No matter if you live in a big home or a small apartment, you need hot water for so many things. With gas and electricity bills always on the rise, it makes perfect sense for us to find the most economical solutions for heating the water in our home.
What are the best parts of the tankless water heaters?
Even if a tankless water heater may seem expensive upfront, the energy bill is only going to get lower. There is no tank to collect the water, and you don’t need to use electricity to keep the water hot. Therefore, the tankless water heaters are lowering your bills from the beginning. They give hot water on demand, endlessly and require little maintenance.
The water doesn’t get collected in any recipient, which is why the tankless water heaters have a lower risk for corrosion than the traditional heating systems with tanks. Therefore, the tankless water heaters are durable and manage to be a wise investment on any given day.
Who is Navien?
Founded in the late 80s in Japan, Navien has been making boilers and water heaters for some time now. The company stands out thanks to innovative condensing gas units.
The Japanese company has been in the US since 2006 and is one of the most famous names on the tankless water heaters markets.
1. Navien NPE-240-A tankless gas water heater
The Navien NPE-240-A tankless gas water heater is probably the most popular Navien model in 2019, and it’s stronger than the other two models within the NPE-A series.
With a maximum input of 199,900 BTU per hour, a gas tankless water heater impresses with the features and strength. Both the primary and the secondary heat exchangers are made with stainless steel.
The unit comes features intelligent preheating technology. Therefore, if you typically have a shower or use a large amount of hot water at a specific time a day regularly, the unit identifies the pattern. It begins to preheat the water before you use it. Thanks to advanced technology, the tankless water heater maintains the water temperature for a long time. The hot water is going to flow rapidly after tapping the hot water. The unit is also able to adjust the temperature in case of pressure dropping.
The control center allows straightforward operation, with a display informing the status of cascade operation, water flow rate, and temperature. You may also switch the display from C degree to F degree or turn it off with a button.
Safety on use is ensured due to several functions such as exhaust, temperature high limit sensor, water temperature upper limit switch, ignition operator detector, and power surge fuse.
As for warranty, the unit comes with 15-years of warranty for the heating exchangers. Installing the water heater may take you four hours or so when you master some necessary plumbing skills. However, you should get professional help too.
Here’s what we like the most about it:
It’s rugged, dependable, and has a fast flow rate
It’s easy to install and to take care of
The external interface is easy to operate
It also includes Wi-Fi control
The downsides shouldn’t throw you off:
It’s not the quietest tankless water heater
You need to buy the remote separately
Regardless of the cons, the Navien NPE-240-A is always a wise investment to make.
2. Navien NPE-210A-LP Premium Condensing Propane tankless water heater
For anyone searching to install a Navien propane tankless water heater, the Navien NPE-210A-LP Premium condensing propane tankless water heater is a solid choice to consider. It allows both indoor and outdoor install, with a maximum input of 180,000BTU per hour.
Many are going to appreciate the versatility of this unit that allows installing with propane when the gas line isn’t available. It’s a unit with condensing technology, which only saves more energy.
The small shape and compact profile allow installing in most various and tight spaces. You can also mount it on a wall, whereas free install impresses thanks to its modern and clean silhouette.
The internal buffer tank is going to maintain the water hot while eliminating the risk for the cold water sandwich effect. The unit comes with a re-circulation system, so you don’t have to buy another external pump. The re-circulation-circulation pump also cuts down the time for heating the water and reducing the water bill in the long run. It’s going to be necessary to run a pipe from the faucet to the tank, though.
The ultra condensing efficiency and the dual stainless steel heat exchangers are on the list of features, and the unit stands out with the Low NOX emissions. It’s cascading capable and field convertible too.
Here’s what we like the most about it:
It presents condensing efficiency
It comes with dual stainless steel heat exchangers
It includes re-circulation pump and internal buffer tank
It’s secure, dependable, and field convertible
Don’t let the minor flaws stand in your way when deciding:
It’s not quiet when heating the water
It doesn’t heat the water instantly
Even if the unit isn’t all roses and rainbows, it’s still a dependable, powerful, versatile, and safe model to install in or outside your home.
FAQs on Navien tankless water heaters
Q: Does Navien manufactures electric tankless water heaters as well?
A: All Navien tankless units are gas-fired and capable of sustaining a whole house. They work with natural gas, but it’s not difficult to replace the valve for LP use.
Q: What is Comfort Flow technology per se?
A: Comfort Flow technology is an effective system that contains a -circulation-circulation pump and a buffer tank. The buffer tank is going to reduce the risk for the “cold water sandwich” effect that is quite common within the tankless units. The re-circulation-circulation pump will reduce the time needed for the hot water to get to the fixtures.
Q: Does the NPE series also includes commercial models?
A: The NPE is certified for use in commercial, residential, and heating applications. Should you use it for a commercial application, the warranty is going to be ten years for the heat exchanger, one year labor, and only three years for the other parts.
Q: Is the NPE gas field convertible?
A: Briefly put, it’s yes. Keep in mind that the default gas type for the units is natural gas (NG), and you need to use a gas conversion kit for turning the unit to LP use. You should hire a qualified service agency complying to Navien America’s instructions.
Q: Is it fundamental for the NPE condensing tankless water heater to be the first appliance off your gas meter?
A: It’s not essential for the NPE condensing tankless gas water heater to be the first to install. You can always use the current infrastructure when replacing a traditional tank water heater. Make sure that the gas line has the right size so that it provides enough gas supply to your unit.
We can definitely connect you with a trusted provider in your area to repair, replace or maintain your heating and A/C systems. Why not let us find a professional for you?
