When it comes to tankless water heater models, there are so many to choose from. How do you know which one is perfect for your home? Trying to navigate all the tankless water heater options and comparing them side-by-side is a huge hassle.
At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we've installed thousands of tankless water heaters all over Los Angeles. We've installed various models from industry-leading companies. With our accumulated experience, we’ll help you save time by using our insider knowledge to highlight which models are the best of the best.
We put our knowledge to use by ranking the best tankless water heater models for 2024! We compiled this list based on factors we determined to be the driving force behind why these models are the best in the field. In no particular order, here's the list of the best models for tankless water heating.
Top Tankless Water Heater Models in Los Angeles
More and more people in California are increasing efforts to be more environmentally friendly. Tankless water heaters are in high demand thanks to their ability to provide hot water on demand while remaining energy efficient.
According to the United States Department of Energy, tankless water heaters have lower energy costs than traditional water heaters, saving you money on utility bills. With the price of groceries, gas, and other necessities going up, it makes sense to find ways to save money, which is possible with the following tankless water heater models.
Noritz EZ Model
When it comes to the top tankless water heater brands, Nortiz is among the best. Founded in 1951, this Japanese company is one of the pioneers in water heating technology. They created the first electric tankless water heater in 1981.
One of the models that highlight Noritz's ingenuity is the EZ series. When it comes to energy efficiency, these models have a .97 (97%) energy factor (EF), which surpasses Energy Star Standards and can help your home be more eco-friendly and waste less energy. These standards are determined by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help increase energy efficiency to improve the environment.
The EZ model series from Noritz is also a great choice if you want to switch from a traditional water heater to a tankless one. Noritz offers EZ models with 40, 50, and 75-gallon replacements.
These tankless water heater models are designed with top-mount connections to make installation easier. Multiple houses in Los Angeles and the surrounding area have water heater connections for traditional water heaters. The Noritz models take advantage of the existing connections to make installation easier.
(Image Via Noritz)
Pros
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The best warranty at 25 years
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Easier installation thanks to easy hookup to existing gas and water lines
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High energy efficiency
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Widely Available
Cons
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Higher costs due to brand recognition
Noritz NRCR
One of the reasons tankless water heaters are so popular is because of how accessible they make hot water for an entire household. Too many people have dealt with cold showers once the hot water runs out from their traditional water heaters. Nortiz understands this issue, which is why they introduced the Nortiz NRCR model.
The Noritz NRCR model is popular for homeowners because it keeps hot water recirculating. This is thanks to its ability to adapt to a home's return line. If you have a growing family, the Noritz NRCR models, like all tankless water heaters, can provide you with hot water without worrying about running out.
A return line is a pre-built loop that carries hot water and holds it continuously for use whenever. It can connect to your home's recirculation line to ensure you always have hot water ready for use.
If your house doesn't have a recirculation line, this model has a compatible crossover valve sold separately that will essentially make a recirculation line in your home.
(Image via Noritz)
Pros
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Easy parts availability for Noritz models
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A learning mode that adapts to your water use habits to turn on recirculation when needed
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Scheduling mode allows you to schedule recirculation remotely from your phone
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Stainless steel and copper heat exchangers are available
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WiFi compatible
Cons
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Pricier than the Noritz EZ models
Nortiz NRC111-DV
Nortiz is always looking for a way to create energy-efficient tankless water heaters, which is why they introduced the NRC111-DV model. This tankless water heater model has two heat exchangers to improve energy efficiency. The two heat exchangers work in tandem to extract heat from the combustion gas to improve energy efficiency that can save you around $494 a year, according to Energy Star.
The Noritz NRC111-DV is an indoor model designed with a direct vent (the DV stands for direct vent). It can provide hot water to four baths simultaneously. Maintaining your tankless water heater at least once a year is recommended to ensure it retains maximum efficiency.
Noritz has plenty of other tankless water heaters that are great choices, and the brand itself is highly recommended by technicians. For a more in-depth look at Noritz, check out this brand review.
(Image via Noritz)
Pros
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Comprehensive owner's detailed guide
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.92 (97%) energy efficiency rating
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More affordable than other Noritz models
Cons
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Not suitable for outdoors
Navien NPE A2 Series
Navien was founded in 1978 but didn't start producing tankless water heaters until 2012. Since then, Navien has built a reputation as one of the top brands for tankless water heaters.
The company's NPE-A2 tankless water heater series was the first to include a built-in recirculation system, which they call ComfortFlow. While some brands include this system as a separate attachment, Navien builds it into these specific models.
The Navien NPE-A2 series includes three models, the NPE-180A2, NPE-210A2, and the NPE-240A2. Navien was the first company to introduce stainless steel heat exchangers, which are standard in all of their models.
(Image via Navien)
Pros
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Up to .97 (97%) energy efficiency
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User-friendly interface
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Easy setup
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NaviLink optional WiFi remote control system
Cons
- A 15-year warranty is less than Noritz but still above the average of 12-year coverage
- Replacement parts only available through contractors, not to the public
Navien NPE S Series
The NPE S Series from Navien are four tankless water heaters worth checking out. These models are similar to the NPE-A2 series, except they have the highest Energy Star efficiency rating at .99 (99%).
Navien's NPE S Series doesn't have the built-in circulation system like the A2 Series, but it can connect to a home's return line. It also has an outside attachment where a technician can install a recirculation valve. The four models that makeup Navien's NPE S Series include NPE-150S2, NPE-180S2, NPE-210S2, and NPE-240S2.
These four tankless water heaters are compatible with Navien's highly-regarded NaviLink optional WiFi remote control system that gives you the freedom to change the water temperature, turn the unit off or on, and monitor the system. Navien's NaviLink system is one of the many highlights you can explore more about in this review.
(Image via Navien)
Pros
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Highest energy efficiency rating in the industry
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It can be installed outside or indoors
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Excellent heat output than other models
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Durable stainless steel heat exchangers
Cons
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It doesn't have a built-in recirculation system like NPE A2 Series
What to Look for in Tankless Water Heater Models?
We didn't choose these tankless water heaters randomly but instead relied on our accumulated experience to determine which factors make these units the best in the field.
- Technology: These units are innovative pieces of technology. The tankless water heaters mentioned have WiFi compatibility and remote control systems.
- Cost: Both Navien and Noritz models have rebates and tax credits available from SoCal Gas, which can help you save money.
- Efficiency: Tankless water heaters were designed to be environmentally friendly, and these units have Energy Star ratings above .92 (97%).
- Warranty: Noritz and Navien have different time-based warranties, but both are regarded as the best warranties in the industry.
Which Tankless Water Heater Model is Best for Me?
We have seen hundreds of homeowners looking to install a tankless water heater in their homes only to be unsure which model to select. So, we reviewed which tankless water heaters are the best models for 2024 based on factors we determined to be important.
Although dozens of tankless water heaters are on the market, these five units are regarded as the best in their class. With over 15 years in business, we have confidence in presenting you with these tankless water heaters to consider for your home.
If you're interested in a tankless water heater service or installation, contact Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air at 310-853-8690 or book an appointment online. If you're still deciding which brand to choose, check out this comparison article between Navien and Nortiz.
