I wouldn't install either one.

 

Noritz

 

Yep, I have a Noritz that came highly recommended to me by my plumber. It's worked very well for me. I put it in because I needed the room the tank took up.

 

Navien

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

Had my Rheem 9.8 for around 7 yrs or so. Flawless so far.

 

I'm bad...........I have a Rennai :whistling

I had my buddy, a fully licensed plumber install it. Gas certified too.

Maybe that " affiliated rep " thing could be new ? Or maybe you mean authorized dealer ? Same thing.

 

Looks like it may be down to the Noritz or the Rheem. Both have the same warranty. Rinnai is out because it the warranty is completely void if not installed by an affiliated rep.

 

Rinnai is out because it the warranty is completely void if not installed by an affiliated rep.

They should all adopt that policy.

 

Can anyone else add some input? The Noritz have terrible reviews on Amazon.

 

Before you buy, do your own independent analysis

1. is the real estate a premium that you cannot put in a HWT

if not

1. cost of tank vs cost of tankless
2. monthly operating costs
3. lifespan of tank vs tankless
4. installation cost (tankless are generally up to 200,000btu needing a larger gas pipe from the meter base)

Let's see if the savings are really there

 

As the Rinnai factory rep told us. If you are going for lower utility bills, it's not there. That is not the major benefit of tankless. It's about endless hot water no matter how many showers are being taken.

For hotels, sure. Gymnasiums yes. Even foks with several kids. But otherwise....

 

Rinnai does have great technical support. Also, several supply houses sell Rinnai gear. Rheem, nobody. Having said that, there is a big price difference, which is hard to pass on.

 

I have the Reem. pulled the furnace and went with an exterior combo unit and put a full bath where the utilities and a sink/toilet was.

 

Where water is scarce a water heater is a source of emergency water if there's a disruption in the water supply. In California's case, think earthquakes; not much emergency water in a tankless water heater.

 

I've installed a few tankless heaters and it's not difficult. Usually the most difficult part is getting 3/4" gas supply.