Description

Who the Navien NPE-180S2 suits

The Navien NPE-180S2 is the second-smallest of the four NPE-S2 sizes. It delivers up to 8.4 GPM at a 35°F temperature rise and 4.3 GPM at a 67°F rise, with an input range of 10,000 to 150,000 BTU/h. GPM at a temperature rise tells you how many fixtures can run at once: in a Midwest winter the incoming water is cold, so the higher-rise numbers are the realistic ones. That makes the NPE-180S2 a fit for a smaller household with one or two bathrooms that rarely runs more than a couple of hot-water fixtures at the same time. Larger homes, or homes that want built-in recirculation, are usually better served by the Navien NPE-240A2 or another NPE-A2 model.

Benefits of the NPE-180S2

• Endless hot water. A tankless unit heats water as it flows, so there is no storage tank to run out. Within its flow rating, the NPE-180S2 keeps going as long as the tap is open.
• 0.96 UEF, Energy Star certified. UEF is the federal efficiency rating for water heaters; higher is better. The NPE-180S2 is a condensing unit: a second stainless steel heat exchanger captures heat from the exhaust that a non-condensing heater would send outdoors, which is why the rating is high and why it vents through PVC pipe with a condensate drain.
• Space saved, flexible placement. The unit is 17.3″ wide, 27.4″ high and 13.2″ deep and hangs on the wall indoors or outdoors, freeing the floor space a tank heater took up. Navien rates it for 2″ PVC venting up to 75 feet, it runs on natural gas or propane and is field convertible, and Navien states a 1/2″ gas line can serve it up to 24 feet, subject to local code.
• Dual stainless steel heat exchangers. Both the primary and secondary heat exchangers are stainless steel, and Navien’s residential limited warranty covers the heat exchanger for 15 years with standard or controlled recirculation (see warranty details below).
• Recirculation when you want it. The NPE-180S2 does not have a built-in recirculation pump or buffer tank (those are NPE-A2 features), but it supports controlled external recirculation, and Navien lists the NaviCirc valve as an NPE-S2 series accessory for homes without a dedicated return line.

NPE-180S2 price and installation estimate

Request an installation estimate. GSHA Services, LTD does not publish a package price for the NPE-180S2. Every GSHA quote for this model is a complete installed package, not equipment only, and the estimate is free.

A standard GSHA tankless installation includes:

• Setting and leveling the unit
• Water piping modifications
• Gas piping modifications with a new gas valve
• New condensate drain line and condensate neutralizer kit
• Isolation service valves, 150 PSI relief valve, in-line check valve and stainless steel expansion tank
• New PVC flue venting
• Electrical connection
• Penguin water heater protection system
• Recirculation valve kit
• Removal and disposal of the old water heater
• Professional start-up with a safety inspection

What can change the final quote: gas line capacity and length, the venting route and length, where the condensate drain can go, water quality treatment, electrical work, piping changes, permits, accessories such as NaviLink Wi-Fi control or NaviCirc, and how accessible the installation location is.

Request an Installation Estimate or call (224) 220-3660. Financing available with approved credit; see financing options.

Navien NPE-180S2 specifications

Specification	NPE-180S2
Type	Condensing tankless water heater, NPE-S2 series
Application	Residential (also rated by Navien for commercial use)
Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)	0.96 (natural gas and propane)
Energy Star	Certified; AHRI number 206368360
Input (BTU/h)	10,000 to 150,000
Flow rate	8.4 GPM at 35°F rise; 6.5 GPM at 45°F rise; 4.3 GPM at 67°F rise; minimum 0.5 GPM
Turndown ratio	Up to 15:1 (NPE-S2 series figure; the model page lists 10,000 to 150,000 BTU/h input)
Heat exchangers	Primary and secondary: stainless steel
Recirculation	No built-in pump or buffer tank; supports controlled external recirculation; optional NaviCirc kit (NPE-S2 series accessory)
Controls	EZNav multi-line control panel; built-in HotButton; optional NaviLink / NaviLink Lite Wi-Fi (NPE-S2 series accessory)
Venting	Direct vent; 2″ or 3″ PVC, CPVC, polypropylene or stainless steel; 2″ PVC up to 75 feet
Gas type	Natural gas or propane, field convertible
Installation location	Indoor or outdoor, wall-hung
Dimensions (W x H x D)	17.3″ x 27.4″ x 13.2″
Weight	68 lbs
Electrical	120 V, 60 Hz; 200 W max (350 W with external pump)
Water connections	3/4″ NPT cold, hot and gas; 15 to 150 PSI

Turndown ratio is how low the burner can modulate, which reduces short cycling on small draws. Sound level is not published on Navien’s product pages; see Navien product data. Source: navieninc.com NPE-180S2 model page and NPE-S2 series page.

Installation and warranty

GSHA Services, LTD is a Navien Service Specialist (NSS), an authorized Navien dealer listed on Navien’s installer locator at navieninc.com, with Navien Level 3 trained technicians. Installation follows the tankless scope above, and the homeowner receives a start-up and safety inspection before the crew leaves.

Navien residential limited warranty (NPE-S2 series): 1-year labor, 5-year parts and 15-year heat exchanger with standard or controlled recirculation. With uncontrolled recirculation (an external pump running continuously without an aquastat or water heater control) the parts term is 3 years and the heat exchanger term is 5 years. Warranty periods run from the original installation date, which the homeowner or installer must provide to Navien; proof of that date may be requested. Navien also states that units purchased through the internet or e-commerce channels are not covered, and that space-heating-only use voids the warranty.

GSHA Install-Right add-on coverage: tankless packages installed by GSHA add 5-year parts and 5-year labor coverage. The labor coverage is valid only with annual GSHA maintenance, and service by others voids GSHA’s labor coverage. GSHA also provides lifetime warranties on its water, gas and venting connections.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Navien NPE-180S2 cost installed?

GSHA Services, LTD quotes the NPE-180S2 as a complete installed package after a free estimate; there is no published package price for this model. The estimate covers the gas line, venting, drain, electrical and any accessories you choose, so the quote reflects your home rather than a generic package.

Is the NPE-180S2 big enough for my house?

It is sized for smaller households, typically one or two bathrooms. Navien rates it at 4.3 GPM at a 67°F temperature rise, which is a realistic winter condition here, so running more than two showers or a shower and a large appliance at once may exceed it. A GSHA technician confirms sizing during the estimate.

What is the difference between the NPE-180S2 and the NPE-180A2?

The Navien NPE-180A2 adds ComfortFlow, Navien’s built-in buffer tank and recirculation pump that cut hot-water wait time and smooth temperature. The NPE-180S2 leaves those out, which makes it a simpler unit; recirculation can still be added with an external controlled pump or the NaviCirc valve.

Can I add recirculation without a return line?

Yes. Navien lists the NaviCirc kit (price-book price $99.60) as an optional accessory for the NPE-S2 series; it is an add-on valve that recirculates using the existing pipes when there is no dedicated return line. The kit does not include the external pump or check valves; GSHA includes those in the estimate if you want recirculation. Keeping the pump controlled by the heater or an aquastat preserves Navien’s full warranty terms.

Does the NPE-180S2 have Wi-Fi?

Not built in. Navien lists NaviLink ($288.43) and NaviLink Lite ($153.55) Wi-Fi controls as optional accessories for the NPE-S2 series; ask GSHA to include one in the estimate if you want app control and alerts.

Why does a condensing tankless heater need a condensate drain?

Because it pulls extra heat from the exhaust, water vapor condenses inside the unit and has to drain away. GSHA installs a neutralizer kit and a drain line as part of every tankless package.

Get a free NPE-180S2 installation estimate

GSHA Services, LTD installs the NPE-180S2 for homeowners in McHenry County and Lake County, IL, and the surrounding Chicago suburbs and southeastern Wisconsin. Ready to replace a tank water heater or an older tankless unit? Request an Installation Estimate online or call (224) 220-3660.

Other NPE-S2 sizes: Navien NPE-150S2 and Navien NPE-210S2. Replacing a first-generation unit? See the Navien NPE-180S (discontinued) page. Compare other models on our Navien water heaters page, learn about water heater services, or check our service area.