Noritz NRC Tankless Water Heaters: Review and Buying Tips

Noritz NRC series
(photo: amazon)

Explore the Noritz NRC series of tankless and condensing water heaters for high-efficient and ultra-performing water heating in residential applications that saves money and reduces gas emissions.

The specially designed NRC series is one of the most advanced groups from the Noritz manufacturer, offering great features and innovative water heating technology.

If you are looking to replace an old and bulky gas or electric tank water heater with a more efficient unit, would like to get more of the floor space, and at the same time have an unlimited amount of hot, fresh, and clean water, check out Noritz tankless water heaters from the NRC series.

Like most tankless models, the NRC series provides on-demand and endless hot water supply, but the greatest benefit is the condensing technology. It uses the secondary heat exchanger where cold water is preheated before it reaches the primary heat exchanger, resulting in increased efficiency of over 93% and considerable reduction in NOx emission, making the energy bill lower.

Due to its reduced energy use and carbon emission, the NRC is a favorite type for green-conscious homeowners. Using the tankless technology, you don't have to worry about all the hot water that would be wasted, such as in the case of tank-type models.

The NRC series is excellent for domestic water heating and, due to its steady flow and accurate temperatures, is recommended for home heating when used in hydronic floor heating applications.

Noritz NRC water heaters: Models and features review

Noritz NRC tankless and condensing water heaters are made for indoor (direct vent - DV models) and outdoor use (no vents required), all utilizing smart technology for accurate and stable temperature and error diagnostics, but with different capacities and sizes.

Due to the high energy factor, all the models are Energy Star compliant, making them eligible for tax breaks and rebates from utility companies.

Noritz NRC111 model is the largest and most powerful unit in this category that can achieve up to 199,900 BTU and a water flow rate of 11.1 GPM, so it is recommended for homes with up to 4 baths, heating water to the maximum temperature of 140 F while providing the energy factor of up to 94.

NRC111 can modulate the power from 199,900 BTU to its minimum of 16,000 BTU, outperforming many competitors due to better and accurate control of the hot water temperature while working with the lower water flow rates.

The NRC98 model comes with the maximum gas input of 180,000 BTU and is recommended for homes with up to 3.5 baths, while the NRC711 has a lower power of 157,000 BTU so that it can be used in homes with up to 2.5 baths.

The Noritz NRC661 model is the smallest unit that comes with the single gas burner and only 120,000 BTU of power and 6.1 GPM water flow and is used for the combined potable water and space heating in homes with a maximum of 2 people.

NRC711 and NRC661, both indoor and outdoor, also come with the small, integrated digital display found on the unit's front panel.

Heat exchanger

Noritz NRC water heaters with condensing technology utilize a dual heat exchanger that is consisted of the copper and stainless steel heat exchanger. Durable stainless steel element is added to capture the residual exhaust heat and exchange it with incoming water, increasing the water's temperature before it enters the primary heat exchanger, resulting in higher efficiency than non-condensing models.

Venting

The temperature of the exhaust gases is about 400 F (204 C), and once it transfers the heat to the incoming water, the temperature of the exiting flue gases drops to 120 F (49 C). As the flue gases have lots of moisture, condensation occurs; the drain pipe should be installed for water discharge.

The temperature of the outgoing flue gases is lower, so instead of using stainless steel pipes, you can use much cheaper PVC for venting. With the built-in PVC adapter, it is very easy to install a venting system, making the installation more affordable and faster.

The outdoor models such as Noritz NRC661-OD are designed for installation outside and do not require a venting system. As an accessory, you can buy a recess box, a cover that protects the unit from harsh weather conditions.

As opposed to the above outdoor model, indoor models, such as Noritz NRC661-DV, is direct vent units that must be installed indoors only, with the vent system installed vertically or horizontally. The most used pipe types are PVC or CPVC that have a diameter of 3 and 4 inches.

All the direct vent (DV) models can be converted to a non-direct model (SV) but with the correct conversion kit.

Digital display

Both indoor and outdoor models from NRC771 and NRC661 utilize a small, digital display integrated at the bottom of the unit, and it provides some useful info to the users; such as the status, current hot water temperature, water flow, and error codes in a case of the unit failure.

Larger models, NRC111 and NRC98, do not have such displays but include a remote thermostat instead, while optional for others.

Water flow

The above features show that the maximum water flow rate of 11.1 GPM is enough for up to 4.5 bath homes.

Now, what to do if more hot water is needed, and the demand for hot water is higher?

In that case, buy the Nortiz Quick-Connect cord as it is provided as an optional accessory, so two identical units can be linked together and deliver twice the hot water capacity.

Temperature selection

Noritz NRC models are factory set to 120 F, but you still have several options to set the output temperature between 100 F and 140 F. You can also set the water temperature that comes out of the hot tap using a remote controller.

Features highlights

• Small and compact size saves the floor space.
• Automatic ignition device, no pilot.
• Over 93% efficiency level with a new condensing technology.
• Dual-flame burner for minimal hot water temperature fluctuation.
• Dual heat exchanger, one made of copper, second from stainless steel.
• Modulating gas valve for automatically burner output adjustment.
• Turbo Flow system for high demand applications provides 11.1 GPM.
• Quick Connect cable allows connection of two identical units to get more hot water, easily controlled with a remote control.
• Self-diagnostic onboard computer system, great for troubleshooting and repairs.
• Low temperature of the exhaust gases makes the vent pipe cool to the touch.
• Long warranty of 12 years on the heat exchanger in residential applications.

Safety elements

• Thermal fuse provides automatic protection from overheating.
• Freeze-prevention heater works automatically if the power is provided.
• Flame rod
• Pressure relief valve
• Lightning prevention device
• Fan rotation detector
• Resin coated PC board
• Automatic air regulator monitors internal temperature.
• Built-in neutralizing system for condensation.

Useful accessories

• Isolation valves with a pressure relief valve - allows easy flushing and full diagnostic testing.
• Multi-system controller is required when connecting over 3 units.
• ScaleShield is a Noritz brand water softener that protects from lime and mineral build-up
• Remote controller outdoor junction box, necessary when installing outdoor.

Useful tips

When installing indoors, sufficient air supply should be provided as the water heater uses inside air for combustion and one flue pipe to remove products of combustion.

It is important to drain the condensate securely without blocking the drainage, especially if installing it inside. A significant amount of the condensate can be extracted (around 2 gallons per hour), and what is left from the moisture in the flue turns into white steam at the vent discharge terminal.

Once installed outside, the Noritz outdoor model can be exposed to lower freezing temperatures. That is why you should not remove the power plug from the electrical outlet. The freezing device protects the unit only, not plumbing. If the unit is not used for a while, the best solution is to drain the whole unit for the extremely cold weather.

For the vertical roof vent penetration, the recommendation is to use a rain cap at the end of the vent.

A bird screen is an option for both horizontal and vertical vents, a solution that keeps birds from entering the vent pipe.

All the models can be used for residential, commercial, and manufactured home applications, but not in RVs or boats.

Specifications

Summary

Tankless water heaters from the Noritz NRC series offer many benefits to the homeowners to switch from the traditional tank type and buy a model that uses the latest innovative technology. It is not only the size of the unit or on-demand water heating.

It also saves money, reduces environmental pollution, efficient operation, high performance, energy conservation, flexibility in installation, enhanced comfort, and much more. Again, NRC661 and NRC771 are recommended for smaller homes, NRC98 for mid-size, and NRC111 for large homes and families.