The short answer is yes. The long answer is a combination of modern technological factors, economic design, and a commitment to consistency and reliability that makes Rinnai one of, if not THE, top-tier hot water brand in Australia.
Is Rinnai expensive? Again, we have to say yes, and we fully acknowledge that paying a premium price is a major consideration for practically everyone that decides on a new hot water system. But are Rinnai hot water systems worth that premium price? We certainly think so, and by the end of this article, we think you will too.
Does that mean that a Rinnai is for everyone? Of course not. But, if you’re in the market for a new hot water system and a Rinnai is within your price bracket, even at the higher end of it, this brand is well worth investigating as one of the higher-end, technologically modern, and reliable options available.
Join us, as we explore why and how a new Rinnai is worth its premium price.
Rinnai Australia is a subsidiary of the Japanese Rinnai Corporation and has been active in the Australian market since 1971. Now, with almost 300 employees and an annual revenue of over $100 million, Rinnai is one of the biggest competitors in the water heating market, developing a reputation for exceptional engineering using advanced technology and high efficiency with low environmental impact.
Since its beginnings, Rinnai has developed an extensive range of popular models. These include the Infinity range, which offers continuous flow gas hot water systems renowned for their energy efficiency and reliability, and the gas-powered Enviro series, which boasts a 7-star equivalent energy rating and uses the latest condensing technology to capture waste heat, achieving up to 97% thermal efficiency.
With a wide variety of gas, electric, and solar options on offer, Rinnai ensures that there are options for every situation, from those conscious of their carbon footprint and energy usage to those in large households with multiple bathrooms, to those who just want to save energy on their power bills.
It is no secret that Rinnai is not a cheap brand, so let’s explore exactly what you are paying for.
First, Rinnai’s premium systems are continuous flow hot water systems, which means instant hot water whenever you need it. These tankless systems are environmentally friendly because they only heat water when required, saving on energy bills while providing consistent water temperature.
Rinnai also prides itself on its energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly with its Enviro models, an eco-friendly solution with 97% thermal efficiency and 7-star equivalent energy rating, making these models among the most energy-efficient options commercially available.
Safety features are another benefit, with temperature control and child locks widely available on models to prevent accidental or unauthorised adjustments.
Because many of the models are instantaneous and tankless, Rinnai hot water systems are typically compact with a space-saving design, which makes them perfect for installation out of the way.
Finally, Rinnai delivers all the market-leading warranty options and customer service support you can expect from a world-class company, ensuring that even in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your system, you are certainly not alone in fixing it!
Rinnai offers comprehensive warranties and lifespan expectations for their models, owing to superb build quality and decades of quality testing and refinement. For example, the gas continuous flow systems (e.g. Infinity and Enviro ranges) typically have a minimum 12-year warranty on the heat exchanger.
The maintenance frequency of Rinnai systems is also part of the company’s reliability brand. Rinnai’s regular maintenance advice is to get a professional check completed every 1–2 years, ensuring a steady hot water supply for years to come.
Now to the question of price. How “premium” is Rinnai really priced vs other brands like Bosch, Rheem, and Dux? For a Rinnai continuous hot water system, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1500 and $1900 for a supply and professional installation service.
The Rinnai Infinity 32 Enviro sits at $4000, but it is an outlier by some margin and can be considered the “luxury car” of hot water systems.
Now, to be fair, let’s compare the prices for a supply + install for similar gas-powered continuous flow hot water systems from other brands. A similar model from Dux can range from $1600 to $3000, a Bosch can be anywhere from $1500 to $2500, and a Rheem sits at an average of around $1500.
So, is a Rinnai truly premium priced? Not really, but they do have a reputation for excellence, reliability, and sustainability, so for the same price as other brands, why not invest in something that will pay you back in energy savings and low maintenance costs? While the upfront cost for a continuous flow model is higher than more traditional storage tank options, the long-term value and savings over the system’s lifetime make continuous flow models an economical opportunity in the long run.
Rinnais are perfect hot water units for families, where their reliability means endless hot water, for apartments where the continuous gas system requires very little space, and for energy-conscious homeowners, who wish for an energy-efficient option that does not skimp on precise temperature control or waste energy on hot water storage.
While the Rinnai is a strong option, it is possible that budget-restricted buyers and low usage homes may be better off with other options in terms of upfront cost and those that do not require consistent hot water delivery all throughout the waking hours.
The Rinnai is a market leader in terms of economic water heating, environmental responsibility and engineering and technological design. While their upfront cost is median to high for the market, these systems pay back that initial investment with low energy usage, low maintenance costs, and the peace of mind of a consistent water supply free from the reliance of the public electrical grid.
However, if upfront pricing is the most immediate concern, opting for cheaper models may make more sense until a more sustainable and long-term investment in a system becomes a greater practicality.
Still unsure if a Rinnai is right for you? Then get in touch with our friendly and expert team at Same Day Hot Water Service to get a quote or consultation on the best option for your hot water needs.
Our technicians can offer professional advice on the right sizing and installation requirements for your home, whether you live in a large family house or a small flat, in the cities or out rural, or whether you feel an electric, gas, or solar hot water system is the right option for your family’s circumstances.
So, is a Rinnai right for you? Browse our range of Rinnai hot water systems to find out now.