Navien Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Mode: Your Ultimate Guide

Tired of turning on the shower and waiting… and waiting… for the water to get warm? We’ve all been there, watching perfectly good water—and money—go right down the drain. It’s one of the most common frustrations homeowners face, but what if I told you there’s a built-in solution that could end that wait for good?

I promise, you don’t have to live with that daily delay. Your Navien unit has a powerful feature designed to solve this exact problem. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the navien tankless water heater recirculation mode.

We’ll break down how it works, explore the different settings you can use, and show you step-by-step how to activate it. You’ll learn how to get instant hot water, save a surprising amount on your utility bills, and troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way. Let’s get that hot water flowing!

What Exactly Is Recirculation Mode? A Simple Breakdown

Think of the plumbing in your house as a one-way street. When you turn on a hot water tap, your Navien tankless heater fires up and sends hot water on a journey through the pipes to your faucet. The cold water that was sitting in those pipes has to be pushed out first—that’s the wait you experience.

The navien tankless water heater recirculation mode changes that one-way street into a loop. It uses a small pump to slowly and periodically circulate hot water through your pipes, keeping them warm. When you turn on the tap, hot water is already there, ready to go.

It’s a simple concept with a huge impact on your daily comfort. Instead of a fresh start every time, the system keeps the hot water line primed and ready for action, just like a runner at the starting block.

The Magic Behind the Scenes: The Recirculation Pump

This whole process is made possible by a recirculation pump. On many Navien NPE-A2 series models, this pump is built right into the unit (this is called internal recirculation). For other models, or homes with a dedicated return line, an external pump kit (like the NaviCirc™) can be installed.

This pump is the heart of the system. It’s what gently pushes the water through the loop, ensuring the pipes stay warm enough to deliver hot water almost instantly. It’s a small component that makes a world of difference.

The Big Payoff: Benefits of Navien Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Mode

Activating this feature isn’t just a neat trick; it’s a genuine upgrade to your home’s comfort and efficiency. Let’s look at the tangible benefits you’ll enjoy.

Instant Hot Water: This is the number one reason people love recirculation. No more shivering while you wait for the shower to heat up. Hot water is available within seconds, not minutes.
Significant Water Savings: A typical family can waste thousands of gallons of water per year just waiting for it to get hot. Recirculation nearly eliminates that waste, which is great for your wallet and the planet. This is a core part of a sustainable navien tankless water heater recirculation mode strategy.
Lower Energy Bills: It might sound counterintuitive—doesn’t circulating water use energy? Yes, but it’s far more efficient than firing the heater at full blast multiple times a day to heat long runs of cold pipes. The “intelligent” mode learns your habits to minimize energy use.
Increased Home Comfort and Convenience: It’s a quality-of-life improvement. Washing your hands, doing dishes, or starting a load of laundry becomes quicker and more pleasant.

How to Set Up Your Navien Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty—figuratively, of course! Activating the recirculation mode is surprisingly straightforward on most Navien models. We’ll walk through the common steps. Disclaimer: Always consult your specific model’s user manual, as button layouts can vary.

Step 1: Access the Main Menu

Your Navien unit has a control panel on the front. To get started, you’ll typically need to press the Menu button (it often looks like three horizontal lines) to enter the settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Recirculation Settings

Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the menu options. You are looking for a setting labeled “Recirculation” or something similar. Once you find it, press the “OK” or “Set” button to enter that submenu.

Step 3: Choose Your Recirculation Mode

This is where you’ll find the real power of the system. Navien typically offers a few options. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll likely see:

Always On (External Mode): This mode runs the recirculation pump 24/7. It provides the most immediate hot water but also uses the most energy. It’s generally recommended only for commercial applications or specific plumbing setups with an external pump and aquastat.
Intelligent Preheating Mode (Internal Mode): This is the “smart” mode and one of the best navien tankless water heater recirculation mode tips we can offer. The unit learns your hot water usage patterns over a week. If you always shower at 7 AM, it will learn to start recirculating a little before then. This provides comfort while maximizing energy savings. It’s the set-it-and-forget-it option.
Scheduled Mode (Internal Mode): This mode gives you full control. You can program specific times and days for the recirculation to run. For example, you can set it to run from 6 AM to 9 AM on weekdays and turn off completely when no one is home. This is a fantastic way to create an eco-friendly navien tankless water heater recirculation mode.

Step 4: Confirm and Save Your Settings

Once you’ve selected your preferred mode (we highly recommend starting with “Intelligent Preheating”), press the “OK” or “Set” button to save your choice. The system will now operate according to your selection. That’s it! You’ve just activated instant hot water.

Choosing Your Recirculation Style: Internal vs. External Mode

When looking at a navien tankless water heater recirculation mode guide, you’ll see references to “internal” and “external” modes. Understanding the difference is key to getting the most out of your system.

Internal Recirculation (NPE-A2 Models)

This is the simplest setup. Navien’s Advanced (NPE-A2) models have the recirculation pump and buffer tank built right in. This system works by using your existing cold water line as the return loop for the hot water.

How it works: A special valve (the NaviCirc™ valve) is installed under the sink farthest from the water heater. It creates a crossover that allows the pump in the heater to push hot water down the hot line and send the cooled-off water back to the heater through the cold line.
Best for: Most standard homes without a dedicated recirculation line. It’s a brilliant retrofitting solution.

External Recirculation (All NPE Models)

This setup is used in homes that were built with a dedicated “return” pipe that runs from the farthest fixture back to the water heater, creating a true plumbing loop. It can also be used with an external pump kit.

How it works: The water heater pushes hot water through the hot line, and any unused, cooled water travels back to the heater through the separate return line to be reheated.
Best for: New construction or homes that already have a dedicated return line installed. This is the most efficient method of recirculation.

Common Problems with Navien Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Mode (And How to Fix Them)

While Navien’s system is incredibly reliable, you might occasionally run into a snag. Don’t worry—most issues are simple to solve. Here are a few common problems and how to tackle them.

Problem: The “Cold Water Sandwich”

You turn on the tap, get a blast of hot water, then it briefly turns cold before getting hot again. This happens when the recirculated hot water is used up, and the heater has to fire up to heat the new, incoming cold water.

The Fix: This is more common with internal recirculation. You can often minimize this by adjusting the recirculation temperature settings or ensuring the NaviCirc™ valve is properly installed. If it persists, a small buffer tank can sometimes be added by a professional to smooth out the temperature.

Problem: Recirculation Doesn’t Seem to Be Working

You’ve set the mode, but you’re still waiting for hot water. What gives?

The Fix (DIY Checks): First, double-check your settings on the control panel. Did you save the changes correctly? Is it set to a schedule that is currently “off”? Second, check for any error codes on the display.
When to Call a Pro: If the settings are correct and there are no error codes, the issue could be with the pump itself, a sensor, or a blockage in the line. This is the time to call a licensed Navien technician.

Problem: Higher Than Expected Energy Bill

You notice your gas or electric bill has jumped since activating recirculation.

The Fix: This almost always happens when using the “Always On” mode. Switch to “Intelligent Preheating” or a custom “Scheduled Mode.” This is one of the most important navien tankless water heater recirculation mode best practices. By only running the pump when you need it, you’ll find the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency.

Best Practices for a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly System

Your Navien water heater is already an energy-efficient appliance. By using the recirculation mode smartly, you can make it even better. Here’s your navien tankless water heater recirculation mode care guide for maximum sustainability.

Embrace the “Intelligent” Mode: For 90% of households, this is the most eco-friendly option. It does the work for you, ensuring the system only runs when it predicts you’ll need it.
Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes: This is a huge, often-overlooked tip. By wrapping your hot water pipes in foam insulation, you reduce heat loss. This means the water in the loop stays hotter for longer, so the recirculation pump and heater have to work less.
Set a Smart Schedule: If your family has a very predictable routine, use the “Scheduled Mode.” There’s no need to circulate hot water at 2 AM if everyone is asleep. Program it to turn off during work/school hours and overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navien Tankless Water Heater Recirculation Mode

Does recirculation mode use a lot of electricity?

The recirculation pump itself uses very little electricity, similar to a small light bulb. The main energy consumption comes from the gas or electricity used to keep the water warm. By using the “Intelligent” or “Scheduled” modes instead of “Always On,” you can keep this energy use to an absolute minimum while still enjoying the benefits.

Can I use recirculation mode if I have a water softener?

Yes, absolutely! A water softener is installed on the main water line before it gets to your water heater. It will not interfere with the recirculation process at all. In fact, softened water is better for your tankless heater in the long run, preventing scale buildup.

How long does it take for the “Intelligent” mode to learn my schedule?

The Intelligent Preheating mode typically takes about one week to learn your family’s hot water usage patterns. During this initial learning period, it may run more often. Be patient, and after a week, it will settle into an efficient, customized schedule.

Do I need a plumber to set up the recirculation mode?

For activating the settings on the control panel, you do not need a plumber. The steps outlined in our how to navien tankless water heater recirculation mode section can be done by any homeowner. However, if your system requires the installation of an external pump or the NaviCirc™ valve for an internal system, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed plumber or certified Navien technician to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.

There you have it—a complete look into one of your Navien’s best features. By activating and optimizing the recirculation mode, you’re not just getting instant hot water; you’re creating a more comfortable, efficient, and sustainable home.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the settings to find what works best for your family’s routine. You’ve got the knowledge now to make a real difference. Stay safe and enjoy that instant hot water!

Author
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David Clark

Founder & Lead HVAC Specialist at HVACRLY

David Clark is the founder of HVACrly and a certified HVAC specialist with 10+ years working on residential and light-commercial systems. He turns complex heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration topics into clear, actionable guides focused on safety and energy efficiency. When he’s not on a service call, he’s testing tools and writing step-by-step tutorials.