. Today’s buyers are attracted to sustainable and high-tech upgrades. A condensing tankless water heater is a powerful selling point, particularly among consumers who want high efficiency while enjoying the endless hot water convenience.

Not only does it save you money, but it shows your commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly a top priority for homebuyers. Even if selling isn’t on your radar, the lower energy bills are an obvious advantage for any cost-saving minded homeowner.

Unlimited hot water availability is the other big benefit. From luxurious long showers to easily running several appliances at once, it just takes it all in stride, improving your day-to-day experience.

What I’ve found is that energy efficiency usually jumps out as a feature to buyers in resale negotiations, generating some serious interest.

Buying Guide

The Rinnai RX199iN usually costs from $1,200 to $1,600. Your total out-of-pocket cost depends on which features you want and which retailer you buy from. While we know that this is a big upfront expenditure, it’s important to think about the long-term energy efficiencies gained.

Its 96% thermal efficiency and Smart Sense gas control mean lower utility bills year after year. This feature combined with its durability makes it a budget-friendly investment for the long haul. It’s good to consider installation costs, since we highly recommend professional installation for safety and performance.

You can purchase this model at major home improvement stores, online retailers such as Amazon, or directly through Rinnai’s authorized dealers. It pays to compare prices and look for sales or coupons to ensure you get the best value.

Before determining if this is the right water heater for you, consider how much hot water your household uses. With a flow rate of 11 gallons per minute, this tremendous potential makes it capable of handling up to seven fixtures at the same time. Hence, it’s perfect for bigger families or houses with several bathrooms.

This design aspect allows it to function well if installation space is at a premium, whether installed inside or outside. Remember to check your energy source—either natural gas or propane—to ensure it’s compatible with your home’s system.

Rinnai provides a five-year limited warranty on parts plus a one-year warranty on labor. Since the conditions can differ tremendously, be sure to check the fine print before deciding.

Remember, retailers vary widely in their return policies. Reviewing these policies will ensure you have recourse if the product is not what you hoped for.

Conclusion

Condensing tankless water heaters are a smart solution to energy savings, smaller utility bills, and hot water on demand. Their efficiency, space-saving design, and cutting-edge technology make them a wise investment for today’s home. From better temperature control to more durable materials, they provide powerful performance with less environmental impact.

Plus, upgrading to a condensing model will ultimately increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to future buyers. From quick and convenient installation alternatives to high-efficiency energy savings over the lifespan of the system, these units offer a unique combination of benefits and flexibility.

If you’re ready to make your home more comfortable and efficient, learn about the possibilities. When you invest in a condensing tankless water heater, you’re investing in a smarter way of living and a more sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the efficiency rating of the Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Tankless Water Heater?

The Rinnai RX199iN has an impressive Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.98. This remarkable efficiency makes it an ideal option for reducing energy expenses.

Can the Rinnai RX199iN be installed outdoors?

Yes, the Rinnai RX199iN is an outdoor and indoor tankless hot water heater, due to its Versa Vent innovation.

How much hot water can the Rinnai RX199iN provide?

The Rinnai RX199iN provides an impressive output of 11.1 GPM, sufficient to power 7 fixtures at the same time with hot water.

Does the Rinnai RX199iN have WiFi connectivity?

WiFi connectivity is supported with the optional Control-R module (sold separately).

What maintenance features does the Rinnai RX199iN offer?

It even comes with a Quick Flush feature that simplifies routine maintenance, boosting the lifespan of the unit.

Is professional installation required for the Rinnai RX199iN?

See the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation, maintenance, and repair tips, as well as how to operate safely and efficiently.

What makes the Rinnai RX199iN energy-efficient?

Its Smart Sense gas control system and Energy Star qualification significantly improve efficiency and minimize energy usage.

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