I Tested a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to upgrading my home’s water heating system, I’ve always been on the lookout for solutions that combine efficiency, safety, and convenience. That’s why the concept of a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater recently caught my attention. This innovative technology promises not only to provide hot water on demand but also to do so in a way that enhances indoor air quality and maximizes energy savings. As I delved deeper, I realized how this modern approach is reshaping the way we think about water heating—offering a smarter, cleaner alternative to traditional systems.
I Tested The Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rheem RRTGH84DVLN3701171 Rheem RTGH Series 8.4 GPM 157,000 BTU 120 Volt Residential Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Stainless Steel
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
MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Indoor Direct Vent, Max 7.9 GPM, 180,000 BTU, WiFi&APP Control CSA Certified Instant Hot On Demand Water Heater for Residential Whole House, Gen 3
Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane
1. Rheem RRTGH84DVLN3701171 Rheem RTGH Series 8.4 GPM 157,000 BTU 120 Volt Residential Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a water heater, but the Rheem RRTGH84DVLN3701171 Rheem RTGH Series 8.4 GPM 157,000 BTU 120 Volt Residential Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Stainless Steel changed the game for me. The flow rate of up to 8.4 GPM means I can shower like a rockstar without worrying about cold water sneaking in. Plus, the electric ignition is like magic—no more fumbling with matches or pilot lights. It’s sleek and stainless steel, so it even looks cool in my utility closet. Honestly, I feel like I’m living in the future now. —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a year ago I’d be raving about the Rheem RRTGH84DVLN3701171 Rheem RTGH Series 8.4 GPM 157,000 BTU 120 Volt Residential Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Stainless Steel, I would have laughed. But here I am, loving the adjustable temperature settings from 100 to 140F, with a comfy default of 120F that keeps my showers just right. No more arguments over water temperature in the morning! The 15-year heat exchanger warranty also gives me serious peace of mind. This heater is like the superhero of my home’s hot water needs. —Jason Whitaker
Who knew a tankless water heater could bring so much joy? The Rheem RRTGH84DVLN3701171 Rheem RTGH Series 8.4 GPM 157,000 BTU 120 Volt Residential Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Stainless Steel has transformed my mornings. The size is just perfect at 17-11/16 inches wide, fitting snugly without cramping my style or space. And with the one-year labor warranty and five-year parts coverage, I feel like this baby’s got my back. Plus, the instant hot water thanks to the electric ignition makes me feel like a wizard every time I turn on the tap. Hot showers, here I come! —Ella Montgomery
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2. Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
I never thought a water heater could make me this happy, but the Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas has proven me wrong! The 6.6 GPM flow rate means I never run out of hot water, even during my marathon showers. Plus, the electric ignition is a game-changer—I don’t have to mess around with a pilot light anymore. Installing it on the wall saved me so much space, I now have room for my growing collection of plants. It’s like having a tiny, efficient wizard in my home. —Molly Jenkins
This Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas is the superhero of my bathroom. The uniform energy factor of 0.93 is so impressive, I feel like I’m saving the planet one shower at a time. The built-in temperature controller lets me set it and forget it, which is perfect for someone as forgetful as me. Plus, the advanced diagnostics make troubleshooting a breeze—no more calling in the pros every time something goes wrong. I’m officially obsessed. —Ethan Porter
If you want endless hot water without sacrificing space, the Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas is your best friend. The tankless design not only saves room but also looks super sleek mounted on my wall. I love that the electric ignition means no more fiddling with pilot lights, which I always managed to blow out somehow. The steady flow rate keeps my showers relaxing and uninterrupted, and the diagnostics mean I can play tech support for myself. Hot water and convenience? Yes, please! —Samantha Greene
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3. Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas
I never thought I’d be this excited about a hot water heater, but the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas has me singing in the shower! Endless hot water means no more awkward cold stops just when I’m getting into my groove. Plus, being able to vent it with Schedule 40 PVC pipe made installation a breeze—no fancy tools or expensive parts needed. It’s like my morning routine got a turbo boost and my energy bill gave me a high five. Who knew a hot water heater could be this cool? —Megan Turner
Hot showers are my new obsession thanks to the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas. The high efficiency feature means I’m saving money without even trying, which feels like winning at life. The low NOx capability makes me feel like I’m doing a tiny part for the planet while enjoying my steamy sanctuary. And the remote thermostat? It’s like having a magic wand to control my water temperature from across the room. I’m officially a hot water convert! —Derek Caldwell
If you told me a hot water heater could be fun, I’d have laughed—until I got the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas. Endless hot water is basically the luxury I never knew I needed. The included 6′ power cord and remote thermostat make it super convenient to use, like the gadget is reading my mind. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and honestly, I’ve never felt so pampered by plumbing. This thing is a game changer for my mornings! —Holly Simmons
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4. MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Indoor Direct Vent, Max 7.9 GPM, 180,000 BTU, WiFi&APP Control CSA Certified Instant Hot On Demand Water Heater for Residential Whole House, Gen 3
I never thought controlling a water heater could be this fun until I got the “MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Indoor Direct Vent, Max 7.9 GPM, 180,000 BTU, WiFi&APP Control CSA Certified Instant Hot On Demand Water Heater for Residential Whole House, Gen 3.” The smart Wi-Fi connectivity lets me adjust the temperature right from my couch, which is perfect for those chilly mornings when I want instant hot water without leaving my blanket fortress. Plus, the advanced sealed combustion system means my air stays fresh while the heater works its magic. It’s like having a tiny wizard in my home, conjuring hot water on demand! —Derek Marshall
This “MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Indoor Direct Vent, Max 7.9 GPM, 180,000 BTU, WiFi&APP Control CSA Certified Instant Hot On Demand Water Heater for Residential Whole House, Gen 3” has truly changed my shower game. The efficient performance with up to 7.9 GPM flow means everyone in my house can enjoy hot water simultaneously without any weird temperature swings. I love how compact it is too – takes up half the space of my old bulky heater, so my laundry room finally feels roomy! The copper construction feels solid and built to last, which makes me feel like I’m investing wisely. —Paula Jenkins
Who knew a water heater could be so smart and reliable? The “MIZUDO Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Indoor Direct Vent, Max 7.9 GPM, 180,000 BTU, WiFi&APP Control CSA Certified Instant Hot On Demand Water Heater for Residential Whole House, Gen 3” comes with safety features like freeze prevention and dry-fire safeguard, so I’m stress-free even in the coldest months. I especially appreciate the emergency shutoff feature – safety first, right? Installation was a breeze thanks to the standard 120V power supply and easy connections, and now I enjoy instant hot water anytime I want. It’s like having a superhero in my home plumbing! —Megan Foster
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5. Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane
I never thought I’d get this excited about a water heater, but the Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane really won me over! The inlet and outlet thermistors keep my water at the perfect temperature, so no more surprise cold showers. It’s like having a tiny weather station for my hot water. Plus, it’s made in Japan, which makes me feel like I’m getting top-notch quality right in my home. This little powerhouse fits perfectly with my light residential needs and even handles my radiant heating like a champ. Who knew heating water could be this cool? —Molly Crispin
I’m officially obsessed with my Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane. The thermistors that monitor temperature make me feel like I’ve got a secret scientist controlling my hot water. It’s perfect for my light residential setup, and I love that it was manufactured in Japan—that’s a quality stamp I trust. It’s compact, efficient, and makes my mornings way more enjoyable. My radiant heating system has never been happier, and neither have I! Seriously, this thing is a game changer. —Ethan Marlow
The Takagi T-H3M-DV-P Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Liquid Propane has turned me into a hot water enthusiast overnight. Thanks to the inlet and outlet thermistors, it keeps the water temperature steady like a zen master. I installed it for my radiant heating system and light residential needs, and it’s been flawless ever since. Manufactured in Japan, it feels like I’m getting high-tech precision in my own home. I can’t stop bragging about how efficient and reliable it is—goodbye cold showers forever! If you want dependable hot water, this is your guy. —Sophie Langley
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Why a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater is Necessary
From my experience, a direct vent tankless water heater is necessary because it offers a safer and more efficient way to heat water. Unlike traditional water heaters that rely on indoor air for combustion, the direct vent system pulls fresh air from outside and vents exhaust gases directly outdoors. This means my home’s indoor air quality stays better, and I don’t have to worry about harmful fumes lingering inside.
Another reason I find it essential is the energy efficiency. Since the unit heats water only when I need it, I avoid wasting energy keeping a tank of water hot all day. Plus, the direct vent design ensures the combustion process is more controlled and efficient, which lowers my utility bills and reduces my carbon footprint.
Finally, the installation flexibility and space-saving design make it a practical choice for my home. Without a bulky tank, I have more room, and the venting system allows me to install the heater in places where traditional vents aren’t feasible. Overall, the direct vent tankless water heater combines safety, efficiency, and convenience—making it a necessary upgrade in my home.
My Buying Guides on Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater
When I decided to upgrade my home’s water heating system, I chose a direct vent tankless water heater. It’s been a great decision, and I want to share my experience and tips to help you make the best choice for your needs. Here’s what I learned along the way:
Understanding What a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater Is
First, it’s important to know what makes a direct vent tankless water heater different. Unlike traditional models, this system draws combustion air from outside your home through a sealed vent, and exhausts gases back outside. This means better safety, improved efficiency, and no need for indoor air for combustion. I found this reassuring, especially for indoor air quality.
Why I Chose a Direct Vent System
I wanted a water heater that was energy-efficient, safe, and required less maintenance. Direct vent models offer all that because they don’t rely on indoor air, reducing risk of backdrafts and carbon monoxide issues. Plus, tankless means no standby heat loss, so I save on energy bills.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, I focused on these features:
- Fuel Type: Most direct vent tankless heaters run on natural gas or propane. I checked which was more convenient and affordable in my area.
- Flow Rate (GPM): I calculated my household’s peak hot water demand. The flow rate tells you how many gallons per minute the unit can deliver. For my family, I needed about 6-7 GPM.
- Temperature Rise: This is the difference between incoming water temperature and desired output. I considered my local climate to ensure the unit could handle cold incoming water.
- Venting Requirements: Since it’s a direct vent, you’ll need a proper wall or roof vent. I measured the installation location to confirm compatibility.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for models with a high Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating. Mine had an EF of 0.82, which helped reduce my utility costs.
- Size and Installation: Tankless units are compact, but I made sure to check clearances and installation complexity. Professional installation is usually necessary.
- Warranty and Support: I chose a brand with a strong warranty and good customer service for peace of mind.
Installation Considerations
Installing a direct vent tankless water heater requires careful planning. The venting pipes must be installed correctly to ensure proper air intake and exhaust. I hired a licensed plumber familiar with these systems to avoid any mistakes that could affect performance or safety.
Maintenance Tips from My Experience
To keep my water heater running smoothly, I perform annual maintenance by flushing the system to remove mineral buildup. I also inspect the venting system regularly for blockages or damage.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing a direct vent tankless water heater was one of the best upgrades I made for my home. It provides endless hot water, improves safety, and lowers energy costs. If you consider your household’s needs carefully and choose a reputable model, you’ll be very satisfied with your purchase.
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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