The day I realized my old water heater wasn’t cutting it anymore was the day I took a cold shower on a freezing morning. That was the last straw. After hearing about the energy efficiency and endless hot water promise of tankless water heaters, I looked into various brands and Noritz kept popping up as one of the top-rated companies in the market. Having installed a Noritz unit and lived with it for a while now, here’s what you should know before making your decision.
Why Noritz?
Noritz is a Japanese company with over 60 years in the water heating industry. Known for their reliability, innovation, and eco-friendly designs, they’ve become one of the key players in the tankless water heater market. Their heaters are designed to provide endless hot water, improve energy efficiency, and last for decades with proper care. Let’s dive into the details of why Noritz has such a loyal following.
1. Endless Hot Water: Say Goodbye to Cold Showers
Performance & Consistency
The main selling point of any tankless system is the promise of never running out of hot water. With Noritz, this has definitely held true. Whether it’s back-to-back showers, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry, I haven’t had a single moment of hot water hesitation.
- Noritz NRCP1112: This is one of their top models and supports up to 11.1 gallons per minute (GPM), which means it can handle multiple showers and appliances running at once without a hitch. For a larger family, this is an absolute game-changer.
- Noritz EZ98DV: Offers 9.8 GPM, which is more than enough for a household of four, easily supporting two showers and a laundry load at the same time.
2. Energy Efficiency: Big Savings on Utility Bills
One of the biggest reasons I switched to Noritz was for the potential savings on my energy bill. Tankless water heaters, in general, are more energy-efficient since they only heat water when needed. But Noritz takes this to another level with their condensing technology.
Condensing vs. Non-Condensing
Noritz offers both condensing and non-condensing models, and the difference between the two comes down to how efficiently they use energy.
- Condensing models recycle the heat from the exhaust gases, improving efficiency. These models boast up to 0.96 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor), which means they’re incredibly energy efficient.
- Non-condensing models are still efficient but have a lower UEF (around 0.80–0.82). They are less expensive upfront but may not offer as many savings on your energy bill.
In my experience, switching to a condensing model like the NRCB199DV dropped my monthly gas bill by about 30%—an immediate return on investment.
3. Durability: Built for the Long Haul
Noritz units are known for their long-lasting build quality, and from what I’ve seen so far, this reputation is well-earned. Their heat exchangers are made from stainless steel, which resists corrosion far better than the copper used in some lower-end models from other brands.
Warranty Coverage
Noritz backs their heaters with excellent warranties. Most models come with:
- 12 years on the heat exchanger
- 5 years on parts
- 1 year on labor
This is on par with other leading brands, but it’s always good to have that kind of peace of mind. The robust construction and warranty coverage indicate that these heaters are built to last over 20 years with proper care.
4. Easy Installation: A DIY Dream?
One of Noritz’s strong selling points is their EZ Series, which is designed to make replacing traditional tank heaters with a tankless system as simple as possible. I installed the Noritz EZTR40 in my cousin’s house, and it was a relatively smooth process compared to other tankless installations I’ve done.
EZ Series Advantages:
- Top-mounted water connections to match standard tank installations, reducing the need for extra piping.
- Comes with dual venting options (PVC or flexible stainless steel), making it easier to vent without costly upgrades.
- Compact design: The units are smaller than traditional tank heaters, freeing up space.
If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing and have installed appliances before, you can likely install a Noritz unit yourself. However, for more complex models or if you’re dealing with gas lines and venting, it’s probably best to call a professional.
5. Advanced Features: Smart Tech & Recirculation
Noritz units come loaded with features that make them not just energy-efficient but also incredibly convenient. Here are a few that really stand out:
Built-in Recirculation Pump
If you hate waiting for hot water to reach your faucets, you’ll love Noritz’s recirculation technology. Models like the NRCP1112 have built-in recirculation pumps that ensure hot water is available almost instantly at your taps.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
With the Noritz Connect app, you can control your heater remotely. This has come in handy when I’m away from home for a few days and want to adjust the temperature or diagnose any potential issues.
6. Common Issues & Maintenance
Of course, no product is perfect. Here are some common concerns I’ve seen from other users, along with my personal take:
Cold Water Sandwich Effect
Some users report experiencing the “cold water sandwich” effect, where a burst of cold water interrupts the hot stream when the unit cycles on and off between uses. I’ve noticed this a couple of times, but it hasn’t been a consistent issue with my model.
Maintenance Needs
Like all tankless systems, Noritz units require regular maintenance to prevent scale build-up—especially in areas with hard water. I make it a habit to flush the system annually to avoid any performance dips. You’ll also want to check and clean the air intake filter periodically to keep the system running smoothly.
7. Noritz Model Overview: Which One is Right for You?
| Model | Type | Flow Rate (GPM) | Energy Efficiency (UEF) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noritz NRCB199DV | Condensing | 11.1 GPM | 0.96 | Large homes, high hot water demand |
| Noritz EZTR40 | Non-Condensing | 6.6 GPM | 0.82 | Replacing a traditional tank system |
| Noritz NRCP1112 | Condensing | 11.1 GPM | 0.95 | Homes with multiple bathrooms, recirculation |
| Noritz EZ98DV | Non-Condensing | 9.8 GPM | 0.83 | Mid-sized homes, moderate usage |
| Noritz NR501 | Non-Condensing | 5.0 GPM | 0.81 | Small homes or apartments |
Pros and Cons of Noritz Water Heaters
Pros:
- Endless hot water: You’ll never run out of hot water with the right-sized unit.
- Energy-efficient: Condensing models offer savings of up to 40% on energy bills.
- Long-lasting build: Stainless steel heat exchangers offer durability and corrosion resistance.
- Great warranties: 12-year coverage on the heat exchanger means long-term peace of mind.
- Compact design: Frees up space and is easy to install, especially the EZ series.
Cons:
- Cold water sandwich: Some users report occasional cold water bursts.
- Higher upfront cost: Tankless models are more expensive than traditional tank systems, though the savings on energy bills can offset this.
- Maintenance required: Regular flushing and filter cleaning are necessary to keep the system running smoothly.
Should You Go Noritz?
After using my Noritz tankless water heater, I can confidently say it’s a great investment for anyone tired of running out of hot water and looking to reduce their energy bills. Noritz units are reliable, energy-efficient, and come with smart features that make them stand out from the competition. Whether you have a small home or a large family with high hot water demands, there’s a Noritz model that will suit your needs.
If you want top-tier efficiency and endless hot water, models like the NRCB199DV or NRCP1112 are perfect for larger homes. For those looking to replace a traditional tank system with minimal fuss, the EZ Series is hard to beat. Just keep in mind the regular maintenance and possible installation challenges, and you’ll be enjoying hot showers for years to come!