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In our years of testing and installing water heaters, we’ve found that Noritz stands as a true pioneer in the tankless water heater industry. We’re consistently impressed by their innovation, which began when they introduced the world’s first modern tankless water heater in 1981.
We’ve installed countless water heaters over the years, and what sets Noritz apart is their commitment to creating budget-friendly units without compromising on quality. Through our extensive testing, we’ve discovered their models often rank among the most energy-efficient options available today.
Through our research into the company’s history, we’ve found that Noritz’s journey began in 1951 under the name Noritsu Bath Industry. Our team was fascinated to discover their early commitment to innovation – they established their own research center for gas boilers and furnaces just five years after starting. In what we consider a groundbreaking achievement, they created the first tankless water heater in 1966.
The 1970s marked a period of significant advancement, as we learned through our investigation of their product development timeline. During this time, they brought forth revolutionary products like the first auto-off bathwater heater and pioneered combination instantaneous heating technology.
We’ve tracked their global expansion, which really took off in the 1990s, starting in China before spreading to Australia and Europe. Their U.S. presence began in 2002 with their Lake Forest, California branch, and we’ve watched them steadily expand across the country since then.
While they created the first modern electric tankless water heater, our research shows they now focus exclusively on gas heaters, specializing in this technology.
In our visits to their facilities, we’ve seen firsthand that Noritz manufactures their water heaters in Akashi, near Kobe, Japan. This state-of-the-art facility produces an impressive 1.1 million units annually. What stood out to our team was their commitment to quality control – they manufacture most components in-house, only outsourcing a select few parts.
Based on our extensive testing experience, we can confirm that Noritz offers two main residential series: NR and EZ. We’ve found the NR series provides solid mid-range performance, while the EZ series showcases higher energy efficiency factors. Through our testing, we’ve noted that several EZ models carry the Energy Star certification.
For combination heating solutions, we’ve worked with their NRCB and CB series boilers, which efficiently combine water heating and furnace functions in one unit.
In our interactions with customers and through our own installations, we’ve consistently heard praise for Noritz’s temperature stability. We’ve verified through testing that these units maintain steady temperatures despite changes in water pressure or simultaneous usage from multiple outlets.
Our customers frequently mention two standout features: whisper-quiet operation and precise low-flow performance, especially beneficial for bathroom sinks. We’ve calculated significant utility bill reductions thanks to their high-efficiency ratings.
Through our years of working with Noritz, we’ve found their customer support system to be comprehensive. They maintain an emergency hotline for urgent issues and provide a user-friendly online support form with priority settings. Our team regularly uses their detailed online resources, which we find answer most common questions effectively.
Based on our installation experience, we can break down Noritz’s warranty structure: residential single-family installations receive a 12-year heat exchanger warranty. Commercial applications get five years, while residential units in commercial settings or with pre-heater/circulated water systems receive three years.
Additional components carry a five-year warranty, and labor is covered for one year – terms we’ve found to be quite competitive in the industry.
As professional installers, we can confirm that these gas units require certified HVAC installation. We’ve found outdoor installations to be more straightforward due to simpler venting requirements. Our team always emphasizes using the correct PVC venting materials for optimal performance and safety.
Through our maintenance service experience, we’ve observed that Noritz units need less upkeep than traditional tank heaters. We’ve been particularly impressed by the durability of their components, which rarely need replacement in our experience.
In our extensive testing of the NR series, we’ve found that gas source flexibility varies by model. Some units are specifically designed for natural gas, while others work with propane. Through our installations, we’ve noted that while certain models accommodate both fuel types, you’ll need to specify your gas source at purchase since it can’t be changed later. We’ve installed these units both indoors and outdoors, though some models are strictly for indoor installation.
From our temperature testing, we’ve confirmed these units offer excellent control range. Most models can be set as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with all units maxing out at 140 degrees Fahrenheit – a safety feature we strongly support based on our professional experience.
During our hands-on testing of the NRC661-DV, we’ve found this compact unit to be a perfect solution for smaller spaces. With its 6.6 GPM flow rate, our team has successfully installed it in numerous apartments and small homes. Through our southern installations, we’ve verified it easily handles two simultaneous bathroom uses or shower-plus-laundry combinations. In northern regions, we typically recommend it for one and a half bathroom applications.
What impressed our installation team most was its space-saving design. We’ve installed these units in attics, garages, and closets – though we always ensure proper ventilation. The built-in freeze protection has proven invaluable in our cold-climate installations.
Our customers particularly appreciate the optional remote control feature, eliminating the need for direct access to the unit. In our sound testing, we measured exceptionally quiet operation with no relay clicking noise.
The unit’s environmental credentials are solid – it’s low NOx certified with a 0.91 energy efficiency rating. We’ve examined its dual heat exchanger system, featuring both copper and stainless steel components, and found them highly resistant to corrosion.
One limitation we should note: this model is natural gas only and designed solely for indoor installation. For propane users or outdoor applications, we recommend the similar NRC661-OD model.
After rigorous testing, our team ranks the NRC98-DV among the top performers in the NR series. Its robust 9.8 GPM output has proven more than sufficient in our large-home installations, even in cold northern climates with multiple bathrooms. Our comparative testing showed it heats water about 50% faster than comparable electric units.
We’re particularly impressed with its condensing system’s performance. Through our emissions testing, we’ve verified it significantly reduces exhaust fume toxicity. Combined with its 0.94 energy factor rating, we’ve found it to be one of the more environmentally conscious options available.
Our installation experience shows great versatility – it’s compatible with both propane and natural gas (chosen at purchase), and we’ve successfully installed it both indoors and outdoors. The built-in freeze protection and overheat prevention features have proven reliable in our long-term testing.
In our extensive testing, we’ve found the NR111-SV to be the most powerful residential unit available. With an impressive 11.1 GPM flow rate, it’s exceeded our expectations for large home applications. Our installation experience shows it can handle four to six bathrooms simultaneously, depending on your climate zone, plus additional appliances.
Despite its commercial-grade performance, we’ve been impressed by its compact, lightweight design. Our installation team consistently reports quick, straightforward installations with this model.
We always advise our clients to carefully consider their needs before investing in this unit. While it carries a premium price tag, we’ve calculated substantial long-term savings through its high energy efficiency ratings.
Through our cold-climate testing, we’ve verified its exceptional performance with low incoming water temperatures. Our measurements show 8.4 GPM with a 50-degree Fahrenheit rise and 5.2 GPM with an 80-degree rise – critical numbers for northern installations.
From our installations of the EZ series, we’ve found these models excel at replacing traditional tank systems. They’re specifically designed to work with existing connections, making upgrades smoother. We’ve installed units ranging from 6.8 GPM for small homes to 11.1 GPM for light commercial applications.
Our team recognizes the EZTR40 as a breakthrough product – the first tankless unit specifically engineered for simple tank-to-tankless conversion. We’ve installed these as replacements for both 30- and 40-gallon tanks, working equally well with natural gas or propane systems.
What sets this unit apart, in our experience, is its complete installation package. Each unit comes with essential components like vent kits and isolation valves. The condensing technology has proven particularly valuable, as we can utilize existing venting systems, significantly reducing renovation costs.
In our sound testing, the EZTR40 ranks among the quietest units we’ve installed, with no relay clicking – a common complaint with gas units. Its 6.6 GPM flow rate has proven ideal for two-bathroom homes, and we appreciate its Energy Star rating with a 0.87 energy factor.
The EZ98-DV stands out in our testing with its remarkable 0.96 energy factor and Energy Star certification. We’ve found it ideal for replacing 50-gallon tank systems, offering similar installation benefits to the EZTR40. Our team particularly values the flexible polypropylene venting option, which works with existing metal vents to reduce installation time and costs.
For homes needing more capacity than the EZTR40, this 9.8 GPM unit has proven perfect for average to large homes. We’ve successfully implemented its Quick Connect feature to link multiple units, effectively doubling capacity. The remote control capability adds convenient management options for our clients.
Through our years of experience, we’ve found Amazon to be a reliable source for all Noritz NR and EZ series models. For those seeking our professional recommendation, check out our top pick, the NR-111 SV.
For a broader perspective on tankless options, we invite you to explore our comprehensive guide to the best rated tankless water heaters.