Review
of N-0842MC / NRC111 condensing tankless models
Noritz water heaters, N-0842MC (NRC111) models that we are
going to
review here are tankless gas appliances new
generation, that are using an innovative water heating
technology. With specially designed elements, Noritz tankless water
heater utilizes the
flue energy to preheat incoming water and therefore increase its
performance and efficiency to over 93%.
They are known as condensing
water heaters.
Condensing boilers are very popular in Europe, and now thanks to Noritz
are offered to users from North America. Like other Energy
Star devices
you can also take
the advantage of the government tax credit.
What
is so special about Noritz water heaters and condensing design?
Noritz water heaters with the condensing technology has the main part a
dual heat
exchanger that is consisted of the copper and
stainless steel heat exchanger. Durable stainless steel element is
added to capture the
residual
exhaust heat and exchanges it with incoming water.
Advantages
of Noritz water heaters with condensing technology
Thanks to this innovative
condensing technology there is a significant reduction
in greenhouse gases and increased efficiency.
Temperature of the exhaust gases is about 400 F (204 C) and
once it transfers the heat to incoming water, the temperature
of exiting
flue gases drops to 120 F (49 C). As the flue gases have lots of
moisture, condensation occurs; the drain pipe should be
installed for water
discharge.
The outgoing flue gases
temperature is lower, so instead using stainless steel pipes you are
allowed to use much cheaper PVC for venting.
With the built-in PVC adapter it is very easy to
install venting system.
Noritz water heaters by having a lower minimum gas input, 11,000 BTU
per hour,
outperforms competitors as it controls much better and accurately hot
water temperature,
when it is working with a low flow rates.
And with a maximum power of 199,000
BTU/h, N-0842M (NRC111) condensing models can provide
higher water
temperature of 180 F (82 C) than Navien manufacturer, for
example.
Noritz condensing appliances are factory set on 120 F, but you
still have
14 options to set the output temperature between 100 and 180 F. You can
also set the temperature of water that comes out of the hot tap using a
remote controller (included with heater purchase).
With
a dual burner and corrosion resistant heat exchanger
technology, Noritz water heaters, condensing models are able to
increase the efficiency and keep the temperature fluctuation in
low +/-3 F.
Not only that N-0842MC (NRC111) models can be used for the
potable
water heating but also for space heating, thanks to the combi-system
set-up feature.
Either using propane or natural gas, the efficiency is still
over 93%. With a max capacity range of 11.1 gallons
per minute, N-0842MC
(NRC111-SV) models
are ideal for
multiple bathroom homes; up to 4 applications
simultaneously can be used (i.e. two showers, dishwasher and washing
machine).
Main
Features - Summary
Over 93% efficiency level with a new condensing
technology
Dual flame burner for minimal hot water temperature
fluctuation
Dual heat exchanger, one made of copper, second from
stainless steel
Modulating gas valve for automatically burner output
adjustment
Turbo Flow system for high demand applications
provides 11.1 GPM
Multi System allows up to 24 water heaters
to be linked together
Quick Connect cable allows connection of two
identical units and for easy control with a remote control.
Electronic ignition
Self diagnostic on board computer system, great for
troubleshooting and repairs
Suitable for installations up to 4500 ft or 1.5 km
above sea level
Safety
Elements
Thermal fuse provides an
automatic protection from overheating
Freeze-prevention heater works automatically if power
is provided
Flame rod
Pressure relief valve
Lightning prevention device
Fan rotation detector
Resin coated PC board
Automatic air regulator monitors an internal
temperature
Built-in neutralizing system for condensation
Useful
Accessories
Isolation valves with pressure relief valve - allows
easy flushing and full diagnostic testing.
Multi-system controller is required when connecting
over 3 units.
ScaleShield is Noritz brand water softener protects;
from lime and mineral build up.
Remote controller outdoor junction box, necessary
when installing outdoor
Models
Based on the venting options there are two condensing, wall
hanging
Noritz water heaters, you can choose from. Both of them
are power vented, where flue gases are forced out and fresh air from
outside draw in. As N-0842M (NRC111) models are combustion
sealed the
inside air is protected from being used.
N-0842MC (NRC111-SV)
N-0842MC-DV (NRC111-DV)
Noritz Water
Heaters N-0842MC (NRC111-SV)
N-0842MC (NRC111-SV) is
tankless model that can be installed indoor and outdoor,
and vented horizontally or vertically. When installing inside,
sufficient air supply should be
provided as it is using the inside air for combustion and
one flue pipe for product of combustion extraction.
It
is important to drain condensate securely and not to block the
drainage,
especially if installing inside. Significant amount of condensate is
extracted, around 2 gallons per hour and what is left from the moisture
in the flue it usually produces a white steam at the vent
discharge terminal.
Once installed outside, Noritz outdoor model can be exposed to lower
freezing temperatures. That is why you should not remove the power plug
from the electrical outlet. The freezing device protects the unit only,
not plumbing. For extremely cold weather and if the unit is not used
for a while, the best solution is to drain the whole unit.
For vertical roof vent penetration, recommendation is to use a rain cap
at the end of the vent.
Birdscreen is an option for both horizontal and vertical vents, a
solution that keep birds from entering inside the
vent pipe.
N-0842MC (NRC111-SV) models cannot be
used in RV, boat or mobile and manufactured home applications.
Noritz
Tankless Water
Heater N-0842MC-DV
N-0842MC-DV (NRC111-DV) units
are wall-mounted and power vented, built for indoor installation only.
These
models can be used for residential, commercial and in manufactured home
applications, but not in RVs or boats.