FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
ABOUT TANKLESS WATER HEATERS, PART 2

This second conversation with Noritz service technician lead Desiree Lovelady addresses warranties, maintenance, and fuel-cost savings.

Attracted to the energy efficiency and fuel-bill savings of tankless water heaters, more North American homeowners are making the switch to this technology. Tankless allows homeowners and their families to enjoy as much hot water as they want whenever they want it, while also saving energy by not needlessly heating and reheating that water when they don’t want it.

To obtain a deeper understanding of tankless water heaters and their benefits, we asked service technician lead Desiree Lovelady to address several of the common questions she hears from professional and consumer customers alike.

Q: How long is the warranty for Noritz tankless heaters?

Desiree Lovelady (DL): We have different versions of the warranty for our water heaters. For our residential units, the warranty on the heat exchanger has historically been 12 years, plus five years on other parts.

However, earlier this year, we introduced a 25-year warranty on the dual stainless-steel heat exchangers used by our EZ Series of residential condensing tankless water heaters. All four models in the series have a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.96, and all are specially made for tank water heater replacement applications. This new warranty is a full decade longer than the longest warranty currently on the residential market and more than double Noritz’s previous warranty on these four products.

Because commercial units are engineered to run three times harder than a water heater inside a home, their warranties are necessarily shorter. But our newest commercial water heater, the NCC199CDV — with an energy rating of 98 percent — offers a full 10 years of protection on its heat-exchanger. It is one of the longest warranties in the commercial water heating business.

Q: Is maintenance necessary for tankless water heaters?

DL: Yes, it is — if you want to maintain your water heater’s high efficiency and therefore its ability to save you money on energy costs. We normally recommend an annual descaling of our residential units, just in case there are any issues with hard water in the home. The severity of such conditions, of course, varies by geography.

The interior of the water heater should also receive maintenance throughout the year. If dust or debris gets in the machine, it can cause numerous combustion issues. You can resolve this by using an air compressor to blow air into the interior of the unit. It’s not that difficult, and it will help maintain high performance, which is why you would purchase a tankless water heater in the first place.

Q: How can you have hot water moving only to certain fixtures in a home — that is, hot water for one bathroom, but not another?

DL: This issue usually involves a problem somewhere in the hot-water supply line in a home. Tankless water heaters have no sense of where they are moving hot water to once activated. The unit is simply looking for demand and turns on to meet that demand for hot-water flow once it finds it.

Sometimes a home can have an obstruction issue, such as a cross connection or blockage in the hot-water line to a fixture. Either can interfere with water being delivered where the homeowner needs it.

Q: How much money can a homeowner expect to save by replacing her storage-tank water heater with a tankless unit?

DL: Water heaters can account for at least one fourth of all energy consumption in a typical American household. Since a tankless water heater operates — and consumes natural or liquid propane gas — only when you need hot water, it can reduce energy consumption substantially. A Noritz tankless water heater could cut monthly fuel bills for water heating in half.

To learn more about other common questions for Noritz tankless water heater, please visit our FAQ page here: https://www.noritz.com/about-noritz/faqs/

Learn more about the products offered by Noritz by clicking here: https://www.noritz.com/products/

HOT WATER WITHOUT THE WAIT OR THE WORRY

Offering an industry-best, 25-year warranty, the Noritz EZ Series uses on-demand recirculation to eliminate the wasteful wait for hot water.

What does a homeowner most want in a water heater?

#1 — Hot water at the expected temperature without delay at the tap or shower.

#2 — Uneventful, uninterrupted, perfect performance year after year after year…if possible, for as long as they live in their home.

Noritz now offers a way to achieve both of those critical objectives with a single product — its EZ Series of residential condensing tankless water heaters. Immediate delivery of hot water at the tap is available by combining one of the four EZ models with Noritz’s new RPK-EXT External Pump Kit, which provides the time-, water- and energy-saving benefits of hot-water recirculation.

At the same time, all four models in the EZ Series — EZTR50, EZTR75, EZ98, and EZ111 — come protected by an unprecedented 25-year warranty on the high-performance, dual stainless-steel heat exchangers inside these heaters. Made effective January 1, 2019, this warranty is a full decade longer than the longest water heater warranty in North America today and more than double Noritz’s previous warranty on these four products.

A quarter-century isn’t a “lifetime,” of course. But 25 years should easily cover the tenures of most Americans’ in their homes. American mobility has slowed over the past decade and a half, but the median stay was still only 9 years in 2016 and 2017, according to the National Association of Realtors¹.

In other words, the new Noritz 25-year warranty is two and a half times the current duration of modern Americans in their homes. In fact, that much protection should enhance the value of a home when the time comes to put it up for sale.

Hot-water recirculation: One of modern life’s minor, but no less irritating, rituals is waiting for the hot water to arrive at the shower. Not only is this daily exercise in futility personally annoying, but it also wastes thousands of gallons of perfectly good water down the drain in the typical American home every year.

The problem can be easily solved by continuously recirculating warm water from the water heater throughout the home’s supply piping. Such systems route the water close enough to the shower head, so that it has just a short distance to travel when the shower is activated; that is, the water arrives at the outlet almost “instantaneously.”

The problem with continuous “recirc” systems: They keep the water heater running…and running, so that the circulating water stays warm. As a result, a household inevitably consumes more energy, even as it sends fewer gallons of cold water uselessly down the drain.

Like a conventional recirc system, Noritz’s new RPK-EXT kit delivers hot water to a faucet, shower or appliance in seconds, eliminating the usual water- and energy-wasting wait.

Again like the conventional recirc system, a dedicated return line routinely dispatches water sitting in the hot-water line back to the tankless water heater for reheating and recirculation.

Save energy and water: So what’s the difference between the two types of systems? The RPK-EXT recirculates warm water on demand — that is, only when it is actually needed. The kit also includes an RC-9018M Commercial Remote Control with customizable run times to match a household’s hot-water usage. The intent is to time pump operation for when hot water is most likely to be used; e.g., for morning showers, evening baths, etc.

By heating and delivering water strictly when someone turns on the hot water, the RPK-EXT Kit not only eliminates the wasteful wait for hot water, but it also minimizes power consumption and reduces energy costs.

Couple the RPK-EXT Kit with a 25-year EZ Series tankless water heater, and you have a hot water-delivery system designed to maximize both personal comfort and system efficiency year after year — most likely, for as long as you live in your current residence.

And isn’t that what every American wants for their home?

FIVE COMMON NORITZ TANKLESS ERROR CODES

Error codes can alarm and frustrate. Use this guide to identify the problem — and then contact a professional plumber for expert assistance.

Noritz tankless water heaters are engineered to operate at maximum efficiency 24/7/365 for home and business owners. But occasional error codes can appear on the units. These codes can alert homeowners to problems that go unnoticed until complete unit failure. On the other hand, the meaning and import of individual codes may not be immediately available to them.

To ensure that water heater owners know what to expect when they receive an error code, we asked Desiree Lovelady, Noritz service technician lead, to review the five most common error codes. Some codes have relatively simple resolutions; nonetheless, but Noritz strongly recommends that you contact a licensed plumbing and heating contractor to deal with them.

Error Code 90

This code indicates a combustion abnormality caused by an improper mixture of air and fuel. It can occur from an insufficient gas supply, blockage in a fuel vent, or debris in the fan motor.

This issue requires the skills of a licensed plumbing and/or heating contractor to check gas pressures, venting length and dip switches for the cause of the issue. When you see this code, contact a contractor right away!

Error Code 73

This error means that there are improper circuit-board settings for a water heater. This can happen if a jumper connection or a dip switch is changed while power is supplied to the heater. An improperly programmed circuit board could also create the issue.

When this happens, unplug the heater for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. If this does not resolve the issue, please contact a licensed contractor.

Error Code 29

This error code indicates an issue with condensate drainage. Condensing water heaters use a drain line equipped with a neutralizer to remove the condensate. If this line is blocked or proper drain piping is not used, the burner could flood.

The typical fix for this error code is to clean out the container and drain line of any debris or blockages. You should also make sure there are no flat runs or 90-degree elbows in the drain line.

Error Code 11

This code signals an ignition failure, without which no water will be heated. Possible causes: an insufficient gas supply, problems with air flow, or debris on the ignition plug.

When seeing this error code, first make sure that your gas is on. If it is, check gas pressures and test the spark. Both tasks call for a licensed contractor.

Error Code 16

This error code can pop up when there is considerable scale buildup in your water heater. Scale decreases heat-transfer efficiency and will make the heater burn hotter to compensate.

Annual maintenance, using a descaling procedure or water softener, can prevent this code. If you need further assistance, once again, contact a licensed contractor.

To learn more about the products offered by Noritz, click here: https://www.noritz.com/products/

For help with finding a licensed contractor to fix these various error codes, please use the Noritz Find a Service Rep tool.

Frequently Ask Questions about Tankless Water Heaters

The utilization of tankless water heating technology has risen in recent years. By choosing a tankless water heater, homeowners and building occupants are able to have hot water whenever the situation demands it. With the heaters using less energy than conventional storage-tank water heaters by operating only on demand, adopters of tankless technology can save money on their monthly energy bills.

But even while more American home and business owners are transitioning to tankless solutions, questions about how these water heaters operate can arise.

To provide a better understanding of the Noritz technology, service technician lead Desiree Lovelady sat down with us to discuss several of the most common questions she hears from both professional installers and their homeowner customers.

Q: What type of venting material is the most acceptable for installing a Noritz heater?

A: The venting material can vary, depending on the type of installed heater. For condensing water heaters, installers can use plastic — PVC, polypropylene, or CPVC — piping for creating a proper vent connection. In the case of non-condensing water heaters, the venting material must be Category 3 stainless steel.

Q: What is the difference between condensing and non-condensing heaters?

A: The main difference between the two is their efficiency. A condensing heater uses a secondary heat exchanger to create a preheat cycle, so you capture more of the heat from the exhaust — that is, a higher percentage of the height from the gas burner is used to warm the water. A non-condensing heater does not use a secondary heat exchanger to provide this additional heating, so its energy efficiency rating is not as high.

The other major difference is the use of a drain line. A condensing unit, as its name indicates, will produce more condensate than a non condensing unit. The drain line is used to ensure the condensing unit can drain away the condensate to perform at peak efficiency. This condensate is acidic. Consequently, if not properly disposed of, it can damage a home’s or building’s plumbing system.

Q: Is a re-circulation pump compatible only with certain Noritz units?

A: People may think a re-circulation pump, or circulation, is compatible with only certain units, because competitors have pumps that can be used with just a few water heater models. Re-circulation pumps are compatible with all tankless water heaters at Noritz. The tricky part about these pumps is sizing. If you use a pump not properly sized for your tankless heater, it will create problems.

Q: Is water treatment necessary for tankless water heaters?

A: In most cases, water treatment is necessary, but it depends on your water quality. We determine the quality based on the grains per gallon. If there is a large amount of grains in the machine, it can damage the water heater. When you have hard water to this extent, you do need to undergo water treatment in order to maximize the longevity of your heater.

Q: What is the average lifespan of a tankless water heater?

A: The average lifespan is between 10 and 25 years, depending on how well it is maintained. We do recommend annual maintenance on a Noritz tankless water heater. As long as you make sure you provide it with proper care, it can last a long time.

To learn more about other common questions for Noritz tankless water heater, please visit our FAQ page here: https://www.noritz.com/about-noritz/faqs/

Learn more about the products offered by Noritz by clicking here: https://www.noritz.com/products/

Noritz Blog 1 | March 2019

Noritz Offers Prizes For March Madness League

To celebrate the exciting conclusion of another great season of college basketball, Noritz will host its own March Madness league for some weekly fun and the opportunity to win an assortment of bigger prizes, like a free Noritz tankless water heater, a $150 and $50 gift card.

Think you already know which teams are going to win this year? Then put your inside basketball knowledge to work! Starting on March 17, pick the winners for each round of the season-ending tournament.

• For each winning pick, you will receive points.
• Starting with the second round, point values will increase for the winners of each round.
• Earn bonus points for completing surveys or watching Noritz online content.
• If you are feeling really confident, pick “underdog” teams that will bring larger point values if they win.

Signing up for this event is easy. To create an account, visit our portal via laptop, smart phone or tablet. Since registration is through a new system, you will be required to create a new login for this league, even if you competed in Noritz football leagues previously. You can enter the league at any point in the competition but starting earlier offers opportunities for more points. Individuals living in Canada will also be allowed to participate.

E-mail reminders will help keep you from forgetting to make your picks, but they must be made before the tip-off time of each game. What happens if you neglect to make a selection? The website will make one for you, so you can still be included in the competition! Still, your best chance of winning is to make the picks yourself, of course.

The more points you win, the better! After the champion is crowned, prizes will be awarded to the three players who have accumulated the most points.

• First prize: a Noritz EZ Series Tankless Water Heater.
• Second place: a $150 Amazon or Amazon.ca gift card.
• Third place: a $50 Amazon or Amazon.ca gift card.

In the case of any tiebreakers, the closest prediction of the combined score of the championship game will decide first place.

If you are looking to engage in some friendly competition and have a chance to win a new EZ Series heater, register today at https://www.touchpointgames.com/noritz-basketball-contest/about/?cm=SJGf-ewbu&s=1

Noritz Tankless Water Heaters Improve Quality of Life

For the fortunate among us, hot water is something we sometimes take for granted. Tankless water heaters take the benefit of hot water to the next level by making it endless. You get all the hot water you want or need without the risk of running out. However, tankless technology also offers quality of life improvements beyond the obvious!

Tankless Water Heater Fills Walk-In Tub

Walk-in bathtubs offer the user a great experience that may have been previously unavailable to them due to limited mobility. The downside to the walk-in tub is that they use a lot of water when active. Traditional tank water heaters have a difficult time providing enough hot water to truly enjoy a new tub.

Ron Burris, owner of Beastbay Plumbing and a Master Plumber in Oakland, California  recently had a homeowner in exactly this situation. His “old school” water heater left him with lukewarm baths at best. The team at Beastbay installed a new Noritz Tankless water heater that easily fills the tub with hot water. Ron said, “The customer was so incredibly happy with his new Noritz water heater. He was very disappointed when his old water heater couldn’t provide him with the hot water he needed. It truly changed his life!” He went on to say, “we’ve installed thousands of the Noritz Tankless heaters and every time the customer is amazed with the technology.”

Tankless Technology Gives Space Back In Small Kitchen

Traditional water heaters are bulky. They take up a lot of space that can be better utilized if the large tank weren’t required. A homeowner in Vallejo, California recently gained significant square footage in his kitchen when his old water heater was replaced with a Noritz tankless water heater. The new water heater was positioned outside the home, freeing up space previously occupied in his kitchen by the old water heater. In a small home, each square foot matters.

These are a couple real-life examples of how changing to tankless technology is positively impacting lives. For more information on how tankless water heaters from Noritz can change your life, please visit www.noritz.com.

Noritz Showcases EZ Series at the Professional Builder Show Village at IBS

The EZ98 will be featured in the Show Village at the International Builders’ Show to demonstrate tankless heaters for homes and Noritz’s industry-leading 25-year warranty. 

Established in 1998, The International Builders’ Show (IBS) is well-known as the biggest light-construction show in the world for residential builders, architects and remodeling contractors. To be held February 19-21, this event will also welcome over 1,500 of the top manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe to showcase the latest industry innovations.

To better show how effective tankless waters are for residential applications, Noritz will again participate in the event’s Show Village, an event produced by Professional Builder and SGC Horizon. This part of the show allows attendees to tour demonstration homes and experience new products firsthand, allow them an opportunity to see how beneficial the tankless technology of Noritz is.

“In this event, our primary goal is to show how Noritz is the ideal solution for current and future home-building efforts,” says Sammy Alvarado, Marketing Assistant for Noritz America.

With a Uniform Energy Factor of .95, the EZ98 includes top-mount water connections, maximum venting flexibility and the possibility of reusing the existing tank unit’s half-inch gas line. While these features are not so critical in a new-construction situation, they can dramatically cut the installation time and cost when replacing a storage tank-type water heater in an existing home.

The EZ98 is also compatible with the Noritz Connect app, allowing users remote control of the heater’s functions. The unit also contains a stainless steel heat exchanger, offering greater resistance to corrosion and scale buildup

Like all EZ Series heaters, the EZ98 is protected by Noritz’s unprecedented 25-year warranty. Effective January 1, this new warranty is a full decade longer than the longest warranty currently on the market in North America and more than double Noritz’s previous warranty on the EZ Series.

“The EZ Series was designed with the North American water heater replacement market in mind,” Alvarado says. “We want buyers to have the best-quality materials to ensure that they get the most out of tankless technology.”

Because of Las Vegas’ comparatively warmer climate, the Show Village installation will feature an outdoor model. Equivalent in size to a piece of carry-on luggage, the compact EZ98 can be installed almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, taking up significantly less space than a conventional storage tank-type water heater. 

“Tankless water heaters make up close to 15 percent of the residential water heater market but there are still many individuals who do not know how beneficial this technology can be,” Alvarado says. “Our hope with the Show Village is that people will be able to see this product in action and become aware of a more energy-efficient technology that can help them.”

For more information on the new warranty and other Noritz products that will be at the show, please visit: www.noritz.com. You can also visit booth N1477 at The International Builders’ Show for more information.

You can also find videos that provide in-depth information on tankless technology by clicking: https://www.youtube.com/user/noritzamerica/videos

Despite the rising use of tankless water heaters, several common misconceptions prevent people from making the switch from conventional storage tank-type units.

Switching from a conventional storage tank-type water heater to a tankless model is a difficult decision for most American consumers. For some, it’s the up-front cost. Others may understandably hesitate to make the switch because they have relied on tank water heaters all their lives. However, tankless water heaters offer several advantages that can help users save space and energy.

To show how beneficial tankless heaters can be, let’s eliminate four common myths to help you make an informed, confident decision to go tankless.

Myth 1: Tankless water heaters heat water to an unsafe temperature.

While the temperature of the water generated in a tankless heater is hot, it does not get overheated. This information is more accurate about traditional heaters, as they can overheat when there was an influx of cold water. Tankless water heaters will heat water only to a temperature slightly above a desired temperature. Tankless water heaters also include a thermostat that allows you to control the set-point temperature of the water.

Noritz tankless water heaters do have a certain temperature range they use for water heating. The EZ Series heaters can heat water from 100 – 140°F. Presetting maximum and minimum temperatures will keep the heater from overheating beyond the designated range. The Noritz Connect app also allows you to have control over thermostat, simplifying the matter even more.

Myth 2: Tankless water heaters require annual inspections.

Another common misconception is that you must spend additional money to have your tankless water heater formally inspected yearly. Tankless owners need not worry about an annual inspection; however, it’s still a good idea to have the unit periodically checked to ensure all components are operating properly. It is highly recommended to do an annual descaling of the heater so your tankless heater can maintain its efficiency.

On certain Noritz tankless water heaters, error codes will appear when there is any issue with the system. Thanks to the Noritz Connect app, service contractors can receive alerts from a WiFi-enabled water heater, giving them the problem and location. This will help tankless water heater owners identify and resolve any issues quickly with competent professional help.

Myth 3: Tankless water heaters will not supply constant hot water.

This myth stems from the fact that tankless water heaters do not store hot water. Many people are led to believe that because of this lack of storage, it will take time for the water to get to the desired temperature. This can be the case with a tank heater. It stores a certain amount of hot water but will then need to reheat new water, something that can take 30 or more minutes.

As long as there is a demand for hot water, a tankless water heater will supply a continuous stream of water at the preset temperature. If the tankless unit has not been sized properly for a given application, the flow rate of the water may drop, but the output water temperature will remain will remain within range of the preset level.

In a Noritz tankless water heater, the water is heated by an Eco-Burner that modulates the amount of fuel consumed to meet current demand. This allows the heater to supply hot water only when needed, allowing it to meet the household’s needs, while minimizing the amount of energy used.

Myth 4: Tankless water heaters are expensive to operate

Many people believe that tankless water heaters are more expensive to operate than a storage tank unit. In truth, they are less expensive. Tankless heaters have a lower energy cost, but have a longer service life. Depending on the energy factor (EF), a tankless heater can save minimally 20 percent on your energy bill. Also, because a tankless water heater does not store hot water, you are not paying additional money to keep water heated all the time. Additionally, local gas companies can offer rebates for utilizing tankless technology, allowing you to save more money by using a tankless water heater.

The EZ Series water heaters have an energy factor of .96, allowing it to cut the cost of an energy bill by 27-50%. This is higher than many tankless heaters that only have an energy factor of 80%.

Tankless water heaters are an environmentally friendly solution that can be used in both commercial and residential buildings. Tankless heaters also require less space, allowing them to be easily accessible when needed. Make sure you know all the information about this technology in order to facilitate a switch to tankless water heaters.

For more information about Noritz water heaters, please visit: www.noritz.com

Noritz to Unveil New, Industry-Leading, 25-Year Warranty at AHR 2019

Unprecedented protection for four select residential water heaters will highlight Noritz’s participation at the 2019 AHR Expo in Atlanta. Booth C6158 will also showcase new tankless water heater and combination boiler products.

Established in 1930, the AHR Expo has long been known as the premier showcase for engineers, contractors and educators to learn about the newest technologies and emerging trends in the HVACR industry. To be held January 14-16, this year’s event will again welcome manufacturers of all sizes and types from around the world to share their latest ideas and innovations.

As a leader in tankless water heater and combination-boiler solutions, Noritz will be demonstrating how these technologies can be effectively utilized in residential and commercial applications.

But highlighting this year’s presentation in Booth C6158 will be the company’s new and unprecedented 25-year warranty on the dual stainless-steel heat exchangers used by four of its residential condensing tankless water heaters: the EZTR50, EZTR75, EZ98, and EZ111.

Effective January 1, this industry-leading protection is a full decade longer than the longest warranty currently on the market in North America and more than double Noritz’s previous warranty on these four products. The 25-year warranty will apply to single-family home applications using any of the four EZ Series models.

In addition to the formal unveiling of the 25-year warranty, Noritz will showcase a number of other, recently introduced, energy-efficient products, including:

• Recirculation Pump Kit: Previously available only as a fully integrated circulator in the NRCP line of condensing tankless water heaters, the new RPK-EXT Kit is now available as an add-on component to 26 additional Noritz residential models. The pump provides hot water to the outlet in seconds, shutting off once a sensor in the hot-water line detects the flow has reached a preset temperature. The RPK-EXT Kit includes the RC-9018M Commercial Remote Control, allowing homeowners to customize run times for when they will need hot water.
• The NCC199CDV: The NCC199CDV condensing tankless water heater from Noritz is approved for common-venting up to six units in commercial applications. Common venting drastically reduces the number of required venting terminations, saving professional installers time and labor. Up to 24 of these 199,900 BTU per hour units can be linked together, yielding up to a 266:1 turndown ratio. Such applications would use the Multi-Unit System Controller, which offers the most control options on the market, including application functions for recirculation loops and supplemental storage tanks.BTU input can range from 18,000 to 4.8 million (for a 24-unit system), The WIFI-enabled unit has a thermal efficiency rating of 98 percent, the industry’s highest, making it EPA ENERGY STAR^® It has a maximum flow rate of 11.1 gallons per minute.
• The NRCB: The Noritz Residential Combination Boiler (NRCB) allows for simultaneous residential domestic hot water and space heating without sacrificing user comfort or convenience. The unit’s simultaneous capabilities are easy to control and especially beneficial for applications that do not store or deliver heat energy efficiently. Performing at a 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), the unit is EPA ENERGY STAR^® certified. The NRCB's 316L stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers have higher corrosion resistance than traditional heat exchangers for increased durability and
• EZ Series: The EZ Series of high-efficiency, condensing tankless water heaters are designed to cut installation time and cost when replacing larger, storage tank-type units. The Energy Star-rated EZ98-DV and EZ111-DV (Energy Factor: 0.95) join the previously released EZTR40 to provide professional installers and their homeowner-customers with a wider range of tankless options, covering the majority of residential, tank-replacement opportunities. Both models include top-mount water connections, maximum venting flexibility and the possibility of reusing the existing tank unit’s half-inch gas line.

For more information on the new warranty and the other products to be featured at the AHR Expo, please visit: www.noritz.com

You can also find videos that explain all of our products by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/user/noritzamerica/videos

Why the Quality of the Heat Exchanger in your Tankless Water Heater Matters

Noritz’s latest tankless models include corrosion-resistant 316L austenite stainless steel heat exchangers with a U-bend shape for higher performance and efficiency than most units on the market.

Like stagehands in a play, heat exchangers play a crucial, behind-the-scenes role in the life and operation of a tankless water heater. They transfer heat to the building’s domestic water and, for that reason, represent the heart of the entire system.

Noritz is at the forefront of heat exchanger technology with its inclusion of U-bend, 316L austenite stainless steel heat exchangers in its newest residential and commercial units. This higher grade of stainless steel is more durable and efficient than competitors’ ferrite exchangers.

“Our use of austenite drives the initial cost up a bit relative to other makes and models, but you are paying for increased lifetime and performance,” says Noritz national sales manager Jason Corey.

Austenite versus ferrite in tankless

So what’s the difference? It comes down to durability. Austenite stainless steel alloys typically have nickel added to them and often have a higher chromium content. These two properties give austenite very good corrosion resistance against acids, alkalis and chlorides. Since they contain nickel, austenite stainless steel heat exchangers are more expensive, but they also are expected to last longer and have fewer maintenance problems.

Ferrite stainless steel, the more common alloy on the market, is less expensive because it doesn’t contain as much nickel. The downside is it may be more prone to corrosion, which will shorten the heat exchanger’s — and the water heater’s — life. Ferrite is more resistant to very high temperatures, but these temperatures are typically well above what would be used in a domestic hot water application.

Getting what you pay for

Whether or not to pay a little bit extra for the austenite stainless steel heat exchanger is up to the building owner. However, doing so could result in longer-term performance.

The amount spent replacing a corroded heat exchanger or — worse — replacing the entire water heater is much higher than investing more upfront in a product that will last. This is especially true in commercial applications that put more strain on water heaters. The threat of heat-exchanger failure is compounded in such applications, and the consequences — absence of hot water in a restaurant or hotel, for example — are far more devastating.

Another factor to consider is geography. Certain regions of the country have harder water with a higher concentration of minerals. These regions should definitely consider austenite stainless steel heat exchangers as a way of preventing damage to the water heater.

>> Check out this water hardness map

In addition to the austenite, Noritz uses U-bend heat exchangers in its newer models, which improve heat transfer and lead to higher efficiency. Most tankless water heaters on the market use flat plate heat exchangers, which suffer from higher pressure losses and generally less-efficient operation.

So the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” holds true for tankless water heaters. Commercial builders and specifiers would be especially wise to go the extra mile in their upfront investment to better assure longevity and efficient operation, which will eventually pay for itself.

To view Noritz’s latest commercial offering, the NCC199CDV, which includes austenite stainless steel heat exchangers, please visit http://www.noritz.com/products/ncc199cdv/