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Rinnai · Series

Rinnai SENSEI RU (Super High Efficiency Plus condensing)

The SENSEI RU series is Rinnai's condensing residential tankless line with 130,000 to 199,000 BTU/h maximum inputs, UEF 0.91 to 0.95, 2" PVC venting and recirculation capability via an external pump (RUR models add a built-in pump).

Current seriesSold in CanadaGas tanklessNatural gasPropaneresidential
Request service for this seriesReplacement estimate

Series facts

System type
Gas tankless
Efficiency
UEF 0.95 (high draw)
Energy
Natural gas models end in N (RU199iN); propane models end in P (RU199iP). Indoor models carry an i, outdoor an e.
Venting
2" nominal PVC/CPVC/polypropylene twin-pipe or 3"/5" concentric; direct vent, room air or common vent per the manual's vent tables.
Models documented
4
Warranty
Published terms

UEF 0.95 for RU199i, RU180i and RU160i; 0.91 for RU130i, per Rinnai spec sheet RUi-SP-4. Tankless UEF is tested under a different draw pattern from storage tanks.

About the SENSEI RU (Super High Efficiency Plus condensing)

RU-series units are wall-hung condensing tankless water heaters that modulate from 15,000 BTU/h up to their rated maximum. Indoor models (RU130i, RU160i, RU180i, RU199i) are listed on rinnai.ca in natural gas and propane versions; outdoor e-models and pump-equipped RUR models share the same platform. Rinnai's technical bulletin TB-186 records that the RU199, RU180 and RU160 met ENERGY STAR version 5.0, while the RU130 met only version 4.0.

Capacity is a flow figure, not a volume: the RU199i is rated 0.26 to 9.8 GPM, with up to 11 GPM (42 L/min) available by parameter adjustment. Rinnai's published maximum is not tied to a stated temperature rise in the text of its documents, and the flow curves apply only to inlet water at or below 21 °C, so winter performance in Metro Vancouver, where incoming water can be below 8 °C, is materially lower than the headline. Activation needs at least 0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min).

The series includes Rinnai's Circ-Logic recirculation control for use with an external pump on a dedicated return line or a crossover valve; the pump cable is sold separately. Isolation valves and a pressure-relief valve kit are included with the heater and are required for the annual descaling flush the manual specifies. Rinnai's own listing now leads with the newer SENSEI RX and RXP models (UEF 0.98), so the RU series should be treated as current but likely to be superseded.

Highlights

  • Condensing, UEF 0.95 (RU199i/RU180i/RU160i), ENERGY STAR 5.0 per Rinnai TB-186
  • 15,000–199,000 BTU/h modulation; 0.26–9.8 GPM rated flow, 11 GPM with parameter adjustment
  • 2" PVC/CPVC/PP or 3"/5" concentric venting; 65 ft (2") or 150 ft (3") equivalent length
  • Recirculation-capable with an external pump (Circ-Logic); RUR models have a built-in pump
  • Isolation valve and PRV kit included; annual flushing specified
  • 15-year heat exchanger, 5-year parts, 5-year labour with registration (10/2024 warranty)

Rinnai's 10/2024 SENSEI residential warranty lists 15 years or 12,000 operating hours on the heat exchanger, 5 years on all other parts, and 5 years reasonable labour if the unit is registered within 90 days of installation (otherwise labour defaults to 1 year). Heat-exchanger coverage drops to 8 years if the temperature is set above 71 °C (160 °F). Applies to correct installations in the United States and Canada.

Models

SENSEI RU (Super High Efficiency Plus condensing) models

One canonical page per model. Capacity and fuel variants stay on that page.

Rinnai · Gas tankless

Rinnai RU130iN

CurrentSold in Canada
Max input
130,000 BTU/h
Flow at unspecified rise rise
7 GPM (26 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.91

The Rinnai RU130iN is an indoor condensing natural gas tankless water heater with a 15,000–130,000 BTU/h input, UEF 0.91 and up to 7 GPM (26 L/min) of flow at an unstated temperature rise. It is listed on rinnai.ca and is the smallest residential RU model, suited to one-bathroom homes and suites.

Natural gasPropaneCondensing, PVC/CPVC/PP
Specifications, manuals and service

Rinnai · Gas tankless

Rinnai RU160iN

CurrentSold in Canada
Max input
160,000 BTU/h
Flow at unspecified rise rise
9 GPM (34 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.95

The Rinnai RU160iN is an indoor condensing natural gas tankless water heater with a 15,000–160,000 BTU/h input, UEF 0.95 and up to 9 GPM (34 L/min) of flow at an unstated temperature rise. It is listed on rinnai.ca and is the mid-size RU model between the RU130i and RU180i.

Natural gasPropaneCondensing, PVC/CPVC/PP
Specifications, manuals and service

Rinnai · Gas tankless

Rinnai RU180iN

CurrentSold in Canada
Max input
180,000 BTU/h
Flow at unspecified rise rise
10 GPM (38 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.95

The Rinnai RU180iN is an indoor condensing natural gas tankless water heater with a 15,000–180,000 BTU/h input, UEF 0.95 and up to 10 GPM (38 L/min) of flow at an unstated temperature rise. It is listed on rinnai.ca and sits one step below the flagship RU199iN.

Natural gasPropaneCondensing, PVC/CPVC/PP
Specifications, manuals and service

Rinnai · Gas tankless

Rinnai RU199iN

CurrentSold in Canada
Max input
199,000 BTU/h
Flow at unspecified rise rise
11 GPM (42 L/min)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
0.95

The Rinnai RU199iN is an indoor condensing natural gas tankless water heater with a 15,000–199,000 BTU/h input, UEF 0.95, 2" PVC venting and up to 11 GPM (42 L/min) of flow at an unstated temperature rise. It is listed on rinnai.ca and is the largest residential RU model, with a propane version, the RU199iP.

Natural gasPropaneCondensing, PVC/CPVC/PP
Specifications, manuals and service

Compare models in this series

Comparison of Rinnai RU130iN and Rinnai RU160iN and Rinnai RU180iN and Rinnai RU199iN
SpecificationRinnai RU130iNGas tanklessRinnai RU160iNGas tanklessRinnai RU180iNGas tanklessRinnai RU199iNGas tankless
Minimum gas input15,000 BTU/h15,000 BTU/h15,000 BTU/h15,000 BTU/h
Maximum gas input130,000 BTU/h160,000 BTU/h180,000 BTU/h199,000 BTU/h
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)0.910.950.950.95
Maximum flow with parameter adjustment7 GPM (26 L/min) at unspecified rise rise9 GPM (34 L/min) at unspecified rise rise10 GPM (38 L/min) at unspecified rise rise11 GPM (42 L/min) at unspecified rise rise
Minimum activation flow0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min)0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min)0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min)0.4 GPM (1.5 L/min)
Max. equivalent vent length, 2 in twin pipe65 ft (20 m)65 ft (20 m)65 ft (20 m)65 ft (20 m)
Weight62 lb (28 kg)62 lb (28 kg)64 lb (29 kg)64 lb (29 kg)

“—” means not applicable to that system type or not published by the manufacturer. Flow figures are only comparable at the same temperature rise; UEF values are only comparable within the same draw pattern.

Fault codes

SENSEI RU (Super High Efficiency Plus condensing) codes and status lights

  • Code 10 Air supply or exhaust blockage, or full condensate trapRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 12 No flame (burner lit, then flame lost or not sensed)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 14 Heat exchanger overheatRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 16 High outgoing temperature (safety shutdown)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 19 Electrical grounding faultRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 11 No ignition (heater not turning on)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 25 Condensate pump fault (accessory)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 52 Gas valve faultRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 61 Combustion fan faultRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 63 Recirculation low flowRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 65 Water flow control fault (bath-fill valve)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 71 Solenoid valve circuit faultRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code 72 Flame rod faultRinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code FF Maintenance indicator (service history marker)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display
  • Code SS Service Soon (flush the heat exchanger)Rinnai PC board with digital controller display

Manuals

Official documents

Where CANRO provides on-site service

On-site service is currently offered across Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Tsawwassen; plus Anmore, Belcarra, Lions Bay, Bowen Island, Abbotsford with travel or ferry arrangements confirmed by phone. Everything else on this site is reference information you can use anywhere in Canada.

See all service areas

Services for Rinnai gas tankless units

Frequently asked questions

Is 11 GPM the flow I will get in winter?

No. Rinnai's flow curves apply to inlet water at 21 °C or below and do not state the rise behind the 11 GPM figure. In a Metro Vancouver January with inlet water near 5–8 °C, the unit needs roughly a 40 °C rise to reach 49 °C, and flow at that rise is far lower. Size from flow at the winter rise, not the maximum.

Does the RU series need a recirculation pump for instant hot water?

The unit is recirculation-capable but has no built-in pump; an external pump with Rinnai's Circ-Logic control, plus either a dedicated return line or a crossover valve, is required. Even then, hot water is quicker at the tap, not instant.

How often does a Rinnai tankless need flushing?

Rinnai's manual states that failure to flush will damage the heat exchanger and that lime damage is not covered by warranty. Rinnai's guidance is at least once a year, more often with hard water; Metro Vancouver's water is very soft, which reduces but does not remove the need.

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Related

Sources and verification

Facts checked September 7, 2026. Last updated September 7, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.

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