Noritz EZ Series Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide

Your old water heater may have stopped working, or it may still be using energy to keep 40 or 50 gallons of water hot around the clock. Either way, replacing a traditional storage tank gives you an opportunity to consider a more efficient, space-saving system.

The Noritz EZ Series Pro is designed for homeowners replacing a traditional gas tank water heater who want high-efficiency, continuous hot water without completely rebuilding the existing plumbing and venting system.

There are three models in the lineup: the EZ71, EZ98, and EZ111. This guide explains how they work, how they compare, and what you should consider before choosing one for your home.

What Is the Noritz EZ Series Pro?

The Noritz EZ Series Pro is a line of high-efficiency residential tankless water heaters designed specifically to replace traditional gas tank water heaters.

A regular tank water heater stores a set amount of hot water. A tankless model works differently. It heats water as it moves through the unit, so there is no large storage tank sitting in your basement, garage, or utility room.

When you turn on a shower or faucet, the water heater senses the flow and starts heating the water. The burner shuts off once the fixture is turned off. This means the system is not constantly reheating stored water when no one is using it.

The “EZ” name comes from the series’ replacement-friendly design. Water connections are located at the top of the unit, like many traditional tanks. That placement may allow an installer to reconnect existing water lines with fewer major changes. The unit also mounts to the wall. Once the old storage tank is removed, you can gain useful floor space for shelving, storage, or simply a less crowded utility area.

How Long Has Noritz Made Tankless Water Heaters?

Noritz has more than 70 years of experience in water heating and introduced one of the first modern electronically controlled tankless water heaters in 1981. Today, the company offers residential and commercial water-heating products throughout the United States and Canada.

The EZ Series Pro builds on that experience with a design created specifically for homeowners replacing a traditional gas tank water heater.

What Is the Difference Between a Tank and Tankless Water Heater?

A traditional water heater stores and reheats a set amount of water, usually in a 40- or 50-gallon tank. A tankless water heater heats water as it flows through the unit, so you are not limited to the amount stored in a tank.

A properly sized tankless system can keep producing hot water as long as household demand stays within the unit's capacity. It also mounts on the wall, frees up floor space, and avoids using energy to keep a full tank hot throughout the day. Here's how the two types compare:

A tankless water heater is often a good fit for families who regularly run out of hot water, want to lower standby energy use, or would like to free up floor space.

Why Choose a Noritz EZ Pro Tankless Water Heater?

The Noritz EZ Series Pro combines continuous hot water, high efficiency, and a compact design with features created around replacing a traditional gas tank.

Its main benefits include:

• Easier Tank Replacement: Top-mounted water connections can help your installer work with the plumbing already above your old tank, which may simplify the switch to tankless.

• Continuous Hot Water: A properly sized unit can handle back-to-back showers and everyday use without waiting for a tank to refill and reheat.
• Three Sizes to Choose From: The EZ71, EZ98, and EZ111 make it easier to match the water heater to your household, from lighter use to busier homes with several fixtures running at once.
• High Efficiency and Durable Parts: A 0.98 UEF rating and dual stainless steel heat exchangers help reduce wasted energy while supporting reliable, long-term performance.
• More Usable Space: The compact wall-mounted design frees up floor space in your garage, basement, or utility room.
• Flexible Installation: Indoor, outdoor, and several venting options give your installer more ways to fit the unit into your home.
• Natural Gas or Propane Compatibility: Each model can be used with natural gas or converted for propane by a qualified professional.
• Optional Faster Hot Water Delivery: Adding a compatible recirculation pump can reduce the wait for hot water at fixtures farther from the unit.
• Suitable for High-Altitude Homes: The EZ Series Pro is approved for qualifying installations up to 10,200 feet.
• Long Warranty Coverage: Qualifying residential installations include 25 years on the heat exchanger, five years on parts, and one year of reasonable labor.

These features make the EZ Pro Series a strong choice for homeowners who want dependable hot water, lower standby energy use, and a water heater designed around replacing a traditional gas tank.

What Is New on the 2026 Noritz EZ Series Pro?

The 2026 EZ Series Pro adds a more capable control panel and better access to system information. These updates make the water heater easier to monitor, maintain, and operate.

• Easier Controls and Setup: The larger display makes it simpler to check the temperature, see how the unit is running, and help your installer complete setup faster.
• Maintenance and Service Support: Built-in reminders and saved error information make routine care easier to track and can help technicians diagnose issues more quickly.
• Convenient App Control: The EZ Start Plus app lets you adjust the temperature, check system status, and manage compatible recirculation settings from your phone.
• More Consistent Hot Water: Steady BTU Mode helps reduce noticeable temperature changes when you are using a small amount of hot water or when incoming water is warmer.
• Faster Professional Service: The updated cover gives technicians easier access to internal parts during maintenance or repairs.
• Future-Ready Fuel Design: Hydrogen compatibility helps prepare the unit for possible future changes in home fuel blends.

These updates improve the day-to-day ownership experience by making system information easier to find and routine maintenance easier to manage.

Which Noritz EZ Series Pro Models Are Available?

The EZ Series Pro comes in three sizes: the EZ71, EZ98, and EZ111. All three have the same cabinet dimensions, 0.98 UEF rating, control features, and warranty structure.

The main difference is how much hot water each model can produce.

The advertised gallons per minute should not be treated as the amount every home will receive. Colder incoming water requires more heating, which reduces the available flow rate.

Noritz EZ71 Pro

The EZ71 Pro is the smallest model in the series. It is best suited to homes with lower peak hot water demand, such as smaller households that do not frequently run several fixtures at once. It may work well in a home with one shower running at a time, but bathroom count alone does not determine sizing. A home in a cold climate may need more capacity than a similar home in a warmer area.

Noritz EZ98 Pro

The EZ98 Pro provides a step up in capacity and may fit many average-sized households. Its 180,000 BTU maximum input gives it more ability to support overlapping hot water use. For example, it may be a better fit when someone regularly runs the dishwasher or washing machine while another family member showers.

Noritz EZ111 Pro

The EZ111 Pro is the largest model in the lineup. It has a maximum input of 199,900 BTU and is intended for homes with heavier hot water demand. This may include larger families, homes with multiple bathrooms, or households that regularly use two or more hot water fixtures at the same time.

How Do You Size and Install a Noritz EZ Pro Tankless Water Heater?

Sizing a Noritz EZ Series Pro water heater requires three steps: estimate your coldest incoming water temperature, calculate your home’s peak hot water demand, and match those numbers to the model’s available flow rate. Bathroom count can provide a rough starting point, but it should not be the only sizing factor.

Step 1: Calculate Your Maximum Temperature Rise

Temperature rise is the difference between the cold water entering your home and the hot water temperature selected on the tankless water heater.

Start by finding the approximate winter incoming water temperature for your area. You can use the Noritz average winter groundwater-temperature map as a preliminary guide. The map shows several general temperature ranges across the United States:

• Colder northern regions: Approximately 35°F to 40°F
• Many northern, central and coastal regions: Approximately 45°F to 50°F
• Warmer central and southern regions: Approximately 55°F to 60°F
• Warmest southern regions: Approximately 65°F to 70°F or higher

The map provides regional estimates rather than exact temperatures. Local climate, elevation, water source and seasonal conditions can affect the water entering your home. When possible, measure the cold-water temperature during winter or ask a local plumbing professional which temperature is commonly used for sizing in your area.

Once you estimate the incoming water temperature, use this formula:

• Desired hot water temperature − incoming water temperature = temperature rise

For example:

• 120°F desired temperature − 55°F incoming water = 65°F temperature rise

The colder the incoming water, the greater the required temperature rise. A greater rise reduces the number of gallons per minute a tankless water heater can produce.

Step 2: Calculate Your Peak Hot Water Demand

Next, calculate the amount of hot water your household may use at one time. Add the flow rates of the fixtures and appliances that are likely to operate simultaneously during the busiest part of the day.

Noritz provides the following approximate flow rates for preliminary sizing:

• Shower: Approximately 2.0 GPM
• Bathroom sink: Approximately 1.0 GPM
• Kitchen sink: Approximately 1.5 GPM
• Dishwasher: Approximately 2.0 GPM
• Washing machine: Approximately 2.0 GPM

Actual flow rates vary by product. Check the specifications for your fixtures and appliances, when possible, especially when the home has rain showerheads, body sprays or other high-flow fixtures.

For example:

• Two showers at 2.0 GPM each + one washing machine at 2.0 GPM = 6.0 GPM

A household with heavier simultaneous demand might use:

• Four showers at 2.0 GPM each + one dishwasher at 2.0 GPM = 10.0 GPM

You do not need to add every fixture in the home. Calculate a realistic peak-demand scenario based on which fixtures are most likely to run together.

Step 3: Use the Temperature-Rise Chart to Select a Model

After calculating temperature rise and peak demand, use the Noritz sizing chart to select the appropriate EZ Series Pro unit or pair of units.

Find your calculated temperature rise in the chart's left column. Then move across that row to compare the flow rate available from the EZ71 Pro, EZ98 Pro and EZ111 Pro. The chosen model must provide approximately the same or more GPM than your calculated peak demand.

Noritz EZ Series Pro Temperature-Rise Chart

Use the chart below to see approximately how many gallons per minute each model can produce at your calculated temperature rise.

For example, consider a home with:

• Incoming winter water temperature: 55°F
• Desired hot water temperature: 120°F
• Required temperature rise: 65°F
• Peak demand: Two showers and one washing machine, or approximately 6.0 GPM

At a 65°F temperature rise, the chart shows:

• EZ71 Pro: 4.8 GPM
• EZ98 Pro: 5.3 GPM
• EZ111 Pro: 6.0 GPM

Under these example conditions, the EZ111 Pro is the closest match. The EZ71 Pro and EZ98 Pro would not provide the full estimated 6.0 GPM at that temperature rise.

You can use the Noritz Residential Tankless Water Heater Sizing Calculator to size your equipment or contact us to have a representative guide you through the steps.

What Venting Options Are Available for Noritz EZ Series Pro Water Heaters?

Noritz EZ Series Pro water heaters support several venting configurations, giving installers flexibility for both replacement projects and new installations. The correct option depends on whether the unit is installed indoors or outdoors, the vent route, total equivalent length and local code requirements.

Noritz EZ Series Pro Venting Chart

• Direct venting: A direct-vent installation uses dedicated piping to bring combustion air into the water heater and exhaust combustion gases outdoors. This configuration can help isolate the unit from indoor air conditions.
• Single venting: In an approved single-vent installation, the water heater draws combustion air from the installation space while the exhaust is vented outdoors. The room must meet Noritz combustion-air and clearance requirements.
• PVC venting: Because the EZ Series Pro is a condensing tankless water heater, approved PVC venting may be used in compatible installations. The permitted pipe diameter and maximum vent length depend on the number of elbows, termination type and total equivalent vent run.
• Flex venting: Compatible 2-inch flexible venting can simplify some replacement installations, particularly when working through an existing vent path. Only Noritz-approved components should be used.
• No-roof venting: An installer may be able to route the vent through an exterior wall rather than penetrating the roof. This can reduce installation work when the unit is positioned near a suitable exterior wall.
• Outdoor installation: The EZ71 Pro, EZ98 Pro and EZ111 Pro can be installed outdoors when equipped with the correct Noritz outdoor vent cap and when local climate and code requirements allow it.

Because the EZ Series Pro is a condensing water heater, the installation also requires a properly routed condensate drain. A qualified installer should confirm the approved vent material, pipe diameter, equivalent vent length, termination clearances, combustion-air requirements and required accessories before installation.

Shop Noritz EZ Series Tankless Water Heaters at HVACDirect.com

The Noritz EZ Series Pro gives homeowners three clear options:

• EZ71 Pro: Best for smaller households with lighter hot water demand.
• EZ98 Pro: A strong fit for average households that may use a shower and another hot water appliance at the same time.
• EZ111 Pro: Designed for larger families or homes where several fixtures may run together.

HVACDirect.com offers competitive wholesale pricing, HVAC-expert customer service, and compatible installation accessories in one place. The team can also help you compare models and better understand what your home may need before you order.

Noritz EZ Series Tankless Water Heater FAQ

Which Noritz EZ Series model is right for my home?

The correct model depends on your incoming water temperature and the flow rate of fixtures used at the same time. The EZ71 has the lowest capacity, the EZ98 provides mid-range output, and the EZ111 offers the highest capacity.

Can the Noritz EZ Series replace a traditional tank?

Yes. Its top-mounted water connections and flexible venting options are designed to help simplify tank-to-tankless replacement projects.

Does the EZ Series provide continuous hot water?

A properly sized model can provide continuous hot water as long as household demand stays within its available output.

Does it include a recirculation pump?

No. The EZ71, EZ98, and EZ111 are compatible with an optional external Noritz recirculation pump kit.

Can the EZ Series use propane?

Yes. The units are configured for natural gas and include a liquid propane conversion kit. A qualified professional must complete the conversion.

How long can a Noritz tankless water heater last?

A properly installed and maintained tankless water heater may last 20 years or longer. Water quality, maintenance, and household use all affect service life.

What warranty comes with the EZ Series Pro?

Qualifying residential installations receive 25 years of heat exchanger coverage, five years on parts, and one year of reasonable labor coverage.