Navien is increasingly becoming a popular water heater brand in many North-American households. The brand offers a variety of condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters to match varying needs and budgets. Installing any of the latest models of Navien tankless water heaters translates to lower energy bills and a greener living space thanks to low carbon emissions.
We reviewed six models and found NPE-180A2 High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater to be the best overall due to an intuitive technology that enhances user experience and customer satisfaction.
We leverage expert input and positive customer reviews to recommend the best Navien tankless water heater models to our readers. Over 30 hours of research and extensive trial by qualified technicians bring you one of the best Navien Tankless Water Heater Reviews that guides you through the buying, installation, and maintenance processes.
This review contains different models that reflect the best for ultra-efficiency, low emission, multifunctional and outdoor applications. All these models cater to different needs. For instance, the best ultra-high efficiency enhances energy saving while giving a continuous hot water flow.
Read on for more information on Navien Tankless Water heater reviews.
- Navien NPE-180A2 High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater– Best Overall
- Navien NPE-150S High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater– Runners Up
- Navien NPE-150S2 High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater– Best Ultra Efficiency
- Navien NPE-210A High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater– Best Low Emission
- Navien NPN-160U Premium Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater– Best Multifunctional
- Navien NPN-199E Premium Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater– Best Outdoor
Navien products stand out from the rest thanks to unmatched technology that takes your water heating experience to another level. The ComfortFlow technology features a dedicated HotButton for instant hot water showers. You’ll also love the cascading technology that allows you to connect up to 32 units with zero heating downtime and up to 12 vents for building penetrations.
Another salient feature about Navien water heaters is the handheld remote technology that gives you quick access to the unit’s settings. You can customize temperature, flow, and cascading settings without touching the front display control panel. The remote access technology doesn’t stop there. The NaviLink app is compatible with the latest Android and IOS smartphones for remote connection, whether at work or in the house.
NPE-S Series
NPE-S series allows you to switch to condensing tankless water heaters without breaking the bank. The models in this line attract lower installation and operation costs while giving you a maximum output of up to 0.97 UEF for efficiency.
NPE-S2 Series (New)
NPE-S is one of the latest Navien lines that offer standard non-condensing tankless water heaters with ultra-high efficiency that only stacks up to that of advanced series. The models in this series are easy to install, and you’ll have them up and running in about four hours. Most importantly, they are compatible with any ½-inch gas pipe.
NPE-A Series
The NPE- A series has one of the most advanced tankless water heater models. The models in this line come with an ultra-high efficiency of up to 0.96 UEF and exclusive ComfortFlow® technology for uninterrupted hot water supply. The heaters in this series have an optional HotButton™ on-demand control kit for instant hot water showers. This technology enhances the general lifespan of the unit’s components by balancing output load and improving low NOx emissions.
NPE-A2 Series (New)
NPE-A2 is one of the latest series from Navien that features easy-to-install condensing tankless water heaters. You’ll love the EZNav™ multi-line control feature that comes in an in-built intuitive software. This control feature gives you access to cascade operation, temperature, and water flow rate settings. You can also run self-diagnostics for troubleshooting.
NPN-U Series
The NPN-U series offers high-quality non-condensing tankless water heaters for both interior and exterior applications. All models in this line have an efficiency of about 0.81 UEF to save energy costs and promote a greener living space thanks to low NOx emissions. Also, NPN-U Series makes the only line that offers condensing units with both indoor and outdoor applications. This line offers strong commercial and residential limited warranties of up to 15 years.
NPN-E Series
NPN-E series will give you the best non-condensing tankless water heaters for exterior applications. This manufacturing line offers the only non-condensing tankless heaters with patented NaviTech™ technology that features stainless steel heat exchangers in the place of standard copper material for longevity and durability. This technology also comes packed with an advanced stainless steel burner for low NOx emissions.
Choosing Between Condensing and Non-Condensing Units
Condensing Water Heaters
Navien offers all its tankless water heaters in either condensing or non-condensing units. Condensing units are a go-to tankless water heater option if you want ultra-high efficiency of up to 0.96 UEF.
This efficiency gives you an endless supply of instant hot water while keeping your energy bills low. You’d also opt for condensing units for an exclusive ComfortFlow® technology with a buffer tank and in-built recirculation tank that earns you up to three LEED points with every use.
While the initial cost of Navien condensing tanks may be slightly higher than standard brands, they give back your money’s value through longevity and durability.
Condensing water heaters are ideal for outdoor and indoor installations, even though they are slightly larger than non-condensing tanks. Kindly note that you’ll need annual service to enhance the efficiency of condensing tank models throughout the seasons and improve component lifespan.
Other features that make condensing tanks favorite residential and commercial units include stainless steel heat exchangers and PVC compatibility.
Non-Condensing Water Heaters
You could also opt for Navien non-condensing water heaters if you want an eco-friendly unit that gives you an uninterrupted hot water supply for as long as you need it. These tankless water heaters are quite compact compared to condensing models.
Navien offers multifunctional outdoor and indoor models and a dedicated outdoor model for big households. Moreover, Navien is the only brand that offers NPN non-condensing tankless water heaters with stainless steel burners and heat exchangers for maximum durability. Standard brands are prevalent with copper heat exchangers that are less resistant to rust and corrosion.
Other features that you’ll love about Navien non-condensing tankless water heaters include the low initial price and high efficiency of greater than 0.80 UEF. However, these heaters are not compatible with PVC, and you’ll need a 3” X 5” metal concentric.
NPE- 180A2 High-Efficiency Tankless Water Heater makes the best overall tankless water heater since it is the most advanced unit in our Navien Tankless Water Heater Reviews. It comes with ComfortFlow® technology for continuous hot water supply.
The buffer tank and internal recirculation pump reduce the delay in waiting for cold water to heat. This technology lowers the HERS home index score and earns you up to three LEED points with every recirculation. You can also avoid recirculation and jump straight into an instant hot shower thanks to the dedicated optional HotButton™.
You’ll have access to an intuitive front control panel with adjustable settings for temperature and flow rate. You can run self-diagnostics from this control panel to troubleshoot your unit and fix minor error codes. Even so, please don’t attempt to fix major problems as you can void some warranty terms, which translates to costlier repairs than they should be.
The front control panel displays cascade operation status and temperature readings in either °C or °F. The Navien Ready-Link® technology allows a cascade of up to 32 units and a common vent of up to 12 units for building penetrations.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
- Capacity – Household of 12-16 family members
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.95
- Flow Rate – 4.3 to 8.4 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas/ Propane
NPE 150S High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater is a standard unit that allows you to go tankless without breaking the bank. This unit is compatible with the NaviLink™ optional Wi-Fi remote control system for intuitive interactions from the comfort of your smartphone.
The remote control app is compatible with all the latest IOS and Android operating systems. The best thing is that you can use the app to access and control all your other Navien brand home units like boilers or combi-boilers. You can also access your water heater control panel from anywhere provided you have a reliable internet connection.
As a homeowner, you may find yourself avoiding a particular brand because of a complicated installation process. Resorting to a tankless water heater means you should enjoy a quick, budget-friendly installation, whether outdoors or indoors.
This unit comes with Ready-Link® Manifold System for quick mounting on walls and racks. That means you can install your tankless condensing water heater on the same day you bought it without waiting for custom racks. You’ll enjoy a maximum input of up to 199,000 BTU/H to improve water heating efficiency.
This unit produces low NOx emissions of up to 20 ppm to promote a greener living space. Like other models in the NPE-S series, it comes with a stainless burner and heat exchangers for longevity. The stainless steel repels rust and corrosion more efficiently than regular copper material heat exchangers to keep the unit’s components in pristine condition for ages to come.
Another feature that you’ll love about this model is the Navien Ready-Link® cascade technology that allows up to 16 units with 80% more water heating efficiency. Moreover, this technology balances the workload of each unit to improve their lifespan.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
- Capacity – Household of eight people
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.96
- Flow Rate – 3.2 to 6.8 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas/ Propane (w/Conversion Kit)
Higher output in a water heater translates to efficiency, easy installation, and lower operating costs. NPE- 150S2 High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater features a maximum output of up to 199,000 BTU/H, higher than in a regular non-condensing tank to reflect your money’s value.
You can connect this tankless water heater with two PVC sizes, including ½ -inch for up to 24 feet and 2-inch for up to 75 feet above sea level. Another aspect that gives you value for your money is the dual stainless heat exchanger resistant to corrosion and rust for durability.
This unit is pretty functional and can serve a household of up to 12 family members. The in-built Navien Ready-Link® technology allows you to cascade up to 32 units. You can also cascade a common vent for up to 12 units. This technology enhances the lifespan of every unit by balancing the water heating workload.
It also ensures up to 80% of continuous hot water supply until all the 32 units generate hot water as per the set aesthetic preferences. This feature reduces downtime faced by standard condensing tankless water heaters while the 12 units vent cascading improves building penetrations.
Navien takes water heating technology to another level for an overall improved customer experience. The EZNav ™ multi-line control comes in an in-built intuitive software that gives you access to all the basic features, including self-diagnostics for troubleshooting.
You can also monitor the cascade operations, flow rate, and temperature settings on the display’s status. The settings allow you to quickly switch between °C and °F temperature readings for a user-friendly interface based on preferences.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
- Capacity – Household of up to twelve people
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Flow Rate – 3.4 to 6.8 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas/ Propane (w/Conversion Kit)
Improve your hot water bath experience with NPE- 210A High-Efficiency Condensing Tankless Water Heater thanks to the ComfortFlow® that eliminates delay every time you want to access hot water. This technology features a recirculation pump and an in-built insulated buffer tank to enhance the maximum flow rate.
Remember, most homeowners often experience minimum flow rates when using tankless water heaters. The ComfortFlow® technology is purely aesthetic and isn’t automatic. Turn it on when needed and off to save on energy costs. Continuous running of this feature could result in hiked energy bills.
This condensing tankless water heater comes with an intuitive front panel control center that allows you to run self-diagnostics and troubleshooting. Other control features accessible from the front panel control include cascade operation, water flow rate, and temperature displays.
You can quickly switch the temperature settings to read °C or °F. The setup process is quick to save you time and installation costs. You can cascade up to 16 units thanks to the Navien Ready-Link® technology. This technology also supports a common vent of up to eight units for building penetrations.
This model is compatible with 2-inch PVC venting up to 60 feet. This feature saves you the time and money needed to cut new chases. The heater produces low exhaust gas temperatures that make it compatible with PVC, polypropylene, CPVC, and System 636 venting systems. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about fuel type.
This tankless water heater can quickly convert field gas from Natural Gas (NG) to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP), thanks to the dual venturi system and negative pressure gas valve.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
- Capacity – 8 units common vent
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.96
- Flow Rate – 5 to 10.1 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas/ Propane (w/Conversion Kit)
NPN-160U Premium Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater is our best multifunctional unit as you can install it either outdoors or indoors. The outdoor weather conditions such as excess humidity don’t affect the longevity of this unit. It comes with Patented NaviTech® technology that features a stainless steel burner and stainless heat exchangers.
These components are resistant to rusting and corrosion to enhance your unit’s durability. In the long haul, you’ll experience fewer repairs and maintenance costs as the 15-year limited warranty includes a year of labor warranty, and five years on parts.
This model features an integrated control panel that gives you instant access to the unit’s settings and temperature controls. You can also troubleshoot this non-condensing tankless water heater through the control panel to fix minor technical hitches instead of calling a technician.
This feature allows you to enjoy access to instant hot water showers without interruption. You can tell whether you’re experiencing any hitches by reading a flashing error code in the control panel. If the error is something you don’t understand, it will help if you call the manufacturer to avoid running the risk of voiding applicable warranties.
Another salient feature that we loved in this non-condensing tankless water heater is the cascading capabilities that give you 10% more instant hot water than standard heaters. Cascading technology features the cold water inlet at the bottom of the tank. It also allows you to connect this water heater to 280 V, 208 V, and 180 V power supplies.
Like other NPN- series water heaters from the same brand, this unit has low NOx emissions to enhance a greener environment in your residential residence. The effects of climate change are already adverse, and it will help if you join the entire world in promoting eco-friendly brands.
You can also control your unit’s features through a handheld universal integrated panel. The remote control has operation status, troubleshooting, and temperature settings.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
- Capacity – Household of four people
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY star rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.81
- Flow Rate – 4 to 7.5 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas/ Propane
Lastly, you can buy NPN- 199E Premium Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater if you want to install an outdoor unit. This model is available in two options, Natural Gas (NG) and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP), to help you save energy bills.
The best feature about this non-condensing water heater is Low NOx emissions of up to 20ppm. You’ll enjoy a simple operation process every time you want to shower as hot water is always a button away.
Control your exterior unit at the comfort of a handheld remote. The remote control has operational settings, hot water temperature control, and displays operational information. You’re looking at an intuitive technology that takes your hot water bathing experience notches higher.
You can also ditch the remote and access all the water heater’s settings from the comfort of your smartphone. The Navien brand offers the NaviLink optional Wi-Fi remote control system. The app supports all IOS and Android platforms and can combine all other Navien units like boilers.
You’ll likely enjoy fewer repair and maintenance costs with this non-condenser water heater in your residential home. It features industrial-grade stainless steel heat exchangers that are resistant to rusting and corrosion. This feature ensures that the components of your water heater stay pristine for years to reflect your money’s value.
Other brands would give you copper heat exchangers, which are fast conductors but don’t last long enough. Moreover, you don’t have to call a technician every time you experience a technical hitch, as the control panel allows troubleshooting to solve minor issues.
This model comes with an in-built recirculation control on the circuit board to help you save time and money for buying a separate control. The 15 years limited warranty gives five years of profit-free parts and a year labor warranty to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year heat exchanger, 5 year on parts
- Capacity – Household of six people
- Energy Star Rating – ENERGY STAR rated
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.81
- Flow Rate – 5.1 to 9.5 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas/ Propane
The Bottom Line
Navien is one of the most promising water heater brands to watch out for in 2021 and beyond. You’re looking at a brand that gives unmatched customer satisfaction thanks to the 15-years limited warranty attached to all its models.
You can buy the above-reviewed models from the official Navien website and use any of the recommended companies for installation and maintenance schedules.
