Rinnai new LS94 model installation

[Chidda]

Hi All,

I am planning to get the Rinnai Tankless installed. I got quotes from 2 companies and both quoted about $3600.00 for complete installation.

Don't you think that the price seems to be high?? the actual tankless is only $1400.

I am thinking of buying the Rinnai and getting this installed my self. Only for Gas connections I will need a plumber and I already have a outlet near by for electrical.

Any one has done install themselves?? Please share you expereinces.

[jadnashua]

The vent system is not inexpensive I've heard. Depending on how far they need to run it, that can be a substantial cost. It is often recommended to install a tempering valve on the outlet...those aren't particularly cheap, either in either materials or installation complexity. Depending on the design, making provisions for deliming the thing adds complexity and therefore costs for both materials and labor. Depending on your local codes, you could be looking at at least several hundred dollars for permits.

Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade your gas service - a high volume tankless system can draw more gas than a large furnace. So, depends on what needs to be done...that price may be cheap. Some of the tank type WH can approach the efficiency of the tankless, so energy cost differences might not be that big.

[Mikey]

Were those quotes detailed, and did they mention the stuff Jim did?

[gmt]

A few more details from the quote would be helpfull

[Chidda]

The guys did not give detailed qoute but said that this is for complete install. The gas line they said would be 1" and they will take directly from where the meter is installed.
The unit will be installed in the basement wall.
I guess he needs may be 6' of vent pipe to go thru wall for this kind of install.

Also I wanted to know if these TWH have filters in them? If they do how may are there? What is the cost of these filters apporx and how often to replace them.

I guess this will further help me in deciding whether to go or not with TWH.

[master plumber mark]

did that include the mandatory water conditioner ???

3600-4500 is probably about the going price for one
in our area.....

you know that it is now very fashionable
to say you are going "green" and people on the
more posh side of our town are eating them up at 4500
for the Nortiz 7.9 units....

if you have the room would not a 75 gallon heater
for 1500 installed leave more "green" in your wallet???


no offence meant ....


http://www.weilhammerplumbing.com/houseofhorrors/

[gmt]

One filter on the inlet side of the water heater. It is reusable. Like the above post recommends, have your water tested BEFORE installing the tankless.

That price sounds fair...

[Chidda]

I discussed with my wife about the cost of TWH and we both agreed to go with a 50 gallon High Eff regular water heater.

I am thinkin of the AO Simth vertex model based on the reviews. Price is about $1400.00.

Does any one has any other recommendations?

[master plumber mark]

I would not trust the quality of anything from Smith
to last ---especially shelling out 1400.....

of course that is the cost of almost 3 tankless so I suppose
what have you got to lose????


Rheem makes a 50 gallon 75,000btu heater that is literally
almost like a boiler.... I put one in a family of 6 back in 03
and they were very pleased....takes a 4 inch vent

probably would cost you installed about $1000




or have you just considered getting a 75 gallon normal gas
heater from Rheem or Bradford White???

with a 75 you literally cannot run out of
hot water without really trying to ....

as far as efficiency , I suggest just getting a
water heater blanket for whatever you buy...

[Redwood]

I am thinking of buying the Rinnai and getting this installed my self. Only for Gas connections I will need a plumber and I already have a outlet near by for electrical.

Any one has done install themselves?? Please share you expereinces.

In another forum I frequent there was a poster installing one... He had 40+ hours into the install and was not done yet!

Boy is he going to be disappointed when he finally throws in the towel and watches a plumber cut it all out and redo it all!

[master plumber mark]

I wonder in which state they will have their
first carbon monoxide death due to a poor
install of one of these heaters....by the home-owner

if not that ..... then a potential fire.....
I would almost bet you that someone has already
cut corners and installed one of these with only
single wall or double wall galvanized flu pipe
not wanting to shell out the huge expence of the
SS flue pipe......

give that flu pipe a few years of a strong jet blast going through it
and a house will go up in flames somewhere...







I am sure that they will blame the experts at Lowes
for selling them the cheap stuff

[Garydaplummer]

Before you attempt to self-install a Rinnai brand water heater call their customer service number. You can buy the Rinnai, but if it is not installed by a Rinnai certified installer the warranty is void. Check it out for yourself by calling Rinnai and asking them.

[sjsmithjr]

Here ya go Mark:

[Redwood]

What's wrong with that? I sell a bunch of those every week. I sell them everything they need. If the are nembie DIYers I usually sell them a copy of the "Idiots Guide to Plumbing" a torch and some solder too!