Rheem RTG-70XLN-3
The Rheem RTG-70XLN-3 is the outdoor version of the mid-efficiency RTG line — the same 160,000 BTU/h, 7.0 GPM, 0.82 UEF non-condensing natural-gas engine as the indoor DVLN, but built for exterior wall mounting. The 'X' means external: it vents directly to open air, so there's no indoor flue to route, no venting materials to buy, and no wall penetration for exhaust. For warm-climate homes, that makes it one of the simplest gas tankless installs available.
It carries Hot Start Programming to minimize cold-water bursts and delivers a genuine 7.0 GPM for a small-to-medium home. Living outdoors, it relies on built-in freeze protection — which only works while the unit has power. That's the central caveat: an outdoor gas tankless in a cold snap without electricity is at real risk, and freeze damage is typically excluded from warranty coverage.
Key Features
Best Use Cases
Our Verdict
The RTG-70XLN-3 is the easy-button version of Rheem's mid-efficiency line, and it shows in owner satisfaction — it rates noticeably higher than its indoor sibling largely because outdoor mounting removes the venting and clearance headaches that frustrate DVLN owners. You get the same 7.0 GPM and Hot Start for the same money, minus the flue. The honest catch is climate: it's genuinely at home in warm and mild regions, and in cold climates you must keep it powered year-round and insulate exposed lines, because a freeze failure is on you, not the warranty. Our take: an excellent-value outdoor gas tankless for warm-to-mild climates and simple installs — just respect the freeze-protection rules if your winters get hard.
What owners report
Themes summarized from verified-purchase reviews across major retailers (4.4★ average, 311 ratings). These are aggregated owner opinions — not our own bench testing.
Outdoor mounting removes indoor venting and clearance work entirely — owners rate it higher than the indoor DVLN largely for the simpler install.
Reliable 7.0 GPM with Hot Start Programming for a small-to-medium warm-climate home, at a value price.
Freeze risk is the standout caution — one owner reported a unit rupturing in cold weather with the freeze damage denied under warranty; continuous power and pipe insulation are essential.
Code 11 (ignition/flame failure) is the most common Rheem gas fault and appears across the RTG line.
Non-condensing efficiency (0.82 UEF) and reduced flow in cold-groundwater regions.
Rheem RTG-70XLN-3 FAQ
Will it survive freezing weather?+
It has built-in freeze protection, but that only works while the unit has power. Outdoors, a winter power outage is the real danger — freeze damage is typically excluded from warranty. Keep it energized year-round, insulate exposed pipes, and think hard before choosing an outdoor unit in a hard-freeze climate.
How is it different from the RTG-70DVLN-3?+
Same 160,000 BTU/h, 7.0 GPM, 0.82 UEF engine and Hot Start. The XLN mounts outdoors and vents to open air, so there's no indoor flue — a simpler, cheaper install. The DVLN is the indoor direct-vent version for homes that can't mount outside.
Why does it rate higher than the indoor version?+
Mostly the install. Outdoor mounting eliminates the venting and clearance issues that frustrate indoor DVLN owners, so satisfaction runs higher even though the heater itself is essentially the same.
How much hot water does it deliver?+
Up to 7.0 GPM in warm climates — two showers plus a sink. In cooler regions usable flow drops toward 4–4.5 GPM. It's sized for a small-to-medium home.
What's the warranty?+
12 years on the heat exchanger — 15 with registration within 90 days — plus 5 years on parts and 1 year of labor. Note that freeze damage is generally not covered.
Price range from leading retailers
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