12 Rinnai 95540btu Tankless Water Heater Review of 2026 For Uninterrupted Hot Water

1

Rinnai RE199eP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater, Up to 9.8

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  9.6
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Fuel and Venting Configuration

Operates exclusively on liquid propane and mounts outdoors to eliminate indoor vent pipe runs.

Maximum Flow Capacity

Up to 9.8 GPM

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Delivers up to 9.8 GPM flow rate powered by a 199,000 BTU propane burner
• Outdoor wall-mount design eliminates the need for indoor exhaust venting
• Built-in LED screen provides diagnostic error codes and maintenance reminders
• Backed by a 15-year residential heat exchanger warranty

Cons

• Dedicated to propane supply and cannot run on natural gas without conversion
• Requires outdoor installation and is not suitable for indoor utility closets
• Lacks an internal recirculation pump which requires purchasing REP models

2

NEW Rinnai RXP160iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane

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  9.6
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Energy Factor Rating

UEF .97 condensing efficiency

Recirculation Technology

Features an integrated pump with Smart-Circ scheduling that tracks daily household tap usage.

Pros & cons53

Pros

• Smart Sense gas system adapts to either natural gas or propane supplies
• Versa Vent design supports flexible indoor or outdoor installation setups
• Integrated Smart-Circ recirculation pump learns household hot water schedules
• Super-high UEF .97 energy efficiency rating helps lower gas consumption
• Quick Flush feature simplifies routine descaling and scheduled maintenance

Cons

• Outdoor placement requires purchasing an extra RX-OVC vent cap
• Higher weight at 57 pounds compared to non-condensing alternatives
• WiFi connectivity requires purchasing the separate Controlr module

3

Rinnai RE140iP Non-Condensing Propane Tankless Water Heater, Up to 5.3

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  8.8
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Indoor Space Requirements

Measures 10.77 by 14.05 by 27.28 inches and weighs 48.5 pounds for indoor wall mounting.

Rated Heat Input

140,000 BTU propane

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Compact non-condensing frame fits tight indoor utility closets and basements
• 140,000 BTU propane output supports up to 5.3 GPM for smaller homes
• Clear LED display shows diagnostic codes and routine service reminders
• Long-term residential warranty includes 15 years on the heat exchanger

Cons

• Flow capacity tops out at 5.3 GPM which limits simultaneous winter showers
• Requires dedicated indoor exhaust venting and adequate combustion air
• Configured strictly for propane rather than standard natural gas lines

4

Rinnai V53DeN Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater - 5.3 GPM,

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  8.5
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Cabinet Exterior and Weight

Euro White outdoor housing weighing 33 pounds simplifies exterior wall-mount installation.

Fixture Service Capacity

Up to 4 fixtures at 5.3 GPM

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Lightweight 33-pound cabinet mounts easily on exterior home walls
• Outdoor design avoids indoor venting pipes and roof penetrations
• Delivers 5.3 GPM on demand to supply up to 4 fixtures in mild climates
• Compact footprint preserves valuable indoor basement and utility room space

Cons

• Heat exchanger warranty is limited to 10 years instead of 15 years
• Designed for outdoor installation only and cannot be installed indoors
• Flow rate of 5.3 GPM can drop in regions with cold incoming groundwater

5

Rinnai CX199iN Condensing Smart Sense Commercial Natural Gas or Propane

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  8.4
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Commercial Output Rating

11.1 GPM at 199,000 BTU

Dual-Fuel Versatility

Smart Sense system automatically configures for natural gas or propane without valve swaps.

Pros & cons53

Pros

• Commercial-grade 199,000 BTU burner supplies a massive 11.1 GPM maximum flow
• Exceptional UEF .98 energy rating provides top-tier condensing efficiency
• Built-in recirculation pump with Smart-Circ technology speeds hot water delivery
• Smart Sense gas control operates on either natural gas or propane connections
• Quick Flush port system streamlines periodic descaling and maintenance

Cons

• Substantial 30-inch cabinet footprint requires more wall clearance
• Heaviest heater in the lineup at nearly 60 pounds
• Outdoor setup demands purchasing the optional RX-OVC vent cap

6

NEW Rinnai RX130iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane

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  8.1
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Mid-Size Flow Delivery

Up to 7.1 GPM for 4 fixtures

Maintenance Convenience

Quick Flush feature simplifies lime and scale removal during routine service intervals.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Smart Sense dual-fuel system runs on either natural gas or propane
• Delivers up to 7.1 GPM while maintaining a high UEF .97 efficiency factor
• Versa Vent design provides flexibility for indoor or outdoor placement
• Quick Flush design enables straightforward routine descaling flushes

Cons

• Lacks the integrated recirculation pump found on RXP models
• Outdoor mounting requires separate purchase of the RX-OVC vent cap
• Maximum output of 7.1 GPM can limit multiple simultaneous winter fixtures

7

Rinnai RE199eN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

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  7.8
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Outdoor Ventless Setup

Exterior wall mounting exhausts directly outside without needing indoor flue pipes.

Diagnostic Display

Digital LED error and service screen

Pros & cons43

Pros

• High-output 199,000 BTU natural gas burner delivers up to 9.8 GPM flow
• Outdoor cabinet layout removes the expense and hassle of indoor venting
• Digital LED screen provides real-time diagnostic codes and service alerts
• Backed by a 15-year residential heat exchanger warranty

Cons

• Does not include an internal recirculation pump for instant hot water
• Outdoor non-condensing design cannot be adapted for indoor installation
• Factory set for natural gas and not configured for propane lines

8

H98-510-S Tankless Water Heater Filter Kit for Rinnai Tankless Water

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  7.6
• Brand
  VYH

Key specs2

Filter Kit Contents

• 2 replacement inlet screen assemblies
• 1 multi-use removal tool
• 2 custom-fit removal wrenches

Tool Drive Compatibility

Works with power screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, hex wrenches, or simple manual turning.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes specialized wrenches that prevent plastic housing and thread damage
• Comes with two replacement inlet screen assemblies and a multi-use removal tool
• Removal tool works with manual turning, hex wrenches, or power screwdrivers
• Clears particulate debris that restricts tankless water heater flow rates

Cons

• Contains maintenance accessories only and provides no heating capability
• Compatibility is limited to units taking H98-510-S filter assemblies

9

Rinnai REP199eN Smart-Circ Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater

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  7.6
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Scheduled Recirculation

Smart-Circ pump automatically tracks usage patterns to preheat water during peak demand hours.

Outdoor Flow Capacity

Up to 7.9 GPM for 6 fixtures

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Integrated Smart-Circ pump learns household habits to deliver faster hot water
• Outdoor installation layout eliminates indoor vent pipe installation costs
• Delivers up to 7.9 GPM to easily handle up to 6 fixtures at the same time
• Protected by a 15-year residential warranty on the heat exchanger

Cons

• Outdoor installation is required and cannot be placed inside utility closets
• Propane operation is unsupported as this unit is configured for natural gas
• Controlr WiFi module must be purchased separately for smart app features

10

NEW Rinnai RX160iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane

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  7.5
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Condensing Fuel Efficiency

UEF .97 with 160,000 BTU input

Installation Placement Options

Versa Vent supports indoor utility room direct venting or exterior mounting with the RX-OVC cap.

Pros & cons53

Pros

• Condensing design achieves a superior UEF .97 energy efficiency rating
• Smart Sense technology provides compatibility with natural gas or propane
• Versa Vent accommodates flexible indoor venting or outdoor wall placement
• Provides up to 9 GPM flow rate backed by a 160,000 BTU heating system
• Quick Flush feature provides dedicated access for routine descaling cycles

Cons

• Does not include an integrated recirculation pump unlike the RXP160iN model
• Outdoor installation demands purchasing an additional RX-OVC vent cap
• Requires proper disposal routing for acidic condensing water drainage

11

Rinnai RE199iN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Up to

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  7.3
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Whole-House Indoor Output

Up to 9.8 GPM at 199,000 BTU

Diagnostic Display

Front LED panel displays system operational status and actionable service error codes.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• High-powered 199,000 BTU burner supplies up to 9.8 GPM for whole-house indoor use
• Compact indoor wall-mounted design frees up floor space in basements or closets
• Front LED display provides quick diagnostic codes and service reminders
• Long-term peace of mind with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger

Cons

• Requires dedicated indoor direct-vent exhaust ducting to the outside
• Does not include a built-in recirculation pump for instant hot water delivery
• Operates solely on natural gas and requires separate hardware for propane

12

H98-510-S tankless Water Heater Filter for Rinnai tankless Water Heater

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  7.2
• Brand
  VYH

Key specs2

Filter Dimensions

0.94 x 1.8 x 0.78 inches

Maintenance Interval

Manufacturer recommends inspecting or replacing the inlet screen every 2 to 3 months.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Direct replacement inlet screens protect heater internals from sediment buildup
• Compact 0.94 x 1.8 x 0.78 inch screens install in roughly 5 minutes
• Twin pack provides an extra spare for scheduled 2 to 3 month filter maintenance
• Restores proper flow rates restricted by incoming groundwater particles

Cons

• Does not include specialized filter removal wrenches or installation tools
• Component part only and provides no heating function on its own

Last update on 2026-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can this flow capacity support a shower and another appliance running at the same time?

Yes, higher-capacity models can support multiple fixtures at once, but total output depends directly on your model's flow rating. For instance, the Rinnai RE199iN delivers up to 9.8 GPM at 199,000 BTU to run multiple taps simultaneously, and the V53DeN provides 5.3 GPM to serve up to 4 appliances. Lower-output options, such as 5.3 GPM on the RE140iP or 7.1 GPM on the RX130iN, must divide that output between simultaneous demands, so you should check your incoming groundwater temperature to ensure winter drops do not reduce available hot water below your household demand.

Does a Rinnai tankless water heater require indoor venting or outdoor installation?

Placement depends strictly on whether the model is engineered for direct indoor venting, exterior mounting, or dual-location venting. Dedicated outdoor models like the RE199eN, RE199eP, and V53DeN mount on an exterior wall without indoor exhaust ducting. Indoor models like the RE199iN and RE140iP require direct indoor venting. Condensing Smart Sense units such as the RX130iN, RX160iN, RXP160iN, and CX199iN include Versa Vent technology, which allows installation either indoors or outdoors depending on your home layout.

Can these tankless heaters run on both natural gas and propane?

Certain Smart Sense models work with either fuel, while other units are configured strictly for one dedicated supply line. Models with Smart Sense technology, including the RX130iN, RX160iN, RXP160iN, and CX199iN, can run on natural gas or propane. In contrast, units like the RE199eP and RE140iP are dedicated propane heaters, while the RE199eN, REP199eN, RE199iN, and V53DeN use dedicated natural gas. If your property relies on delivered fuel, you can review propane heaters for home setups to coordinate your storage. If you want to bypass gas supplies entirely, compare demands against an electric tankless water heater for home system to check your breaker panel capacity.

What size gas line is required for proper operation?

Required gas supply sizing depends on the BTU rating of the water heater and the length of pipe connecting it to your meter or regulator. Units in this lineup range from 130,000 BTU on the RX130iN up to 199,000 BTU on the RE199iN, RE199eP, and CX199iN. Because an undersized supply line can cause burner performance drops during heavy use, verify the exact gas line diameter, supply pressure, and maximum pipe run specified in the product manual before completing your setup.

How often do the cold water inlet filter screens need maintenance?

For optimum dirt-holding capacity, replace or clean the inlet filter screen assembly about every 2 to 3 months. The H98-510-S tankless water heater filter kit provides replacement insert screen assemblies and a multi-use removal tool compatible with manual rotation, power screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and Allen wrenches. Keeping this inlet screen clean maintains proper water flow through the heat exchanger and prevents sudden drops in hot water volume.

How much wall space does a Rinnai tankless unit take up?

These compact heaters are roughly the size of a small suitcase, but physical dimensions vary across specific model series. Non-condensing outdoor models like the RE199eP, RE199eN, and REP199eN measure 10.77 x 14.05 x 24.64 inches, while indoor non-condensing models like the RE199iN and RE140iP measure 10.77 x 14.05 x 27.28 inches. Condensing models like the RX130iN, RX160iN, and RXP160iN measure 19 x 19 x 31 inches with weights between 54 and 57 pounds, while the commercial CX199iN measures 30.11 x 18.5 x 30.11 inches at 59.965735264 pounds. Measure your available wall space and check connection clearances before mounting.