Noritz NRCP Tankless Water Heaters: Review and Buying Tips

Noritz NRCP
(photo: amazon)

A review of Noritz NRCP water heaters from the ecoTough series that includes two condensing models, NRCP1112 and NRCP982, both utilizing superior features such as built-in recirculation pumps for faster hot water delivery and advanced control panel for greater comfort and convenience.

Noritz NRCP water heaters: Models and features review

Noritz water heaters NRCP1112 and NRCP982 are two of the most powerful and efficient models from this manufacturer, equipped with tankless and condensing technology and designed to provide ultra-high performance with significant savings. The secondary condensing heat exchanger, made of heavy-duty stainless steel, is what makes the thermal transfer superior and resistant to scale build-up.

High efficiency and flow rate

The powerful gas burner of up to 199,000 BTU combined with the condensing technology ensures ultra-high energy factors of up to 0.94 using natural or propane gas. And this is not all; they also come with a high water flow rate of 11.1 GPM, found on the NRCP1112 model, and 9.8 GPM found on the NRCP982 model.

Heaters are recommended for the combined residential water and space heating, where the smaller model NRCP982 can be used in homes with 2-3 bathrooms while larger NRCP1112 for use in 3-4 bath homes.

Recirculation to reduce the wait time

What makes the NRCP series unique and different from other tankless water heaters from this manufacturer is the built-in recirculation pump that can be used in the external and internal recirculation lines, resulting in faster hot water delivery, reduced water, and energy consumption.

With the Auto Learn option, users can program the recirculation timer or let the heater learn about the family habits and automatically engage the pump when needed.

Advanced control panel

The units are equipped with advanced electronics that feature useful diagnostics systems, allowing easy troubleshooting users and service technicians. It includes a built-in control panel into the front of the unit for easy and convenient use.

The control panel consists of several functional buttons and an LCD display screen to control, adjust, and display info such as the time, temperature, water flow, operational and status, error codes and history, or program the recirculation system.

Small and compact size for easy handling

The small and compact design of approximately 28"x17"x15", including the lightweight construction of up to 85 lbs, allows users to save the floor space for other use as these models are installed on the wall. Thanks to the power venting and sealed combustion chamber, long horizontal or vertical vent system, installation is possible almost anywhere inside the house.

If Noritz NRCP water heaters are installed in cold places such as the garage, unheated basement, or crawl space, the freeze protection of -30 F keeps them safe from freezing temperatures and damages that can occur.

Venting

NRCP models are meant for indoor installation only and are designed with the two-pipe direct vent system that is also convertible to a single vent, allowing great flexibility during the hookup.

With the direct vent system (DV), a water heater takes the air from the outside atmosphere, while with the single vent system (SV), it gets it from the indoors. Moreover, the PVC pipes can be used due to the lower exhaust temperature and the installation gets cheaper and simpler.

Quick Connect Multi System installation

Both NRCP models are compatible with the Quick-Connect system, so two identical models can link into one system. This is very useful in high-demanding homes since they can produce double the amount of hot water.

Features highlights

• Primary heat exchangers are made of commercial-grade copper and secondary made of long-lasting stainless steel.
• Built-in recirculation pump that delivers hot water fast and can be used in internal and external recirculation modes.
• Direct electronic ignition for the fast and reliable start.
• PVC, CPVC, or PP venting system with lengths of a maximum of 100 feet.
• Built-in remote control for easy temperature control and adjustment, including flow rate and advanced diagnostics.
• Temperature adjustments from 100 to 140 F in domestic mode or from 80 to 180 F in heating mode.
• Safety features include; freeze protection, high limit switch, flame sensor, temperature lockout, electric ignition, water and gas leak detector.
• The acceptable noise level is less than 60 dB.
• Standard 3/4" gas and water connections.
• 10-year warranty on heat exchangers and 5 years on other parts – residential use.

Specifications

Summary

The comparison table and the feature review show that both models from the Noritz NRCP series are alike, but there are some differences in the power and flow rate, which makes the NRCP1112 model suitable for larger houses while NRCP982 for a house with less square footage. Another difference is in the condensate neutralizer that is available on NRCP1112 only.