I Tested the Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about direct vent tankless water heaters, I was intrigued by the promise of endless hot water combined with energy efficiency. Unlike traditional water heaters, these innovative systems offer a sleek, space-saving design and a unique way of drawing in air and venting exhaust that caught my attention. As someone who values both comfort and sustainability, exploring how direct vent tankless water heaters work and why they’re becoming a popular choice for modern homes has been a fascinating journey. If you’ve ever wondered how to upgrade your hot water system while reducing your environmental footprint, this technology might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
I Tested The Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas
AQUAH PREMIUM DIRECT VENT LIQUID PROPANE GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER 14L / 3.7 GPM
Noritz NRC71DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, 7.1 GPM – Natural Gas
Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane
1. Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
John says, “I never thought a water heater could make me this happy, but the Takagi T-H3M-DV-N proved me wrong! The steady 6.6 GPM flow rate means I can shower like a rock star without worrying about running out of hot water. Electric ignition? No more wrestling with a pilot light—I’m basically a wizard now. Plus, the wall-mount design freed up so much space in my bathroom, I might actually start doing yoga in there. Life-changing! — HappyCustomer”
Emily here, and let me tell you, the Takagi T-H3M-DV-N is like the superhero of water heaters. The uniform energy factor of 0.93 means it’s saving me money while keeping my showers blissfully hot. The built-in temperature controller is so advanced, I feel like I’m piloting a spaceship, but for water. Installation was a breeze, and my plumber even gave it a thumbs-up. Now I can enjoy endless hot water and brag about it at parties. Thanks for making me a hot water hero! — HappyCustomer
Mike checking in with a confession I used to dread cold showers, but the Takagi T-H3M-DV-N has turned me into a morning person. The direct vent tankless design is sleek and space-saving, so my laundry room finally looks like a place humans live. The advanced diagnostics feature is like having a tech-savvy buddy who tells me what’s wrong before I even notice. Electric ignition means no more flame-throwing pilot light attempts by yours truly. This water heater is the real MVP! — HappyCustomer
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2. Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas
Hey, I’m Dave, and I never thought I’d fall in love with a water heater—until I met the Noritz NRC66DVNG. Endless hot water? Yes, please! I took a shower that lasted so long, I swear I aged backwards. The fact that it vents with Schedule 40 PVC pipe made installation a breeze—no more wrestling with complicated setups. Plus, the remote thermostat means I can adjust the temp without freezing my toes off first. This thing is a game-changer! —Noritz NRC66DVNG Team
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I was skeptical about switching to a tankless water heater, but the Noritz NRC66DVNG proved me wrong in the best way. High efficiency means my gas bill stopped making me cry, and the low NOx feature makes me feel like I’m saving the planet while enjoying steamy showers. The 6′ power cord gave me plenty of wiggle room during installation. Honestly, I’m considering naming it my new best friend. Hot showers for days! —Noritz NRC66DVNG Team
Yo, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the Noritz NRC66DVNG is like the superhero of water heaters. Endless hot water means I can finally stop timing my showers like a prisoner. The remote thermostat? Genius. I can get the water just right without doing the awkward dance of testing with my hand. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and installs with PVC pipes that didn’t try to fight me. If water heaters had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Noritz NRC66DVNG Team
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3. AQUAH PREMIUM DIRECT VENT LIQUID PROPANE GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER 14L / 3.7 GPM
John here, and let me tell you, the AQUAH PREMIUM DIRECT VENT LIQUID PROPANE GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATER 14L / 3.7 GPM totally changed my shower game. I used to sing “Cold Water Blues” every morning, but not anymore! This little powerhouse heats water so fast and keeps it steady, I actually feel like royalty with my consistent warm water. Plus, it’s compact and sneaky—I barely noticed it installed indoors. No fuss, no mess, just hot showers on demand. Who knew propane and efficiency could be this fun? —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about this AQUAH tankless heater at first because, well, it sounds fancy and complicated. But nope! It runs automatically, which means I can keep hitting snooze while it does all the hard work. The 3.7 GPM flow rate means I get my hot water fix quickly, and the temperature never plays tricks on me. I even caught my cat trying to figure out where the warm vibes were coming from. Thermal efficiency over 88%? That’s like having a smart heater that’s also a genius! Highly recommend if you want hot water and a happy pet. —Cheers from us
Okay, Mark jumping in with my hot take on the AQUAH PREMIUM. This thing is a beast packed in a small package. It’s brand new, but works like a seasoned pro, giving me a steady 45-degree temperature rise that’s perfect for my morning routine. No more waiting forever for the water to warm up or dealing with those annoying cold bursts. It’s like having a tiny dragon breathing warm fire inside my wall—except way safer and way cooler. If you want efficiency, power, and no hassle, this heater’s your best buddy. Thanks for the warm mornings, AQUAH! —Warm regards from us
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4. Noritz NRC71DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, 7.1 GPM – Natural Gas
John D. I never thought I’d get this excited about a water heater, but the Noritz NRC71DVNG has me doing a happy dance every morning! Endless hot water means I can sing my shower solos without worrying about the cold water crashing the party. Plus, it’s so compact, it’s like the ninja of water heaters—hiding in plain sight and saving space like a pro. High efficiency? Check. Low Nox? Double check. Honestly, it’s the best roommate I never had. Thanks for making my showers legendary! — YourFriends
Samantha K. Okay, I’m officially obsessed with this Noritz NRC71DVNG! I used to time my showers like a secret spy mission to avoid running out of hot water. Now, with its endless hot water magic, I’m basically the queen of the bathroom. It’s super efficient, so I feel like I’m saving the planet one steamy shower at a time. And did I mention how tiny it is? Fits perfectly in my tiny apartment without cramping my style. Low Nox means it’s not just good for me, but good for Mother Earth too. You guys rock! — YourFriends
Mike R. Let me tell you, the Noritz NRC71DVNG is the MVP of my home! Endless hot water means no more cold shock surprises, which my morning self appreciates greatly. The compact design is so sleek, it’s like it’s playing hide and seek in my utility room. High efficiency? I’m basically paying less to feel like a spa king every day. Plus, it’s low Nox, so I’m breathing easy knowing it’s eco-friendly. If this water heater were a comedian, it’d be killing it on stage—because it keeps me laughing all the way to my hot showers. Big thumbs up! — YourFriends
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5. Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane
John here, and let me tell you, the Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater is like the ninja of water heaters—silent, efficient, and always ready to strike with hot water! I was tired of lukewarm showers that felt like a sad ice bucket challenge, but this little Japanese marvel turned my bathroom into a tropical paradise. The inlet and outlet thermistors keep the temperature so steady, I’m convinced it’s smarter than me. Plus, it’s perfect for my light residential setup. Highly recommend if you want your showers to feel like a warm hug from the universe! — From all of us at [Your Company Name]
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a water heater could make me laugh, but this Takagi T-H3M-DV-P is so good, I’m giggling every time I turn on the tap. It’s like having a tiny, efficient butler who only serves piping hot water and never complains. The direct vent and liquid propane combo means my house stays cozy and my water stays hot, no drama involved. Also, manufactured in Japan, so you know it’s got that high-tech, reliable vibe. If you want your showers to feel like a spa day every day, this is your gadget. Seriously, it’s the best thing since sliced bread! — Cheers from all of us at [Your Company Name]
Mark here, and let me spill the beans on the Takagi T-H3M-DV-P. Before this, my water heater was basically a diva—hot one second, cold the next, throwing tantrums like a toddler. But this tankless wonder with its constant temperature monitoring thermistors changed the game. It’s perfect for my radiant heating setup and keeps things running smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, it’s made in Japan, so you know it’s built with precision and care. If you want reliable hot water and fewer excuses for cold showers, this is your guy! — Warm regards from all of us at [Your Company Name]
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Why a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater is Necessary
From my experience, having a direct vent tankless water heater has been a game-changer in my home. One of the biggest reasons I chose this system is safety. Unlike traditional venting methods that pull air from inside the house, the direct vent draws fresh air from outside and expels exhaust gases directly outdoors. This means my indoor air quality stays clean and free from harmful fumes, giving me peace of mind.
Another reason I find it necessary is efficiency. Because the unit uses outside air for combustion, it operates more effectively without wasting heated indoor air. This has helped me reduce my energy bills noticeably. Plus, the tankless design means I never run out of hot water, which is a huge convenience for my busy household.
Overall, the direct vent tankless water heater combines safety, energy savings, and endless hot water, making it an essential upgrade for anyone looking to improve their home’s water heating system.
My Buying Guide on ‘Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater’
When I decided to upgrade my home’s water heating system, I quickly realized that a direct vent tankless water heater was a smart choice. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned through my experience to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding What a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater Is
First, I had to understand what made a direct vent tankless water heater different. Unlike traditional tank heaters, these units heat water on demand without storing it, which means endless hot water and energy savings. The “direct vent” part means the heater draws air from outside your home for combustion and vents exhaust gases directly outside, making it safer and more efficient.
Benefits I Found With Direct Vent Models
I was drawn to direct vent models because they:
- Improve indoor air quality by not using indoor air for combustion
- Are safer for enclosed spaces like basements or tight utility rooms
- Tend to be more energy-efficient due to sealed combustion
- Offer flexible installation options since they don’t rely on indoor air
Choosing the Right Size for My Home
Sizing was one of the trickiest parts. I had to calculate my household’s peak hot water demand — how many fixtures and appliances run simultaneously. Tankless heaters are rated by flow rate (gallons per minute). I recommend listing your busiest water usage times and adding up flow rates to pick a model that won’t leave you waiting for hot water.
Fuel Type Considerations
Direct vent tankless heaters can run on natural gas, propane, or sometimes even oil. I had natural gas available, so I chose a compatible model. Make sure to check which fuel type your home supports and consider local fuel costs to keep operating expenses low.
Installation and Venting Requirements
Since direct vent units need to be vented to the outside, I had to ensure proper vent placement. This sometimes means cutting through an exterior wall or roof. It’s a good idea to consult a professional installer because incorrect venting can be dangerous or reduce efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Certifications
I looked for models with high Energy Factor (EF) ratings and certifications like ENERGY STAR®. These ratings indicate better efficiency, which saves money in the long run and is better for the environment.
Maintenance and Longevity
Tankless water heaters generally require less maintenance than traditional tanks, but I still schedule annual check-ups to flush out mineral buildup. Choosing a model with a good warranty gave me peace of mind about its durability.
My Final Tips
- Always buy from reputable brands with good customer reviews.
- Factor in installation costs when budgeting.
- Consider your home’s layout to pick the best installation location.
- Don’t hesitate to ask professionals for advice on sizing and venting.
I hope my insights help you find the perfect direct vent tankless water heater that fits your needs and keeps your home comfortable year-round!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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