Navien NHW-AI Series
Indoor Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater
Navien NHW-AI -- Affordable Tankless Performance for Long Island Homes
The Navien NHW-AI is the most budget-friendly way to upgrade from a traditional tank water heater to tankless technology. It delivers endless hot water on demand, takes up a fraction of the space, and is built to last 20+ years -- all at a significantly lower price point than Navien's condensing models.
As a non-condensing unit, the NHW-AI does not extract extra heat from exhaust gases the way the NPE-A2 or NPE-S2 do. That means it achieves a lower energy factor (0.82 vs 0.96-0.97), but it also means there is no acidic condensate to deal with -- no condensate neutralizer needed and no condensate drain line to install. The tradeoff is that it requires stainless steel venting instead of the cheaper PVC used by condensing models.
At All Island Comfort, we install every NHW-AI size across all of Long Island. Every installation includes stainless steel venting, gas line connection, electrical hookup, and complete system testing.
$3,000+ less than condensing models
17.3" x 25.2" x 10.3" wall-mount
Simpler install, less maintenance
Heat exchanger coverage
NHW-AI Specifications
| Type | Non-Condensing Tankless Water Heater |
|---|---|
| Placement | Indoor Only |
| Energy Factor | Up to 0.82 |
| BTU Input Range | 18,000 -- 199,900 BTU/h (NHW-199AI) |
| Max Flow Rate (35°F rise) | 9.5 GPM (NHW-199AI) |
| Max Flow Rate (45°F rise) | 7.4 GPM (NHW-199AI) |
| Max Flow Rate (70°F rise) | 4.7 GPM (NHW-199AI) |
| Recirculation Pump | Not available |
| Wi-Fi Control | Not available |
| Front Panel Controls | Temperature adjustment, recirculation timer |
| Venting | Stainless steel (required) |
| Condensate Neutralizer | Not required |
| 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 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.3" x 25.2" x 10.3" |
| Weight (NHW-199AI) | 62 lbs |
| Heat Exchanger Warranty | 15 years |
| Parts Warranty | 5 years |
| Labor Warranty | 1 year |
| Installed From | $4,540 |
Available NHW-AI Sizes
The NHW-AI is available in three sizes. All share the same compact dimensions and feature set.
NHW-160AI
- 7.5 GPM at 35°F rise
- 5.9 GPM at 45°F rise
- Weight: 56 lbs
Best for: 1-2 bathroom homes
NHW-180AI
- 8.4 GPM at 35°F rise
- 6.6 GPM at 45°F rise
- Weight: 59 lbs
Best for: 2 bathroom homes
NHW-199AI
- 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-AI Control Panel
Temperature Adjustment
Set your preferred hot water temperature directly from the front panel -- no app or device needed
Recirculation Timer
Program recirculation schedules to reduce wait time at the faucet during peak usage hours
Error Code Display
Built-in diagnostics show error codes directly on the panel for fast troubleshooting
Simple, Intuitive Design
No smartphone required -- all settings accessible with straightforward physical controls
NHW-AI Key Features
Budget-Friendly Tankless Entry Point
At $4,540 installed, the NHW-AI is the most affordable way to get into a Navien tankless water heater. You get endless hot water, wall-mount space savings, and a 20+ year lifespan at roughly half the cost of a condensing model. For homeowners focused on value, this is where the math works best.
No Condensate Neutralizer Required
Because the NHW-AI is non-condensing, it does not produce the acidic condensate that condensing models do. That means no neutralizer to install, no neutralizer media to replace, and one less component to maintain over the life of your system.
Compact Wall-Mount Design
At just 17.3" wide by 25.2" tall by 10.3" deep, the NHW-AI is even smaller than Navien's condensing models. It mounts on any interior wall and frees up the floor space that a traditional 40 or 50 gallon tank heater would occupy in your basement, utility closet, or garage.
Front Panel Controls
The NHW-AI's front panel gives you direct access to temperature adjustment and recirculation timer controls without needing a separate app or device. Adjustments are simple and intuitive -- set your preferred temperature and the unit maintains it consistently.
Up to 9.5 GPM Flow Rate
The NHW-199AI delivers up to 9.5 gallons per minute at a 35-degree temperature rise -- enough to run two showers and a kitchen faucet simultaneously. For most Long Island households with 1 to 3 bathrooms, that is more than enough capacity for daily use.
15-Year Heat Exchanger Warranty
Navien backs the NHW-AI with the same 15-year heat exchanger warranty as their premium condensing models, plus 5 years on parts and 1 year on labor. Professional installation by a certified technician like our team at All Island Comfort keeps the warranty fully valid.
How the NHW-AI Compares
See how the NHW-AI 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 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Installed From | $7,900 | $7,800 | $4,540 | $4,040 |
What Is Included with NHW-AI Installation
Navien NHW-AI Unit
Factory-new unit in the size recommended for your home.
Stainless Steel Venting
Category III stainless steel vent pipe installed per code requirements.
Gas Line Connection
Professional 3/4" gas line connection with pressure testing.
Electrical Connection
Dedicated 120V outlet for controls and ignition system.
Water Lines + Isolation Valves
Hot and cold connections with service valves for future maintenance.
Full System Testing
Every fixture tested, gas pressure verified, leak-checked, error-free startup.
Old Unit Removal
We disconnect and haul away your old tank or tankless unit.
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-AE Series
Outdoor non-condensing with weatherproof housing. No venting needed. Starting at $4,040 installed.
View NHW-AENHW-AI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the NHW-AI and the condensing NPE models?
The NHW-AI is a non-condensing unit, meaning it does not extract extra heat from exhaust gases like the NPE-A2 or NPE-S2. It has a lower energy factor (0.82 vs 0.96-0.97) and requires stainless steel venting instead of PVC, but it costs significantly less upfront ($4,540 vs $7,800-$7,900) and does not need a condensate neutralizer. For homeowners prioritizing upfront savings over maximum efficiency, the NHW-AI is an excellent choice.
Does the NHW-AI need a condensate neutralizer?
No. The NHW-AI is non-condensing and does not produce acidic condensate. No condensate neutralizer is needed, which simplifies installation and eliminates the ongoing cost of neutralizer media replacement that condensing models require.
How much does a Navien NHW-AI cost installed?
NHW-AI installation starts at $4,540, which includes the unit, gas line connection, stainless steel venting, electrical connection, water lines, full system testing, old unit removal, and warranty registration. Financing is available starting at 0% APR through Wisetack.
Can the NHW-AI be installed outdoors?
No. The NHW-AI is designed for indoor installation only and does not have weatherproof housing or freeze protection. If you need an outdoor unit, the Navien NHW-AE Series is purpose-built for outdoor installation with a weatherproof enclosure and built-in freeze protection for Long Island winters.
What size NHW-AI do I need?
For 1-2 bathroom homes, the NHW-160AI is typically sufficient. For 2 bathrooms with moderate demand, the NHW-180AI works well. For 2-3 bathrooms or higher demand, the NHW-199AI at 199,900 BTU and 9.5 GPM provides maximum capacity in the NHW-AI line. Call (631) 591-2289 to schedule a free site assessment.
Why does the NHW-AI need stainless steel venting?
Non-condensing units produce higher-temperature exhaust gases than condensing models. These temperatures are too hot for PVC pipe, so stainless steel (Category III) venting is required. Stainless steel venting costs more than PVC, but since the NHW-AI does not need a condensate neutralizer, the overall installation cost is still significantly lower than condensing models.
What maintenance does the NHW-AI need?
Navien recommends annual maintenance including flushing the heat exchanger with vinegar solution (about 45 minutes), cleaning the inlet water filter, and inspecting the stainless steel venting. Since there is no condensate neutralizer, you skip that step entirely. Our repair and maintenance team handles all service.
Does the NHW-AI work with propane?
Yes. The NHW-AI is available in both Natural Gas (NG) and Liquid Propane (LP) versions. LP models require different gas pressure settings (11.0" WC vs 3.5" WC for natural gas), which we configure during installation.
Ready to Install an NHW-AI?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for your Navien NHW-AI 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.