EnergyRite is Lochinvar\'s atmospheric-venting commercial gas water heater line. Standard pick for restaurants, hotels, multi-family, salons, gyms, car washes — light commercial applications needing 300-850 MBH input and 75-100 gallon storage. 81% thermal efficiency; lower upfront cost than condensing ARMOR but lower operating efficiency.
The lineup
- ERN-301 — 75-gallon, 300 MBH
- ERN-501 — 100-gallon, 500 MBH (volume light-commercial pick)
- ERN-650 — 100-gallon, 650 MBH
- ERN-852 — 100-gallon, 850 MBH (high-recovery, large laundries / car washes / industrial)
Key features
- Atmospheric venting via B-vent chimney — simpler install than condensing PVC
- 81% thermal efficiency — meets minimum federal commercial standards
- 5-year tank warranty; 1-year parts
- Glass-lined commercial tank with magnesium anode
- Honeywell or White-Rodgers gas valve
- Hot surface igniter with electronic ignition
EnergyRite vs ARMOR — when to choose which
| EnergyRite (Atmospheric) | ARMOR (Condensing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal efficiency | 81% | 95% |
| Venting | B-vent chimney | PVC sidewall |
| Upfront cost | $3,900-7,500 | $7,500-11,000 |
| Annual gas cost (similar duty) | +15-18% higher than ARMOR | Baseline |
| Code compliance (commercial) | Meets federal minimum | Required where IECC stringent |
| Best when | Existing chimney; lower duty cycle; budget priority | No chimney; high duty cycle; code requires |
Sizing for the application
| Application | Typical EnergyRite |
|---|---|
| Small restaurant (40-60 seats) | ERN-301 (300 MBH) |
| Medium restaurant / hotel limited service | ERN-501 (500 MBH) |
| Large restaurant / multi-family 20-30 units | ERN-650 (650 MBH) |
| Laundry / car wash / industrial | ERN-852 (850 MBH) |
Engineering sizing required for any commercial application — engaging a mechanical engineer or commercial plumbing contractor is standard practice.
Install requirements
- B-vent chimney sized to BTU input (6"-10" diameter depending on size)
- Commercial-grade gas line, often 1.25"+ on ERN-501 and larger
- Combustion air supply — 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU input
- Commercial drain access
- T&P relief discharge to safe location per IBC
- Mechanical room per IBC/IFC requirements
Maintenance
Annual contractor service includes: burner inspection and cleaning, gas pressure verification, anode rod inspection (replace every 3-5 years), T&P test, flush sediment. Commercial use deposits sediment 3-5x faster than residential.
Warranty
- 5-year tank (commercial application)
- 1-year parts
- 1-year labor
Bottom line
EnergyRite is the budget commercial gas pick — atmospheric venting, established platform, 5-year warranty. ERN-501 is the volume light-commercial choice. Step up to ARMOR (95% condensing) only if IECC code, utility rebate, or duty cycle justifies the upfront premium.