11 Rinnai Vs Navien Tankless Water Heater of 2026 For Whole-Home Demand

1

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

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.6
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Outdoor Placement

Eliminates indoor exhaust venting runs

Capacity Rating

Produces 199,000 BTU with maximum flow ratings reaching up to 9.8 GPM for multiple simultaneous outdoor-fed fixtures.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Delivers high heat capacity with a 199,000 BTU propane burner rated up to 9.8 GPM
• Outdoor installation design eliminates the need for indoor venting penetrations
• Exterior LED screen shows diagnostic service reminders and error codes directly
• Long 15-year heat exchanger warranty paired with 5-year parts coverage

Cons

• Dedicated to outdoor setup and cannot be mounted indoors
• Lacks an internal recirculation pump unlike the REP199eP variant
• WiFi connectivity requires purchasing the separate Controlr module

2

NEW Rinnai RXP160iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.6
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Built-In Recirculation

Includes an internal pump paired with Smart-Circ technology that tracks daily usage patterns to circulate hot water on schedule.

Fuel and Venting Flexibility

• Runs on natural gas or propane with Smart Sense
• Versa Vent supports indoor or outdoor locations
• Outdoor setup requires the separate RX-OVC vent cap

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Smart-Circ internal pump learns household routines to schedule hot water recirculation
• Dual-fuel Smart Sense system operates on either natural gas or propane
• Versa Vent design supports indoor or outdoor placement with the optional RX-OVC cap
• Achieves high efficiency with a 0.97 UEF rating and provides up to 9 GPM flow

Cons

• Outdoor installations require purchasing the separate RX-OVC vent cap
• At 57 pounds and 31 inches tall, it is bulkier than non-condensing units
• Remote mobile monitoring requires adding the optional Controlr module

3

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

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Compact Space Fit

48.5 lb cabinet for tighter indoor utility areas

Flow Output

Delivers up to 5.3 GPM using a 140,000 BTU propane burner, suited for modest multi-fixture demand.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Compact 140,000 BTU footprint fits tight utility spaces with a 48.5-pound weight
• Delivers up to 5.3 GPM to handle smaller households and simultaneous fixture use
• Built-in LED screen provides clear maintenance codes and system troubleshooting
• Non-condensing design includes 15-year heat exchanger residential coverage

Cons

• Max 5.3 GPM flow rate can limit hot water during peak demands in cold climates
• Runs strictly on propane and cannot connect directly to natural gas supplies
• Requires dedicated non-condensing indoor venting and lacks a built-in pump

4

Rinnai RE180iN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater, Up to

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.5
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Natural Gas Output

180,000 BTU heating capacity

Flow and Fixture Support

Rated for up to 8.5 GPM, capable of running up to 5 fixtures at once depending on ground water temperature.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Natural gas burner provides 180,000 BTU delivering flow rates up to 8.5 GPM
• Compact wall-hung frame preserves floor space in indoor utility closets
• Front-facing LED display delivers quick service notifications and code alerts
• Backed by 15 years on the heat exchanger, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on labor

Cons

• Dedicated natural gas unit without dual-fuel propane capability
• Lacks a built-in recirculation pump for instant hot water delivery
• Requires proper indoor non-condensing exhaust venting to operate safely

5

NEW Rinnai RX130iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.1
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Condensing Efficiency

0.97 UEF rating with Smart Sense gas control

Maintenance Design

Features a dedicated Quick Flush setup and an accessible interface to simplify routine descaling flushes.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Achieves high condensing efficiency with a 0.97 UEF rating across 130,000 BTU
• Smart Sense technology allows operation on either natural gas or propane
• Quick Flush feature simplifies routine system descaling and maintenance
• Versa Vent engineering allows both indoor and outdoor installation options

Cons

• Flow rate peaks at 7.1 GPM, which is lower than the RX160iN and RXP160iN models
• Does not include an integrated recirculation pump
• Outdoor mounting requires purchasing the RX-OVC vent cap separately

6

Rinnai RUCS75iN Tankless Hot Water Heater, 7.5 GPM, Natural Gas,

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.0
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Venting Options

Concentric or PVC/CPVC twin pipe compatible

Whole-Home Delivery

Delivers up to 7.5 GPM on natural gas to supply up to 6 appliances simultaneously in moderate climates.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Flexible indoor venting supports PVC and CPVC via twin-pipe concentric adapter
• Provides steady flow up to 7.5 GPM to serve up to 6 appliances at once
• Modulates output on demand to prevent standby energy waste
• Includes 12-year heat exchanger, 5-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

Cons

• Heavier 63-pound build requires sturdy indoor wall framing
• Twin-pipe PVC venting setup requires purchasing the Ubbink adapter
• Shorter 12-year heat exchanger warranty than RE-series 15-year coverage

7

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

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.8
• Brand
  VYH

Key specs2

Screen Kit Contents

• 2 inlet screen assemblies
• 1 dedicated filter removal tool
• 0.94 by 1.8 by 0.78 inch screen dimensions

Inlet Protection

Filters debris before it reaches the heat exchanger, helping maintain proper water pressure and flow.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes two replacement filter screens and a dedicated removal tool
• Compact 0.94 x 1.8 x 0.78 inch screens fit compatible Rinnai inlet circuits
• Quick swap process restores clean water intake in roughly 5 minutes
• Traps incoming sediment to protect internal tankless components from clogging

Cons

• Only fits Rinnai inlet screen assemblies and is not a universal brand fit
• Manufacturer recommends regular replacement intervals every 2 to 3 months

8

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

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.6
• Brand
  VYH

Key specs2

Removal Hardware

• 2 specialized anti-slip removal wrenches
• 1 multi-use tool for hex, Allen, or drill drivers
• Designed to protect plastic filter threads

Routine Maintenance Role

Reduces service delays by ensuring the inlet screen unscrews cleanly without damaging the delicate housing.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes two specialized wrenches engineered to prevent slipping on filter threads
• Multi-use tool pairs with power screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and Allen keys
• Comes with two replacement inlet screen assemblies to ensure spare backup parts
• Helps prevent housing damage during routine cleaning and descaling maintenance

Cons

• Limited strictly to Rinnai units matching the H98-510-S filter specification
• Requires verifying your exact heater model before purchase to ensure thread fit

9

NEW Rinnai RX160iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.5
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Heating Output

160,000 BTU with up to 9 GPM flow capacity

Condensing Efficiency

Operates at 0.97 UEF while providing Versa Vent flexibility for indoor or exterior mounting.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Generates 160,000 BTU with flow rates up to 9 GPM for multi-bath demands
• Dual-fuel Smart Sense system handles both natural gas and propane
• Delivers high condensing thermal performance rated at 0.97 UEF
• Features built-in Quick Flush mode for streamlined descaling maintenance

Cons

• Does not include the built-in recirculation pump found on the RXP160iN
• Outdoor installation requires adding the RX-OVC vent cap accessory
• Controlr WiFi monitoring hardware must be purchased separately

10

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

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.3
• Brand
  Rinnai

Key specs2

Maximum Flow Rate

Up to 9.8 GPM for multi-fixture demand

Indoor Gas Requirements

Uses 199,000 BTU of natural gas indoors; verify gas line sizing and dedicated venting before install.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Produces 199,000 BTU of natural gas power delivering up to 9.8 GPM flow
• High capacity easily supports multiple simultaneous fixtures and large households
• Clear LED diagnostic display alerts users to service needs and error codes
• Protected by a 15-year heat exchanger, 5-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

Cons

• Configured strictly for natural gas without native propane support
• Non-condensing indoor installation requires proper metal venting pipes
• Does not include internal recirculation without choosing the REP199iN model

11

Upgrade 3/4 Inch IPS Isolator Tankless Water Heater Service Valve

View on Amazon

• BWP Score

  BWP Score is a ranking system developed by Bestwinterproducts.com. BWP score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.1
• Brand
  MGGPAXXT

Key specs2

Plumbing Compatibility

3/4-inch IPS fits Rinnai, Navien, and Rheem

Safety and Service Design

• CSA-certified lead-free forged brass
• 150 PSI and 200,000 BTU pressure relief valve
• Color-coded hot and cold isolation handles

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Heavy-duty lead-free forged brass build is CSA certified for drinking water safety
• Includes a pressure relief valve rated for 150 PSI and 200,000 BTU systems
• Full-port 600 WOG ball valves prevent flow restriction during normal operation
• Broad compatibility across Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, Takagi, and Bosch

Cons

• Limited to 3/4-inch IPS plumbing connections and will not fit 1/2-inch lines directly
• Weight of 3.5 pounds requires secure pipe support during installation

Last update on 2026-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How many simultaneous fixtures can a 160,000 or 199,000 BTU tankless water heater support?

A 199,000 BTU unit delivers up to 9.8 GPM, which is designed to support multiple fixtures running at the same time throughout a home. A 160,000 BTU unit provides up to 9 GPM, while lower heating capacities deliver up to 8.5 GPM for 180,000 BTU models, 7.1 GPM for 130,000 BTU models, and 5.3 GPM for 140,000 BTU heaters. Exact fixture capacity depends on your local incoming groundwater temperature and fixture demand, so check your household peak flow rate against these ratings to avoid unexpected flow drops.

What venting and placement differences exist between condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters?

Condensing models equipped with Versa Vent, such as the RX160iN or RX130iN, can be installed indoors or outdoors using multiple venting options. Non-condensing models require fixed location setups: models like the RE199eP are built specifically for outdoor installation, while indoor non-condensing models like the RE199iN or RE140iP require dedicated indoor venting passages. If your home layout prevents direct exterior venting, reviewing a propane heater setup with safe indoor venting can clarify standard exhaust pathways and wall clearance requirements.

Can a gas tankless water heater switch between natural gas and propane?

Yes, but only on units equipped with dual-fuel internal controls. Condensing models featuring Smart Sense technology, including the RX130iN, RX160iN, and RXP160iN, are powered by either natural gas or propane in indoor or outdoor configurations. Standard non-condensing models like the RE199iN or RE140iP are dedicated to a single fuel source from the factory, meaning you must confirm your home gas line type before selecting a model.

Which service valve kit is compatible with both Rinnai and Navien installations?

An upgrade 3/4-inch IPS isolator tankless water heater service valve kit made from forged lead-free brass provides full compatibility across Rinnai and Navien installations. This kit includes color-coded hot and cold isolation valves rated at 600 WOG alongside a pressure relief valve. Installing these valves allows quick shutoff and direct connection for routine flushing pumps without cutting into existing plumbing lines.

How often should the water inlet screen filter be replaced or cleaned?

The cold water inlet screen assembly should be replaced about every 2 to 3 months for optimum dirt-holding performance. The H98-510-S filter kit includes two inlet screen assemblies and a filter removal tool to make routine servicing quick. This multi-use removal tool works with manual rotation, Allen wrenches, hex wrenches, or power screwdrivers to remove and replace clogged screens.

When should a homeowner choose gas tankless over an electric tankless water heater?

Gas tankless units are ideal when a household needs higher continuous flow rates, delivering between 5.3 GPM and 9.8 GPM across 140,000 to 199,000 BTU capacities. Properties with an existing gas line can run simultaneous high-demand fixtures without overloading the home electrical panel. If your home lacks sufficient gas piping, evaluating an electric tankless water heater to match your panel capacity helps clarify whether utility line additions or electrical panel upgrades fit your budget better.