Rinnai Tankless Questions

[drew416]

Morning All....let me start by saying, I am NOT a DYI'r when it comes to plumping, so a licensed plumber will be complete my install. I live in Central NC, Catawba

I believe I have narrowed my search down to the RU180eN or RL94eN. I got to those units as I have a plumber spec the house and they suggested 9.5gpm with an outdoor install directly next my meter.

I understand the differences in the units to be condensing (RU) vs Non (RL). The RU qualifies for credits based on the UEF rating. With that being said, is the difference in price upfront really with the possible monthly savings?

Should I go ahead and have a descaling filter installed? (forgive my lack of proper terms) I don't believe I have hard water, but I want to extend the life of the unit as best I can.

Are they are additional filters or hardware I should invest in?
-I've read that if you loose power and it's below freezing that you need to drain the unit. Which I would be able to do, but I've also read that there are valves that will do that automatically for me. Something like that for example...is it worth it?

I'm a research geek and believe I have narrowed down the units that I believe would work best for us. Just looking for any additional thoughts or recommendations that some may have.

Thanks!

 

[breplum]

With the price of all utilities rising, then long term, you will get a better ROI with condensing.
I have to say that we only install Navien NPE A series, due to the fact that they are so easy to service and energy-wise perform equal or better to any other condensing. Have built in insulated mini-tank that is always kept warm so there is no lag waiting for water to pass through the heat exchanger to get hot. And easy to add external recirculation, even pushbutton on-demand if your budget allows.
Note: compared to just replacing a tank WH, you really do not get much more than break even over a 20 year time frame.
Navien has two lines of digital display that makes adjusting and troubleshooting so much more advanced.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

Just as a brief note, @breplum here in NC Navien has almost no presence. So, parts, distribution, service, etc. are lacking. Doesn't matter how good it is. Rinnai seems to have the Charlotte area (in which @drew416 resides more or less) completely sewn up. Now I haven't researched it in detail, but Rinnai seems to be the ONLY brand that is being installed in these parts.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Just as a brief note, @breplum here in NC Navien has almost no presence. So, parts, distribution, service, etc. are lacking. Doesn't matter how good it is. Rinnai seems to have the Charlotte area (in which @drew416 resides more or less) completely sewn up. Now I haven't researched it in detail, but Rinnai seems to be the ONLY brand that is being installed in these parts.

Rinnai here too. Rinnai distribution is out of Atlanta. Tech support speaks English.