Rinnai vs. Navien: Comparing Top Tankless Water Heater Brands

Two premium options, one choice. Here's what you need to know.

I'm Justin Sims, and when customers ask about tankless water heaters, two brands come up more than any others: Rinnai and Navien.

Both are excellent. Both are reliable. Both are popular for good reasons. But they're not identical, and the differences might matter to you.

Let me break down how these two industry leaders compare.

Quick Overview

Rinnai

**Background:** Japanese company founded in 1920. Been making tankless water heaters since the 1960s. The most recognized name in tankless in the U.S.

**Reputation:** Premium quality, proven reliability, excellent build. The "Toyota" of tankless water heaters.

**Market position:** Generally the most expensive option, but you're paying for decades of refinement.

Navien

**Background:** Korean company founded in 1978. Entered the U.S. market in 2006. Known for innovation and efficiency.

**Reputation:** High efficiency, advanced features, competitive pricing. The "challenger brand" that's earned its place.

**Market position:** Slightly lower price point than Rinnai with comparable (sometimes better) efficiency specs.

Efficiency Comparison

Both brands offer condensing technology (highest efficiency), but Navien has built their reputation on being efficiency-forward.

Navien NPE-2 Series

• **Energy factor:** Up to 0.97 (97% efficient)
• **Ultra-condensing technology**
• **Dual stainless steel heat exchangers**

Rinnai RU Series (Condensing)

• **Energy factor:** Up to 0.96 (96% efficient)
• **ThermaCirc360 technology for recirculation**
• **Copper heat exchangers with stainless secondary**

The difference in real-world energy costs is minimal—maybe $20-30/year. Both are vastly more efficient than tank water heaters.

Features Comparison

Navien Standout Features

**Built-in recirculation pump:** Many Navien units include a recirculation pump and buffer tank. This means:

• Faster hot water to fixtures
• Less water waste waiting for hot water
• No "cold water sandwich" effect

**ComfortFlow technology:** Their buffer tank stores a small amount of pre-heated water to eliminate the cold-hot-cold fluctuation common with tankless.

**NaviLink Wi-Fi control:** App-based monitoring and temperature adjustment. See error codes, energy usage, and system status from your phone.

Rinnai Standout Features

**ThermaCirc360:** Rinnai's recirculation system works with their units (though pump is often sold separately).

**circ-logic technology:** Learns your hot water usage patterns and pre-heats during peak demand times.

**Control-R Wi-Fi module:** Smart home integration, though not always built-in.

**Longer track record:** More plumbers have worked on Rinnais, meaning more available expertise for service.

Reliability and Durability

Rinnai

• Known for exceptional longevity
• Copper heat exchangers have proven track record
• Parts widely available
• 10-year residential heat exchanger warranty (standard models)
• 12-year on some premium models

Navien

• Strong reliability record since entering U.S. market
• Stainless steel heat exchangers (corrosion resistant)
• Parts availability has improved significantly
• 15-year heat exchanger warranty on NPE-2 series

Both brands have excellent warranties, with Navien recently extending theirs on premium units.

Maintenance Considerations

**Austin's hard water affects both brands.** Annual descaling is non-negotiable regardless of which you choose.

**Navien:** The built-in buffer tank and recirculation pump add complexity. More components = more potential service points.

**Rinnai:** Simpler internal design in some models. Fewer moving parts = fewer potential issues.

That said, both are designed for serviceability, and maintenance costs are comparable.

Price Comparison

Pricing varies by model and installation complexity, but generally:

Unit Cost (before installation)

• **Rinnai RUR199:** $1,800-2,200
• **Navien NPE-2 240A:** $1,500-1,900

Installed Cost (typical)

• **Rinnai:** $3,500-5,500
• **Navien:** $3,000-4,800

Navien typically comes in $300-700 lower for comparable capacity. However, if you need to add a recirculation system to a Rinnai, costs may equalize.

Installation Considerations

Rinnai

• Established dealer network
• Most plumbers familiar with installation
• Wide range of venting options
• PVC venting on condensing models

Navien

• Growing dealer network
• Installation training widely available
• Excellent venting flexibility
• PVC venting on all condensing models

Both companies have good installation support, though Rinnai's longer presence means more installers have direct experience.

My Professional Take

I install both brands and recommend both depending on the situation.

I might lean Rinnai if:

• You want the most established, proven brand
• Your plumber has extensive Rinnai experience
• You prioritize simplicity over features
• You're not concerned about the price premium

I might lean Navien if:

• Built-in recirculation is important to you
• You want the longest warranty on the heat exchanger
• Efficiency ratings matter (even slight improvements)
• Budget is a consideration without sacrificing quality
• Smart home integration is a priority

Both are great choices if:

• You want a reliable, efficient tankless water heater
• You're committed to annual maintenance
• You're working with a qualified installer

What About Other Brands?

For completeness, other quality tankless brands include:

**Noritz:** Japanese, excellent quality, similar to Rinnai

**Rheem:** American, good value, solid residential options

**Bosch:** German engineering, good mid-range option

**Takagi:** Japanese, commercial-grade quality, less brand recognition