Rinnai Hot Water Systems: Electric, Instant Gas and Heat Pump Buying Guide

Oct 5, 2024

Rinnai hot water systems are a popular choice for Australian homes, with options across electric storage, instant gas and heat pump hot water. The right Rinnai system depends on your household size, bathrooms, shower habits, energy source, gas type, water pressure, electrical requirements and installation location.

For some homes, a Rinnai electric storage system may be the simplest replacement. For others, a Rinnai Infinity instant gas unit or Rinnai Enviroflo heat pump may be the better fit. The best choice is not just about the brand. It is about matching the correct system type, size and installation requirements to your home.

Installed Today makes it easy to compare and order Rinnai hot water systems online, with supply-only ordering available across major Australian metro areas and selected supplied-and-installed options available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas.

Quick Answer: Are Rinnai Hot Water Systems Good?

Rinnai hot water systems can be a strong option for many Australian homes, especially if you want a recognised brand with electric storage, instant gas and heat pump choices.

As a general guide:

Rinnai electric storage can suit simple like-for-like replacements and homes without gas
Rinnai Infinity instant gas can suit homes wanting continuous flow hot water where gas supply and water pressure are suitable
Rinnai LPG instant gas can suit homes using bottled LPG, provided the correct LPG model is selected
Rinnai natural gas instant gas can suit homes connected to natural gas, provided the correct natural gas model is selected
Rinnai heat pump hot water can suit efficiency-focused homes with suitable outdoor space, airflow and drainage

Before ordering supply only, confirm the correct model, size, gas type, electrical requirements, water pressure, access, valves, drainage and installation suitability with your licensed installer.

Rinnai Hot Water System Options

Installed Today’s Rinnai range includes options across several major hot water categories:

The main Rinnai systems to compare are:

Rinnai electric storage hot water
Rinnai Infinity instant gas hot water
Rinnai Enviroflo heat pump hot water

Each type suits a different home.

Rinnai Electric Hot Water Systems

A Rinnai electric hot water system can be a practical option for homes without natural gas or LPG, or for customers replacing an existing electric storage system.

Electric storage systems heat water inside a tank and keep it ready for use. They are common in Australian homes and can be a straightforward replacement where the property already has suitable electrical supply, plumbing and installation space.

A Rinnai electric storage system may suit:

Homes without gas
Like-for-like electric storage replacements
Small-to-medium households
Rental properties
Homes with existing electric hot water wiring
Customers wanting a familiar storage tank setup

One common option is the Rinnai 250L Electric Hot Water System, which may suit many small-to-medium households depending on usage.

If your current electric hot water system regularly runs out, do not automatically replace it with the same size. Compare household demand first. Larger electric storage categories such as 315L electric hot water systems and 400L electric hot water systems may be worth reviewing if your household has higher hot water use.

Rinnai Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

Rinnai Infinity instant gas hot water systems are designed to heat water as it flows through the unit. They do not store a full tank of hot water.

They can suit homes that:

Want continuous flow hot water
Want a compact wall-mounted unit
Already have natural gas or LPG
Have suitable gas pipe sizing
Have suitable water pressure
Have outdoor installation space
Want to avoid a large storage tank

Rinnai instant gas systems are commonly compared in 16L, 20L and 26L sizes. The right size depends on household demand, number of bathrooms, shower habits, water pressure and gas supply.

Gas work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter. Natural gas and LPG units are not interchangeable, so the correct gas type must be selected before ordering.

Rinnai 26L Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

A 26L Rinnai instant gas system is commonly compared for family homes and higher-demand households.

Popular options include:

A 26L system may suit:

Family homes
Homes with higher shower demand
Two-bathroom homes, depending on usage
Homes wanting continuous flow gas hot water
Properties replacing an older instant gas unit

However, a 26L system only performs properly when the gas supply and water pressure can support it. Gas pipe sizing is especially important. Choosing a larger unit without checking the site can lead to poor performance or extra installation costs.

Rinnai 20L Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

A 20L Rinnai instant gas system may suit smaller-to-medium households with moderate hot water demand.

One available option is the Rinnai Infinity B20 LPG Gas Hot Water System.

A 20L unit may suit:

Smaller families
Moderate hot water usage
One-to-two bathroom homes, depending on usage
Homes using LPG where the correct model is selected
Replacements from older smaller continuous flow units

Your installer should still confirm gas supply, water pressure, location and flow requirements before ordering.

Rinnai 16L Instant Gas Hot Water Systems

A 16L Rinnai instant gas system may suit lower-demand homes or smaller applications where hot water demand is not high.

Options include:

A 16L model may suit:

Smaller homes
One-bathroom properties
Lower shower demand
Compact households
Replacing an existing 16L continuous flow unit

Even with a smaller system, the correct gas type and installation requirements still matter.

Natural Gas vs LPG Rinnai Systems

This is one of the most important checks before ordering a Rinnai instant gas hot water system.

Natural gas and LPG models are different.

Natural gas is supplied through a gas network
LPG is supplied from gas bottles or cylinders
A natural gas model must not be connected to LPG unless the manufacturer allows an approved conversion
An LPG model must not be connected to natural gas unless the manufacturer allows an approved conversion
Any gas conversion or gas installation work must be completed by a licensed gas fitter

If you order the wrong gas type, the unit may not be suitable for your property.

Rinnai Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

A Rinnai heat pump hot water system is an electric hot water system that uses heat from the surrounding air to help heat stored water. In the right location, this can reduce electricity use compared with standard electric storage.

Rinnai heat pump options include:

A Rinnai heat pump may suit homes that:

Want to reduce hot water energy use
Are replacing an older electric storage system
Have suitable outdoor space
Have clear airflow around the unit
Can manage condensate drainage
Have suitable electrical supply
Have a sensible noise location
Want to pair hot water heating with rooftop solar where timing and usage suit

A heat pump is not automatically the best choice for every home. It needs the right location, airflow, drainage, access and noise placement.

For broader comparison, view medium heat pump hot water systems 200L–280L, large heat pump hot water systems and heat pump hot water systems.

Rinnai Electric vs Rinnai Gas vs Rinnai Heat Pump

Rinnai System Type	Best Suited To	Key Considerations
Rinnai electric storage	Simple replacements, homes without gas	Running cost depends on tariff and usage
Rinnai instant gas	Continuous flow hot water, gas-connected homes	Correct gas type, gas pipe sizing and water pressure required
Rinnai heat pump	Efficiency-focused homes with suitable outdoor location	Needs airflow, drainage, access, electrical suitability and noise planning

If you want a straightforward replacement, Rinnai electric storage may be practical.

If you want continuous flow gas hot water and already have suitable gas supply, Rinnai Infinity may be worth comparing.

If reducing electricity use is a priority and the location suits, Rinnai Enviroflo heat pump options may be suitable.

Choosing the Right Rinnai Size

Correct sizing matters more than choosing the biggest unit.

A system that is too small may run out of hot water or struggle during peak use. A system that is too large may cost more than necessary or may not be supported by the property.

When choosing a Rinnai hot water system, consider:

Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower habits
Bath use
Morning and evening peak demand
Kitchen and laundry use
Whether multiple showers run at once
Existing system type
Existing system size
Whether the old system ran out of hot water
Available energy source
Gas pipe sizing
Water pressure
Electrical requirements
Installation location

For instant gas, compare 16L, 20L and 26L based on hot water demand and site suitability.

For heat pumps, compare 250L, 280L and 300L options based on household size and recovery needs.

For electric storage, compare whether 250L is enough or whether a larger electric storage category should be reviewed.

Rinnai for Small Households

Small households may suit:

A Rinnai 250L electric storage system
A Rinnai 16L instant gas system where gas supply is suitable
A Rinnai heat pump if outdoor space, airflow and drainage suit

Avoid oversizing if the home has low hot water demand. Oversizing can increase upfront cost and may not improve day-to-day comfort.

Rinnai for Family Homes

Family homes often need more careful sizing because hot water use can peak in the morning and evening.

Rinnai options that may be compared include:

Rinnai 250L electric storage
Rinnai Infinity B26 natural gas or LPG
Rinnai Enviroflo 250L, 280L or 300L heat pump options

The right choice depends on energy source, hot water demand and installation location.

If your household has multiple bathrooms or high shower usage, a licensed installer should confirm whether the chosen system can meet demand.

Rinnai for Larger or Higher-Demand Homes

Larger homes may need:

A larger heat pump
A 26L instant gas system where the site supports it
A larger electric storage category
Installer review of water pressure, pipework, gas pipe sizing and fixture demand

For instant gas, do not assume a 26L unit will automatically suit every larger home. The gas supply and water pressure must be checked.

Rinnai vs Rheem Hot Water Systems

Rinnai and Rheem are both major hot water brands, and both are commonly compared by Australian homeowners.

You may compare Rinnai hot water systems against Rheem hot water systems when looking at:

Electric storage systems
Instant gas systems
Heat pump systems
Product size
Warranty details
Gas type
Installation requirements
Price
Availability

The better brand for your home depends on the specific model, not just the name on the unit.

Rinnai vs Bosch Instant Gas Hot Water

Rinnai and Bosch are often compared for instant gas hot water systems.

Rinnai may be considered where you want Rinnai Infinity models in 16L, 20L or 26L sizes. Bosch may be considered for compact gas continuous flow systems, such as the Bosch 16H Natural Gas Hot Water System or Bosch 16H LPG Gas Hot Water System.

Compare:

Natural gas vs LPG
Flow rate
Installation location
Water pressure
Gas pipe sizing
Household demand
Manufacturer requirements
Product availability

You can also browse Bosch hot water systems for broader comparison.

Installation Requirements for Rinnai Instant Gas Systems

Before ordering a Rinnai instant gas system, your licensed installer should confirm:

Natural gas or LPG supply
Correct gas type
Gas pipe sizing
Water pressure
Water flow rate
Outdoor installation location
Clearances around the unit
Ventilation and flue requirements where applicable
Electrical requirements for ignition or controls
Pipework route
Access for future servicing
Existing valves and compliance requirements

External gas hot water units are designed for outdoor installation unless the specific manufacturer model is approved for internal flued use.

Installation Requirements for Rinnai Heat Pumps

Before ordering a Rinnai heat pump, your installer should confirm:

Outdoor location
Clear airflow around the unit
Manufacturer clearance requirements
Condensate drainage
Electrical supply
Base or slab condition
Access for delivery and future servicing
Distance from bedrooms
Distance from neighbours
Noise placement
Pipework route
Overflow and drain points
Existing valves and compliance requirements

Heat pumps should not be boxed into tight spaces. Poor airflow can affect performance and may create noise or recovery issues.

Installation Requirements for Rinnai Electric Storage

Before ordering a Rinnai electric storage system, confirm:

Correct tank size
Electrical supply suitability
Element size
Access for delivery and installation
Indoor or outdoor suitability
Base condition
Drainage and overflow point
Tempering valve requirements
Pressure limiting valve requirements
Expansion control valve requirements
Existing pipework condition
Old unit removal requirements

Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician where required.

What Is Not Included in Supply-Only Rinnai Pricing?

For supply-only products, the listed price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

Installation labour
New valves
Electrical work
Gas work
Pipework changes
Drainage changes
Tempering valve upgrades
Pressure limiting valve upgrades
Expansion control valves
Condensate drainage for heat pumps
Old unit removal
Disposal
Compliance upgrades
Concrete bases or slab work
Relocation of the system

Always confirm the full installation requirements with your licensed installer before ordering.

Supply-Only vs Supplied-and-Installed

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

Supply-only may suit you if:

Your installer has confirmed the correct Rinnai model
You know the right size
The correct gas type has been selected
Electrical requirements have been checked
Access and drainage are suitable
You understand what is not included in the product price

Selected supplied-and-installed options are available on eligible products in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas. Availability depends on the product, location and installation requirements.

Rebates, STCs and Incentives

Some Rinnai heat pump systems may be eligible for rebates, STCs or other incentives depending on the product, location and current program rules.

These incentives can change, so check current eligibility before ordering or budgeting around a rebate.

A rebate may improve the value of a heat pump, but the system still needs to suit the household and installation location. Do not choose a product only because it has an incentive attached.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Rinnai Hot Water System

Choosing the Brand Before the System Type

Rinnai is a strong brand, but you still need the right system type for your home. Electric storage, instant gas and heat pump systems suit different properties.

Ordering the Wrong Gas Type

Natural gas and LPG models are different. Always order the correct gas type.

Choosing a 26L Unit Without Checking Gas Pipe Sizing

A 26L instant gas unit can suit some family homes, but gas supply and water pressure must support it.

Replacing the Same Size Without Checking Demand

If the old system ran out of hot water, the same size may not be enough.

Choosing a Heat Pump Without Checking Location

Heat pumps need outdoor space, airflow, drainage, access and suitable noise placement.

Assuming Supply-Only Includes Installation

Supply-only generally means product only unless installation is selected or clearly shown.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before ordering a Rinnai hot water system, confirm:

Number of people in the home
Number of bathrooms
Shower habits
Peak hot water demand
Existing system type
Existing system size
Whether the old system ran out of hot water
Electric, natural gas or LPG availability
Correct gas type
Electrical requirements
Gas pipe sizing for instant gas
Water pressure
Heat pump airflow and drainage
Outdoor or indoor suitability
Access for delivery and installation
Drainage and overflow requirements
Whether new valves may be needed
Whether rebates or STCs may apply
Whether supply-only or supplied-and-installed is the right option
Installer confirmation before buying supply only

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Rinnai hot water systems good?

Rinnai hot water systems are a popular choice in Australia, with options across electric storage, instant gas and heat pump hot water. The right Rinnai system depends on your household size, energy source and installation conditions.

What Rinnai hot water system should I choose?

Choose Rinnai electric storage for simple electric replacements, Rinnai instant gas for continuous flow gas hot water, or Rinnai heat pump where efficiency matters and the outdoor location suits.

Is Rinnai Infinity natural gas or LPG?

Rinnai Infinity systems are available in natural gas and LPG models. Natural gas and LPG units are not interchangeable, so the correct model must be selected.

Is a Rinnai B26 good for a family?

A Rinnai B26 can suit some family homes, but gas pipe sizing, water pressure and household demand must be checked first.

Is Rinnai heat pump hot water worth it?

A Rinnai heat pump can be worth considering if your home has suitable outdoor space, airflow, drainage, electrical supply and noise placement. It is not automatically right for every home.

What size Rinnai hot water system do I need?

The right size depends on people in the home, bathrooms, shower habits, peak usage and existing system performance. Instant gas systems are commonly compared in 16L, 20L and 26L sizes, while heat pumps are commonly compared around 250L to 300L.

Can I install a Rinnai hot water system myself?

No. Rinnai hot water systems involve plumbing, gas, electrical work, water pressure, valves and compliance requirements. Use licensed trades.

What is not included in supply-only Rinnai hot water pricing?

Supply-only pricing generally excludes installation, valves, electrical work, gas work, pipework changes, drainage, old unit removal, disposal and compliance upgrades unless selected or clearly shown.

Final Word

Rinnai hot water systems can be a strong choice for homes comparing electric storage, instant gas and heat pump options. The key is choosing the right Rinnai system for the household, not just choosing the brand.

For simple electric storage replacement, a Rinnai electric system may suit. For continuous flow gas hot water, compare Rinnai Infinity models in the correct natural gas or LPG version. For energy-focused homes with the right outdoor location, compare Rinnai Enviroflo heat pump options.

Before ordering supply only, confirm the system type, size, gas type, water pressure, electrical requirements, airflow, drainage, access and compliance needs with your licensed installer.

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