Navigating the sheer amount of tankless water heater options is difficult. Knowing which brands you can trust is half the battle. Luckily, there is a handful you can trust, Navien being one of them.
We’ve been installing tankless water heaters in homes across Los Angeles County and its surrounding areas for over 15 years. In that time, we’ve come to know and trust Navien as one of the tankless water heater industry's most reliable and forward-thinking brands. But we’re here to give you just the facts so you can decide for yourself whether Navien is worth your dollar.
This review will touch on key points of interest, including:
- Brand history
- Cost
- Efficiency
- Warranty
- Availability
- Variety
- Additional features
By the end of the review, you’ll have a better idea of why Navien is trusted by homeowners and contractors alike. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to develop your own opinions on Navien, but remember, one review shouldn’t be your end-all, be-all for information. Check out our complete Navien Tankless Water Heater Guide below to kickstart your research.
Now, let’s jump in by getting to know Navien’s story.
Navien Brand History
- Founded in 1978
- Began producing tankless water heaters in 2012
- Highly regarded among contractors
- Reputation built around attentive customer service
Navien launched in 1978 and entered the boiler game in 1988. From there, the company moved into the tankless water heater space in 2012. Since it began producing tankless water heaters, Navien has made consistent strides to improve tankless technology, but more on that later.
Like its competitor, Noritz, Navien has built a reputation of reliability and trust among contractors. For many, Navien is one of a handful of go-to choices when it comes to tankless water heaters.
The company has also built a solid reputation around its customer service. From knowledgeable staff to making contractor recommendations based on customer locations, Navien is on the right track when it comes to helping its customers.
But this kind of brand recognition always comes with a catch, and for Navien, it’s the cost of the tankless water heaters.
How Much Do Navien Tankless Water Heaters Cost?
- Higher cost than competitors like Takagi
- $1,200 to $2,300 without installation
When buying a product with so much brand recognition, a premium is almost always attached. That isn’t to say the price isn’t justified by constant iterating and betterment of technology, but it does mean that Navien can fall out of some homeowners’ price ranges.
Typically, a Navien tankless water heater will run between $1,200 to $2,300 without installation. Adding in installation, you’re looking at anywhere between $4,700 and $8,300. Your installation cost will vary depending on your contractor and the type of installation service performed since some companies provide premium installation with add-ons to keep your tankless water heater running at its peak.
But what does Navien do to help protect your investment?
What to Expect from a Navien Tankless Water Heater Warranty
- 15-year warranty
- Above-average warranty term
Part of what helped make Navien a frontrunner in the tankless water heater industry was its warranty coverage. Navien’s coverage of up to 15 years was the pinnacle of protection for quite some time. The company has since relinquished the crown to Noritz, which hosts up to 25 years of warranty coverage on select models.
It’s important to note that the standard warranty for a tankless water heater is about 12 years, making Navien’s 15-year warranty stand out slightly more than the average bear. Noritz and Navien are often seen as neck-and-neck competitors aside from this one major area. So, if you’re looking for the best warranty coverage around, Noritz is likely the better option for you, depending on the model you’re after.
Still, Navien has more to offer than just above-average warranty coverage.
Navien Tankless Water Heater Efficiency
- Up to 98% efficiency, leading the pack
- High-efficiency models qualify for maximum California rebates and federal tax credit
If you’re concerned with making your home a bit greener or even just looking to save a couple of bucks on your annual gas or energy bills, Navien tankless water heaters are a sound option. Navien’s tankless water heaters reach up to 98% efficiency, meaning minimal energy waste.
Navien also makes high-efficiency models, which can net the maximum in California rebates and federal tax credits. A high-efficiency model will get you $1,000 back in your pocket and a $300 tax credit.
Getting the most efficiency possible is great and all, but can you easily get your hands on a Navien tankless water heater?
Are Naiven Tankless Water Heaters Readily Available?
- Readily available
- Easy Los Angeles County access to parts
Luckily, Navien tankless water heaters aren’t in short supply. In fact, availability gets even better if you’re a Southern California resident since the company has a headquarters locally. This means less wait time and contractors having more access to parts. While there’s no predicting supply chain shortages like we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic, Navien is reliable when it comes to keeping its warehouse stocked.
What Kind of Variety Can You Expect from Navien?
- Only stainless steel heat exchangers
- Variety of models for different sizes of home
- Indoor and outdoor models
When talking about the variety Navien provides, the conversation quickly becomes a double-edged sword. Navien is credited with pioneering tankless water heater advancements like the stainless steel heat exchanger. As such, stainless steel core models are the bread and butter of Navien’s business.
You won’t see a copper-core tankless water heater in Navien’s lineup, meaning there’s an inherent lack of variety. But stainless steel heat exchangers are heralded as the superior choice in tankless water heaters. So, this really comes down to your personal preference and budget.
Aside from the heat exchangers, Navien has indoor and outdoor models for additional flexibility in placement. This flexibility is nice to have when you’re unsure of where the best place to install a tankless water heater is, giving your technician more wiggle room during the consultation.
You’ll also find options that cover a single fixture to up to four bathrooms. This is the type of variety you look for in a top-end tankless water heater producer. Navien, like Noritz, provides a solid lineup for customers to choose from, with ample options to suit any home or family size.
But variety is more than just heat exchangers and capacity. There’s much more to look at in terms of additional features.
Additional Navien Tankless Water Heater Features
- Pioneered stainless steel heat exchanger
- Pioneered built-in recirculation pump
- Wi-Fi controllers, app-based notifications and support
Earlier, it was mentioned that Navien is a pioneering company consistently pushing the industry forward. While we touched on the stainless steel heat exchangers, there’s a bit more to look at here.
Another major pioneering moment for Navien is its implementation of a built-in recirculation pump. Typically, this device would be an external add-on, but Navien trims down the process on select models.
Just like Noritz, Navien is also pushing to make your home more connected and efficient. Features like Wi-Fi controllers and app-based notifications and support.
Pros
- Reputation
- Pioneering
- High-efficiency
- Qualifies for maximum rebates and credits
- Widely available
- Acceptable variety
- Above average warranty
- Additional features on offer
Cons
- Brand recognition and pioneering inform cost
- No longer the strongest warranty
- Slimmer variety without copper-core models
Is a Navien Tankless Water Heater for You?
We’ve touched on the key points regarding whether a tankless water heater brand is up to snuff. In the process, we've outlined why Navien is a top choice in the tankless water heater space. Now, you can confidently compare Navien to other brands you’ve been mulling over.
Navien isn’t the only brand out there, and it certainly isn’t the only stellar choice. However, from experience, Navien is a trusted brand that has provided our customers with reliable hot water for years. There’s no getting around the price tag, but if Navien suits your budget, you can’t go wrong here.
If you’d like to know more about whether Navien is the best option for your home, visit our tankless water heater service page or click the button below to schedule a consultation.
If you’re in the beginning phase of your research, we urge you to consider if a tankless water heater is right for you, so you don’t go too far down the rabbit hole before realizing it may not suit your needs. We know budget is often a top consideration, so you also stand to gain something from learning how much tankless water heaters cost in general to create a helpful frame of reference.
For a deeper dive into Navien, download our free Navien Tankless Water Heater Guide.
