Key Takeaways
- The best tankless water heaters for a one-bathroom home balance strong efficiency, a compact wall-mounted profile, and a price point that fits a single-bathroom budget.
- The Navien NPE-240A2 is a condensing unit with the highest flow rate on this list at 11.2 GPM and PVC-compatible venting that lowers installation costs.
- The Noritz NR83DVC is the most compact option at 14″ x 24″ x 10″, with a commercial-grade copper heat exchanger built for long-term reliability.
- The Noritz EZ98-DV is a condensing unit designed for fast, installer-friendly replacement design through its EZ Series engineering.
- Point Loma Home Pros installs, repairs, and services all three models throughout San Diego with licensed plumbers and fast turnaround times.
Sizing a Tankless Water Heater for One Bathroom
A one-bathroom home usually needs a unit rated between 8 and 11 GPM (Gallons Per Minute), enough to cover a shower and a sink running at the same time without a temperature drop. Homeowners often size based on the unit with the biggest number on the box, but a single bathroom rarely pushes a heater anywhere near its rated capacity. That gap matters because paying for GPM you’ll never use adds cost without adding comfort.
Fuel type and venting also change the real cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. A condensing unit like the Navien or the Noritz EZ98-DV can vent through simpler PVC pipe, while a non-condensing unit like the Noritz NR83DVC needs different venting materials that affect labor cost. Skipping this detail is one of the most common reasons a “lower-quality” unit ends up costing more once it’s installed.
Point Loma Home Pros walks San Diego homeowners through these tradeoffs before recommending a specific model. Because the fit depends on gas line setup and existing venting, our licensed plumbers check both during the initial visit rather than guessing from the unit’s spec sheet alone.
3 Best Tankless Water Heaters for One Bathroom
1. Navien NPE-240A2
The Navien NPE-240A2 tankless water heater has an ultra-high efficiency condensing technology.
The Navien NPE-240A2 is a condensing tankless water heater and one of the most efficient residential units available. It’s part of Navien’s NPE-A2 Series, which is built specifically for the North American market and designed to handle the demands of modern households with ease.
The NPE-240A2 stands out for its ultra-high-efficiency condensing technology, which captures and reuses heat from exhaust gases that non-condensing units simply vent out. This translates to lower monthly gas bills and a smaller environmental footprint over the life of the unit.
Key Specs
- Type: Condensing tankless (natural gas or propane)
- Energy Factor: Ultra-high efficiency (Energy Star certified)
- BTU Input: 199,900 BTU/hr
- Flow Rate: Up to 11.2 GPM
- Venting: PVC venting compatible (no expensive stainless steel flue required)
- Temperature Range: 98°F to 140°F
Size & Dimensions
The NPE-240A2 has a compact, wall-mounted design that takes up significantly less space than a traditional storage tank water heater. Its dimensions are approximately 17” W x 27” H x 13” D, making it a practical fit for utility closets, garages, or exterior walls in a one-bathroom home.
Price
Navien does not publish retail pricing directly, but the NPE-240A2 is widely available through authorized distributors and plumbing supply retailers at approximately $1,884 for the unit alone.
2. Noritz NR83DVC
The Noritz NR83DVC tankless water heater has a commercial-grade copper heat exchanger.
The Noritz NR83DVC is a high-efficiency, non-condensing tankless water heater built for reliability and long-lasting performance. It features a commercial-grade copper heat exchanger, which is a notable upgrade from the standard heat exchangers found in entry-level units.
For a one-bathroom home, this level of build quality means fewer service calls and a longer operational lifespan.
Key Specs
- Type: Non-condensing tankless (natural gas)
- BTU Input: 180,000 BTU/hr
- Flow Rate: Up to 8.3 GPM
- Venting: Direct vent, concentric design (combustion air is drawn through the outer sleeve while exhaust exits the inner pipe, requiring only a single vent penetration)
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
Size & Dimensions
The Noritz NR83DVC has a wall-mounted profile with dimensions of approximately 14” W x 24” H x 10” D. It’s notably slimmer than the Navien NPE-240A2, which makes it a great option if you’re working with a tighter installation space. The direct vent configuration also gives installers more flexibility in terms of placement since it doesn’t rely on indoor air for combustion.
Price
Noritz does not publish retail pricing directly, but the NR83DVC is commonly listed through authorized dealers and plumbing supply stores at approximately $1,439 for the unit alone.
3. Noritz EZ98-DV
The Noritz EZ98-DV tankless water heater is part of Noritz’s high-efficiency condensing tankless water heater line.
The Noritz EZ98-DV was engineered specifically for the North American residential market with one clear goal: to make replacement installations faster and less labor-intensive. It’s part of the Noritz EZ Series, a line of high-efficiency condensing tankless water heaters designed to simplify the transition away from bulky storage tank units.
If you’re replacing an old tank heater and want minimal installation headaches, this unit deserves serious consideration.
Key Specs
- Type: Condensing tankless (natural gas)
- BTU Input: 180,000 BTU/h
- Flow Rate: Up to 9.8 GPM
- Venting: Direct vent, concentric design (combustion air is drawn through the outer sleeve while exhaust exits the inner pipe, requiring only a single vent penetration)
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
- Series: Noritz EZ Series (designed to cut installation time and cost)
Size & Dimensions
The EZ98-DV is designed with a compact footprint that mounts flush against the wall, freeing up valuable floor space. Its approximate dimensions are 18” W x 26” H x 12” D, fitting comfortably in most utility closets or garage installations.
Price
Noritz does not publish retail pricing directly, but the EZ98-DV is typically available through authorized dealers and plumbing supply retailers at approximately $1,938 for the unit alone.
Top 3 One-Bathroom Tankless Water Heaters: Summary Table
| Features | Navien NPE-240A2 | Noritz NR83DVC | Noritz EZ98-DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Condensing | Non-condensing | Condensing |
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas | Natural gas |
| Flow Rate | Up to 11.2 GPM | Up to 8.3 GPM | Up to 9.8 GPM |
| BTU Input | 199,900 BTU/hr | 180,000 BTU/hr | 180,000 BTU/hr |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17″ x 27″ x 13″ | 14″ x 24″ x 10″ | 18″ x 26″ x 12″ |
| Venting | PVC compatible | Direct vent | Direct vent |
| Approx. Unit Price | $1,884 | $1,439 | $1,938 |
Get the Right Fit Installed by Point Loma Home Pros
Flow rate, size, and venting all shape which tankless water heater makes sense for a one-bathroom home, and getting any of those wrong means paying for capacity you don’t need or a harder install than necessary. The right call depends on your specific gas line, space, and daily hot water habits.
We install and service the Navien NPE-240A2, Noritz NR83DVC, and Noritz EZ98-DV across San Diego, matching each home to the model that fits its layout and usage. Schedule your tankless water heater installation with Point Loma Home Pros today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you really save money with a tankless water heater?
Yes, the upfront cost is higher than a traditional tank heater, but the long-term savings on energy bills, the extended lifespan of the unit, and the benefit of never running out of hot water make a compelling case.
How long do most tankless water heaters last?
A well-maintained tankless water heater typically lasts 20 years or more, which is nearly double the lifespan of a conventional storage tank water heater. Brands like Navien and Noritz build their residential units with replaceable components, meaning that if a part fails, you replace only that part. Annual descaling flushes and filter cleaning are the primary maintenance tasks that keep these units running at peak performance over the long term.
How long can a tankless water heater run continuously?
A tankless water heater can run continuously for as long as there is demand, as there is no storage tank to deplete. The unit heats water in real time as it flows through the heat exchanger, so a long shower, a full bathtub, or back-to-back dishwasher and laundry cycles won’t cause you to run out of hot water.
The only limiting factor is the unit’s flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). If simultaneous demand exceeds that rating, water temperature may drop slightly. For a one-bathroom home, any of the three units covered above has more than enough GPM capacity to handle typical daily usage without interruption.
Do tankless water heaters use more gas?
No, tankless water heaters are actually more gas-efficient than traditional tank heaters overall. While a tankless unit does draw a higher BTU load during the brief period it’s actively heating water, it uses zero gas when there is no demand. Traditional tank heaters, by contrast, continuously burn gas to maintain the stored water temperature around the clock, even at 3 a.m. when nobody is using hot water.
Does Point Loma Home Pros repair tankless water heaters?
Yes. Point Loma Home Pros provides tankless water heater repair, installation, and ongoing maintenance for both gas and electric systems across all major brands. Our licensed plumbers diagnose issues like mineral buildup, ignition failures, and error codes to restore your water heater safely and efficiently.
*Note: All pricing and service information is for general guidance only and reflects typical estimates at the time of writing. Actual costs, scope, and timelines may vary based on the home’s condition, access, materials, project complexity, and local market factors. For more information on our services and current pricing, visit Point Loma Home Pros.
