Well isnt that ironic. We are on the Southeast NC coast. New 2023 home with a Rinnai tankless mounted outside. Model # is given as RE180e (runs on propane gas)
Hundreds of homes in our community have this water heater. Even though it says "Mobile Home" on the water heater maybe that is because these are mounted outside and runs on propane.
They are used extensively in many (and that is an understatement) communities, in our last home near Lake Murray SC the second phase was a different builder and Rinnai were used there as well. We had a gas tank NG one in that home.
SO here is the truth in extreme cold, both areas. In our old community which is colder than the coast some people would get freeze ups and the same deal here in our new community. Pipes don't burst though, PEX is used. We have NEVER had a freeze up and the majority do not however a fair amount can have that issue. But down worry about the stories, there are stories for every product, just install it properly. I think the issue is this and missing common sense among those few homeowners who have an issue.
The plumbers generally do a terrible job wrapping the pipes to and from the heater outside, they are also run through uninsulated garage walls.
Anyway, if pipe insulation is lacking anywhere it will freeze in extreme cold. However the solution is simple, even for our house. I didnt like the sloppy job of the builders plumber insulation on the pipes, under warranty I had them come back and redo it. Then once they did I wrapped it with my own sticky foam black foam insulation insuring I never had nor will I ever have a problem.
BTW- my outdoor thermometer registered 13 degrees one day last week. This is crazy for the coast. No issues at all and we let our house go down to 64 at night, like sleeping in the cold. 73 daytime though.
If the job is properly done you won't have a problem. The unit itself has a built in protection circuit that will cycle the unit in freezing temperatures to prevent freeze damage to the unit. Some of that warm water will keep the pipes outside the unit from freezing as long as the insulation is good. By
no means does the majority of homes freeze up, just the ones with lacking insulation. Kind of funny, I do not know what might happen during a power failure as far as freeze protection. We never had a power outage longer than 4 hours in 18 years in the south but I know it happens. Then again, same thing would happen if it was mounted in the garage.
As far as that magical cover for the pipes at the bottom. There are some made. Some people in my community found them, made a comment saying you can't buy them direct from the company but found them on E-Bay... whether it is a direct fit I do not know.
I have also seen some communities that ALL of them have that cover. I am unsure if it is the same model number or not. It is definitely Rinnai If you do a search that says - rinnai 180e pipe cover or Rinnai pipe cover kit
You will get a bunch of results. I think the few that put them on adapted the cover to fit. I think maybe the more expensive premium lines has them. I do not know
Not sure if you are aware, if you have the room, Rinnai makes an interior one used in many communities as well. They mount them in the garage, look exactly the same but are PVC vented out the side of the garage.
This is ours. I still might look for that cover myself. Ascetics its a win win for the look.
As far as eh performance of the unit will be almost 3 years. I have to say I am impressed. It works very well, can run and open as many taps as you like or do the laundry or someone else in another bathroom taking a shower and you will never have any change in the amount of hot water while taking a shower in your bathroom.
