Noritz Tankless Water Heater Reviews – 2022 Guide

| Last Updated: October 24, 2021

Hot water is a must need for every household. Especially if you live in cold areas. To fulfill this requirement, homeowners resort to installing water heaters. There are different varieties to choose from. But if you are considering a tankless option, you are on the right track because we’ve reviewed the best tankless water heating products from the Japanese brand, Noritz.

Don’t worry if you have not heard the name. It has been in business for quite a while. Those who have been lucky enough to own a Noritz product admit that it is one of the best.

Read on to familiarize yourself with the company and get yourself the best of the Tankless Water Heaters from Noritz, which suits your needs.

How Does Noritz Compare to the Competition?

Noritz has come up with an impressive lineup of wide-ranged water heaters. You can easily find one according to your requirements. From commercial to residential, they have something for everyone. Below are some of the major plus points that have helped Noritz hold its own against all competitors. 

Innovation

Noritz is well known for its innovative designs. An excellent example of this is the tankless electric water heaters. They introduced the ideas to the market when the company first emerged. Even now, the company strives to push back the boundaries with more innovative ideas and products. 

Willingly Back Its Products

Noritz is immensely dedicated to its products. It sincerely backs each and every product it manufactures. That is the main reason why all the water heating appliances it produces serve efficiently and last a long time.

Comprehensive Warranties

The company lives up to its claims by providing comprehensive warranty coverage. This includes a 12-year warranty for the heat exchanger, 5 year warranty on the parts, and a 1-year warranty on reasonable labor. However, all of this is valid as long as the water heater is in use of a single-family home. 

Recycling

Noritz has affixed specific alpha codes to the plastic materials used in the components of their water heaters. Once the appliance is out of service, these codes help identify different materials that help in their recycling. 

Diverse Lineup

For years, Noritz has beat its competition by coming up with diverse, innovative designs that meet all the unique customer requirements. Their products include eco-friendly, pocket-friendly, and well-engineered durable models. All of these meet the varying needs of its broad spectrum of customers. 

Comparison of the Best Noritz Tankless Water Heaters

Noritz, because of its foreign origin, has been off the radar. However, this has not stopped it from coming up with brilliant designs to facilitate its consumers. It was the first company to manufacture a tankless water heater in 1981. And from there, there was no looking back.

They have been producing different products that range from residential to commercial use, high-efficiency to mid-efficiency, electrically powered as well as gas-powered, you name it. Below we have compared some of Noritz’s best tankless water heaters for your ease. 

Model Number

Maximum BTU

Uniform Energy Factor

Gallons Per Minute

Circulating

Condensing

Indoor/Outdoor

 NRC66DVNG

120000

0.89

6.6

No

Yes

Indoor

 EZTR40NG

149000

0.89

6.6

No

No

Indoor

 NRC1111 - DV - NG

199000

0.94

11.1

No

Yes

Indoor

 NR66ODNG

120000

0.89

6.6

No

Yes

Indoor

 NR50ODNG

120000

0.81

5

No

No

Outdoor

NCC1991 - ODNG

199000

0.95

11.1

No

Yes

Outdoor

Quick Take: Best Noritz Tankless Water Heaters

These are our recommendations for the best Noritz tankless water heaters:

  1. Noritz NRC66DVNG
  2. Noritz EZTR40NG
  3. Noritz NRC1111-DV-NG

Review of the Best Noritz Tankless Water Heaters

Noritz is a Japanese manufacturer. Over the 60 years of its existence, it has been putting out durable, reliable, and long-lasting products. Each new model that hits the market is better than the predecessor.

They introduced the world to the system of tankless water heating. It is their firm commitment to provide its consumers with nothing but the best. In this section, we’ve reviewed some of the best water heaters Noritz has manufactured.

Best Overall:
Noritz NRC66DVNG

Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM - Natural Gas

PROS

  • Exterior is compact and modern
  • It is very easy to install and operate
  • Hardly produces any noise while operating
  • Can be operated with the provided remote control
  • Energy Star certified for reduced energy consumption

CONS

  • It is an expensive investment
  • Repairing it is not a regular plumber’s job
  • Takes some time to heat the water properly

Why it Stands Out to Us

We all know that there is no such thing as a perfect tankless water heater. But this Noritz unit is very close to perfection. The best part of this appliance is its installation. You don’t have to go a long length to set it up. With its ultralight weight, you can easily install it yourself.

It is the most eco-friendly appliance. It has the potential of lowering your bill by 60% a year, making it an outstanding energy-saver in terms of water and energy. All of this and some more outstanding features have granted it the top spot on our list.

Bottom-Line

Indeed, the Noritz NRC66DVNG is the best overall Tankless Water Heater. Modern, lightweight, easy to install and operate, quietness; you name any feature, and we are sure to find it in this device. Add the remote controlling feature to the mix, and you have a perfect replacement for your regular, bulky tank-based water heater.

Although it is expensive, in the long run, the unit will pay for itself because of its energy-efficient approach to lowering your bill. Also, its installation is easy enough to do it yourself, so you don’t have to spend any more to get a professional to set it up.

Runner-up:
Noritz EZTR40NG

No products found.

PROS

  • Certified for indoor installation
  • Polyester coated durable steel casting
  • Equipped with direct electronic ignition
  • Factory-installed safety devices ensure smooth running
  • Temperature controls to preset the output temperature 

CONS

  • The price is not budget-friendly
  • Needs regular flushing for cleaning
  • Develops an ignition issue after some time

Why it Stands Out to Us

Noritz EZTR40NG is an advanced upgrade to your regular 40-50-gallon water heater. It can easily sustain a full household with hot water. It stands out to us due to its built-in safety devices. Flame Sensor, Overheat Prevention Device, Lightning Protection Device, Freeze Protection, Condensate Overfill, and Fan Rotation Detector all protect it from running issues. Its preset temperature controls provide you with water at just the right temperature you desire.

Plus, given its compact design with a sleek and modern finish when mounted inside your house, it won’t look odd. All of these have made it the runner-up on our list.

Bottom Line 

If you are looking to replace your old large capacity water heater, this is certainly a great option you should consider. It is a futuristic model from Noritz that not only keeps you well provided with hot water but also adds to the beauty and comfort of your home. It certainly does not come cheap, but it is a secure long-term investment that will pay back its own price in just a few years.

Although it has a smooth functioning, it is best to have it serviced by a professional from time to time to ensure it is in top shape. All in all, it’s a very good product that does live up to all its manufacturer’s claims.

Best for the Money:
Noritz NRC1111-DV-NG

No products found.

PROS

  • Emits low NOx emissions
  • Comes with an efficiency of 93%
  • Utilizes low installation cost PVC venting
  • Saves up to 50% on monthly energy bills
  • A small footprint facilitates easy installation

CONS

  • Requires regular flushing
  • Does not work well with hard water
  • Sources a 3 inch PVC vent pipe that is not easily available

Why it Stands Out to Us

This Noritz model stands out to us because of its price. It is a great device that heats water indefinitely in a very efficient manner. It saves a lot of money because of its high energy efficiency, and it works quite well. You do not have to change anything about how you use your hot water fixtures. Just turn them on and wait for the hot water to start flowing.

The Eco Tough design reduces both energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, cutting down hot water costs by nearly 50% compared to a tank-based water heater. All of these great efficiency features combined with a long life and high-reliability standard ensure that it will serve you for years.

Bottom Line 

This Noritz product is the best purchase for the money. That and all the energy-efficient features make it one of the best tankless water heaters available on the market. Although annual flushing is recommended to maintain it in its top shape, it is still worth its price when it comes to performance.

Other than that, it is quite easy to install and operate. It surely lives up to its claim of infinite hot water supply. It uses new high efficiency, low installation cost PVC venting to take tankless installation costs to a new low. We highly recommend this product for its cost, sturdiness, and quality.

Best Noritz Tankless Gas Water Heater:
Noritz NR66ODNG

Noritz NR66ODNG Outdoor Tankless Water Heater, max. 140,000 Btuh, 6.6 Gpm - Natural Gas

PROS

  • It is 84% energy efficient
  • Easy to install and operate
  • Does not need vents to work
  • Has a built-in window display
  • Compact and easy to carry around

CONS

  • It uses a lot of gas
  • Not suitable for large scale applications
  • May require professional help for installation

Why it Stands Out to Us

Noritz NR66ODNG is one of the best tankless water heaters that work on gas. It can surpass any large capacity tank-based water heater in terms of overall cost and efficiency. The built-in display makes it easy to adjust to your needs. It has a compact design and is easy to carry around.

The unit also comes with manual and user-friendly instructions. It can be a do-it-yourself project for some, but others might need professional help. It might take up a lot of gas, but it does not waste much of it. If you do decide to install it, it is going to save you a lot of money.

Bottom Line 

When it comes to gas-operated water heaters, this is the best model Noritz has ever produced. It can easily sustain a large household’s demand for hot water. The best part about using an outdoor tankless water heater is that you don’t need to worry about installing any vents. It is a reliable option for outdoor applications.

 You can use it with both propane and natural gas. It is quite energy-efficient with a heating range from 100 to 150 degrees F. It has all the signature Noritz features, which make it a dependable, versatile, and long-lasting product that you should seriously consider.

Best Noritz Outdoor Tankless Water Heater:
Noritz NR50ODNG

Noritz NR50ODNG Outdoor Tankless Water Heater, max. 120,000 Btuh, 5.0 Gpm - Natural Gas

PROS

  • It has direct ignition for ease of use
  • Comes with automatic overheating protection
  • Suitable for apartments, condos, and townhouses
  • Resin-coated PC board protects from different elements
  • Monitors internal temperature to maximize the burner efficiency

CONS

  • No standby pilot light
  • There is no filtering system
  • Does not work well in the Northern region

Why it Stands Out to Us

Noritz NR50ODNG is the best tankless water heater for outdoor installation. Being an outdoor model, it is free of vents. But it needs space upfront because it vents out from the front. When compared to other tankless models, it is quite affordable. It is suitable for an average-sized household with 1 or 2 shower heads.

It paves a way towards a better lifestyle by supplying continuous hot water when needed. It features a compact design that can be easily installed in a tight space. It has a high-performance single flame burner that can automatically adjust its level. All of these qualities have made it one of the best outdoor tankless heaters that Noritz has produced.

Bottom Line 

This product is certainly the best choice for outdoor installation. However, it should not be left in freezing temperatures because that can damage it. Its direct ignition makes it easy to use. As an outdoor model, it does not require expensive venting, but it does require an open space installation for venting purposes.

An automatic air regulator keeps a check on the internal temperature and adjusts the burner accordingly. A PC-coated exterior is made to last and protects the unit from all external elements. Combine all of this with its pricing and cost-efficiency, and you have the best outdoor tankless water heater that can satisfy all your requirements.

Best Noritz Commercial Tankless Water Heater:
Noritz NCC1991-ODNG

Noritz NCC1991-ODNG 199,900 BTU Commercial Condensing Tankless Water Heater with Outdoor Mounted, Natural Gas

PROS

  • Provides 9.1 million BTUs per hour
  • Can communicate in a multi-system setup
  • With 24 units, it distributes the load evenly
  • It is 93% efficient, which is great for a commercial unit
  • Heat exchanger comprises of commercial-grade copper

CONS

  • It requires professional installation
  • Not suitable for residential applications
  • Troubleshooting can only be done by an expert

Why it Stands Out to Us

Noritz NCC1991-ODNG is the product that stands out to us as the best for commercial applications because it has innovative construction. It has high-quality features that will make it worth your money. Made with high-quality copper, the primary heat exchanger is of great quality.

The stainless steel secondary heat exchanger transfers heat efficiently. The casing is manufactured in high-quality stainless steel also. All these classify it as the best commercial-grade tankless water heater from Noritz.

Bottom Line 

If you’re looking around for a new or substitute water heater for your restaurant, hotel, office, or your large home, getting the appropriate commercial water heater is critical for you. Noritz NCC1991-ODNG is a good option you should consider because of its high-quality and energy-efficient standards. This is the safest option due to the freeze protection, neutralizer refill, overheat prevention device, a lightning protection device, and flame sensors.

It also saves you some extra cash by making sure you do not have to pay for damage repairs. With the 5-year limited parts warranty, this product is a perfect option for the money.

What Kind of Warranty Does Noritz Offer?

As stated above, Noritz provides comprehensive warranty coverage on all its products. The warranty is only effective on appliances that are installed by Noritz authorized personnel. Their warranty terms include:

  1. 12 year heat exchanger replacement for residential and 2 to 5 years on commercial models. 
  2. It covers a 5 year warranty for defective parts. 
  3. It also provides a one year warranty on approved reasonable labor. 

The warranty is provided to the first owner or any subsequent owners as long as the appliance is used in a single-family dwelling. It is void if the appliance is moved from its actual place of installation. It takes effect on the date of installation of the product by the Noritz Authorized Installer or 30 days after the date of purchase, whichever occurs first. It is effective until the specified date according to the terms stated above.

Noritz sincerely backs up all its products. That’s why they have excellent customer care service personnel. They are not only polite and respectful but also eager in their efforts to provide the best after-sales service. They are more than happy or guide their customers in making the most of the warranty of their appliances. That’s why each Noritz product works great and lasts a long time. 

Who is Noritz?

Noritz is the pioneer of Tankless water heaters. The company originated in Japan. Its headquarters are still located there. It has a subsidiary in the U.S. known as Noritz America Corporation. It has corporate offices in Atlanta, California, and Fountain Valley.

It offers a vast range of tankless water heating products that cover residential as well as commercial usage. It has a nationwide network of skilled professionals who have committed themselves to deliver the best services. They facilitate their consumers by providing a healthy and efficient lifestyle. 

How to Descale a Noritz Tankless Water Heater? 

No matter what kind of water heater you install, scale build-up is the biggest issue that interferes with performance. The risk ratio is the same for tankless and tank-based water heaters. Although the chance of corrosion is fairly low in tankless water heaters, it is not exactly zero. That’s why tankless water heaters require annual flushing to descale the build-up that has deposited in the system.

Because of its innovative approach, Noritz has developed durable and sturdy products. To back it up, it has come up with an effortless descaling method. Although you can descale it yourself, it is best to seek a professional to do it, so you don’t end up voiding the warranty on your device. 

The descaling procedure involves the following steps. 

  1. Turn off the gas, hot and cold water valves.

  2. Take off the drain caps on hot and cold pipes. 

  3. Place a five-gallon bucket under the hot water side. 

  4. Turn on the hot water valve and capture the leftover hot water in the bucket. 

  5. Repeat for the cold side. 

  6. Connect the hose with your submersible pump and put it in the bucket. 

  7. Put the end of the drain hose into the bucket to empty it. 

  8. Pour 4 gallons of vinegar into the bucket. Make sure the pump is completely submerged in vinegar. It’s also important to open the drain valve lever handles on the isolation valves. Let the pump run for an hour or so.

  9. Turn the hose off after an hour. Remove it from the cold water drain valve, and then put the cap on the drain valve outlet.

  10. Now take the drain hose and the pump away from the bucket. Drain the liquid and put the hot water hose back in your empty bucket. Open the cold water main valve. This will flush the heater with fresh and cold water. Let it go on for five minutes. You can leave it until 20 gallons of water have entered the heater.

  11. Now unscrew and take the water filter out for some cleaning. Use some water to flow it out. Run the filter under water to remove all debris. After putting the dry filter into its port. Carefully tighten it by hand.

  12. Turn off the drain valve. Now remove the drain hose and replace the drain cap. Screw it on really tight.

  13. Finish the process turning the primary cold and turn on the hot water valves. Don’t forget to switch on the gas supply again.

  14. Descaling can sometimes cause an error code 11. To solve this issue, reset the water heater by simply turning it off. Turn it on again in the end.

For your ease, we have attached a step-by-step video guide below. Be sure to watch it to understand all the steps described above better.   

Conclusion

Noritz is the name of innovation. It has been around for almost 60 years but has not yet gained fame that it is actually worthy of. But this has not stopped it from creating durable, reliable, efficient, and unique products. It is the pioneer of tankless water heaters in 1981.

Since then, it has not compromised on the quality and has always strived to create the best. With a huge lineup of high-quality tankless water heaters, we have summarized the best of Noritz creations. Now that you know everything about Noritz and its products, you can easily select a Noritz appliance that not only suits your needs but also helps you save big on your bills. 



My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101.