Are navien water heaters good

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Navien maybe a newcomer to the world of tankless water heaters, but they can compete head-to-head with the likes of Rinnai and Rheem, two of the big players in the industry. If you’re looking for a new water heater, Navien is definitely worth considering.

Is Navien a Good Tankless Water Heater?

Navien is a solid choice when it comes to tankless water heaters. Their units are manufacturered by a company that takes pride in quality, design, and user friendliness. In fact, there’s no shortage of satisfied customers!

If you do decide to buy a Navien tankless, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed with your purchase at all. And with a wide range of models and features to choose between, you’ll be able to find the right heater to meet your household needs.

The Tankless Trend

In recent years tankless water heaters have gained in popularity. Many homeowners have found that going tankless has many advantages over the more conventional tank-style water heaters.

Tankless systems are compact, versatile, eco-friendly, and far more economical to operate than their tank-style cousins. Without the need to store and maintain 50-gallons of water at a temperature of 120°, the majority of the energy a tankless system uses can go directly into heating water.

With today’s demand for connectivity, tankless manufacturers have answered the call and designed models that can be remotely controlled even while you’re on vacation!

Navien Review

Many people haven’t heard of Navien and to be fair, the company is a relative newcomer to the tankless water heater industry. But don’t let that fool you, they’ve built quite a reputation and can compete head-to-head against big players like Rinnai and Rheem.

Today, Navien is headquartered in Irvine, California, but they were founded in 1978 in South Korea and were known as KyungDong Navien (KD Navien). Although the products are still manufactured in South Korea, the company operates training centers in New Jersey, Ontario, and California.

Although, better known in Canada, Navien’s US presence is growing. And for homeowners who are motivated to support “Green” companies, Navien was honored as an eco-leader in 2018 by Green Builder Magazine.

Navien Tankless Water Heater Recall

In 2018 Navien needed to recall 3,400 tankless water heaters because of a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall and it involved two condensing models, the NPE-180A and the NPE-180S and a condensing combination boiler, the NCB-180E.

The recall was the result of a kit used to convert the units from natural gas to propane and the possibility that it could cause unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Navien offered owners of these models a free replacement conversion kit.

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Navien Tankless Water Heater Product Line

Choosing a tankless water heater can be a confusing process, but we recommend first deciding if you want a condensing or a non-condensing system. The differences between the two are not difficult to understand, but they are very important.

Condensing tankless water heaters have always been a part of Navien’s model line-up, but more recently they’ve added a non-condensing series.

Navien’s NPE-A Series and the NPE-S Series make up the condensing models. And the NPN-U and NPN-E series are part of the non-condensing line-up.

Condensing vs Non-Condensing

The main difference between condensing and non-condensing is how they vent (or don’t vent) the condensation produced during the water heating process.

In both cases, the intense temperature needed to instantly heat your home’s water, as it passes through the tankless water heater, creates steam very quickly.

When the steam cools, it condenses back into water. Only now, as a result of the heating process, the “waste” water is highly acidic and can easily corrode parts, pieces and pipes.

A non-condensing tankless water heater handles that by venting the hot gases outside, where they can cool outside of the unit. With gases as hot as 300° F they must be vented through special, non-corrosive venting materials that can withstand the heat.

And since the internal parts of a non-condensing tankless water heater don’t need to withstand the corrosive wastewater, the internal parts can be less expensive.

On the other hand, condensing tankless water heaters extract the additional heat from the exhaust gases through various means within the unit itself. Because of this, they exhaust cooler gases, around 100° F., and the acidic condensation water is neutralized through filtration or dilution before it’s drained outside.

Since the exhaust gases are much cooler, they can be collected inside the unit and less expensive venting material can be used. However, the internal parts of condensing units tend to be pricier because they need to withstand the corrosive wastewater.

Non-Condensing vs Condensing Tankless Water Heaters

There are some important and fundamental differences to consider when choosing between a non-condensing and condensing tankless water heater:

Non-Condensing Water Heaters

• Efficiency:Typically 80% or higher
• Venting: Requires more expensive venting
• Initial Cost: Typically the tankless unit is less expensive, but installation is more expensive
• Operating Cost: Since the unit’s efficiency is lower, it’ll cost more to operate than a condensing tankless
• Size: Frequently non-condensing units are slightly smaller than condensing tankless systems

Condensing Water Heaters

• Efficiency:Typically 98% or higher
• Venting: Less expensive PVC venting
• Initial Cost: Typically the tankless unit is more expensive, but installation is less expensive
• Operating Cost: Since the unit’s efficiency is higher, it’ll cost less to operate than a non-condensing tankless
• Size: Frequently condensing units are slightly larger than non-condensing tankless systems

Before you dive into the specific brand review, we highly recommend you to read our elaborate Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide in advance. There are several crucial steps you need to take before you even start to think about the brand.

This Navien tankless water heater review provides accurate, comprehensive information you can use to research this brand, one of the best-selling in the industry. For every model, we’ve included complete specifications and prices in two separate tables below.

To compare tankless water heater brands, see our guides to:

Introduction to Navien Tankless Water Heaters

Navien was founded in 1978 in Japan as a producer of boilers and water heaters. The company has been an innovator in condensing gas units. Navien opened operations in the US in 2006 and quickly became one of the top-selling brands of tankless water heaters and related products boilers and combination boiler/water heaters.

All Navien tankless models are gas-fired and designed as whole-house water heaters. They come equipped with natural gas (NG), but the valve is easily replaced to burn liquid propane (LP). This table includes all current Navien tankless models and their specs.

• All Models above support Both Natural Gas and Propane.
• EF/UEF: Water heater efficiency is listed as EF (Energy Factor) or UEF (Uniform Energy Factor). EF is an outdated measure and is typically 2-3 percent higher than the UEF, which was implemented in 2017 by the US Department of Energy to produce more consistent ratings across the industry.
• Energy Star: All Navien tankless units are Energy Star compliant.
• Low-NOx: All Navien models meet standards where reduced noxious emissions are required.
• Residential Warranties: The warranties listed in the table are for the heat exchangers and apply to controlled circulation via an internal pump (Advanced models) or when an external pump is used (optional with Standard models). When uncontrolled/constant circulation is used, the heat exchanger warranty is 5 years. All other parts are covered by a 5-year warranty. Labor is covered for 1 year.

Navien Water Heater Features Analysis

These are premium tankless water heaters with impressive features.

All models have dual stainless steel heat exchangers to combat potential corrosion from their condensing performance. To learn more about condensing heaters and their pros and cons when compared with non-condensing, less efficient models, see that section of our Tankless Water Heater buying guide.

• NPE-Advanced models include a recirculation pump and buffer tank, technology called ComfortFlow. It includes a timer, so that the pump isn’t recirculating and reheating water when there’s no demand. The system maintains a small amount of heated water in the tankless unit and pipe leading to designated faucets/outlets. This reduces time and wasted water when waiting for hot water. Keep in mind, though, that heating and recirculating water uses additional energy. It’s a trade off between paying for metered water that’s wasted and paying for gas to fire the unit.
• Navien’s NaviLink is an add-on component for all models that enables WiFi for remote monitoring and control of the water heater. The WiFi control costs $200-$225 from various sellers. Brands like Rheem and Rinnai make some models with built-in WiFi.
• All Navien models offer cascading technology. This means up to 16 units can be linked together, 8 when using a common vent, to serve large homes and commercial applications where a large volume of hot water is in high demand.
• The Navien HotButton is an optional accessory that mounts remotely, near a bathroom for example. The button activates internal recirculation from the unit to a faucet such as a shower using a return line, so hot water is instantly available. The HotButton kit costs about $80. Expect installation to be $150-$300.
• Navien Advanced Series units offer space heating with the H2Air Kit option. Hot water is circulated to a radiator-like heat exchange located in a furnace or air handler. The unit’s blower pulls air over the heat exchanger. The heated air is distributed through the ductwork. While innovative, this method of heating is not as cost-effective as either a furnace or heat pump. Expect estimates for the equipment and installation to cost $1,500-plus.
• Advanced Series water heaters also have an optional handheld remote that allows you to monitor and control all features including water temperature and the recirculation timer. The remote costs $75-$85 from various sellers.

How Navien Water Heaters Compare to Other Tankless Brands

Navien makes fewer models than the leading competitors like Rinnai, Takagi and Noritz, but the range of sizes provides most homeowners with a model to meet their hot water demand.

The T-H3 with its ultra-high efficiency and 199K BTU heater produces up to 11.2 GPM, one of the largest-capacity models on the market. The brand is considered a premium tankless water heater brand because all its models are condensing gas heaters with outstanding efficiency.

Having said that, about 20% of Navien tankless heaters have significant mechanical issues in the first 10 years. Leaks and failed control boards top the list. Navien’s heat exchanger warranty is 15 years, among the best, but it is essential that you hire a certified installer for the work. If you don’t, the warranty will be voided, and repairs won’t be covered from day 1.

Navien Tankless Water Heater Prices

Navien water heaters offer a good combination of performance and quality. Prices are competitive with other top brands like Rheem and Rinnai.

Here’s a table of Navien water heater prices.

Navien isn’t exactly a household name, but it should be. This company is at the forefront of tankless water heater and boiler technology. Owning a Navien tankless water heater means lower bills and a much smaller carbon footprint.

September 22, 2018

At A Glance: Navien Water Heaters

They also have a higher compatibility with your existing water system and longer-lasting parts so you can save money from the moment you purchase a unit. It’s time to get to know one of the best tankless water heater companies and why they’re a secret you’ll want to share.

Table of Contents

The History of KD Navien Co., Limited

KyungDong Navien is a younger company, having been founded in 1978. Ten years later, it began making an impact by being the first Asia-based company to develop a high efficiency condensing boiler that was environmentally friendly. The company’s reputation grew as they achieved high-level certifications across several continents.

Over the years, KD Navien has expanded its products to include HVAC and numerous home systems. All of these share a focus on greener living and higher efficiency. Today, the company has two branches in Asia, as well as one each in Europe, Australia, North America, and South America.

As they are a younger company, their name isn’t as well-known as Rinnai, Rheem, or even Noritz, but KD Navien has worked hard to excel these older companies in both efficiency and environmentalism.

Tankless Water Heaters

Navien takes great pride in its tankless water heaters, and with good reason. These heaters have some of the highest efficiency ratings on the market and are also among the greenest. Two tankless lines are available, the NPE-A and NPE-S.

Common Features

All Navien tankless water heaters hold to a high standard, providing both ENERGY STAR and LEED certifications. They also use condensing technology to reduce your water bill and provide on-demand hot water with no wait time.

The controls are easy to use and Navien water heaters can both common vent up to 8 units and cascade up to 16 units, making them perfect for apartment complexes as well as single family homes.

NPE-S Line

The standard line is quite impressive on its own, and has many design features geared towards reducing installation costs. This higher affordability doesn’t reduce the level of quality, however. An outstanding .97 UEF rating makes this one of the most efficient lines on the market, and many of the components are designed to require less maintenance than non-condensing models.

NPE-A

The advanced line provides more quality than just about any other tankless heater on the market. Starting with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of up to .96 and low NOx ratings, these units include ComfortFlow recirculation technology to eliminate cold periods.

To provide additional savings, the recirculation pump can be deactivated. These heaters can provide up to three LEED points and will help reduce your home’s HERS index score. The advanced series can also be Wi-Fi enabled with the NaviLink add-on.

Navien is a company that specializes in tankless water heaters. This means you get hot water on demand and no longer have to wait for your tank to fill up before you can take a shower or do the dishes.

Navien has been around for over 30 years, and they have gained expertise in their product category.

Navien’s tankless water heaters are great for those who have a large household or live somewhere where energy costs are high. Let’s jump into Navien tankless water heater reviews and see what Navien offers in terms of tankless water heaters.

Navien NPE-240S

This Navien tankless water heater offers high condensing efficiency.

It has many great features, including supporting multi-story homes, having an energy-efficient design, and providing hot water quickly.

So, when selecting the best water heater for your regular usage, the Navien NPE-240S is an excellent option. It has a significant flow rate and an efficient energy factor so that you can expect excellent results. So, if you have a big family, this could be a worthy investment.

● Eco-friendly (CO and NOx reducing technology)

● Instantaneous hot water

Navien NPE-180S

The Navien NPE-180S is one of the best tankless water heaters you can buy. It has a lot to offer, starting with its low maintenance and ease of installation. In addition, the Navien NPE-180S is highly efficient in both gas and electric models, helping homeowners save about 60% on their energy costs compared to standard storage-type tanks.

The Navien NPE-180S is also ENERGY STAR® qualified, a welcomed addition that saves homeowners even more money.

If you’re searching for a product that offers the proper flow rate for your everyday needs, the Navien NPE-180S is an excellent option. It’s especially appropriate for small families with seven to eight faucets connected to the heater.

● Could use a boost in GPM usable period

Navien NPE-240A

This option is one of the most affordable in the Navien lineup and is a great budget option if you don’t need all of the features that come with other models. It also has an incredibly compact design that helps save space – which can be beneficial for some homes or basements where there isn’t much room for extra appliances.

Finally, this model comes standard with adjustable temperature control, so it’s perfect for when you want to take long showers (up to 30 minutes) without worrying about your hot water running out.

The Navien NPE-240A is a fantastic choice if you’re on a budget. When it comes to energy usage, it’s very efficient. The cold weather performance is not ideal, but the product is deemed an excellent option in this price range.

● Low NOx emissions

● 12.2 gallons/minute at 35 °F.

● Only last for an hour max with showers

Navien NPE-210A

The Navien NPE-210A is a tankless water heater that provides an impressive flow rate of 10.1 gallons per minute. It’s also highly energy-efficient, with its high efficiency condensing heat exchanger technology allowing it to operate without the use of power.

This unit is easy to install and has an attractive design that blends well into any home decor theme. This model only comes in one color option — white — so you won’t be able to choose your favorite shade or make your new appliance stand out from everything else in the room.

When it comes to your typical usage, the Navien NPE-210A appears to be an excellent option. Furthermore, the interior components are composed of high-quality materials, making them highly useful for daily use. If you have five to six faucets connected to the product, it is a decent option.

● Simple to install

● Not the greatest for subfreezing weather

What is a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater heats water as it flows through the unit. These heaters are far more energy-efficient than traditional tanks, and they typically save homeowners 40-60% on their gas bills each year.

The Navien water heaters are some of the greatest on the market today. Tankless water heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water, and they use about as much energy as a light bulb.

Navien tankless gas water heaters are well-known for their reliability and efficiency. These devices can last upwards of 25 years if properly maintained and installed by professionals in the industry.

Is Navien a good tankless water heater?

Navien tankless water heater prices are higher than those of traditional units, but a long list of benefits can outweigh the initial cost. For example, some models use propane or natural gas, and excess energy from these units can earn you tax credits on your utility bill.

In addition to this financial benefit, many customers report lower monthly bills since their Navien’s heating capacity has been used for several appliances in their home (hot tubs, dishwashers, etc.).

Other significant benefits include increased safety with no risk of flooding due to broken plumbing lines and reduced environmental impact by cutting out wasted energy through standby mode.

Pros and cons of Navien tankless water heaters

Navien tankless water heaters have a few pros and cons. Navien has been in the business for years, so they are one of the most trusted companies on this list.

Their best model comes with an impressive ten-year parts warranty that includes labor and material costs associated with repairing or replacing defective components.

As long as you purchase your unit through a reputable supplier, then there’s minimal risk involved when buying from this company.

● Reliable water heaters

● No water reserves

Navien water heater reviews: Conclusion

Navien tankless water heaters are known for their reliability and long life. They have a ten-year warranty to give you peace of mind. In addition, the CRN, CEC, and Title 24 compliant models are eligible for rebates in California so that the system can pay itself off within five years. Navien’s reputation is excellent, with only about two percent returns on all units sold.

This company has been around since 2002, which adds to its credibility and longevity of product availability should anything go wrong down the line. Visit this page to learn even more about home and water.