Comprehensive Guide for Navien Tankless Hot Water Heater Prices, Models & Features | Your Options Explored

This is guide we provide you with a complete overview of your options for Navien tankless water heaters, including prices, available models and features. The most important question is though, how much will a Navien heater cost you? Their average prices for supplied and installed tankless heater are between $1,950 to $3,400, depending on the model you choose, an outline of models, model features and codes are provided further down the page. For the remainder of this guide we will cover:

You must contact a local Navien water heater dealer to get estimates and decide whether to purchase a package including the water heater and installation. You might find older inventory of discontinued Navien tankless water heaters for sale.

Introduction to the Navien Brand and their Product Ranges

Navien is a top-selling brand that most homeowners and business owners consider before purchasing a tankless water heater for residential or commercial use. Yes, the Navien tankless water heaters in this review of prices are rated for commercial use too.

The company makes three main product lines – tankless water heaters, boilers for use in hydronic heating and combi-boilers that are used to heat your home and heat your hot water.

The NPN-U and NPN-E Series – The Non-Condensing Units

The NPN-U and NPN-E Series are non-condensing water heaters, which means the efficiency isn’t as high. In terms of installation the “U” Series, or Universal Series, can be installed inside or outdoors, while the “E” Series, or Exterior Series, is for outdoor installation. Installing a unit outdoors isn’t an option in the coldest climates, but when it is possible, exterior installation cuts down or eliminates venting costs.

The cost: How much do heaters in these series cost? Prices for the NPN-U and NPN-E Series are between $1,800 to $2,750 which includes the water heater, installation materials and the labor to install it and connect it to your home’s gas line and water supply.

The NPE-S2 and NPE-A2 Series – The Condensing Units

The NPE-S2 and NPE-A2 Series Navien tankless water heaters are second-generation units with condensing efficiency. This means that the exhaust gases, which are quite hot, are used to pre-heat the incoming cold water. This makes the process more efficient, and it also reduces the temperature of the exhaust that is vented to the point that moisture within it condenses from vapor to liquid. However, condensing units require construction with special materials such as stainless steel tubing and heat exchangers to prevent corrosion, since condensed exhaust contains corrosive moisture.

The NPE-S2 Series, or Standard Series, delivers basic, high-efficiency water heating. Navien’s NPE-A2 Series, or Advanced Series, includes a built-in recirculation system, which means that water is circulated back to the heater from included taps, so you’ll get immediate hot water every time.

The cost: Navien NPE-S2 and NPE-A2 Series cost ranges from $2,300 for a 120,000 BTU unit to $3,400 for the largest A2 heater, a 180,000 BTU model.

Understanding Your Navien Tankless Hot Water Heater Options & Model Codes

This section offers more detail on the 4 Navien tankless water heaters. It will assist you in deciding which Navien model makes the most sense for your purposes – and to compare Navien water heaters with other top brands.

Navien Tankless Hot Water Heater Options & Model Codes

Series – The 4 series offer two levels of efficiency along with installation options. They give you size options too from 120,000 to 199,000 BTUs.

  • NPN-U Series: 160,000, 180,000 and 199,000 BTU models. Indoor/Outdoor. Natural gas only.
  • NPN-E Series: 120,000, 160,000, 180,000 and 199,000 BTU models. Outdoor. Natural gas or propane.
  • NPE-S2 Series: 120,000, 150,000, 180,000 and 199,000 BTU models. Indoor/Outdoor. Natural gas only.
  • NPE-A2 Series: 150,000, 180,000 and 199,000 BTU models. Indoor/Outdoor. Natural gas only.

Note on model numbers: Often, the model number indicates the number of BTUs the unit creates. For some Navien tankless water heaters, this is true. For example, the NPN-160U is a 160,000 BTU model. But the NPE Series are skewed higher. For example, the NPE-150S2 water heater has an input of 120,000 BTUs. Read the details when deciding on the right tankless water heater for your needs.

Efficiency Level – The non-condensing NPN-U and NPN-E Series have a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) or efficiency level of 0.81. This means that 81% of the heat produced is transferred into the water, while 19% is lost in the exhaust.

Navien NPE-S2 Series with a .96 UEF and the NPE-A2 Series with a .95 UEF are much more efficient due to a secondary heat exchanger which uses outgoing exhaust to pre-heat incoming water. As a result, both are Energy Star certified.

Condensing vs Non-Condensing – As noted, the NPE models capture more heat, so they are much more efficient. Plus, the exhaust cools to the point of condensing, hence the name. A secondary heat exchanger and non-corrosive materials are a major part of the higher cost.

The non-condensing NPN Series offer lower cost, but will produce higher energy costs because they aren’t as efficient.

Indoor vs Outdoor – The NPN-E Series is an “exterior”-only series. The other Navien tankless water heater series give you the option of indoor or outdoor installation. Talk with your local water heater contractor about the best installation option for you – and be sure to compare cost. While outdoor installation has inherent risks, exposing the water heater to the elements, you also save on installation cost and eliminate the risks associated with gas leaks and carbon monoxide.

Recirculation – The one downside to a whole-house water heater vs a point-of-use heater is that the water in the pipe between the water heater and the tap (faucet, shower, washing machine, etc.) cools off. Recirculation technology solves this issue.

The NPE-S2, or Standard Series, can be outfitted with an optional recirculation pump, and a recirculation valve can be installed to allow for continuous recirculation of hot water to the taps you desire. This gives you immediate hot water and eliminates the so-called “cold water sandwich,” – a short period of hot water followed by cold water before the flow remains hot.

A recirculation pump is included on the NPE-A2, or Advanced Series. This, along with its condensing efficiency, makes it the highest priced tankless water heater in the range, but also gives you the most consistent and immediate flow of hot water.

Wireless Control – All Navien tankless water heaters in all series can be equipped, as an option, with Navien NaviLink, the WiFi remote control system. The advantage is being able to monitor and control your system from anywhere, further allowing you to reduce energy use and cost when you’re away while ensuring all the hot water you need when you arrive home.

Here’s a short summary table of Navien tankless water heater models and features.

A Summary of Navien Models and Features
Series NPN-U NPN-E NPE-2S NPE-2A
Efficiency 81% 81% 96% 95%
Indoor/Outdoor Either Outdoor Either Either
Recirculation No No Option Built-in
Wireless Yes Yes Yes Yes

Additional options might be worth considering:

  • Linking multiple water heaters – The NPE-A2 and S2 Series Navien tankless water heaters can be linked together using a manifold and other installation supplies. From 2 for large homes to 32 units for commercial properties can be linked together for common control. Up to 12 units can share a vent.
  • H2Air – All but the NPE-S2 Series can be fitted with the H2Air Kit that employs a pump to circulate the hot water for a hydronic air handler – hence hot water to air, or H2Air. This removes the need to purchase an additional circulator for the heating system. The system is designed for space heating a limited amount of space. The system can also be used for domestic hot water, meaning your hot water supply, aka DHW.
  • HotButton – NPN-E and NPN-U Series offer this feature that controls an external pump, which heats water in the supply lines for immediate hot water. Recirculating pumps run periodically, so there is some rise and flow in water temperature. This button fires the hot water recirculation pump “right now.”
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Price Ranges & Budget Levels for Each Series

The following summary table provides a comprehensive overview of the price ranges for each of the condensing and non-condensing series discussed above. You will be able to see that the non-condensing units fall within the low to medium budget range, whereas the condensing units fall into the medium and higher end in terms of pricing.

How do their prices compare to other brands? Navien tankless water heater prices are a little higher than average when comparing the cost of a tankless heater with other leading brands suchas Rinnai or Rheem. Visit our other brand pages to understand exactly how the brands differ in terms of price, features and models.

Navien Tankless Price Ranges for Main Series and Models
Series Models Included Price Range (Including Pro Installation) Budget Level
NPN-U 160U, 180U, 199U $1,950 – $2,500 Low/Medium
NPN-E 120E, 160E, 180E, 199E $1,800 – $2,750 Medium
NPE-S2 150S2, 180S2, 210S2, 240S2 $2,300 – $3,050 Medium/High
NPE-A2 180A2, 210A2, 240A2 $2,650 – $3,500 High
KeyNPN = High-Efficiency | NPE = Super High-Efficiency | U = Universal, E = Exterior; S = Standard, A = Advanced
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Navien Warranty Information

Navien water heater warranties are average, not great. There are a range of warranties covering labor, the heat exchanger and general parts. This chart shows the warranties for each of the four series of Navien tankless water heaters.

Note that the NPN-E and U Series don’t offer recirculation as an option. However, if you choose to add a recirculation pump, then the warranty coverages listed apply. If you do not add recirculation, your warranty will be significantly longer.

Series NPN-U NPN-E NPE-2S NPE-2A
Labor 1 1 1 1
Heat Exchanger 5/15 5/15 5/15 5/15
General Parts 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5

When there are two lengths for the heat exchanger warranties, the lower number if for a heat exchanger in a system with “uncontrolled recirculation,” and the longer is for a heat exchanger in a system with “controlled recirculation.” Navien defines those terms this way:

  • Controlled-Recirculation: Recirculation the water heater is controlled by either the water heater or an external aquastat.
  • Uncontrolled-Recirculation: External pumps configured to circulate continuously through the water heater are subject to the uncontrolled recirculation warranty terms. An aquastat is the minimum pump control requirement for DHW or storage tank recirculation in order to maintain the full controlled warranty.

The General Warranty discusses making a warranty claim, return procedures, terms and conditions, denial of labor claims and how to appeal, etc. The lengths of the warranties are not given in this document but are found in the Warranty Table above and the warranty information given in the product literature for each individual series.

Tip: Since Navien tankless water heaters are only sold and installed by certified dealers, your first call should be to the installer, rather than to Navien, if you have mechanical or operational problems.

What about the warranty on old inventory sold on eBay or other outlets? Even if the water heater is new and in the box, if it is not installed by a Navien-certified installer, your warranty will likely be void. Why? Because that’s generally how manufacturers work – denying any potential claim they possibly can. Additionally, Navien wants to be sure that homeowners and business owners buy water heaters through its dealers. This keeps the dealers happy and motivated to recommend and install Navien rather than the other quality options available. Most manufacturers have the same approach to warranty claims.

Corporate Contact Details

Navien corporate isn’t easy to reach. The company prefers you work with the local contractor that installed your water heater.

If you do wish to contact Navien directly, a Contact Form is provided that asks for your name and email. Adding your address and phone to the form is optional.

Or you can try the Navien toll-free number: 1-800-519-8794


Reviewed and Edited by: William Johnson is a home improvement and DIY expert with many years of experience within the industry.

He became frustrated by the lack of accurate pricing information publicly available within the industry, and specifically within the HVAC space. The Tankless Water Heater Cost Guide was created to provide comprehensive buying guides and pricing information for homeowners throughout the United States.

Read more about our company right here.


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