But, tankless on-demand water heaters can be more expensive initially than storage tank water heaters. They are almost always mounted to the wall, requiring professional installation. Tankless water heaters only run on natural gas or propane. So, if your water heater runs on electricity, you’ll have to convert or stick with a storage tank water heater for now.
Two of the best on-demand tankless water heaters brands are Navien and Rinnai. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, which should you choose? Here are the details on Navien vs. Rinnai on-demand water heaters.
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the metric that shows how efficient residential and commercial water heaters are. The higher the UEF, the more efficient the tankless water heater is.
Both Navien and Rinnai have condensing and non-condensing tankless water heater models. Condensing on-demand water heaters are more energy-efficient than non-condensing water heaters. Rinnai offers a hybrid condensing model with an 80-gallon storage tank, which Navien does not provide.
Navien’s condensing models have 0.96 UEF, while their non-condensing models are about 0.81 UEF. Their NPE-A2 and NPE-S2 Series are ENERGY STAR certified. Rinnai’s condensing models are between 0.85–0.93 UEF, while their non-condensing models are 0.79–0.83 UEF. Their SE+ Series is ENERGY STAR certified.
Warranty
When you’re buying a new appliance, the warranty is essential to consider. Warranty periods differ for labor, parts, and heat exchangers.
Navien’s warranty for standard and controlled recirculation residential tankless water heaters:
- Heat Exchanger: 15 years
- Labor: 1 year
- Parts: 5 years
Rinnai’s warranty period differs by series for residential applications
Rinnai Series Heat Exchanger Labor Parts
HE non-condensing 10 years 1 year 5 years
HE+ non-condensing 12 years 1 year 5 years
SE condensing 12 years 1 year 5 years
SE+ condensing 15 years 1 year 5 years
So, unless you buy the super-high-efficiency Rinnai model, you won’t get as long a warranty on the heat exchanger as you will with any Navien model.
Prices of On-Demand Water Heaters
Price is a significant factor for many homeowners when choosing a new appliance like a water heater. Though tankless on-demand water heaters are more expensive up front, they are incredibly efficient and longer-lasting, making up for the higher upfront cost.
Depending on the model and if your water heater runs on natural gas or propane, expect to pay between $700–$3,000 or more for a Navien or Rinnai tankless water heater.
You also must factor in professional installation costs because an on-demand water heater has a specialized installation process. Some savvy DIY homeowners can replace their storage tank water heater, saving on installation costs.
Installing Your Tankless On-Demand Hot Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are a great solution to endless hot water while still keeping your energy bills in check. If you’re ready to buy an on-demand water heater, contact Abend Plumbing and Heating professionals for a professional installation appointment. Still not sure which brand is best? Give us a call, and we’ll help you find the best brand and solution for your household hot water needs.
