Noritz NRC98 Tankless Water Heaters Review and Buying Tips

Noritz NRC98 tankless water heaters review for indoor and outdoor use. Explore the NRC98 model's top features, specs, and benefits.

Highlights

• Models review
• Features review
• Safety features
• Specs
• Summary

Models review

Note: Professional installation and repair are recommended. Find local plumbers and get FREE Quotes!

Noritz NRC98 water heaters (available on amazon.com) are designed for indoor and outdoor installation utilizing tankless and condensing technology for efficient water heating in residential applications.

An indoor model NRC98-DV is a direct vent model that can use PVC and CPVC pipes for the exhaust and can be converted to a non-direct vent model (SV), but only with the corresponding conversion kit from Noritz.

An outdoor model, NRC98-OD, is ventless and can be installed only outside.

Due to the high gas input and water flow, they are recommended for homes with up to 3.5 baths in southern regions or up to 2 baths in northern climate regions.

The water heater can use both natural gas and propane for heating, but it requires replacing the gas manifold and some adjustments during the conversion from one type to another.

Noritz NRC98 water heaters are designed as ultra-high efficient units, where condensing technology ensures high 94% efficiency. The superb heating performance allows NRC98 models Energy Star recognition, which leads to increased savings and great benefits for your home.

Features

High-quality heat exchangers

Noritz NRC98-DV and NRC-OD are equipped with the commercial-grade heat exchanger, which utilizes thicker piping than models from other tankless manufacturers. This means better resistance to stress and longer life of the element.

The water heater uses the secondary heat exchanger made of stainless steel where water is pre-heated by the exhaust gases, therefore reducing the heating time and energy loss. As the exhaust gases are acidic, the high-quality material is used for the heat exchanger.

Flexible and affordable venting

For extracting the flue gases, a model NRC98-DV utilizes affordable PVC or CPVC piping because the temperature of the flue gases is lower than the temperatures found on the standard gas tankless water heaters.

With the zero clearance piping, the maximum length of 62 feet, and the built-in PVC adapter, installation flexibility is guaranteed.

The DV model can be converted to SV or non-direct vent model using the conversion kit for added flexibility.

Fully modulating Eco-burner

The modulating gas valve allows NRC98 models to work between the minimum power of 16,000 BTU and its maximum 180,000 BTU. The maximum water flow rate of 9.8 gallons per minute (GPM) is sufficient for homes with two to three bathrooms.

The minimum water flow needed to start the unit is also low, 0.5 GPM, which makes it convenient for small jobs, such as shaving or hand-washing.

Quick Connect

Users can buy a Quick Connect cable and connect two identical units to increase the capacity two times.

Advanced ignition

Contrary to less efficient and conventional type heaters, Noritz NRC98 tankless water heaters use a more advanced ignition system known as direct ignition. No standing pilot light means no wasted energy.

Remote control

Temperatures are controlled by the remote thermostat, attached to the front panel, and can be changed from 115 to 140 F and switched to Celsius degrees. The temperature of hot water is factory set at 120 F.

On the remote controller, there is one neat feature called the Flow-meter alarm. It is excellent to use it if you have a bathtub. You will set the water flow, and once the set level is reached, the alarm will sound, alarming you to close the hot water tap.

Easy troubleshooting

If there is a problem with the unit, the error code will flash on the remote controller. The error codes, such as 05, 11, 29, or 90, will indicate a specific problem (improper combustion, ignition error) and allow you or technician easier troubleshooting.

Safety features

• Flame sensor
• Overheat prevention device
• Freeze protection to - 30 F. Noritz NRC98 automatically uses the electric heater to prevent water freezing inside the unit.
• Lighting protection device
• Condensate overfill
• Fan rotation detector

Specs

Summary

Noritz NRC98 is one of the few condensing water heaters this manufacturer offers for consumers who want more. The efficiency is impressive, and for those looking for a higher capacity than what a single NRC98 model provides, the Quick-Connect gives you that option by connecting two units into one. It still provides an excellent 12-year heat exchanger warranty for peace of mind.

This Nortiz tankless water heater is coming from the ecoTOUGH series, a series that uses green technology. Built as the green water heater, Noritz NRC98 uses less electricity, produces low NOx gases, and once out of service, more elements can be recycled than conventional tank-type heaters.

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