- Is the REP199iN good for a whole house?
- Yes for most homes with two or three bathrooms. Its 7.9 GPM flow and 199,000 BTU input handle multiple showers and appliances at once, though simultaneous heavy draws in very cold climates can still strain it.
- Does it need a special vent?
- Yes. It is non-condensing, so it uses a stainless steel or other approved metal vent, not PVC. That can suit retrofits with an existing metal flue but rules out the cheap PVC venting condensing units allow.
- How does Smart-Circ work?
- A built-in pump recirculates hot water so it reaches the tap faster. You can set schedules in the app or trigger it on demand, which saves energy compared with running recirculation constantly.
- Is it more efficient than a condensing tankless heater?
- No. Its uniform energy factor of 0.82 is below typical condensing models, which recover heat from exhaust. The trade-off is simpler metal venting and often easier installation.
- What do I need for installation?
- A qualified installer, a large natural gas line sized for 199,000 BTU, approved metal venting and indoor mounting. Plan for the 50 lb weight and the clearances in the manual.
- Does it work in cold climates?
- It has no built-in freeze protection, so in freezing areas you need to protect the unit and piping. Check Rinnai's cold-weather accessories and local code before installing outdoors or in an unheated space.
- Where is the Rinnai REP199iN Smart-Circ Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater cheapest?
- At The Home Depot, for $1,381.59, as of our latest check.
- Where can I buy the Rinnai REP199iN Smart-Circ Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater?
- 2 stores we checked sell it, including The Home Depot, Lowe's.