## Navien: A Comprehensive Tankless Water Heater Review
### Introduction
Navien is a leading manufacturer of tankless water heaters, known for their innovative technology, energy efficiency, and reliability. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the brand’s offerings, exploring their strengths, limitations, and reputation in the industry.
### Tankless Water Heaters: An Overview
Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous water heaters, provide hot water on demand without the need for a storage tank. When a hot water faucet is turned on, the water heater instantly heats the incoming cold water and delivers it to the tap. This eliminates the need for constantly heating and reheating water in a tank, resulting in significant energy savings.
### Navien’s Tankless Water Heater Range
Navien offers a wide range of tankless water heaters to meet the diverse needs of residential and commercial users. Their models can be categorized based on size, fuel type, and features.
Size:
Compact models: These petite units are ideal for small homes or apartments with limited space.
Mid-size models: Suitable for average-sized homes with moderate hot water demands.
Large-size models: Designed for large homes or commercial establishments with high hot water consumption.
Fuel Type:
Gas-fired models: Utilize natural gas or propane as the primary fuel source. They are generally more energy-efficient and cost-effective than electric models.
Electric models: Ideal for areas with limited or no access to gas lines. They require a higher electrical amperage and may have slightly higher operating costs.
Features:
Navien’s tankless water heaters come equipped with a variety of features to enhance user convenience and safety. These include:
Temperature control: Precisely adjust the output water temperature to suit your needs.
Flow rate sensor: Automatically adjusts the heating power based on the flow rate, ensuring a consistent hot water supply.
Safety features: Overheat protection, freeze protection, and anti-scale features safeguard the unit from potential damage.
Remote control: Control the unit remotely using a smartphone app or dedicated remote control.
### Energy Efficiency
Navien’s tankless water heaters are ENERGY STAR certified, meeting strict efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They utilize advanced technology to minimize heat loss and optimize energy consumption. The gas-fired models have an Energy Factor (EF) of up to 0.96, while the electric models have an EF of up to 0.98.
### Performance and Reliability
Navien tankless water heaters are known for their excellent performance and reliability. They deliver a constant and ample supply of hot water, even during peak demand periods. The units are constructed using high-quality materials and components, ensuring durability and longevity.
### Warranty
Navien offers comprehensive warranties on its tankless water heaters:
15-year limited heat exchanger warranty
5-year limited parts warranty
1-year labor warranty
### Customer Reviews
Overall, Navien tankless water heaters have received positive reviews from customers. They appreciate the units’ energy efficiency, reliability, and ease of use. However, some users have reported occasional minor issues with certain models, which were typically resolved by prompt customer service.
### Pros and Cons of Navien Tankless Water Heaters
Pros:
Energy efficient: ENERGY STAR certified, resulting in significant energy savings.
Reliable: Constructed with high-quality materials and components, ensuring long-term durability.
Ample hot water supply: Delivers a constant and ample supply of hot water, even during peak demand.
Advanced features: Temperature control, flow rate sensor, safety features, and remote control options.
Comprehensive warranty: Provides peace of mind with a 15-year heat exchanger warranty.
Cons:
Higher upfront cost: Tankless water heaters generally have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional storage tank water heaters.
Limited flow rate: Some models may have a limited flow rate, which could be an issue for homes with multiple hot water fixtures operating simultaneously.
Potential for scale buildup: Hard water may cause scale buildup in the heat exchanger, which can reduce efficiency and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
### Is Navien a Good Tankless Water Heater?
Whether or not Navien is a good tankless water heater depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are looking for an energy-efficient, reliable, and high-performing tankless water heater, Navien is definitely a brand to consider. However, keep in mind the potential drawbacks, such as the higher upfront cost and limited flow rate of some models.
### Conclusion
Navien is a reputable manufacturer of tankless water heaters that offer a range of benefits, including energy efficiency, reliability, and advanced features. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills. If you are considering a tankless water heater, Navien is a brand that deserves consideration.