Discover the Power of Navien Water Heaters: Review & Buying Tips

Discover the exceptional energy efficiency and advanced features of Navien’s ultra-efficient water heaters using cutting-edge condensing and tankless technology.

In this review, we’ll explore the power of Navien water heaters and provide you with a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Get ready to experience the ultimate in hot water comfort and efficiency!

Navien Water Heaters: Advantages and Benefits

Ultra-High Energy Efficiency

The major advantage of installing a Navien water heater is its ultra-high energy efficiency and outstanding performance, which includes on-demand heating and an uninterrupted supply of hot water.

Navien achieves superior efficiency by utilizing condensing technology that captures and reuses the heat from flue gases to elevate the temperature of cold incoming water in the stainless steel heat exchanger. This allows Navien to surpass non-condensing tankless water heaters, even those with larger capacities, resulting in consistently low utility bills.

Moreover, the primary heat exchanger, responsible for heating water for use, is constructed of long-lasting stainless steel. Its durability, economy, and reliability are guaranteed.

Remote Access

NaviLink is the latest feature available on Navien tankless water heaters and provides Wi-Fi access to water heaters no matter where you are. Remote access allows easy and convenient control and monitoring of the water heating operation. It is available as an add-on feature.

Venting

As the condensing technology removes heat from the flue gases, they exit the vent pipe at a lower temperature, making installation simpler, safer, and cheaper.

All Navien water heaters are designed as indoor-direct and non-direct vents, and outdoor models.

The indoor type utilizes the concentric and two-pipe system, installed horizontally or vertically, with lengths of up to 100 feet.

Several tankless water heaters can be grouped into one system (cascade) using multiple venting options, to deliver more power to homes with extra high hot water demand.

On some models, the common venting option allows up to 12 units combined into one system or up to 32 models when using cascading option.

Gas Burner

The gas burner is eco-friendly as its design, followed by the optimal air/gas premixing, allows a dramatic reduction in CO2 and NOx gases. These are known as low-NOx gas burners.

Minimal Water Flow Required

Navien water heaters from the NPE-A2 series are designed with the ComfortFlow technology, so that they can operate with the minimal water flow rate, needed for the activation of tankless. These models are equipped with a recirculation pump and 0.5-gal buffer tank, so the temperature fluctuation or “cold water sandwich” is reduced to the minimum, and the comfort increases.

The HotButton control makes on-demand recirculation possible so users can enjoy hot water in a shorter time.

Easy-to-Use Control Panel

Navien water heaters from the NPE-2 series are also equipped with the EZNav control panel that offers an easy-to-use multi-line LCD display allowing easy navigation, temperature setup, feature adjustment, monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

Easy Gas Conversion

Thanks to the negative pressure gas valve and dual Venturi system, Navien NPE-2 models can be field converted from natural gas to propane gas. This allows homeowners using LPG to take advantage of the gas-burning water heaters.

Combined Space and Water Heating Available

With the H2Air add-on system, homeowners can enjoy both space and water heating as the feature integrates the space and water heating between the tankless water heater and the hydronic air handler.

Navien Tankless Water Heaters: Model Selection

Navien offers two types of tankless water heaters for residential homes: condensing (NPE-2 series) and non-condensing (NPN series).

Navien NPE-2 Tankless Water Heater Series

Navien NPE-2 condensing water heaters are available in two series, the standard NPE-S2, and the advanced premium NPE-A2 series, which can operate as a single unit or in a group with multiple units connected through the cascading system.

The ultra-high efficiency of Navien water heaters translates to lower operating costs and higher savings. They come with two heat exchangers, making them more powerful and eco-friendly but also heavier and larger than non-condensing water heaters.

The exhaust gases’ temperature is lower in condensing models, allowing the use of cheaper PP or PVC pipes instead of metal pipes. The advanced NPE-2 series can reach a high output temperature of up to 185 F, making it suitable for commercial applications. Most other brands can only reach approximately 180 F with the additional controller.

The NPE-A2 series is more advanced than the NPE-S2 series, featuring a built-in Intelligent pre-heating function and a recirculation system with an internal pump and buffer tank. This technology, known as ComfortFlow technology, saves time and money for homeowners while increasing comfort, allowing recirculation with no need for external pump or controls.

Although the NPE-S2 series is not as advanced as the NPE-A2 series, it has a higher UEF factor (0.96 vs. 0.95) and is Energy Star approved. The company offers four models from the NPE-S2 series with a maximum power ranging from 120,000 to 199,900 BTU, while the NPE-A2 series has three models with power ranging from 150,000 to 199,900 BTU.

According to the manufacturer, the largest model – NPE-240A2 – has the lowest operating costs, at close to $195, while the NPE-S2 is $193.

The highest flow rate for Navien water heaters is 11.2 GPM (@35 F), and all models come with a long warranty of 15 years.

Navien NPN Non-Condensing Water Heaters

The Navien NPN series of non-condensing tankless water heaters is also considered highly efficient, but their UEF is around 0.80, which means they are not Energy Star compliant.

The NPN series is available in two configurations: NPN-U with three models for indoor and outdoor installation and the NPN-E series with four models available only for outdoor use.

The NPN-U series comes with an integrated control panel that allows users to control temperature, perform diagnostics, and troubleshoot more easily. The NPN-E series includes an indoor remote controller. Both lines of tankless water heaters use durable stainless steel heat exchangers and burners.

They also have built-in recirculation controls for easy system setup if faster hot water delivery is required.

There are three models in each group, with power ranging from 160,000 to 199,900 BTU and a highest water flow rate of 9.5 GPM (@35 F).

Other Options for Water Heating

The above tankless water heaters are not the only options available to homeowners. They can also purchase residential gas boilers from the NFC-H, NCB-H, and NFB-H series. These combi boilers can be used for both space and water heating, giving users more options.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a reliable and energy-efficient water heating solution that delivers uninterrupted hot water and saves you money on utility bills, Navien tankless water heaters are an excellent choice.

With their advanced condensing technology, stainless steel heat exchanger, and long-lasting durability, Navien water heaters provide unmatched efficiency and comfort. Make the smart choice and invest in a Navien tankless water heater today to experience the ultimate in hot water satisfaction.