Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 Review: Is This 7.0 GPM Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater Right for Your Home?

Overview: Diving into the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 Tankless Water Heater

Hey everyone! I know a lot of you in the group have been asking about tankless water heaters and whether they’re really worth the hype. We’ve all been there, right? Running out of hot water mid-shower or staring at that giant tank taking up valuable space in the garage. Well, I’ve been spending some time looking into a specific model that’s caught a few eyes: the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Outdoor Tankless Liquid Propane Water Heater. That’s a mouthful, I know!

This unit is designed to give you endless hot water on demand, and it’s specifically for outdoor installation, running on liquid propane. With a flow rate of 7.0 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) and 160,000 BTUs, it’s a pretty powerful little machine for its size. After testing and gathering feedback, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on whether this Rheem unit could be the hot water solution you’ve been looking for. Let’s break it down!

Key Features & Specs: What Makes This Rheem Unit Tick?

When you’re looking at a tankless water heater, the specs really tell the story. The Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 packs some specific features that make it suitable for certain homes and situations. Here’s what you need to know:

• High Efficiency: This unit is designed to be more efficient than traditional tank water heaters because it only heats water when you need it. No more keeping a large tank of water hot 24/7! While it’s ‘high efficiency,’ it’s important to note it’s a non-condensing model, which we’ll touch on more in the pros and cons.
• Non-Condensing Design: This refers to how it handles exhaust gases. Non-condensing units are typically simpler in design and installation compared to condensing models, but they don’t extract as much heat from the exhaust, meaning slightly lower overall efficiency compared to the absolute top-tier models.
• Outdoor Installation: This is a big one! The RTG-70XLP-3 is specifically built for outdoor use. This means you don’t need to worry about venting inside your home, and it frees up valuable indoor space. It’s designed to withstand outdoor conditions.
• Liquid Propane (LP) Fuel: If your home runs on liquid propane rather than natural gas, this unit is built for you. It’s crucial to match your fuel type, as gas models are different.
• 7.0 GPM (Gallons Per Minute): This indicates how much hot water the unit can deliver per minute. A 7.0 GPM unit is generally considered sufficient for a medium to large home, capable of supporting 2-3 simultaneous hot water applications (like two showers and a dishwasher running).
• 160,000 BTUs: BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the heating power. 160,000 BTUs is a solid amount of power for residential hot water needs, ensuring quick heating and sustained flow.
• Tankless Design: The core benefit here is on-demand hot water. No storage tank means you theoretically never run out of hot water, as long as the unit can keep up with demand. It also means a smaller footprint than a traditional tank.

Pros & Cons: The Honest Truth

As a community, we always appreciate hearing both the good and the not-so-good about a product before making a decision. Here’s a balanced look at the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 based on its features and common experiences with tankless units:

✓ The Pros: What We Love

• Endless Hot Water Supply: This is arguably the biggest selling point of any tankless unit. Say goodbye to cold showers! As long as the unit is properly sized for your needs, you’ll have hot water whenever you want it.
• Significant Space Savings: Since there’s no bulky tank, this unit takes up much less space. Because it’s an outdoor model, it frees up even more precious square footage inside your home, garage, or utility closet.
• Energy Efficiency (Savings Potential): By only heating water when it’s needed, you’re not constantly paying to keep a large tank of water hot. This ‘high efficiency’ design can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills over time compared to older tank models.
• Outdoor Installation Convenience: For homes where indoor space is tight or venting is an issue, an outdoor unit is a fantastic solution. It simplifies installation by removing the need for complex indoor venting systems.
• Good Flow Rate (7.0 GPM): A 7.0 GPM unit is robust enough for many families. It can comfortably handle multiple showers or a shower and a dishwasher running concurrently, which is a huge plus for busy households.
• Liquid Propane Compatibility: For rural homes or those without natural gas access, having a dedicated LP unit is essential. This Rheem model fits that bill perfectly.

✖ The Cons: What to Consider

• Higher Upfront Cost: Tankless water heaters, including this Rheem model, typically have a higher purchase price than conventional tank water heaters. This initial investment can be a hurdle for some budgets.
• Installation Complexity & Cost: While outdoor installation avoids indoor venting, you still need proper gas line sizing, electrical hookups, and professional plumbing. Installation costs can add a significant amount to the total expense, and it’s generally not a DIY project for most homeowners due to safety and warranty concerns.
• Non-Condensing Efficiency: While labeled ‘high efficiency,’ this is a non-condensing unit. This means it’s not quite as efficient as condensing tankless models, which reclaim more heat from exhaust gases. You’ll still save energy, but perhaps not as much as the absolute top-tier condensing units.
• Minimum Flow Rate Requirement: Tankless heaters need a minimum flow of water to activate. If you’re running water at a very low flow (e.g., a trickle for handwashing), the unit might not kick on, meaning no hot water.
• Potential for ‘Cold Water Sandwich’: This is a common phenomenon with tankless units where you might experience a brief burst of cold water if you turn off and immediately turn on the hot water again. It’s usually very short-lived but can be surprising.
• Maintenance Requirements: Tankless units require periodic descaling (flushing with a vinegar solution) to prevent mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. Neglecting this can reduce efficiency and lifespan.
• Outdoor Specific Limitations: While a pro for space, being an outdoor unit means it needs to be installed in a location protected from direct impact, and extreme cold climates might require additional considerations for freeze protection (though outdoor units are designed with this in mind, extreme conditions are always a factor).

Who Is The Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 For?

Based on its features and our discussion, this Rheem tankless water heater is a great fit for a specific type of homeowner:

• Homes with Liquid Propane (LP) Fuel: This is non-negotiable. If you don’t have natural gas and rely on propane, this unit is designed for your fuel source.
• Families Needing Consistent Hot Water: A 7.0 GPM flow rate is excellent for medium to large families (3-5 people) who might need to run multiple hot water appliances simultaneously without running out.
• Homeowners Looking to Save Indoor Space: The outdoor installation capability is a huge advantage for those with cramped utility closets, small garages, or who simply want to reclaim indoor space.
• Those Prioritizing Energy Efficiency (within reason): While not the absolute pinnacle of efficiency (due to being non-condensing), it’s still a significant upgrade from a traditional tank heater in terms of energy consumption.
• Individuals Ready for a Professional Installation: Due to the complexities of gas and water lines, and electrical connections, budgeting for and planning a professional installation is key.
• Homes in Moderate to Warm Climates: While outdoor units are built tough, they generally perform best and have fewer freeze concerns in areas that don’t experience prolonged, extreme freezing temperatures.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q1: What does “non-condensing” mean for a tankless water heater?

A: A non-condensing tankless water heater, like the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3, exhausts hot gases directly outside. It’s highly efficient compared to tank heaters, but condensing models capture additional heat from these exhaust gases, making them even more efficient (though often more expensive and complex to install). For many, a non-condensing unit offers a great balance of cost and performance.

Q2: Can I install this Rheem unit indoors?

A: No, this specific model (RTG-70XLP-3) is designed exclusively for outdoor installation. It’s built to withstand the elements and doesn’t require complex indoor venting, but it cannot be placed inside your home. If you need an indoor unit, you’ll need to look for a different model.

Q3: What kind of maintenance does a tankless water heater require?

A: The primary maintenance for tankless water heaters is periodic descaling, typically once a year, especially in areas with hard water. This involves flushing the unit with a vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup, which can affect efficiency and longevity. Many homeowners opt for a professional to perform this service.

Q4: Is 7.0 GPM enough hot water for my family?

A: For most medium to large families (3-5 people), 7.0 GPM is usually sufficient. This flow rate can typically handle 2-3 hot water applications simultaneously, such as two showers and a dishwasher running at the same time. However, very large homes with multiple high-flow fixtures might need a higher GPM unit or even two smaller units.

Q5: What’s the difference between liquid propane (LP) and natural gas models?

A: The main difference is the type of fuel they’re designed to burn. LP and natural gas have different chemical compositions and require different internal components (like orifices) for safe and efficient combustion. It’s critical to purchase the model that matches your home’s fuel source, as they are not interchangeable without professional conversion kits (and often, it’s better to just get the correct unit).

Final Verdict: Is the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 a Smart Buy?

After looking closely at the Rheem RTG-70XLP-3, I think it’s a really solid option for the right household. Our community loves the idea of endless hot water and saving space, and this unit delivers on both those fronts. The 7.0 GPM flow rate is impressive, making it suitable for many families who are tired of running out of hot water.

However, it’s important to go in with open eyes. The initial investment and installation costs can be higher than traditional tanks, and while it’s ‘high efficiency,’ remember it’s a non-condensing model. The 3.8-star rating suggests that while many users are happy, some may have encountered challenges, often related to installation specifics or expectations around efficiency vs. condensing models.

If you’re a homeowner with liquid propane, need to free up indoor space, and are looking for a reliable outdoor tankless water heater that provides ample hot water on demand, this Rheem RTG-70XLP-3 is definitely worth considering. Just make sure you factor in professional installation and the periodic maintenance to get the most out of your investment.

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