Navien NHW-AE Series
Outdoor Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater
Navien NHW-AE -- The Simplest and Most Affordable Tankless Installation
The Navien NHW-AE is purpose-built for outdoor installation, which eliminates two of the biggest costs associated with tankless water heater projects: indoor venting and condensate neutralization. Because it mounts on an exterior wall and vents directly to the open air, there are no vent pipes to buy or route through your home. And because it is non-condensing, there is no acidic condensate to manage.
The result is the lowest installed price of any Navien tankless water heater -- starting at just $4,040. For Long Island homeowners who want the benefits of tankless technology (endless hot water, space savings, longer lifespan) at the lowest possible investment, the NHW-AE delivers.
The NHW-AE features a weatherproof housing and built-in freeze protection designed to handle Long Island's cold winters. At All Island Comfort, we install the NHW-AE in sheltered locations that protect the unit from direct wind and heavy snow while still allowing proper airflow. Every installation includes gas line connection, electrical hookup, water line plumbing, and full system testing across all of Nassau and Suffolk County.
Starting at just $4,040
Saves space and venting costs
Built for Long Island winters
Non-condensing, simpler maintenance
NHW-AE Specifications
| Type | Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|
| Placement | Outdoor Only |
| Energy Factor | Up to 0.82 |
| BTU Input Range | 18,000 -- 199,900 BTU/h (NHW-199AE) |
| Max Flow Rate (35°F rise) | 9.5 GPM (NHW-199AE) |
| Max Flow Rate (45°F rise) | 7.4 GPM (NHW-199AE) |
| Max Flow Rate (70°F rise) | 4.7 GPM (NHW-199AE) |
| Recirculation Pump | Not available |
| Wi-Fi Control | Not available |
| Remote Controller | Included (for indoor temperature adjustment) |
| Venting | Not required (outdoor unit, direct vent to air) |
| Condensate Neutralizer | Not required |
| Weatherproof Housing | Yes, rated for all seasons |
| Freeze Protection | Built-in, activates automatically |
| Gas Types | Natural Gas or Liquid Propane |
| Gas Pressure (NG) | 3.5" WC minimum |
| Gas Pressure (LP) | 11.0" WC minimum |
| Gas Line Size | 3/4" minimum |
| Electrical | 120V, 60Hz dedicated outlet (GFCI protected) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.3" x 25.2" x 10.3" |
| Weight (NHW-199AE) | 62 lbs |
| Heat Exchanger Warranty | 15 years |
| Parts Warranty | 5 years |
| Labor Warranty | 1 year |
| Installed From | $4,040 |
NHW-AE ComfortFlow Technology
Weatherproof Housing
Sealed enclosure rated for year-round outdoor exposure on Long Island
Built-in Freeze Protection
Automatic activation when temperatures drop to prevent cold-weather damage
Direct Outdoor Venting
No indoor vent pipes needed -- exhaust vents directly to open air
Wired Remote Controller
Indoor remote included for convenient temperature adjustment without going outside
Available NHW-AE Sizes
The NHW-AE is available in three sizes. All include weatherproof housing and built-in freeze protection.
NHW-160AE
- 7.5 GPM at 35°F rise
- 5.9 GPM at 45°F rise
- Weight: 56 lbs
Best for: 1-2 bathroom homes
NHW-180AE
- 8.4 GPM at 35°F rise
- 6.6 GPM at 45°F rise
- Weight: 59 lbs
Best for: 2 bathroom homes
NHW-199AE
- 9.5 GPM at 35°F rise
- 7.4 GPM at 45°F rise
- Weight: 62 lbs
Best for: 2-3 bathroom homes
Our technicians will recommend the right size during a free site assessment. Call (631) 591-2289 to schedule.
NHW-AE Key Features
Lowest Total Installed Cost
The NHW-AE starts at $4,040 installed -- $500 less than the indoor NHW-AI and nearly $4,000 less than condensing models. The savings come from eliminating indoor venting materials (no stainless steel or PVC to buy) and the condensate neutralizer. For pure value, no Navien model beats the NHW-AE.
Zero Indoor Venting
Because the NHW-AE mounts on an exterior wall, exhaust gases vent directly to the open air. There are no vent pipes to run through your home's walls, ceilings, or roof. This eliminates one of the most complex and expensive parts of a tankless installation, and it means the unit takes up zero indoor space.
Weatherproof and Freeze-Protected
The NHW-AE's housing is rated for year-round outdoor exposure, and its built-in freeze protection activates automatically when temperatures drop. We install NHW-AE units in sheltered spots -- under eaves, on protected walls -- to shield them from direct wind and heavy snow while maintaining proper airflow for combustion.
Included Remote Controller
Since the unit is mounted outside, the NHW-AE's control panel is housed inside the unit for weather protection. Navien includes a wired remote controller that mounts inside your home so you can adjust water temperature and monitor operation without going outside.
Frees Up Interior Space
Moving your water heater outside reclaims the floor and wall space that a traditional tank or indoor tankless unit would occupy. This is particularly valuable in Long Island homes where basement, utility closet, or garage space is at a premium. The freed-up area can be used for storage, laundry, or other purposes.
Ideal for Difficult Venting Situations
Some Long Island homes have complicated interior venting paths -- long runs, multiple turns, or no good route to an exterior wall. The NHW-AE sidesteps this problem entirely. If your home's layout makes indoor venting expensive or impractical, outdoor installation is often the smartest solution.
How the NHW-AE Compares
See how the NHW-AE stacks up against the other Navien models. For a full breakdown, visit our complete model comparison page.
| Feature | NPE-A2 | NPE-S2 | NHW-AI | NHW-AE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Condensing | Condensing | Non-Condensing | Non-Condensing |
| Placement | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor Only | Outdoor Only |
| Energy Factor | Up to 0.97 | Up to 0.96 | Up to 0.82 | Up to 0.82 |
| Max Flow Rate | 11.2 GPM | 11.2 GPM | 9.5 GPM | 9.5 GPM |
| Venting | PVC | PVC | Stainless Steel | Not Required |
| Neutralizer | Required | Required | Not Needed | Not Needed |
| Freeze Protection | No | No | No | Built-in |
| Installed From | $7,900 | $7,800 | $4,540 | $4,040 |
What Is Included with NHW-AE Installation
Navien NHW-AE Unit
Factory-new outdoor unit in the size recommended for your home.
Exterior Wall Mounting
Secure mounting in a sheltered location with proper clearances.
Gas Line Connection
Professional 3/4" gas line run to the outdoor location with pressure testing.
GFCI Electrical Connection
Dedicated outdoor-rated 120V GFCI outlet for the unit.
Water Lines Through Wall
Hot and cold water lines routed through the exterior wall with insulation.
Remote Controller Installation
Wired indoor remote for temperature adjustment and monitoring.
Full System Testing
Every fixture tested, gas pressure verified, leak-checked, error-free startup.
Warranty Registration
We register your unit to activate the full 15-year manufacturer warranty.
Explore Other Navien Models
NPE-A2 Series
Premium condensing with built-in recirculation for instant hot water. Up to 0.97 EF. Starting at $7,900 installed.
View NPE-A2 CondensingNPE-S2 Series
High-efficiency condensing with optional recirculation. Up to 0.96 EF. Starting at $7,800 installed.
View NPE-S2 Non-CondensingNHW-AI Series
Indoor non-condensing, budget-friendly tankless. Up to 0.82 EF. Starting at $4,540 installed.
View NHW-AINHW-AE Frequently Asked Questions
Can the NHW-AE handle Long Island winters?
Yes. The NHW-AE has built-in freeze protection that activates automatically when temperatures drop. It is designed to operate in cold climates like Long Island's. Proper placement matters though -- we install NHW-AE units in sheltered locations (under eaves, on protected walls) where they are shielded from direct wind and heavy snow while maintaining proper airflow for combustion and exhaust.
Why is the NHW-AE the least expensive Navien model?
Two major cost savings: First, no indoor venting is needed since the unit mounts outside and exhausts directly to the air. That eliminates the cost of stainless steel or PVC vent pipe and the labor to run it through your home. Second, no condensate neutralizer is needed since it is non-condensing. These savings, combined with the non-condensing design's lower unit cost, make the NHW-AE the most affordable fully installed Navien tankless option.
How much does a Navien NHW-AE cost installed?
NHW-AE installation starts at $4,040, which includes the unit, exterior wall mounting, gas line connection, GFCI electrical connection, water lines through the wall, remote controller installation, full system testing, and warranty registration. No venting materials needed. Financing is available starting at 0% APR through Wisetack.
Does the NHW-AE need a condensate neutralizer?
No. The NHW-AE is non-condensing and does not produce acidic condensate. No neutralizer is needed, which eliminates both the installation cost and the ongoing cost of neutralizer media replacement.
Where on my home should the NHW-AE be installed?
The ideal location is on a sheltered exterior wall, close to where your water heater pipes currently run. We look for spots under eaves or overhangs that protect the unit from direct rain, snow, and wind while maintaining the required clearances for airflow. During our free site assessment, we will identify the best location for your specific home. Call (631) 591-2289 to schedule.
What size NHW-AE do I need?
For 1-2 bathroom homes, the NHW-160AE is typically sufficient. For 2 bathrooms, the NHW-180AE works well. For 2-3 bathrooms or higher demand, the NHW-199AE at 199,900 BTU and 9.5 GPM provides the most capacity. Keep in mind that Long Island groundwater is colder in winter (around 45 degrees), which reduces effective flow rates, so sizing up is often recommended.
How do I adjust the temperature on an outdoor unit?
The NHW-AE includes a wired remote controller that we install inside your home during the installation. The remote lets you adjust water temperature and monitor operation without going outside. The unit's main control panel is located inside the weatherproof housing for protection.
What maintenance does the NHW-AE need?
Annual maintenance includes flushing the heat exchanger with vinegar solution, cleaning the inlet water filter, and inspecting the unit's exterior housing and connections for weather damage. Since it is outdoor, we also check for debris buildup around the exhaust and intake openings. No condensate neutralizer to maintain. Our repair and maintenance team handles all service.
Ready to Install an NHW-AE?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for your Navien NHW-AE outdoor installation. Our certified technicians serve all of Nassau and Suffolk County and are available 24/7. Check our coupons page for current specials.
Have questions? Check our FAQ page for more answers about Navien water heaters.
