1) What is a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters are compact in size and provide a constant flow of hot water for as long as you need it. Rheem’s tankless gas water heaters are more energy efficient than conventional water heaters because tankless models eliminate the need to reheat stored water.
2) How does the Rheem tankless water heater work?
A conventional tank-style water heater stores hot water and heats it 24/7 whether you use it or not. Rheem’s new generation tankless technology water heater only heats water on demand. When the faucet is turned on, water flows through the Rheem tankless water heater, heating it to the temperature you’ve digitally set. When the faucet is turned off, the Rheem Tankless Water Heater senses the command and goes into standby mode.
3) Can it be installed in the same place where my old water heater was installed?
As long as sufficient combustion air is provided, Rheem tankless water heaters can be installed in a utility room, garage, basement, attic, or attached to an exterior wall. Plus, they can be installed in places where a storage water heater won’t fit. The digital temperature controller can be mounted in any room.
4) Are tankless water heaters energy efficient?
Yes, tankless water heaters are very energy efficient. The energy factor, EF, of all Rheem tankless water heaters is greater than 0.81. By comparison, a standard tank type water heater has an EF of around 0.62, so you can see that they are inherently more efficient than a storage type water heater.
5) Is a tankless water heater more energy efficient than a tank?
Rheem’s tankless gas water heaters are more energy efficient than conventional water heaters because they eliminate the need to maintain a large hot water supply. A Rheem tankless water heater works only when hot water is needed. Regardless of whether you currently have a conventional gas or electric water heater, the Rheem Tankless will save you money on your energy bills. Plus, each Rheem tankless water heater qualifies for a fee of up to $300 [tax credit?]
6) What is the power factor for the RTG-42 series water heaters?
Answer: 0.83
7) What is the power factor for the RTG-53, RTG-74 and 199 series water heaters?
Answer: 0.82
8) Does this mean that tankless water heaters have lower operating costs?
A higher EF is just one of the many reasons why tankless water heaters cost less to operate. A Rheem tankless water heater has no fixed pilot light, no reserve loss, and the burners modulate to maintain maximum efficiency.
9) How do I make sure I select the right size tankless water heater for my home?
It’s as easy as 1-2-3! If your home only has one bathroom, a Rheem RTG42 Series Tankless Water Heater provides an ample supply of continuous hot water for your needs. If your home has two bathrooms, a Rheem RTG-53 series water heater provides an ample supply of continuous hot water for your needs. If your home has three bathrooms, choose a Rheem RTG74 series, which can supply up to 3 showers simultaneously. Homeowners with 3 or more baths and/or large volume multi-head showers should consider connecting (connecting) 2, 3 or more of our tankless water heaters.
10) Does Rheem offer customer service for their tankless water heaters?
Yes! Rheem Customer Service is available 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm Central Time. Professional staff provide prompt and reliable service. Customer service options are available, call 1-866-720-2076 or visit http://www.rheemtankless.com.
11) What is the minimum water flow rate required for the tankless water heater to turn on?
All Rheem tankless water heaters require a minimum flow rate of 0.66 GPM to ignite the burner. Too little flow will not activate the main burner.
12) What type of exhaust ventilation do these products require?
The vent shall be Category III, stainless steel, and applies to the adapter, vent pipe, all elbows, and terminal vent. This is important because flue gases and combustion by-products can cause condensation. Stainless steel will not deteriorate like Type B venting under these conditions. The outdoor models RTG-53X, RTG-74X and GT-199X do not require any ventilation material. Always refer to the Use and Care Manual provided with the water heater for detailed installation and venting instructions.
13) Can the setpoint temperature of the water heater be adjusted in 1 degree increments?
No, the minimum temperature setting for the RTG series water heaters is a 2 degree increase from 100 F to 120 F and a 5 F degree increase from 120 F to 140 F.
14) What are the temperature adjustment options for each model?
The minimum temperature setting for the GT Series water heaters is a 2 degree increase from 100 F to 120 F and a 5 F degree increase from 120 F to 180 F.
15) What safety device is used to prevent overheat failure of the heat exchanger?
An overheat limiting film wrap is wrapped around the entire heat exchanger. This monitors the heat exchanger temperature and will shut down the unit if it exceeds a safe temperature. This is an exclusive feature of Rheem tankless water heaters.
16) What is the minimum clearance on the back, sides, top, bottom and front of the water heaters?
0″ back, 1/2″ sides, 12″ top, 12″ bottom, and 12″ front.
17) What does the sensor burner do?
The sensor burner is a device that detects incomplete combustion during the operation of the water heater. If incomplete combustion is detected, the water heater corrects the problem to provide clean and efficient operation of the water heater every time. This is an exclusive feature of Rheem tankless water heaters.
18) Is there a stand up pilot?
No, direct ignition sends a spark to the main burner when a flow of hot water is detected. This feature improves the energy efficiency of the water heater.
19) Can the water heater be installed at elevations of 5,000 or 6,000 feet above sea level?
All Rheem tankless water heaters can be programmed to operate at elevations up to 9,840 feet. Optional programming chips are available for elevations above 3,280 feet above sea level. One programming chip is available for elevations between 3,280 and 6,560 feet, and an optional second chip is available for elevations between 6,560 and 9,840 feet. The chips install on the water heater’s circuit board (PCB) in a matter of minutes and are available from Rheem’s Parts Department. Again, this is a unique Rheem feature and is designed to ensure proper combustion at these higher altitudes.
20) Can I convert my water heater from LP to natural gas or from natural gas to LP?
No, these units cannot be converted from one fuel source to another.
21) Where in my home can I install a Rheem tankless water heater?
The RTG-42PV, RTG-74PV and GT-199PV indoor units are highly versatile and can be installed in a utility room, garage, basement or attic as long as sufficient combustion air is provided. As with any appliance, consult local codes and the manufacturer’s use and care manual before choosing an installation site. They cannot be installed in a bedroom or bathroom, and are not intended for use in mobile homes. The RTG-53DV, RTG-74DV and GT-199DV models can be installed in all places, including bedrooms and bathrooms. These units draw combustion air from outside. These models are not designed for mobile home use. The RTG-74X and GT-199X outdoor models are for outdoor installations only and are a great alternative if your climate is appropriate. This saves space and the cost of ventilation.
22) What are some reasons to use a tankless water heater instead of a standard storage water heater?
Tankless water heaters can provide a continuous supply of hot water, while a tank will run out of hot water. Tankless products also have a longer life; lower operating costs, accurate delivery temperature, and can be installed in many locations where a storage water heater may not fit.
23) How much can I expect to save on my monthly bill if I install a tankless water heater?
Test results have shown that a tankless gas water heater costs approximately 40% less to operate than an electric water heater and approximately 30% less than a natural gas water heater.
24) How much more does it cost to buy?
In general, a tankless water heater will cost 2 to 2-1/2 times more to purchase and install than a standard water heater. Keep in mind that in addition to lowering your operating costs, you gain usable square footage by choosing tankless!
