4.7/5 – Bluetooth connectivity to app speeds up initialization process.
Performance
4.75/5 – Exceptional hot water output even during peak demand, for longercold starts due to larger house, recirculation options are available.
Energy Efficiency
4.95/5 – High 0.98 UEF rating for significant energy savings.
Ease of Use
4.25/5 – Rinnai app is useful but has a learning curve.
Value for Money (15%)
4.3/5 – Pricier but justified by long-term savings, reliability and features.
Hey there, Adam here! In my line of work as a water heater consultant, I often get asked about the latest models on the market. Recently, I was managing a property up in the U.P. that needed an upgrade from an old 50-gallon tank water heater. It felt like the perfect chance to try out a new model, so I went with the Rinnai RX180iN, as it’ll also be a great time to write a Rinnai RX180iN review.
With its 10 GPM flow rate and reputation for energy efficiency, it seemed like an ideal choice for a property catering to a large household or even a small business setting. I won’t go into detail, but if you’re interested in learning the specific deductions for this recommendation, read my article about specifically that here.
Unboxing and First Impressions: Rinnai RX180iN review
Straight out of the box, the RX180iN looked and felt robust – no surprises there, Rinnai doesn’t skimp on quality, and the compact form factor takes up so little space compared to the old 50 gallon one we were replacing. Do note that the RX180iN has designs for both indoor and outdoor installation (check with your local plumber to know which one works best for you).
I ultimately picked the indoor model as we were replacing a 50 gallon indoor tank-heater.
Installation Experience: Rinnai RX180iN Review
I’ve installed a fair amount of water heaters in my time, and I found the Rinnai RX180iN to be one of the more straightforward units to set up. An interesting feature that stood out immediately was the Bluetooth connectivity for easy setup with a compatible app aptly called “Smart Connect”. I haven’t seen many tankless units integrating bluetooth, love seeing the big players like Rinnai innovate on the little details like simplifying the initial setup – great job Rinnai!
The Versa Vent compatibility allowed me to choose between concentric and twin pipe venting, a flexibility that saved me time in configuring the optimal venting setup for the space. Keep in mind that for some installations, you might need to invest in more venting kits, especially if you’re dealing with longer exhaust runs.
Performance Testing: Rinnai RX180iN Review
Once installed, I was keen to put this heater to the test. I started by running two showers simultaneously, combined with a dishwasher cycle for 20 mins—essentially simulating a peak usage scenario for a large family. After the (normal) 12 second cold start, the RX180iN handled this without a hitch, maintaining a stable hot water supply with no noticeable temperature drop.
I do want to point out that the property I was managing only had 1 floor – if you have 2 or more floors, you might want to consider a unit with a recirculation system to manage your hot water water wait time.
Real-World Feedback
During the research phase of my Rinnai RX180iN review, I gathered some feedback from fellow RX180iN buyers who had been using the heater. One of the consistent points of praise was its quiet operation – but there were a handful of people complaining about it’s noise. If you were to ever find problems with this, it is most likely due to the surface that you’re mounting the heater on. Check with your local plumber about surfaces and walls you should avoid mounting your tankless water heater on.
Who Is This For?
- Growing Families in Suburban Areas: If you live in a typical 3-4 bedroom home in a suburban neighborhood, the Rinnai RX180iN can handle multiple showers, dishwashers, and laundry loads running at the same time. It’s perfect for busy mornings when everyone is trying to get ready at once without waiting for hot water.
- Homeowners in the Northeast: For families in colder regions like New England, where groundwater temperatures can drop significantly in winter, the RX180iN’s high flow rate and efficient heating capabilities ensure you’ll still get consistent hot water without needing a larger, bulkier unit.
- Eco-Conscious Couples in the West Coast: If you’re living in states like California or Washington and looking to cut down on your utility bills, this heater’s impressive 0.98 UEF rating helps reduce energy consumption, making it a great fit for those focused on sustainability and lowering their carbon footprint.
- Retirees in Warmer Climates: For smaller households or retirees in warmer states like Florida or Texas, the compact size and quiet operation of the RX180iN make it a convenient upgrade for anyone looking to replace an outdated tank heater without taking up much space or creating noise.
Final Thoughts
If I could sup up this Rinnai RX180iN review in a few words, it’ll be – I love love love it! Rinnai always never fails to impress. While the initial investment is higher than some other options, the long-term benefits—such as reduced energy costs and the convenience of smart features—make it worth considering. For this property, this was an ideal fit, and I’m confident it will continue to deliver consistent hot water without issues.
Hey, I’m Adam Miller. After years of crawling through cramped basements fixing water heaters (and discovering some pretty questionable DIY attempts), I figured it was time to share what I’ve learned in a way that doesn’t involve me getting covered in dust. I started this site to help you make sense of the whole tankless water heater thing—whether you’re tired of cold showers or just want to save a few bucks on your energy bill. I like to keep things simple, practical, and if I can throw in a bad joke or two along the way, even better!