Noritz NRCR Pro Series Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide

Waiting for a shower to warm up may seem like a small inconvenience, but it happens day after day. Water runs down the drain. Time is lost. The wait can be especially noticeable in larger or multi-story homes where bathrooms are far from the water heater.

The Noritz NRCR Pro Series tankless water heater is designed to reduce that delay. Each model combines a condensing tankless water heater with a built-in recirculation pump, keeping hot water closer to the fixtures where it is used.

What Is the Noritz NRCR Pro Series?

The Noritz NRCR Pro Series is a line of modern, energy-efficient tankless water heaters designed to replace bulky, traditional water tanks. Unlike old-fashioned systems that waste energy keeping 50 or 75 gallons of water hot all day, the NRCR Pro heats water instantly on demand, providing an endless supply so you never run out.

To maximize your savings, it uses advanced condensing technology. Traditional heaters let extra heat escape out of the exhaust vent, but this system captures those hot exhaust gases and recycles them to pre-heat incoming cold water. This eco-friendly process traps heat that would otherwise be wasted, dramatically lowering your monthly gas bill.

The unit also eliminates the wait for hot water with its integrated recirculation pump. Instead of wasting time and gallons letting the tap run until it gets warm, the built-in pump keeps hot water primed near your fixtures so it's ready the moment you open the faucet.

How Does Recirculation Work?

The NRCR Pro supports two main recirculation arrangements.

• Full Recirculation with a Return Line: A dedicated return line creates a complete loop. Hot water travels through the supply piping, passes the fixtures, and returns to the NRCR Pro through a separate pipe. This setup is often found in newer homes or properties originally designed for recirculation. Both NRCR Pro models support loops up to 200 feet with 1/2-inch piping or up to 500 feet with 3/4-inch piping.
• Crossover Recirculation Without a Return Line: Many existing homes do not have a dedicated return pipe. Crossover Mode allows a compatible connection near a distant fixture to temporarily use the cold-water pipe as the return path. This can add recirculation without opening walls throughout the house to install another pipe. Larger homes may use Two Crossover Mode when the plumbing branches toward two separate areas.

A qualified plumber should review the plumbing layout and determine which arrangement will provide the best coverage.

What Are the Main Features of the NRCR Pro Tankless Water Heater?

These tankless water heaters are available in two capacities—the NRCR92 (165,000 BTU) and the NRCR111 (199,900 BTU). Both models share the same core features that drive performance, efficiency, and installation flexibility:

• Built-In Recirculation Pump: The pump is installed directly inside the unit, eliminating the need to select and mount a separate external pump. This saves you money on extra equipment and reduces installation time for your plumber.
• 98% Energy Efficiency: Both models capture heat from exhaust gases that traditional systems waste, operating at an industry-leading 0.98 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor). In real-world terms, nearly every dollar you spend on gas goes directly into heating your water to keep utility bills low.
• Smart Modulating Burner: The burner automatically adjusts its flame to match your actual water demand instead of running at full blast every time. It acts like cruise control on a highway, using only the precise amount of fuel needed whether you're washing a single spoon or running two showers.
• Steady-Temp Comfort Mode: Under low-demand conditions, the burner can drop its output below 5,000 BTUs to keep water temperatures consistent. This prevents the dreaded "cold water sandwich" effect, ensuring comfortable, steady heat even when tap usage is minimal.
• Smartphone App Control: The Noritz EZ Start Plus app gives you quick access to temperature settings, recirculation schedules, and diagnostic tools right from your phone via Bluetooth. You can easily set timers, so the pump isn't running while the family is away at work or school.
• Flexible Indoor or Outdoor Setup: Either model can be installed inside with approved venting or outdoors with the proper weather configuration. This gives you maximum flexibility, whether you're saving indoor utility space or swapping out an existing exterior unit.
• Natural Gas & Propane Ready: Units ship configured for natural gas and include a conversion kit for qualifying propane setups right in the box. Homeowners off the main gas grid won't have to order a separate model or pay extra for a conversion kit.
• 15-Year Warranty Protection: Qualifying residential installations include up to 15 years of coverage on the heat exchanger, 5 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. It offers long-term peace of mind, protecting your investment for over a decade.

Together, these features make the NRCR Pro more than just a standard tankless water heater with a pump added afterward. The recirculation system, burner controls, display, and scheduling functions are designed to work together.

Noritz NRCR92 vs. NRCR111

The NRCR92 and NRCR111 use the same cabinet size and include the same recirculation functions. Their biggest difference is output capacity.

What Are the Best Uses for the Noritz NRCR Pro Tankless Water Heaters?

The NRCR Pro water heater is most useful when a home needs both strong tankless performance and faster delivery to distant fixtures. Common applications include:

• Multi-Story Homes: Bathrooms on upper floors may be separated from the water heater by long vertical and horizontal pipe runs. Recirculation helps keep hot water closer to those upstairs fixtures.
• Homes With a Distant Primary Suite: A bathroom located on the opposite side of the house from the utility room can have a noticeable wait each morning. A properly designed recirculation loop can reduce that delay.
• Families With Predictable Routines: Recirculation can be scheduled around morning showers, evening baths, meal cleanup, or other regular periods of hot water use.
• Homes With an Existing Return Line: The integrated pump can connect to compatible return piping without requiring a separate primary recirculation pump.
• Existing Homes Without a Return Line: Crossover Mode can provide recirculation in many homes without adding a new return pipe through the walls.
• Homes Replacing a Large Gas Tank: The compact wall-mounted cabinet may free floor space while providing continuous hot water when correctly sized.
• Water-Conscious Households: Faster delivery can reduce the amount of usable water sent down the drain while waiting for a fixture to warm.

These use cases are not limited to very large homes. A moderately sized house can also benefit when the plumbing layout creates long waits at one or more frequently used fixtures.

How Do You Size a Noritz NRCR Pro?

Step 1: Calculate Your Required Temperature Rise

Sizing a tankless water heater comes down to two key factors: Temperature Rise and Peak Simultaneous Flow Rate (Gallons Per Minute / GPM).

While the NRCR's built-in recirculation pump speeds up how fast hot water reaches your faucets, it does not increase the total GPM capacity of the water heater. You must size the burner to handle your household's maximum simultaneous usage during cold weather.

Subtract your local incoming winter groundwater temperature from your desired hot water setpoint (typically 120°F):

• Desired Temperature (120°F) − Incoming Water Temp = Temperature Rise (ΔT)
• Example: In a region with 55°F winter groundwater, your required rise is 65°F (120 − 55 = 65).

Step 2: Estimate Your Peak Hot Water Demand

Add up the flow rates of the fixtures and appliances likely to run at the exact same time during peak hours:

• Shower: ~2.0 GPM
• Kitchen Sink: ~1.5 GPM
• Bathroom Sink: ~1.0 GPM
• Washing Machine: ~2.0 GPM
• Dishwasher: ~2.0 GPM
• Example Scenario: Running two showers simultaneously requires 4.0 GPM total demand.

Step 3: Match Demand to the NRCR Temperature-Rise Chart

Use the official Noritz NRCR flow rate chart to find your required temperature rise and pick the unit that meets or exceeds your peak GPM:

Selecting the right Noritz NRCR model comes down to matching your household's peak water usage with your local winter groundwater temperature. In general:

• Select the NRCR92 Pro if: You live in a moderate-to-warm climate, or if your peak demand in a cold climate won't exceed 2 simultaneous showers (~4.0–4.9 GPM).
• Select the NRCR111 Pro if: You live in a colder northern region, have deep soaker tubs or rain showerheads, or need the extra headroom to comfortably run 2 showers plus an additional fixture (like a kitchen sink or washing machine) at the same time.

By accurately matching your system size to your peak demand, you'll ensure a continuous supply of hot water without paying for more capacity than your home needs. You can also use Noritz's Sizing Calculator to help you get started.

What Installation Details Should Homeowners Consider?

Installing an NRCR Pro takes more than removing the old water heater and mounting the new one. Before work begins, a qualified installer should check the home's gas line, electrical connection, water pressure, venting path, condensate drain, and existing plumbing.

They will also need to decide how hot water will circulate through the home. Houses with a dedicated return line can use that existing plumbing. In many homes without one, a compatible crossover valve can create a return path through the cold-water line instead. The NRCR Pro can support up to two crossover valves, which may help in larger homes or layouts with fixtures far apart.

The venting setup will depend on the pipe size, route, number of turns, and where the vent exits the home. Noritz lists maximum vent lengths of 75 feet with 2-inch PVC, 150 feet with 3-inch PVC, and 65 feet with 4-inch venting, but elbows and other installation details may shorten those distances. The installer should follow the current Noritz installation manual when planning the final layout.

Accessories can also make the system easier to use and maintain. Isolation valves simplify future flushing and service, while crossover valves, outdoor vent kits, and wireless on-demand controls may be useful depending on the home and installation location.

Shop Noritz NRCR Pro Tankless Water Heaters at HVACDirect.com

The Noritz NRCR Pro Series is designed for homeowners who want efficient, continuous hot water and shorter waits at distant fixtures.

Choose the NRCR92DV for moderate simultaneous demand. Consider the NRCR111DV when the home has heavier overlapping use, colder incoming water, or a need for additional capacity.

HVACDirect.com's technical team can help review your winter incoming-water temperature, fixture demand, plumbing layout, and recirculation needs to determine which Noritz NRCR Pro model is appropriate for your home.

Noritz NRCR Pro Series FAQ

What is the difference between the NRCR92 and NRCR111?

The NRCR92 provides up to 9.2 GPM with a maximum input of 165,000 BTU. The NRCR111 provides up to 11.1 GPM with a maximum input of 199,900 BTU. Both include the same recirculation and control features.

Do I need a dedicated return line?

No, a dedicated return line supports full recirculation, but many homes without one can use Crossover Mode. Larger layouts may use a second crossover valve.

Does recirculation increase the water heater's GPM?

No, recirculation helps hot water reach fixtures faster. Temperature rise and simultaneous demand still determine how much hot water the unit can produce.

Can both NRCR Pro models be installed outdoors?

Yes, both support qualifying outdoor installation with the appropriate outdoor configuration, subject to climate, clearances, freeze protection, and local codes.

Can I control an NRCR Pro from my phone?

Both models work with the Noritz EZ Start Plus app through Bluetooth. Within range, users can manage pump timers, temperature settings, and system information.

What warranty comes with the NRCR Pro Series?

Qualifying residential installations include up to a 15-year heat exchanger warranty, five years on parts, and one year of reasonable labor coverage. Warranty terms depend on proper installation, application, and maintenance.