Posted: 3/29/2026 11:28:15 AM EDT
|
I've read through archived threads, but I pose the age-old question once more. Our old Vaughn 119gal water heater is giving me "on the last leg" vibes. It is electric and each element is 3800w. It is an energy hog and requires a laptop with a software and a phone cable to reprogram. So, we're looking at NG tankless replacements. I have a NG line ready to go, so thats not a problem. My issue is Rinnai vs Navien. Looking at the CX199IN or RX199IN and the NPE-240A2. Both seem to have better reviews and are at the top of lists for tankless water heaters. I have to call around, but distributors may or may not sell Navien to homeowners whereas Lowe's sells Rinnai. They are all 11.1gpm and have similar gas requirements. From what I've read and seen, its like Milwaukee Vs Dewalt. If anyone has recent experience, please share with the class. Thank you |
| I prefer dumb pilot NG units. No power needed and low maintenance. If you have back up power and can handle the maintenance they are good. Also look at flow rates needed and minimum flow for unit to activate burners. |
I survived the cockpocalypse of 11/21/2012.
Bacon grease, the Muslim approved .mil lubricant.
Bacon grease, the Muslim approved .mil lubricant.
|
Out of curiosity, why only those two? I installed my first tankless all the way back in 2012. I talked to several plumbers before I ordered and did the install myself, but the decision then was unanimous: Takagi was the best of the best. I've moved a few times, but always installed Takagi. Did some for my friends as well (I've done nine so far) and every single one has been rock solid and the oldest I'm aware of (a friend of mine has one I did in 2015) is still going strong with absolutely zero issues and zero maintenance outside of a flush every 18 months for an hour. Current house has one installed in 2020. Again, zero maintenance outside of flushes, Zero complaints. Keeps up with our seven shower heads just fine. 
|
|
Have a Rinnai currently. Installed 2021 if I remember correctly. Have not had any issues with it. Getting ready to break ground on a new house, already planning for two tankless units, maybe three if I can get it passed my wife. Was planning on Rinnai, but will give Tagaki a look. Semper Fi |
|
Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Out of curiosity, why only those two? I installed my first tankless all the way back in 2012. I talked to several plumbers before I ordered and did the install myself, but the decision then was unanimous: Takagi was the best of the best. I've moved a few times, but always installed Takagi. Did some for my friends as well (I've done nine so far) and every single one has been rock solid and the oldest I'm aware of (a friend of mine has one I did in 2015) is still going strong with absolutely zero issues and zero maintenance outside of a flush every 18 months for an hour. Current house has one installed in 2020. Again, zero maintenance outside of flushes, Zero complaints. Keeps up with our seven shower heads just fine. The 2" venting for the Rinnai and Navien are easier to run and drill a hole than the 3" for the Takagi. Also, the Rinnai and Navien seem to have lower minimum GPMs for heating than the Takagi of similar size. It also seems like Rinnai has more support here in the US. Like I said before, it seems like its all Milwaukee Vs Dewalt in tools. There seem to be just as many good comments about all three. |
|
Originally Posted By PKT1106: The 2" venting for the Rinnai and Navien are easier to run and drill a hole than the 3" for the Takagi. Also, the Rinnai and Navien seem to have lower minimum GPMs for heating than the Takagi of similar size. It also seems like Rinnai has more support here in the US. Like I said before, it seems like its all Milwaukee Vs Dewalt in tools. There seem to be just as many good comments about all three. Fair enough. I'm curious as to how the two other brands are able to get away with the smaller piping. I'm not an expert by any stretch but understand fluid dynamics decently well. A 2" pipe is way, way more restrictive. I'm curious if the fan design is simply different that allows for this increases friction, or, if the Takagi simply allows for longer runs. The venting runs if the Takagi are very generous and on shorter runs I believe a smaller pipe is allowed. That said the runs I've always done have been decently long. Current house they are about 40-50' if I had to guess. |