When choosing a gas water heater, two prominent brands often come to mind Rinnai and Noritz. Rinnai and Noritz are well-known manufacturers renowned for their quality and innovative water heating solutions. This comprehensive comparison will explore the similarities and differences between Rinnai and Noritz gas water heaters, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
From energy efficiency and performance to features and installation flexibility, we’ll delve into various aspects to highlight the strengths of each brand. Join us as we navigate the world of Rinnai and Noritz gas water heaters to determine which brand reigns supreme in providing reliable and efficient hot water solutions for your home or business.
If you are here, consider installing a new tankless water heater at your home. While reaching this intent, you might have come across good brand names featuring up-to-the-mark tankless water heaters. I have decided to make the selection process easier by doing a detailed Rinnai vs Noritz comparison review.
Both the brands, Rinnai and Noritz, have a range of promising models offering energy efficiency, an uninterrupted hot water supply, and good design. This comparison review is based on their features, quality, price, and user feedback.
I will walk you through all the other information you need to know about making that decision. Everything from installation cost, operational cost, best model, and even getting down and dirty on how to size that.
Rinnai vs Noritz – An Overview
Rinnai and Noritz are great water heater manufacturers using Japanese tankless water heating technology. They bear the same 12 – 15 years warranty while Energy Star qualifies all the units. Burner’s quality is equally good in both brands, with low emission rates.
The comparison would be mostly scenario-based, acknowledging that each model has advantages and disadvantages. An in-depth breakdown of each will let you decide what best satisfies your desire.
While Noritz has value for durability, green technology, variety in size, and dual flame burner, Rinnai stands out in high efficiency, smart control, best venting options, and environmentally friendly designs.
Noritz vs Rinnai: Whole House Tankless Water Heater
These models are equipped to facilitate a whole house’s hot water demand at once without interruption. A supply of 10 GPM (and above) is enough to run all your home fixtures and never see a shortage. See other distinctions here:
| Models / Specs | Rinnai RU199iP | Noritz NRC111DVLP |
| Gas input (BTU) | 199000 | 199,900 |
| Water flow (GPM) | 11 GPM | 11.1 |
| Energy Factor | 0.93 | .94 |
| Temp. settings (F) | 98 – 140 | 100 – 140 |
| Weight (lbs) | 74.1 lbs. | 74 lbs. |
| Remote | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra-Low NOx | 20 ppm | |
| WiFi ready | No | No |
| Recirculation | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 15-Years Limited Residential, 5 Year Parts, 1 Year Labor | 12-Years Limited Residential, 5 Year Parts, 1 Year Labor |
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Verdict
It is a close call. As you can see, both models have higher efficiency and cut-to-cut features. The concern may arise in the price department. If you are tight on a budget, I suggest the Rinnai, having a Limited 15-year or 12,000 hrs. on heat exchanger, 5-year on parts, and 1-year on labour, but a professional installation is required. Besides, it has some cool safety features like a flame failure, Combustion fan RPM check, over-current – glass fuse, and automatic frost protection, which is enviable in a gas tankless water heater.
Noritz vs Rinnai: Outside Natural Gas Models
These two listed models are highly energy-efficient and are a good replacement for any conventional storage water heater models suitable for outdoor installation.
| Rinnai RL94eN | Noritz NR98ODNG | |
| Price | yes | No |
| GMP | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | No | Yes |
| Efficiency | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | No | Yes |
| Warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Condensing | No | No |
Other Features
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Verdict
Putting both models and their features side by side, there is little difference, but Rinnai has decent pricing. At the same time, Noritz costs more by offering the same energy efficiency and compact design without any added benefits.
Also, there is no Isolation Valve Kit included in the Noritz model, which even increases its installation cost. My vote for this segment goes to Rinnai, having all the needed features at a good price.
Where Noritz Beats Rinnai
Most Noritz water heaters, including NR98ODNG and Noritz NRC111DVLP, have a built-in pump control mechanism for recirculation, while Rinnai doesn’t.
They also have dual-flame burners for maximum output, maintained temperature, and a low emission rate.
Noritz uses high-quality stainless steel and commercial-grade copper in all its manufacturing units, and there is no outsourcing of a single piece down to a screw.
Where Rinnai Beats Noritz
Rinnai has introduced advanced recirculating models with stainless steel heat exchangers and smart condensing heating technology, and all of these are in a bracket of affordable price.
Rinnai offers an excellent warranty that can include five years of labour and very supportive tech support that is available 24×7 and for 365 days.
Their new models are easy to service and operate, though you need a plumber to install them first.
There is one good thing about Rinnai. They have a built-in condensing setup. Not having a condensing configuration can significantly shorten the life of the heat exchanger of a water heater, so yes, Rinnai wins in that.
Their state-of-the-art design units make the interaction between user and department most convenient by using Wi-Fi connections and remote monitoring through smartphones and voice commands.
Based on customers’ reviews, Rinnai has been voted #1 among all the HVAC manufacturers in a builder Magazine.
Common Problems of a Tankless Water Heater
No Hot Water
- Make sure you are within your water heater’s gallon capacity. If multiple fixtures are open at various locations at the house, it will affect the per-minute gallon output.
- Freezing weather can prevent hot water from coming to the taps. It may go dead due to cold weather and cause your gallon per minute to drop. You should pay attention to its defrosting.
- If you are getting an error code, the first thing to check is its vents. Ensure they are not blocked because they must get enough fresh air to fire correctly.
Too much hot water
- If you are getting too much hot water, the first thing to check is your temperature settings. It is easier to gauge with e digital display.
- If the issue is in a specific area of the house, that can be to do something with the circulation or the distinctive fixture.
Final Verdict
Noritz and Rinnai are the same. They deliver about the same amount of hot water efficiently using gas fuel. The warranties are also fairly alike. What matters is reliability and support in case something goes wrong, which also depends on the installation part.
As mentioned earlier, Rinnai has a better reputation and amazing customer service. Plus, their rates are comparatively reasonable in contrast with Noritz.
But you really can’t go wrong with either Rinnai or Noritz- they are two of the most popular brands for a reason.
