Noritz NRC661-DV-NG Mid-Capacity Tankless Water Heater
Noritz NRC661-DV-NG Mid-Capacity Tankless Water Heater Review
The Noritz NRC661-DV-NG is a mid-capacity tankless water heater in Noritz's NRC condensing line. The "661" reflects ~140K BTU output; "DV" identifies direct vent; "NG" indicates natural gas.
Specs: 140,000 BTU natural gas input, UEF 0.94 condensing, 6.6 GPM at a 35°F rise, stainless steel heat exchanger. PVC condensing venting. 12-year warranty on heat exchanger.
The 140K BTU class is sized for 1-2 bath homes with sequential demand. Smaller gas line requirements than 199K BTU tankless — typically 3/4" gas line is adequate at moderate distances from meter.
The NRC661-DV-NG is positioned for buyers wanting Noritz engineering at smaller capacity. About $1,800 unit, $3,400 installed.
Noritz service network is thinner than Rinnai/Navien but available in major metros. Right buyer: 1-2 bath home in markets with established Noritz dealer presence.
- On-demand operation at 6.6 GPM — no standby heat loss; unlimited hot water if demand is within flow-rate capacity
- Strong UEF 0.92 efficiency — approximately 20% lower annual operating cost vs 0.62 standard
- 12-year warranty — above-average protection; most competitors offer 6
- Requires dedicated 120K BTU gas supply line — undersized gas piping is the leading cause of flow-rate shortfalls