What to Consider for Rinnai Continuous Flow Hot Water Heater Installation

When you’re looking to install a new hot water heater for your home, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you want to be sure that the brand name is reputable and offers total confidence, like Rinnai. You’ll also need to determine whether you want to go with a natural gas-powered system or an alternative form of heating. But, should you go for gas, you also want to be confident that the plumber will comply with all instantaneous gas hot water installation regulations when they install the system.

So before you finalise any purchase, here’s what you should consider when installing a Rinnai continuous flow hot water heater.

How Many Bathrooms Is the Water Heater Serving?

In this case, size is important. For example, do you need to heat water for a home with one kitchen, one laundry and one bathroom? Or is it a larger space with a kitchen, laundry, multiple bathrooms and perhaps even an en-suite?

If there’s going to be high demand then you need the perfect Rinnai instant hot water system. Its continuous flow units start at 10 litres of hot water per minute, and a one-bathroom house is perfect for between 10-16 litres.

Multiple bathrooms would welcome a 10-32 litre instantaneous system, and you’ll also need to consider bathroom location. If the bathrooms are on opposite sides of a large home, a couple of smaller water heaters may be better than a large 32-litre system.

Is There Appropriate Storage Space?

The great thing about wall-mounted hot water systems is that they take up very little space. There’s no bulky storage tank to squeeze in. However, you still need to consider where you install your Rinnai hot water system.

We always recommend installing water heaters in a location central to the main section where your plumbing work is located. Not only does this minimise the pipework expenses, but it helps to maintain a high water pressure. Therefore, consider whether you’d benefit from an outside or inside installation. And depending on your choice, consider if there is enough clearance, or if your system will need to be recessed.

How Energy Efficient is the Hot Water System?

If energy star ratings are important to you, that will likely be the first place you look when shopping for a water heater. Rinnai’s extensive range of hot water systems goes from 5.9 stars to 7 stars.

The Rinnai Infinity ENVIRO range includes a pair of outstanding 7-star rated systems in both 16 and 26 litres. That’s versatility for homes of all sizes. Additionally, gas usage is lower, while the decreased carbon footprint saves more than just money. It minimises your impact on the environment for years to come.

Are You Ready for the Hot Water Installation Costs?

Now, if you’re looking into a gas hot water system, we hope you’ve already considered whether you need a gas meter installed, or not. The gas installation will come with additional costs, including pipework installation. The amount of copper pipework needed for the installation or connection will incur some unavoidable costs.

In fact, even an existing or aged gas system may require upgrades. A new gas supply will potentially be needed as old joints wear down. Some meters also work at a low gas pressure rate which is far below what a water heater needs to work efficiently. In this case, customers can either chat with their gas plumber about the best solution or contact the local gas authority to upgrade a gas meter with a better supply.

Meanwhile, if you have moved into a new home with a gas meter, consider the connection fee to set up a new account. Connection fees vary from state to state so it’s always recommended to shop around.

Is the Pipework up to Scratch?

Existing pipework may not be suited to every hot water heater, so it’s best to have a plumber assess the existing framework. Small-diameter pipes can leave customers in a state of disappointment when they realise the water flow is impacted by a pipe that can’t handle 32 litres of hot water per minute.

In many cases, customers need to be aware that any continuous flow units will not produce the same pressure as that of a storage tank hot water system. So you may have to adapt existing plumbing if you opt for a smaller system.

What Are the Long Term Running Costs?

Once a Rinnai Infinity hot water system has been installed, you must ask your gas plumber to check the performance. You want to know everything is perfect from the start.

And as the years go on, remember to keep in touch as annual maintenance will keep your hot water flowing smoothly. Regular servicing ensures there are no gas leaks, thermostat issues, or hidden faults.