It was the dead of winter, and my old water heater just wasn’t cutting it anymore. Cold showers? No, thank you. After doing my homework, I finally pulled the trigger on a Noritz tankless water heater—and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. If you’re considering upgrading, here’s my detailed breakdown after living with this heater for a while.
Why Noritz?
Noritz has been in the tankless water heater game for decades, known for their durability and energy-efficient designs. They’re especially popular in colder climates, and since I live in a region where winter temperatures drop significantly, I needed something reliable.
Key Features That Sold Me on Noritz
Before installing it, I was pretty meticulous about comparing features. Here’s what stood out to me:
1. High Flow Rate
The model I chose (Noritz NRC66DV) has a flow rate of 6.6 gallons per minute (GPM). This was ideal for my medium-sized home, where I sometimes have multiple taps running simultaneously. Whether it’s the shower, dishwasher, or laundry, this thing keeps the hot water coming.
2. Condensing Technology
One of the key selling points is Noritz’s use of condensing technology, which increases efficiency by reusing heat from the exhaust to preheat the incoming cold water. This cuts down on wasted energy, leading to savings on gas bills.
3. Built-In Recirculation
Some Noritz models come with a recirculation pump, which keeps hot water circulating in the pipes so you don’t have to wait long for it at the tap. Mine didn’t have this built in, but it’s worth considering if waiting for hot water drives you nuts.
4. Durability & Cold-Weather Performance
Noritz heaters are built to withstand colder climates, which was essential for me. My unit has freeze protection down to -30°F, so I don’t have to worry about it crapping out during harsh winter months.
5. Warranty
Noritz offers 12-year warranties on their heat exchangers, which is a sign they believe in their product. Most conventional heaters come with only 6-10 years, so this was a big plus for me.
Pros and Cons After Living with It
After having my Noritz unit for about a year, I’ve had plenty of time to see what I love and what I’d do differently. Here’s what I learned.
Pros
- Endless Hot Water:
I wasn’t sure how “endless” hot water would feel, but it’s amazing. Even with two showers running and the dishwasher going, it never stutters. No cold shower surprises, even when the house is busy. - Energy Savings:
My monthly gas bill dropped about 20% after the switch. While it doesn’t seem like a huge drop, over the course of the year, it makes a noticeable difference, especially with energy costs creeping up. - Compact Design:
The Noritz tankless unit took up about ⅓ of the space my old tank heater did. I have mine wall-mounted in the garage, but it’s small enough to fit in a utility closet or basement corner if space is tight. - Low Noise:
One of my biggest concerns was noise. My old tank heater would hum loudly when heating. The Noritz model is surprisingly quiet—even when it’s working hard to heat water for multiple taps. - Remote Control Panel:
The model I have comes with a remote control panel that lets me adjust the temperature easily. No more fiddling with the dial at the heater itself. Plus, I can monitor if something’s off before it turns into a bigger issue.
Cons
- Higher Upfront Cost:
Noritz tankless heaters are an investment. My model cost around $1,200, and professional installation added another $1,500 (including venting modifications). It’s definitely pricier than a conventional tank heater, but I’m banking on the long-term savings. - Delayed Hot Water:
While the flow of hot water is consistent, there’s a slight delay when you first turn on the tap. It takes a few seconds for the heater to kick in and heat the water on-demand. If you’re used to instant hot water, this might be a small adjustment. - Complex Installation:
Since I wasn’t upgrading from a previous tankless heater, installation was more complicated. The venting system had to be updated, and a larger gas line was required to accommodate the unit’s propane use. This isn’t a DIY-friendly job unless you’re well-versed in gas plumbing. - Flow Rate Sensitivity:
While the heater works like a charm 95% of the time, I noticed that if too many faucets are turned on at once, it can’t quite keep up. For a larger household, you might want to look into a model with a higher GPM, or even consider installing a second unit.
Noritz Models to Consider
| Model | Max GPM | Type | Ideal For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noritz NRC66DV | 6.6 GPM | Indoor, Condensing | Medium homes with moderate water demand | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| Noritz NRCP1112 | 11.1 GPM | Indoor, Recirculation | Large homes, high water usage | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| Noritz EZ Series | 9.8 GPM | Indoor, Easy Installation | Replacing old tank heaters, no vent retrofitting | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| Noritz NR50OD | 5.0 GPM | Outdoor, Non-Condensing | Small homes or outdoor installations (RV’s) | $800 – $1,000 |
Maintenance Tips for Noritz Tankless Water Heaters
If you want your Noritz tankless heater to last the full 20+ years it’s rated for, regular maintenance is key. Here’s what I’ve been doing to keep mine in top shape:
- Annual Flushing:
Scale buildup can reduce efficiency, especially in areas with hard water. I flush the unit once a year using a descaling solution to remove any mineral buildup from the heat exchanger. - Ventilation Check:
Make sure the vents are clear of any obstructions like debris or bird nests (if it’s vented outdoors). Blocked vents can reduce efficiency and even trigger safety shutoffs. - Filter Cleaning:
Noritz units have an inlet water filter that needs cleaning every few months. This keeps sediment out of the system and maintains water pressure. - Winter Prep:
If you live in a cold climate like I do, make sure the unit’s freeze protection is active. Keep the area around the heater warm, or insulate any exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
Is a Noritz Tankless Heater Worth It?
For me, the Noritz tankless water heater was worth every penny. It’s reliable, efficient, and provides all the hot water I need without the bulk of a traditional tank heater. While the upfront cost is steep, the savings on energy bills, combined with the long lifespan, make it a solid investment. If you’re in the market for a high-performance water heater—especially if you deal with cold winters—Noritz is a brand that deserves serious consideration.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely.