Rinnai RE180iN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater User Manual

1. Overview

The Rinnai RE180iN Non-Condensing Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater provides on-demand hot water for your home. This unit is designed for indoor installation and offers an efficient solution for continuous hot water supply. Its compact size allows for flexible placement, and the integrated LED display provides operational status and error codes for easy monitoring.

Figure 1: Front view of the Rinnai RE180iN Tankless Water Heater.

2. Safety Information

Read all instructions thoroughly before installation and operation. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, personal injury, or death.

• Professional Installation: Installation of this tankless water heater requires specialized knowledge and tools. It is strongly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified, licensed professional to ensure proper and safe operation.
• Gas Supply: Ensure the gas supply (Natural Gas) and connections are correctly installed and leak-free. The unit requires a 3/4-inch gas line.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for gas appliances. Ensure the vent system is installed according to local codes and manufacturer specifications to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Water Temperature: Hot water can cause severe burns. Set the water temperature to a safe level, especially in households with children or elderly individuals.
• Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

3. Product Features

The Rinnai RE180iN tankless water heater incorporates several features designed for efficiency, convenience, and reliability:

• Smart Design: Improved internal layout for easier installation and enhanced serviceability. Heats water only when necessary to conserve energy.
• Continuous Hot Water: Provides up to 8.5 GPM, capable of supplying 5 fixtures simultaneously, ensuring you never run out of hot water.
• Compact Size: Designed to be extremely compact, taking up minimal space, similar to a small suitcase.
• LED Display: Features an LED screen that provides service reminders and error codes for quick diagnostics.
• Energy Efficiency: High-efficiency non-condensing unit with an efficiency rating of 0.82.
• Optional WiFi Connectivity: Can be made smarter with a Rinnai Controlr for WiFi connectivity (not included).

Feature Highlights

Figure 2: Tankless water heaters provide hot water to critical areas like showers, baths, dishes, and laundry.

Figure 3: Enjoy a constant supply of hot water.

Figure 4: Rinnai tankless water heaters are designed for a longer lifespan.

Figure 5: Tankless units offer superior energy efficiency.

Figure 6: Space-saving design allows for more usable space.

Groundwater Temperature Map

Figure 7: Use the Groundwater Temperature Map to determine optimal performance for your region.

Product Dimensions

Figure 8: Dimensions of the Rinnai RE180iN unit.

Official Product Videos

4. Setup & Installation

The Rinnai RE180iN is designed for indoor installation. Due to the complexity of gas and water connections, professional installation by a licensed technician is highly recommended.

Key Installation Considerations:

• Location: Choose a suitable indoor location with adequate ventilation and access to gas, water, and electrical connections.
• Gas Line: Ensure the existing or new natural gas line is 3/4-inch in diameter to meet the unit's requirements.
• Vent System: Install the appropriate vent system to safely exhaust combustion byproducts. Consult the detailed installation manual for specific venting requirements and options (e.g., straight or wall-mounted vents).
• Water Connections: Connect the cold water inlet and hot water outlet lines. Ensure all connections are secure and leak-free.
• Electrical Connection: The unit requires a 120 Volt electrical connection.
• Shut-off Valves: Install shut-off valves on both hot and cold water lines for ease of maintenance.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and safety precautions, please refer to the complete installation manual provided with your unit or visit the Rinnai Store for product guides and documents.

5. Operating Instructions

The Rinnai RE180iN is designed for user-friendly operation. The front panel features an LED display and control buttons.

Basic Operation:

1. Power On/Off: Press the "On/Off" button to power the unit on or off. The LED display will illuminate when the unit is active.
2. Temperature Adjustment: Use the "Hot water temp." up and down arrow buttons to adjust the desired water temperature. The current approximate water temperature will be shown on the LED display. It is recommended to set the temperature to 120°F (49°C) for general household use to prevent scalding, especially if children are present.
3. "In Use" Indicator: A light next to "In Use" will illuminate when hot water is being drawn and the unit is actively heating water.
4. "Priority" Button: This button may be used to prioritize hot water delivery to a specific fixture or to activate a recirculation function if installed. Refer to the full manual for detailed use of the "Priority" function.

Figure 9: Control panel for temperature adjustment and power.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and efficient operation of your Rinnai tankless water heater. It is recommended to have your unit serviced annually by a qualified professional.

Key Maintenance Tasks:

• Descaling: Annually descale the unit to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. This process typically involves circulating a descaling solution through the unit.
• Filter Cleaning: Check and clean the water inlet filter periodically to prevent debris from entering the unit.
• Vent System Inspection: Inspect the vent system for any obstructions, damage, or leaks.
• General Inspection: Visually inspect the unit for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or unusual wear.

Always consult the detailed owner's manual for specific maintenance procedures and schedules.

7. Troubleshooting

If your Rinnai RE180iN water heater is not functioning correctly, the LED display may show an error code. Refer to the owner's manual for a complete list of error codes and their corresponding troubleshooting steps.

Common Issues & Solutions:

• No Hot Water:
  • Check if the unit is powered on.
  • Ensure gas supply is open.
  • Verify water flow to the unit.
  • Check for error codes on the LED display.
• Inconsistent Water Temperature:
  • Check for mineral buildup (descaling may be needed).
  • Ensure proper water flow rate.
  • Verify the set temperature on the control panel.
• Low Water Pressure:
  • Inspect the water inlet filter for clogs.
  • Check household water pressure.

For persistent issues or complex problems, contact a qualified Rinnai service technician.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty & Support

Rinnai stands behind the quality of its products. The RE180iN Tankless Water Heater comes with the following residential guarantees:

• Heat Exchanger: 15-year limited warranty
• Parts: 5-year limited warranty
• Labor: 1-year limited warranty

For complete warranty details, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty information included with your product or visit the official Rinnai website.

Customer Support:

If you require technical assistance, service, or need to locate a qualified technician in your area, please visit the "Find a Rinnai PRO" page on the official Rinnai website or contact Rinnai customer service directly. You can also explore additional product guides, manuals, and videos at the Rinnai Store.