Rinnai Gas Heater Making Loud Noise [5 Easy Solutions]

If your Rinnai gas heater is making an unusual noise, then don’t worry. The problem is easily fixable. In this article, we will talk about 5 reasons why your Rinnai gas heater making loud noise and what you can do about them.

The main causes of this problem are blocked air intake/exhaust system, wrong vent pipe positioning, loose blower fan, old blower fan belt, and loose furnace panel.

By the end, you will be able to solve all these issues. Let’s get into it.

5 Reasons Rinnai Gas Heater Making Loud Noise [Easy Solutions]

Take a look at the elaboration below. These solutions will help you deal with the Rinnai gas heater making loud noises easily.

1. Blocked Air Intake/Exhaust System

The Rinnai gas heater needs to intake and exhaust air from the system. And it continuously happens till the device is shut off. It is very easy for anything to be clogged here. And whenever it does get clogged, the pipes make a weird loud noise.

Solution:

The solution to this problem is cleaning the air pipes. You will need to clean two different pipes. Here’s how to do it:

To clean the exhaust pipe, you have to:

• Turn off the furnace system
• Unscrew the back panel of the system
• Locate the exhaust pipe at the top-right corner
• Rotate the cover anti-clockwise and remove it
• Take a brush to clean the interior of the vent pipe
• Put everything back together.

And to clean the air intake system, you have to locate the intake hose right beside the air exhaust pipe and clean it as well. 

2. High Vent Pipe Placement

If you notice noises coming from your gas heater’s air vent, then the possible reason is its placement. The vent pipe should be 6 feet high. However, if it’s longer than this, the air will struggle to get out. And it will make noises in the process.

Solution:

You have to change the vent pipe to solve this issue. It is simple. Just get a new vent pipe shorter than 6 feet and put it in place of the old one. Once you have done this, the device shouldn’t make any noise.

3. Loose Blower Fan

There is a blower fan in your Rinnai gas heater. The heater fan won’t work perfectly and start to make a rattling noise if it gets loose. And as a blower fan is an essential part of the heater, you must fix this issue the moment you hear it rattling. 

Solution:

Fixing a loose blower fan is easy. You just have to:

• Turn off the device
• Open the front panel of the device
• Locate the blower fan on the left side of the device
• Give the fan a push to fit it tightly
• If the fan doesn’t fit, then pull it out and replace it with a new one
• Put everything back on

Once you replace the blower fan, it shouldn’t bother you with noises anymore.

4. Worn-Out Fan Belt

You already know how the Rinnai gas heater fan can make noise. But if the issue we just discussed doesn’t solve your problem, then take a look at the fan belt. The fan belt holds the blower fan in its place. It is possible that the fan belt is worn out and causing the fan to rattle. This usually happens with old furnaces.

Solution:

You have to replace the fan belt to solve this issue. 

In order to do this, you have to reach the fan first in the manner we just discussed. Once you locate the fan, you will see a belt holding the fan. Just cut that belt and put a new one around the fan. And now you are done.

5. Loose Furnace Panel

If you hear rattling noises coming from your Rinnai gas heater, but the fan isn’t the issue, you can conclude that the heater panels are loose. This can happen if you forget to put everything back after opening the device or if you are using your heater after a long time.

Solution:

Tightening up a furnace panel is easy. Just locate the loose furnace panel (front or back?) and tighten its screws. There’s nothing more you need to do. If you can handle these solutions, there won’t be any loud noises from your Rinnai gas heater anymore.

FAQ:

Should a gas heater make noise?

Though it is unusual for a gas heater to make noise, it is not always unusual.

How long do Rinnai gas heaters last?

With proper care and maintenance, a Rinnai gas heater should last around 20 years.

Do I need to service my Rinnai gas heater?

It is good practice to service your Rinnai gas heater once every two years.

How much does it cost to fix a gas heater?

Fixing a Rinnai gas heater can cost around $400.

Can gas heaters be left on overnight?

You should not leave your heater on overnight.

Final Verdict:

Now that you know how to deal with the Rinnai heater making a loud noise, the issue shouldn’t bother you anymore. As our solution is easy and straightforward, you shouldn’t face any problem dealing with it. However, if you do run into any trouble, let us know in the comment below.