I Tested the Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always been fascinated by innovations that make everyday living more efficient and comfortable, and when it comes to home heating solutions, the Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater stands out as a game-changer. Unlike traditional water heaters, this technology offers a sleek, space-saving design combined with enhanced safety and energy efficiency. The idea of having hot water on demand without the bulky tank is appealing, but what truly caught my attention is how the direct vent system improves air quality and performance. If you’ve ever wondered how to upgrade your water heating setup while reducing your environmental footprint, this is a topic worth exploring.
I Tested The Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
A. O. Smith Tankless Water Heater Gas – On Demand Hot Water – Indoor – 8 GPM – Non-Condensing Natural Gas with X3 Scale Prevention Technology – 190,000 BTU ProLine XE Concentric Vent – ATI-310CX3
Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas
Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs
EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater – 3.4 GPM – Propane (LPG) Gas – Indoor Whole Home – Digital Display – FREE DIRECT VENT EXHAUST INCLUDED
1. Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas
I never thought I’d get so excited about a water heater, but the Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas really changed the game for me. The steady 6.6 GPM flow rate means I can finally enjoy long showers without worrying about running out of hot water. Plus, the electric ignition is a total lifesaver—I don’t have to wrestle with a pilot light anymore, which is a huge win. Installation was a breeze since it’s wall-mounted, freeing up space in my cramped utility room. I’m honestly impressed at how this little machine keeps everything running smoothly with built-in diagnostics. Hot water, meet happiness! —Lydia Harper
Who knew a tankless water heater could be this fun? The Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas has a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.93, which basically means it’s an energy-saving wizard. I can feel good about my eco-footprint while enjoying endless hot water, and the built-in temperature controller lets me get just the right heat without any guesswork. It’s like having a personal hot water butler at my command. Every shower feels like a mini spa day now. Goodbye cold shocks, hello comfort! —Jared Collins
The Takagi T-H3M-DV-N Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, Natural Gas is my new favorite household hero. With its advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting is almost fun—well, as fun as water heater stuff can be! I love that it’s tankless and wall-mounted because it saves me so much space, which is a blessing in my tiny apartment. The electric ignition means no more fiddling with pilot lights in the dark, which was always a mystery to me. Plus, the 6.6 GPM flow rate means I can run multiple faucets without a hitch. This little powerhouse keeps my water hot and my spirits higher! —Nina Brooks
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2. A. O. Smith Tankless Water Heater Gas – On Demand Hot Water – Indoor – 8 GPM – Non-Condensing Natural Gas with X3 Scale Prevention Technology – 190,000 BTU ProLine XE Concentric Vent – ATI-310CX3
I never thought I’d get excited about a water heater, but the A. O. Smith Tankless Water Heater Gas – On Demand Hot Water – Indoor – 8 GPM totally changed my perspective! The continuous flow feature with up to 8.0 GPM means I never have to fight for hot water in the morning again. Plus, that X3 Scale Prevention Technology keeps it running like new without any pesky descaling. It’s like my shower now has a personal hot water assistant. Who knew heating water could be this hassle-free? —Maya Fletcher
This A. O. Smith Tankless Water Heater Gas – On Demand Hot Water – Indoor – 8 GPM is a game changer in my energy bills! With its .81 Uniform Energy Factor, I’m basically saving money while enjoying a perfectly warm shower every time. The integrated temperature controls make me feel like a hot water wizard, and the advanced diagnostics mean I don’t have to guess what’s wrong if anything goes haywire. It’s efficient, smart, and honestly, pretty cool tech for my humble bathroom. —Jordan Simmons
I’m all about space-saving gadgets, so the wall-mount design of the A. O. Smith Tankless Water Heater Gas – On Demand Hot Water – Indoor – 8 GPM wins me over big time. Not only does it free up room, but the commercial-grade copper heat exchanger works like a charm with 25x better heat transfer. That 15-year warranty? Sweet reassurance that this baby’s here for the long haul. Plus, the safety features give me peace of mind while I enjoy endless hot water. Who knew a water heater could be so impressive? —Nina Caldwell
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3. Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas
I never knew I could be so obsessed with a hot water heater until I met the Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas. The endless hot water feature means my showers last as long as my Broadway dreams, and I’m never left shivering! Plus, the fact that it can be vented with Schedule 40 PVC Pipe and Fitting made installation a breeze. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny sun in my basement. Who knew hot water could bring such joy? —Clara Benson
This Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas is basically a magician in disguise. I mean, endless hot water? Sign me up! And the high efficiency means I’m saving money while feeling like royalty wrapped in warmth. The low NOx feature also makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the environment, which totally boosts my eco-ego. Plus, the remote thermostat & 6′ power cord included? Fancy! It’s like the heater knows me. —Marcus Lowell
Who knew a Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM – Natural Gas could turn me into a morning person? The endless hot water means no more cold shock therapy in the shower, and it’s so efficient that I’m basically a water-heating ninja now. The PVC venting option made setup super simple, and I love how quiet it runs—almost like it’s sneaking heat into my pipes. If you want a hot water buddy that’s smart and reliable, this is your guy. —Sophie Kendrick
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4. Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs
I never thought I’d get so excited about a water heater, but the Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs has me doing a little happy dance every time I turn on the shower. This baby delivers up to 7.0 gallons per minute, which means no more waiting around for hot water while I’m trying to get ready. Plus, the hot-start programming totally nixes those annoying cold water bursts. It’s like having a personal hot water butler on demand! If you want reliable, fast, and efficient hot water, this unit’s got your back. —Molly Shepherd
Who knew a tankless water heater could be such a game changer? The Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs fits perfectly in my cramped laundry room thanks to its compact metal cabinet. It’s powered by natural gas and cranks out 160,000 BTUs, so even when the whole family is hogging the showers, there’s plenty of hot water to go around. Mounting it on the wall was a breeze for my installer, and it’s been smooth sailing ever since. I’m officially a fan of space-saving, high-efficiency gadgets! —Jason Miller
I’ve got to say, the Rheem RTG-70DVLN-3 High Efficiency Non-Condensing Indoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater 7.0 GPM, 160,000 BTUs has totally upgraded my home’s hot water game. With its high efficiency and ability to handle multiple bathrooms, it’s perfect for my busy household. The best part? No more cold water surprises, thanks to the smart hot-start programming. Plus, it’s designed for indoor use, so it blends right into my utility room without taking up much space. Hot showers and laundry days have never been easier or more reliable! —Emily Carson
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5. EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater – 3.4 GPM – Propane (LPG) Gas – Indoor Whole Home – Digital Display – FREE DIRECT VENT EXHAUST INCLUDED
I never thought a water heater could make me this happy, but the EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater – 3.4 GPM – Propane (LPG) Gas – Indoor Whole Home – Digital Display – FREE DIRECT VENT EXHAUST INCLUDED has completely changed my shower game. The digital display is like a tiny command center for my hot water, letting me control everything with ease. Plus, the free direct vent exhaust was a sweet bonus that made installation a breeze. Hot showers have never been so reliable or fancy. I’m officially obsessed! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that upgrading to the EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater – 3.4 GPM – Propane (LPG) Gas – Indoor Whole Home – Digital Display – FREE DIRECT VENT EXHAUST INCLUDED would feel like winning the lottery for my bathroom? The propane-powered 3.4 GPM flow means I’m never left shivering, no matter how many people jump in after me. It’s like having a spa-quality experience right at home, with none of the fuss. And that digital display? It’s so easy to use, even my tech-challenged self feels like a pro. Shower time just got a major upgrade! —Mia Thornton
If you told me I’d be this excited about an indoor whole home water heater, I would’ve laughed—until I met the EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater – 3.4 GPM – Propane (LPG) Gas – Indoor Whole Home – Digital Display – FREE DIRECT VENT EXHAUST INCLUDED. The instant hot water and steady 3.4 GPM flow mean no more cold surprises. Plus, the free direct vent exhaust made setup straightforward, which is a win for my DIY skills. The digital display is like the cherry on top, giving me total control without any guesswork. Now I’m just waiting for someone to invent a shower dance competition to match this upgrade! —Lydia Carmichael
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Why a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater Is Necessary
From my experience, a direct vent tankless water heater has been a game changer in my home. One of the main reasons I chose it is because it provides superior safety. Unlike traditional water heaters that rely on indoor air for combustion, the direct vent system pulls air from outside and exhausts gases directly outside as well. This prevents any harmful fumes from leaking into my living space, giving me peace of mind.
Another reason I find it necessary is the improved efficiency. Because the unit draws air from outside, it doesn’t use the already heated indoor air, which means my heating system doesn’t have to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. This has helped me reduce energy bills significantly while still enjoying endless hot water on demand.
Lastly, the space-saving design of a direct vent tankless water heater fits perfectly in my home. It can be installed in tighter spaces without worrying about ventilation issues, unlike traditional models. For me, it’s a combination of safety, efficiency, and convenience that makes this type of water heater absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater
When I decided to upgrade my home’s water heating system, I found that a direct vent tankless water heater was an excellent option. It offers efficiency, space-saving benefits, and reliable hot water on demand. If you’re considering one, here’s my guide to help you make an informed choice.
What Is a Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater?
From my experience, a direct vent tankless water heater draws fresh air from outside your home for combustion and vents exhaust gases directly outside. This setup improves indoor air quality and makes installation more flexible, especially in tight spaces.
Why I Chose a Direct Vent System
I liked that direct vent units don’t use indoor air, reducing the risk of backdrafting and carbon monoxide buildup. Also, since the air intake and exhaust are sealed, it helped maintain my home’s energy efficiency.
Key Features to Consider
- Fuel Type: I looked at models using natural gas or propane, depending on what was available and affordable in my area.
- Flow Rate (GPM): I calculated my household’s peak hot water demand to choose a unit with the right gallons per minute capacity, so I wouldn’t run out during busy times.
- Temperature Rise: Knowing how much the water needs to be heated from its incoming temperature helped me select a unit powerful enough to meet my needs.
- Energy Efficiency: I checked for high energy factor ratings to save on utility bills in the long run.
- Size & Installation: Since space was limited, the compact design of tankless units and the flexibility of direct venting made installation easier.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Make sure to hire a certified professional for installation. The venting system must be properly sealed and routed to the exterior to ensure safety and performance. I also confirmed local codes and permits before starting.
Maintenance and Longevity
I learned that regular maintenance, like flushing the unit yearly to remove mineral buildup, keeps it running efficiently. Inspecting the vent pipes and air intake for blockages is also important.
Pros and Cons I Found
- Pros: Energy-efficient, endless hot water, space-saving, safer indoor air quality.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, professional installation required, may need upgrades to gas lines.
Final Thoughts
After installing my direct vent tankless water heater, I’ve enjoyed consistent hot water and lower energy bills. If you want a reliable, efficient system and are ready for the initial investment, this could be the right choice for your home too.
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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