Navien is a world-famous brand in designing and producing tankless water heaters. The main products of Navien tankless water heaters include NPE-A series and NPE-S series. Here we will give a detailed introduction to the brand.
Navien has been fasting growing brands in tankless water heaters markets since 2006. It is an expert and leader in the condensing heater system and technology. It provides a condensing tankless water heater, combi-boilers, and boilers. Being a large heater brand in North America, Navien always regards energy efficiency, safety, and quality as the primary factors in designing.
| Best Type | Top 3 Recommended Tankless Water Heater |
| Most powerful type | Navien NPE-240-A Tankless Gas Water Heater |
| Condensing Propane and gas available both | Navien NPE-210A-LP Tankless Gas Water Heater |
| Best energy efficient one | Navien NPE-240S-NG Tankless Gas Water Heater |
There are mainly two series of Navien tankless water heaters, one is NPE-A and the other NPE-S series. Both of them are in a great performance and can be highly trusted. Followings are the detailed reviews of the two series:
NPE-Advanced series
NPE-Advanced series expert in its ComfortFlow technology. It is the first and the only system that incorporates a built-in insulated buffer tank and re-circulation pump.
All the NPE-A series tankless water heaters are equipped with a re-circulation system to save water and reduce time to get hot water, thus water bills are saved and you can enjoy hot water in nearly 1 second.
Buffer tank of Navien products totally eliminated cold water sandwich. With the ComfortFlow technology, Navien got the winner of the 2013 AHR Innovation Award.
Apart from this, the NPE-A series also earns up to 3 LEED points with re-circulation and it lowers the HERS home index score. The other thing worth mentioning is the optional HotButton on the control kit.
H2Air Circulate combines space heating and domestic hot water supply optional, it saves money on purchasing additional circulate for the heating system.
In terms of high technology, Navien also adopts Wi-Fi control on its tankless water heaters. Wherever it gets linked on the internet, you can control it remotely with NaviLink add-on.
All together three tankless water heaters are included in NPE-Advanced series, they are 180A, 210A, and 240A series. Please go on reading if you want to know the detailed product information.
- NPE-A Series Reviews
The maximum input of this unit is 150000 BTU per hour and can be installed both indoor and outdoor.
Features:
- Stainless steel heat exchanger
This unit is equipped with a dual stainless steel heat exchanger, as is known to us all, stainless steel is highly corrosion resistance and has long service life than any other materials. Most of the tankless water heaters are installed with copper one, but it lasts relatively shorter than stainless steel.
- 8.4gpm large flow rate
The flow rate of the unit reaches 8.4 GPM, which is a relatively large flow rate for middle-sized home use. It is designed for commercial and residential use. Therefore, when you have a large demand for water flow for commercial use, just cascade several of them together.
- Ultra condensing efficiency
The tankless water heater of this type adopts the condensing system, it reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas effectively. A large amount of gas is used without being wasted. And low Nox design also makes it the best environmentally friendly products.
- ComfortFlow technology equipped
As we have introduced before, this unit is also equipped with ComfortFlow technology, it boasts that it takes only 1 second for hot water to flow out and eliminates cold water sandwich successfully. But actually there are still long waiting time for water to heat up, takes about 30 seconds according to customers’ reviews.
Pros:
- Built-in buffer tank and re-circulation pump
- Large flow rate for high demand
- Field convertible gas system
- Cascading Capability
- Low Nox emission
- Ultra condensing efficiency
Cons:
Still needs waiting time for water to heat up
This tankless water heater can be installed both for indoor and outdoor, maximum input is 180000 BTU per hour.
Features:
- Gas and propane available both
This unit is able to be powered by both natural gas and propane. If you do not have a gas line, then you can choose propane. Besides, it can also run with fuel. The condensing system helps save much energy for you.
- Space Saver
The dimension of the unit is 17.3 x 13.2 x 27.4 inches, which only occupies a small piece of place on your wall. Even when installed outdoor, simple and modern appearance also makes it a good decoration.
- Internal buffer tank
The internal buffer tank is installed to keep water hot all the time, successfully eliminated the cold water sandwich effect. Build in the re-circulation system also removes the trouble of getting another external pump. But you still need to run a pipe from the faucet to tank.
- Work flawlessly
The re-circulation pump reduces the time to get hot water and thus is able to save many water bills for you. It is said to heat water in a second, but it proves that the waiting time is much longer than that. Buffer tank eliminates cold water sandwich, so constantly hot water is offered to meed your demand in bathing.
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor available
- Condensing efficiency added
- SCH 40, 2” venting up
- Two stainless steel heat exchangers
- Utilizes existing 1/2″ gas line
- Field convertible
Cons:
Making noise when heating up
The 240-A natural gas tankless water heater is the top-selling type of Navien now on the market in 2020. It is more powerful than the other two NPE-A series. The maximum input is 199900 BTU per hour.
Features:
- Long customers service
All the Navien tankless water heaters have 15 years warranty for the heating exchangers, which is the longest than any other brands. And satisfying service of Navien is also worth praising and trustful.
- Easy installation
The installation process takes about 4 hours if you have basic plumbing knowledge, if not, we still suggest you get professionals on it. There are also clear installation instructions for you.
- Intelligent preheating
It is said the unit has intelligent preheating technology, that is to say, when you take a shower or use a large amount of hot water in a certain time a day frequently, it will sense the trend and starts preheating before the using time. The heated water can also be maintained for a long period of time.
- Good at keep water temperature
The machine has advanced technology to keep water temperature for a long time, and hot water flows out pretty fast after turning on. It is able to quickly correct the temperature if it draws down suddenly for certain reasons.
- Easy operation front panel control center
The control center is set to be simple and super easy to operate, it displays the status of cascade operation, temperature, and water flow rate. It is also able to convertible display from degree F to degree C. You can easily turn it off with the button.
Pros:
- Powerful and fast flow rate
- The intelligent preheating system installed
- Satisfying long customers service
- Highly efficient
- Easily maintain
- External interface for easy operation
- Wi-Fi enabled control
Cons:
- Slightly working noise
- Do not come with a remote, you need to buy separately
Comparison of the three NPE-A series Tankless Water Heaters
| Item | NPE-180A | NPE-210A | NPE-240A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Capacity (input) | 15,000 - 150,000 (BTU/H) | 19,900 - 180,000 (BTU/H) | 19,900 - 199,900 (BTU/H) |
| Efficiency Ratings UEF EF | 0.96 0.97 | 0.96 0.97 | 0.96 0.97 |
| Flow Rate | 8.4GPM | 10.1GPM | 11.2GPM |
| Dimensions | 17.3" W x 27.4" H x 13.2" D | 17.3" W x 27.4" H x 13.2" D | 17.3" W x 27.4" H x 13.2" D |
| Weight | 75.0lbs (34kg) | 82.0lbs (37kg) | 82.0lbs (37kg) |
NPE-Standard Series
This series of tankless water heaters are installed with condensing tankless technology. With such technology, the heat exchanger will recover the extra heat that would be lost in non-condensing tankless water heaters types, in order to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas. It also keeps the temperature of exhaust gas low, low enough that economical schedule 40 PVC pipe can be used for venting directly.
Navien claims that the condensing technology of it provides up to 0.97 UEF/ 0.99 EF, being much more efficient than non-condensing tankless water heaters. With such world-famous technology, Navien becomes the winner of the 2015 AHR Innovation Award.
Other features of NPE-Standard series tankless water heaters are as follow:
- More output to save money
- Lower installation costs
- Lower operation costs for the homeowner
- Earn LEED points
- Lower HERS score
In order to make you more familiar with the advantages of condensing tankless water heaters, we made a comparison between condensing tankless water heaters:
Condensing Tankless Water Heaters vs. Non-condensing Tankless Water Heaters
| Condensing tankless water heaters | Non-condensing tankless water heaters | |
|---|---|---|
| Input | 199000 BTU/H | 180000 BTU/H |
| Energy Factor(EF) | 0.82EF | 0.99EF/0.97UEF |
| Output | ~163000 | ~178000 |
| Max GPM | 98 | 10.1 |
| Installation Time | 4-8 hours | 4 hours |
| Venting | Other Type(not PVC) | 2”PVC |
| Gas pipe | Typically 3/4” pipe | Can use existing 1/2” pipe |
NPE-S series have 4 products, including NPE-150S, NPE-180S, NPE-210S, and NPE-240S. But here we mainly recommend NPE-180S and NPE-240S to you, they are the hot-selling types now on the market in 2020. Of course, if you have an interest in the other two products, please feel free to get more knowledge from Navien tankless water heaters’ official website.
- NPE-Standard Series
Followings are the two best NPE-S series tankless water heaters we would like to suggest to you:
This unit is a natural gas tankless water heater, the flow rate of it is 8.4 GPM, which is relatively high and can meet nearly all the demands of residential use. The required electric power is 120V.
Features:
- Condensing technology for efficiency
As a top brand that first adopts condensing technology on its products, this unit is of course also equipped with such an energy-efficient system. It recovers the unused gas and greatly reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas.
- PVC exhausting system
For non-condensing tankless water heaters, you need to get extra 3/4” pipe, to this unit, it is said that you can still use the existing 1/2” pipe, but most people complain that 3/4” pipe is still needed.
- Ready-Link cascading technology
Ready-Link cascading technology is a system that enables the unit to cascade up to 16 units together easily, and the common vent reaches up to 8 units. It is able to support a large amount of water for commercial use such as hotels or for a large family of 6 use.
- Low using costs
With condensing technology and other high technology, more output is realized for the money, and short waiting time for hot water also saves much money for the water bills of the homeowner, which means the operating costs are reduced accordingly.
Pros:
- PVC exhausting system for easy installation
- Efficient
- Intelligent preheating system
- Condensing technology equipped
- Large water flow for multiple room use
Cons:
The price is quite expensive
This is another natural gas tankless water heater of the Navien NPE-S series. The maximum input is 199900 BTU per hour. It can be installed both indoor and outdoor.
Features:
- Commercial & residential use
This unit is able to be used for both residential and commercial, the flow rate of it is 11.2 GPM, perfect for home demand. When it is used for commercials, you can just cascade several of them together. Ready-Link cascading technology it enables you to cascade up to 16 units.
- The clear front panel control center
There is a digital clear front panel control center on the unit, it displays temperature and water flow rate, the status of cascade operation and also convertible displays from degree F to degree C. The friendly interface is also equipped with the self-diagnostics system, the error code will be shown on the screen if it goes wrong.
- Preheating system
It refers to the technology on preheating and maintaining the water temperature before using it. When you frequently use a large amount of water at certain times a day, the unit will sense it and start preheating system, so that you can use it conveniently.
- Smooth working
The working condition is the quietest among all the Navien tankless water heaters, nearly no working noise can be heard during the using process. Buffer tank inside eliminates cold water sandwich, so you can always enjoy hot water endlessly.
- Simple design
Inherit from other Navien tankless water heaters, this unit looks also simple and clean. You can hook it up easily and it will always meet the decorative style of your home. But compared with others, this is a bit large on size and a little heavy, so it may take up more time in installation.
- Stainless steel heat exchangers
Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistance and the service life is extremely long. That is why Navien adopts two stainless steel heat exchangers instead of copper. Condensing technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and largely improved energy efficiency.
Pros:
- Quiet working conditions
- Ultra condensing efficiency
- Easy to install
- Intelligent preheating system
- Work flawlessly
- Long warranty time
Cons:
A bit large on size
The propane tankless water heater is the best choice for one without gas line or enough budget, and most of the tankless water heaters now are designed both propane and gas available.
There is the one best Navien propane tankless water heater we would like to recommend for you:
For this unit, you can adopt natural gas, propane, and even other fuels as the power source. And as it can be installed both indoor and outdoor, the venting kits are required according to installation spots. When installing outdoor, SCH40 and 2” venting is needed.
If you want to get more information on the unit, please check it out on Amazon freely.
Compared with natural gas tankless water heaters, electric tankless water heaters are easier in installation, for no pipeline or venting kits are required. But natural gas type is more energy-efficient, the using costs of it are far cheaper than the electric one. Therefore, more and more people choose natural gas tankless water heater instead of an electric one.
As Navien is a brand expert in natural gas and propane tankless water heaters only, we do not recommend its electric type for you. If you would like to know more about the electric heater, we have made detailed electric tankless water heaters reviews for you.
One of the features that make the Navien water heaters stand out is their energy factor which ranges between 0.95 and 0.99. It has two heat exchangers that are made of stainless steel, and they contribute to the efficiency of the heaters by using the flue heat to raise the temperature of the incoming cold water.
Many people prefer using the Navien heater to the non-condensing tankless water heaters due to their efficiency and their greater capacity. If a large volume of water is needed there is the cascading technology which allows the combination of a maximum of 16 units to use a common vent.
Additionally, their main burner is made of stainless steel which guarantees you of the water heater’s durability. One is also assured of the water heaters’ due to 15 years warranty offered by the company. This shows the ultimate faith the company has on the water heaters. Hot water can be made available through the optional hot button which promotes the activation of the re-circulation which connects a return line between the unit and faucet.
Recently, Navien Company introduced the NaviLink, which is a feature that enables you to easily access the water heaters regardless of your location through Wi-Fi. The NaviLink grants you an easy and convenient form of control while monitoring the operation; hence you don’t need to be in close proximity to the water heaters actually to control them.
Navien’s venting system is quite economical because the heat is actually brought about by the flue gases and thus the temperatures are lowered. This is economical because unlike other tankless units, the gases are removed while low temperatures and this saves a lot of energy. The vents are indirect outdoor models.
On top of the burners being durable, they are also eco-friendly. This is because they can premix the air and gases used; hence the NOx and CO2 gases are reduced. In terms of eco-friendly in terms of, the Navien water heaters use the comfort flow technology so as not to need water to activate the unit. This is through re-circulation pumps, and the buffer tank which causes a fluctuation in the temperature and comfort is enhanced. This saves a lot of water.
Navien water heaters more expensive compared to many other brands due to the advanced technologies they use. For instance, Comfort Flow technology and NaviLink. The introduction of the buffer tank and re-circulation pump is also what sets them apart from other tankless brands. Some of the Navien’s water heaters perform excellently while still being able to save energy. Even though they are expensive, they save your money in the long run.
Navien’s water tankers are able to produce 10 gallons of water in 60 seconds regardless of its ability to use low energy levels. The design of its water heaters is actually one of the reasons why people prefer it because it’s classic and attractive.
Many factors come into play when discussing the price range of installing this tankless water heater. The price range is between $575 and $1500. If you are installing a new gas line, then the cost of installing would actually be increased. Additionally, if you are installing your water heater is meant to be inside instead of outside, then the price would be increased because venting pipes are needed. Another factor that increases the cost of the installation is the addition of a water line for re-circulation.
The best Navien tankless water heaters are NPE-180A, NPE-210A, NPE240A, NPE150S, and NPE180S. They all are different to meet the different lifestyles of people and are definitely worth the investment.
Price has always been a primary factor for most people, and Navien is really not suitable for those lack of budget. The average Navien tankless water heater price reaches around $1000, which is rather expensive compared with other brands.
However, expensive as it is, the quality and modern technology of it do worth the price. Much advanced technology is added in its NPE-Advanced series. So that the operating costs and the using costs can be saved to a large extent. And 15 years warranty for the heat exchanger is really an attractive matter. After all, we would like it to be used as long as possible.
For lower tankless water heater price, you may check out on our tankless water heater brands reviews. We have picked the most affordable and worth buying tankless water heaters for you. And if you want to know the detailed deals on Navien tankless water heaters, please feel free to check the price on Amazon.
Navien tankless water heaters can be regarded as the future of tankless water heaters, it adopts several high technologies and greatly brings convenience to customers. Compared with traditional tankless water heaters, they are more energy-efficient and are doomed to save more water bills for you.
Followings are the top 3 best Navien tankless water heaters we suggest:
| Best Type | Top 3 Recommended Tankless Water Heater |
| Most powerful type | Navien NPE-240-A Tankless Gas Water Heater |
| Condensing Propane and gas available both | Navien NPE-210A-LP Tankless Gas Water Heater |
| Best energy efficient one | Navien NPE-240S-NG Tankless Gas Water Heater |
The good looking appearance with white color fits each home and can be a perfect decoration. But the price of a Navien tankless water heater is not a small deal; before buying, you should get more knowledge and choose the most suitable one according to your actual needs and budgets. And for more information and price detail, please feel free to check on Amazon or to contact us directly, we are willing to help solve all the problems for you.
Here comes bad news, Navien no longer sells tankless water heaters online or at local retail stores, so if you have an interest in the brand, you may need to find a local distributor that represents Navien so as to purchase their models. We highly recommend you to check other top-rated tankless water heaters with high values if you are looking for a reliable and quick easy purchase.