Rinnai RHFE-1004FA 38,400 BTU Energy Saver Ductless Heater - LP Gas Logo
Posted on Jan 02, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Rinaai LP space heater will not shut off when set temp is reached

We recently had a Rinnai 1004FA installed. We lost our propane furnace to flooding & now the Rinaai is our main heat source. Because times have been tough, we started out with the "economy" setting, and the propane level on our tanks were 70% when it was installed.
9 days later, our propane tanks were at 30 %!!!!!!!!!!!!

I immediatly called the propane CO, who sent out a repairman to check for a leak.
He promptly told us that when you set it to "economy", it NEVER shuts off!
So much for "energy saving"!


Anyway, he removed the side panel & raised the thermistor to just above the top of the unit.
We thought PROBLEM SOLVED


Umm, not quite!

For the past 3 days, I have it set to 60
Even after reaching the 60 degrees, it will NOT shut off.
It runs CONSTANTLY!!

If I set it to the "low" setting, (55-58 degrees), it will shut off, obviously because the room was just at 60, but min later, on it goes again!

No matter what temp I set it at, it doesn't shut off when it reaches the set temp.

I am totally stressing myself out as to what my next propane bill will be.

I CANNOT afford another $300 bill every 2 weeks :(


PLEASE HELP!!

  • 1 more comment 
  • sharonmaried
    sharonmaried Jan 02, 2009

    Please! Anyone! :(

  • sharonmaried
    sharonmaried Jan 02, 2009

    Yeah, I really didn't think so :(

  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    If the thermistor checks out OK your stove is functioning correctly. Rinnai heaters are great unit but they do have some limits. If your house is older with old windows you may be expecting too much from your unit. After all it is a space heater not a complete home furnace. If the unit is keeping your space comfortable and still continues to run you can move the thermistor up or down on the wall away from the window to find a spot that work for you.

    Tom Hawkins : [email protected]

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  • Master 1,420 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 05, 2009
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Joined: Aug 30, 2007
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Test the thermistor by using an ice cube. Place the cube on the thermistor and see if the unit starts. Then using a warm towel, wrap the thermistor ans see if it stops. Watch the display to see if it is registering the changes in temp. I suspect a bad thermistor.

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Related Questions:

2helpful
2answers

Do rinnai heaters run efficiently if turned up and down often?

Maintaining the lowest acceptable setting and leaving it at that temperature is the most economical way to run the unit. If the space is going to be unoccupied for an extended time (several hours), lower temperatures are okay. This minimizes the need to burst the heat to warm the space quicker. As I understand your unit, it minimizes electrical & gas consumption by basing the need on the temperature difference of actual space temperature and setpoint. The larger the gap, the more power and gas is consumed.
In summary, when the space is occupied, maintain a consistent temperature setting. When the space is unoccupied, maintain a lower setpoint.

Hope this helps. Good Luck. :-)
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Have a 1004fa model to heat a room. temp on

You may have a bad circuit board. Depending upon the age of the heater it may still be under warranty. Contact Rinnai (in US) 800-621-9419 with your serial number and installation date. Ask if they can offer a solution. Good Luck!
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I'd like information on the reliability of Rinnai 1004FA furnaces. Do they need regular cleanings?

Beside the filters in the back, no they don't require much. After 8 years of installing and servicing these units, I haven't found a unit yet that was running faulty due to lack of service. Would recommend a cleaning of the burners about every 3-5 years. Rinnai recommends cleaning the unit with compressed air through the front grate annually...but that doesn't require disassembly
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How to test a used Rinnai 1004 furnace?

The fitting on the back of the unit is 1/2" MPT. Wouldn't suggest messing with it if you are not familiar with propane or natural gas. Make sure the unit is set up for LP if you are going to use a portable supply tank. These units are very reliable. Check all fittings with a diluted soap and water solution before turning on the unit. If it is not connected to it's venting system, you would have a forced induction source of ignition if you had a leak in your piping. These units should only be installed by a licensed plumber or gas fitter, one simple error could allow carbon monoxide (CO) into your house
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My new RHFE-1004FA has a slight whistle to it.

May have a bad regulator on the tank or bad gas pressure. The colder it is, the less gas pressure you get out of the tank.
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Blinking 12 and I have no manual to indicate what that means.

A 12 code indicates a "Flame Failure" check that the gas valve on the right side of the unit is turned on. If you are using propane have you confirmed that the tank has fuel? You may be able to download the owners manual from the Rinnai website.If not you can contact themat 1-800 621-9419.
This is a great heater and the Rinnai people will be helpful. good luck!
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