Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Efficient, Effective, Endless.
Posts tagged energy factor
Navien NR-240
Jan 6th
Navien NR-240 Tankless Water Heater Information
| Navien NR-240 |
| Input : 20,000~199,000 BTU/h |
| Thermal Efficiency : 98% |
| Energy Factor : 0.95 |
| Flow Rate |
| ㆍAt 35˚F Rise : 11 GPM |
| ㆍAt 45˚F Rise : 8.6 GPM |
| ㆍAt 77˚F Rise : 5.5 GPM |
Navien Offers Ultimate in Energy Efficiency with Hi-Tech Comfort
- Easy installation and PVC venting for Navien tankless
- 3″ SCH 40 solid PVC up to 100′
- Navien holds the industry’s highest energy efficiency rating – 98%
- Ready Link Cascade System
- Optional built-in recirculation system with buffer tank
- Advanced Eco Navien technology
- Extended lifecycle utilizing dual stainless steel heat exchangers
- Advanced remote control – NR-10DU
- Navien has the industry’s best warranty
Heat Exchanger
Navien tankless water heaters utilizes dual stainless steel heat exchangers, providing 3.8 to 4.5 times longer life-expectancy and erosion resistance over the copper heat exchangers used in other tankless brands. Navien’s heat exchangers operate with relatively low water temperature, minimizing damage from hard water conditions and maintains efficiency levels. Its always important to have your tankless flushed once every 2 years or so to remove any buildup from within the heat exchangers.
Efficiency
Because of Naviens high efficiency the tankless can be vented in PVC piping. Basically excess heat is exhausted with all the combustion gasses in conventional tank systems but a Navien uses this to further heat the water. This results in significantly lower exhaust temperatures and allows for the use of PVC exhaust vent piping.
Links and Further Info
- Official Navien Site – http://www.navienamerica.com/
- Navien Promotional PDF
- Navien Tankless Operation Manual
- Price Range – from $2400 to $4500 per unit, installation included.
Rinnai Condensing Verses Navien Condensing
Nov 8th
These are the two heavy hitters in the high efficiency Tankless water heater field. How can you choose the correct tankless, well this article aims to help you choose between the Rinnai Tankless or the Navien Tankless.
| Brand | Rinnai | Navien | Rinnai | Navien |
| Model Nuber | RC98HP | NR240 | RC80HP | NR180 |
| Dimension | 19Wx26Hx11D | 17Wx28Hx15D | 19Wx26Hx11D | 17Wx28Hx14D |
| Weight | 71 lbs | 77 lbs | 64 lbs | 67 lbs |
| Activation Rate (GPM) | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Min. Input (BTUs,NG) | 9,500 | 17,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 |
| Max. Input (BTUs,NG) | 199,000 | 199,000 | 157,000 | 150,000 |
| GPM @ 77 Rise | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Thermal Efficiency | 96% | 98% | 97% | 98.8% |
| Energy Factor | 0.94 | 0.97 | 0.95 | 0.96 |
| Type of Venting | Concentric PP | Two Pipe PVC | Concentric PP | Two Pipe PVC |
This chart pits the two main tankless systems that each manufacturer produces, the only row it is missing is reliability. Unfortunately we dont have any scientific data on that but would venture to say that the Rinnai makes the more dependable tankless. This is solely based on comments that we receive here on the site regarding the two tankless manufacturers.
Rinnai RC98HPi
Jul 15th
Features
- Qualifies For Government Grants
- ENERGY STAR qualified

- Up to 96% thermal efficiency
- Condensing technology for greater efficiency and significant hot water energy savings
- Capacity to supply continuous hot water simultaneously to multiple plumbing demands
- Significant space savings over tank-style water heaters
- More sanitary hot water
- Long-lasting design and reduced risk of flooding
- Available in Natural Gas or Propane
- Flexible indoor installation options
- Meets Strict NOx Emission Rules
- 12-year heat exchanger limited warranty for residential installations (5 years on parts, 1 year on labor)
- Pair up with an air handler for efficient home heating
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19” W x 26” H x 10” D
- Weight: 71 lbs.
- Installation: Interior/Residential or Commercial
- Approved Gas Types: Natural Gas or Propane
- Minimum/Maximum Gas Rate (Input BTUs): 10,000 – 199,000
- Hot Water Capacity: 0.4 to 9.8 GPM (35° rise)
- Energy Factor: 0.94 (NG and LP)
- Electrical: AC 120 Volts – 60 Hz
- Connections:
- Gas Supply: ¾ inch MNPT
- Cold Water Inlet: ¾ inch MNPT
- Hot Water Outlet: ¾ inch MNPT
- Temperature Range (Min-Max)
- Residential: 98°-140° F
- Commercial: 98°-185° F (requires MCC-91-1 controller)
- Standard Digital Controller: MC-91-1US (included)
Documents
- Brochure : Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water Heater RC98HPi
- Owners Manuel: Rinnai RC98HPi
- Specifications sheet: RC98HPi Tankless Condensing
Get a Rinnai RC98HPi
Interested in renting or purchasing a high efficiency condensing Rinnai tankless? Get a free quote here and we will have someone come out to your home to see if it can be installed free of charge.
Rinnai RC80HPi
Jul 15th
Features
- Qualifies For Government Rebates

- ENERGY STAR qualified
- Up to 97% thermal efficiency for this Tankless
- Condensing technology for greater efficiency and significant energy savings!
- Capacity to supply continuous hot water simultaneously to multiple plumbing demands
- Significant space savings over conventional tank-style water heaters
- More sanitary hot water
- Long-lasting design and reduced flooding risk
- Available in Natural Gas or Propane
- Flexible indoor installation options
- Meets strict NOx Emission Rules
- 12-year heat exchanger limited warranty for residential installations (5 years on parts, 1 year on labor)
- Pair up with an air handler for efficient home heating
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19” W x 26” H x 10” D
- Weight: 71 lbs.
- Installation: Interior/Residential or Commercial
- Approved Gas Types: Natural Gas or Propane
- Minimum/Maximum Gas Rate (Input BTUs): 10,000 – 157,000
- Hot Water Production: 0.4 to 8.0 GPM (35° rise)
- Energy Factor: 0.96 (NG and LP)
- Electrical: AC 120 Volts – 60 Hz
- Connections:
Gas Supply: ¾ inch MNPT
Cold Water Inlet: ¾ inch MNPT
Hot Water Outlet: ¾ inch MNPT
- Temperature Range (Min-Max):
Residential: 98°-140° F
Commercial: 98°-185° F (requires MCC-91-1 controller)
Documents
- Brochure : Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water Heater RC80HPi
- Owners Manuel: Rinnai RC80HPi
- Specifications sheet: RC80HPi Tankless Condensing
Rinnai Tankless
Jul 15th
The Rinnai tankless water heater is one of the best brands of tankless systems out there. This is simply because the unit is reliable.
The specifications and features on any of the Rinnai tankless product lines are on par with all other major tankless brands, they consume similar amounts of gas, produce very similar hot water quantities, and have nearly the exact same efficiency ratings. Day in and day out the Rinnai tankless just works, it never breaks down and that’s what makes it stand out. 
Rinnai Models
The Rinnai tankless units that are installable in Ontario are:
- RC80HPi
- RC98HPi
- R50LSi
- R75LSi
- R98LSi (commercial)
The RC80 and RC98 are both condensing units and have a energy factor of 94%
The R50, R75, and R98 are conventional tankless systems with an energy factor of 82%
Tankless Grants for Rinnai
All Rinnai units available for Government grants – you can find out how much you are eligible for on our Grants Page.
Sizing a Rinnai
Why Rinnai is different:
As a consumer you simply cant purchase a Rinnai tankless and have your local plumber install it, the dealership has strict sales rules and policies in place to prevent this. To become a Rinnai tankless dealer all of the installers have to go through special training to ensure that each and every tankless is installed within all specifications. Yes, this is a significant factor to why Rinnai’s reliability factor is so high.
Its difficult if not impossible to size a tankless without first surveying the home that its being installed in, there is a rough guide that you can follow though.
- RC98 and RC80 – Tankless condensing units that can handle between 8 and 9.8 GPM suitable for nearly all homes (except for really large one 4000 sqf and up).
- R75 – Very universal tankless suitable for nearly all homes, produces 7.5 GPM (caution should be taken on installs for larger homes).
- R50 – Smaller tankless suitable for smaller homes and cottages. The unit produces 5.0 GPM.
Rinnai Costs
Again this is nearly impossible to predict as every home is unique as well as every install. The unknowns are installation rates, venting pipe length, venting issues, mounting locations, gas piping, water piping, etc. But the unit is a fixed price and can cost anywhere from $1500 to over $4000 (that’s installation included as you cant just buy a unit).
The Best Tankless Water Heater
Apr 28th
The best Tankless ?
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This is a controversial question as some tankless water heaters result in a much better fit than others and thus they may be considered better by some users on different situations.
We have facilitated the installation of thousands of tankless systems and ensured that additional warranty and extended service is provided on all of the installed systems. In terms or reliability the Rinnai tankless heater is by far ahead of all the competition. Service records are able to prove this statement, emergency maintenance personnel are rarely called to fix the unit.
The Rinnai R75 is one of our biggest sellers.
- 12 year heat exchanger warranty
- Max input of 180,000 BTU
- EZ connect (2 unit connection)
- 7.5 GPM
- Energy factor of 0.82
- Concentric venting
- Reliable
It should be noted that Rinnai has very particular venting requirements that make it a bit more difficult to install. The specialized vent pipe is concentric meaning that the exhaust pipe is inside the intake pipe. This means that the hole drilled in the wall is at minimum 5″ in diameter. What makes it such a great unit is its reliability, Rinnai systems rarely break down.
The Navien tankless is a big seller as well; it has the condensing aspect of the market cornered. This condensing technology brings the efficiency of the unit up into the high 90’s and makes it the most efficient tankless. Do note – There have been issues and we are servicing this tankless more than any other we have installed.
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The Navien CR210A is the primary tank installed.
- Max input 175,000 BTU/h
- Energy factor of 0.95
- 7.6 GPM
- Buffer tank and circulation pump
- PVC venting
- Cheap and Reliable (2011 models and newer)
The water quality in Toronto and surrounding areas like Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon (Peel region) is considered moderately hard. Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, or York Region has hard water due to the Oak ridges moraine and deposits within it. City of Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, and all cities along the shore of Lake Ontario that rely on the lake for water have moderately hard water. This is important to know as a tankless water heater can collect deposits causing the systems efficiency to be reduced. It is important to clean your Tankless water heater on a yearly basis.
There are a number of great tankless water heater brands available in the market place currently. The new version of the Navien condensing tankless seems to have far fewer issues. Also most of the manufactures have developed and now sell condensing units.
Takagi TH-2 is a great condensing tankless
Rinnai has condensing unit available that works amazing as well — RC98 Brochure
Noritz also make a very good condensing tankless.
All of the units mentioned above have very similar stats and performance, thus its boils down to the situation. Get a few quotes and go with an installer that’s not quoting you the bottom of the barrel price, you will get what you pay for. The brand of tankless that you choose will be determined in part by you and the layout of your home with regards to venting and code requirements.
Remember to check us out for pricing!
Call Toll Free 1-855-696-8265
Post any questions you may have in the comments section and we will try and answer them all.
Takagi Condensing Tankless Review
Mar 16th
Takagi Condensing Tankless
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Here is the Takagi T-H2 Condensing Tankless hot water heater, there’s a lot to cover so lets get started.
Takagi Tankless Benefits
- PVC venting
- 95% efficient
- 4.6 GPM in dead of winter
- 8.5 GPM in the summer
- Direct vent capability
Info
The T-H2 model is available as a direct vent or an Outdoor model only. Takagi’s T-H2 “2nd Generation High Efficiency Tankless” unit, is a very energy efficient tankless unit (up to 95% in thermal efficiency) in the Tankless industry. The T-H2 was apparently designed for residential and light commercial use and offers Takagi’s Easy-Link to join multiple units.
The T-H2 can provide upwards of three showers’ worth of water simultaneously in colder climates.
The T-H2 can be vented with PVC, providing 0 clearance for DV installations. PVC venting can be used in all applications and apparently Takagi says that 3″ exhaust venting is now available (previously it required a 3″ intake and a 4″ exhaust).
The primary heat exchanger is made of “Heat Resistant Alloy” HRS35 Copper, Takagi has also added a “High Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel” #316L secondary heat exchanger to recover waste heat from the vent stack before it leaves the unit to preheat the incoming ground water. This second heat exchanger and the resulting condensation that forms from the high efficiency operation, classify it as a “Condensing” Water Heater.
Download the official Takagi T-H2 Manual Here. Must have a PDF viewer.
Specifications
| Natural Gas Input | Min. 13,000BTU | Max. 199,000BTU |
| LPG Input | Min. 13,000BTU | Max. 199,000BTU |
| Gas Connection | 3/4″ NPT | |
| Water Connection | 3/4″ NPT | |
| Condensate Water Drain | 1/2″ NPT | |
| Natural Gas Pressure Inlet | Min. 5.0″WC | Max 10.5″WC |
| LP Gas Pressure Inlet | Min. 8.0″WC | Max. 14.0″WC |
| Weight | DV = 73lbs. | |
| Dimensions | 25.6″ x 18.5″ x 12.4″ | |
| Ignition | Electronic Ignition | |
| Electrical Supply | AC 120V (60 Hz) | |
| Water Pressure | Min. 15psi | Max. 150psi |
| T-H2DV Manifold Pressure | Natural: 3.15″WC | Propane:4.6″WC |
As we all know Canada can has winter, and this affects our ground water temperature. The higher the tankless has to heat ground water up the lower the output flow of hot water is. Ontario’s ground water fluctuates with the coldest temperatures occurring in February and the warmest is September. Toronto, Hamilton, Brampton, Scarborough, Mississauga for example are places that rarely see ground water temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus its safe to assume a minimum of 4.6GPM in the worst of conditions.
Download the official Takagi T-H2 specifications sheet here. Must have PDF viewer.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a condensing tankless that is relatively cheap and flexible for installation the Takagi condensing unit is definitely one that you should consider. This unit is $2575 our price and the Suggested Retail is $3920, which is considerably more.
Fill out the form below if you are at all interested in this or any other Tankless Water Heater.
Navien is the most Efficient
Jun 17th
Navien The Most Efficient
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Navien America, a subsidiary of the South Korean company Kyung Dyong Navien, is now manufacturing the most efficient tankless water heaters in the industry. These Energy Star-rated water heaters achieve energy factors (EFs) as high as 0.98 by using conventional and condensing heat exchangers to capture heat from
flue gases as well as latent heat generated when water vapor in these gases condenses into liquid. Adding to the units’ efficiency are dual microprocessors that use data from air and gas pressure sensors to ensure a proper fuel-to-oxygen ratio for optimum combustion, even when there are long vent runs or fluctuating gas pressure.
How could we recommend anything else…. Click on the link above to fill out the form and get a price for a Navien in your home.
Navian – Making the most efficient tankless water heater in the market today.
Tankless Opperational Differences
Dec 2nd
Tankless vs. Tanks: What Are The Differences?
Tanks and Tankless units have operational differences you need to be aware of.
Typically, you can expect to use approximately 70% of a tank’s volume; i.e., a 50-gallon tank should provide approximately 35 gallons of hot water. The burner initiates to reheat the tank, but the latter can only recover at approximately 1 GPM. Thus, the recovery wait begins. This stored volume, in combination with the standing pilot light, usually results in an Energy Factor (EF) in the low range of 0.53 ~ 0.62 for gas fired, tank-type water heaters. “Energy factor is what the end user pays for. A water heater with an energy factor of 0.62 means that for every dollar spent heating water, $0.62 is being used to heat the water. The remaining $0.38 is wasted.”
Whatever the maximum flow rate for any Tankless unit that flow is continuous for as long as there is demand. And unlike a tank-type heater, the temperature remains constant at the selected set point. There is no stored water and no pilot light, so Tankless systems have a high EF range between 0.81 and 0.94, depending on the model and gas type.
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