Navien Boiler Reviews: Costs, Pros & Cons

Navien boilers are known for their innovative South Korean engineering adapted for UK homes, offering efficient heating solutions for homeowners and landlords alike. This detailed guide covers models, pricing, performance, and more to help you assess if Navien fits your property’s needs.

Navien Boiler Reviews: At A Glance

Navien boilers emphasise advanced technology for high efficiency and robust hot water delivery, making them appealing for modern UK residences seeking reliable central heating. Here’s an overview table with key facts.

Aspect	Details
Founded	1978
Origin	South Korea (KD Navien; UK operations since 2014)
Awards	Shortlisted for H&V News Awards (LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler); recognised for innovation in condensing technology
Efficiency	Up to 93% (ErP A-rated), A+ with smart controls for enhanced energy savings
Boiler Types	Combi (NCB ON series, LCB700 oil), System (NCB system gas), Regular/Conventional (LCB700 regular oil)
Estimated Prices (Supply Only)	£630–£2,675 depending on type (gas combi from £630, oil combi up to £2,675)
Guarantee	2–12 years model-dependent; requires annual servicing and registration; extended with specific controls
Pros	Strong hot water flow for multiple outlets, compact design, low emissions for eco-friendliness, durable stainless steel components
Cons	Higher noise levels in some models, limited UK brand recognition potentially affecting installer availability, mixed customer support experiences
Maintenance and Servicing	Annual Gas Safe or OFTEC engineer servicing mandatory for guarantee validity; simple diagnostics via app integration; focus on clean fuel for optimal performance

Who Are Navien: A Brief Background

Navien, originally founded as KyungDong Machinery Co., Ltd. in 1978 in South Korea, pioneered Asia’s first condensing boiler in 1988, establishing itself as a leader in efficient heating technology. The company rebranded to KD Navien in 2006 and expanded to the UK in 2014, focusing on gas and oil boilers tailored for British homes. 

Now part of a global network, Navien prioritises sustainable solutions like low-NOx emissions and smart controls to meet evolving energy standards.

Are Navien Boilers Worth It?

Navien boilers are worth it if you value innovative features like consistent hot water supply and energy efficiency in a compact unit, particularly for properties with high demand. While they offer competitive performance, their lesser-known status in the UK might require weighing against more established brands for long-term support.

Pros and Cons of Navien Boilers

Pros:

• Impressive hot water flow rates, with models like NCB700 ON handling up to three showers simultaneously without fluctuations.
• High energy efficiency up to 93%, reducing fuel bills and supporting green home upgrades for landlords.
• Compact, lightweight design ideal for space-limited UK properties, easing installation.
• Advanced smart controls compatibility for remote management and weather forecasting to optimise usage.
• Robust build with stainless steel heat exchangers for longevity in varied water conditions.

Cons:

• Some users report higher operational noise, which could disturb quiet households.
• Potential for inconsistent customer service, as noted in a minority of reviews.
• Premium pricing for oil models may not suit budget-focused replacements.

Thinking about installation? Request a new boiler quote from Boilers 2 Go for expert advice on efficient systems.

How Efficient Are Navien Boilers?

Navien boilers are efficient with ratings up to 93% under ErP standards, achieving A class as standard and A+ when paired with multi-zone smart thermostats. This translates to lower carbon emissions and potential savings on heating costs, especially in well-insulated UK homes using features like flow adjustment valves.

Navien Boiler Range

Navien’s boiler range includes gas and oil options across combi, system, and regular types, designed for UK efficiency regulations with a focus on reliable performance and minimal environmental impact. These units incorporate condensing technology to maximise heat recovery from flue gases.

Navien Combi Boiler Range

Navien combi boilers provide instant heating and hot water from one unit, suitable for homes without space for cylinders. The NCB ON series features models like NCB300 (28kW, 37kW, 41kW), NCB500 ON (30kW), and NCB700 ON (up to 41kW), offering outputs for small to large properties with recirculation for quick hot water. 

Oil variants include the LCB700 Blue Flame (21kW–39kW internal/external), delivering low-NOx combustion for rural setups.

Navien System Boiler Range

Navien system boilers connect to external cylinders for stored hot water, ideal for properties with multiple bathrooms. The NCB system gas range (20kW–33kW) includes compact models with integrated pumps and expansion vessels, ensuring steady supply in medium-sized homes or rentals requiring consistent pressure.

Navien Conventional Boiler Range

Navien conventional boilers, or heat-only, work with tanks and cylinders for traditional vented systems in older UK buildings. The LCB700 regular oil series (21kW–36kW) provides reliable heating with blue flame technology for cleaner burns, suiting larger or off-grid properties where gas isn’t available.

Navien Boiler Most Popular Models

Navien’s most popular models stand out for their ability to handle demanding hot water needs while maintaining high efficiency, appealing to families and landlords. Favorites include combi options for versatility and oil models for non-gas areas. The table below showcases top picks with specs.

Model	Type	Output (kW)	Efficiency	Key Features
NCB700 ON	Combi Gas	Up to 41	93%	Three-shower capacity, smart recirculation, A+ with controls
NCB500 ON	Combi Gas	30	93%	Compact size, flow adjustment valve, quiet operation
NCB300 37kW	Combi Gas	37	93%	Dual stainless steel exchangers, easy integration
LCB700 28kW	Combi Oil	28	93%	Blue flame low-NOx, internal/external options

Navien Boiler Costs

Navien boiler costs vary by fuel type and output, with gas models offering affordability and oil variants higher due to specialised tech. Supply prices exclude installation (£500–£1,500 typical), but factor in long-term savings from efficiency. Below is a cost table for main ranges.

Range/Model	Type	Estimated Supply Cost (£)
NCB300 28–41kW	Combi Gas	630–815
NCB500 ON 30kW	Combi Gas	700–900
NCB700 ON	Combi Gas	800–1,000
NCB System 20–33kW	System Gas	600–785
LCB700 21–39kW Internal	Combi Oil	2,200–2,530
LCB700 21–39kW External	Combi Oil	2,370–2,675
LCB700 Regular 21–36kW	Conventional Oil	1,390–1,850

Navien Boiler Achievements and Industry Accolades

Navien has achieved accolades for its forward-thinking designs, including shortlisting in the H&V News Awards for the LCB700 Blue Flame oil boiler’s domestic heating innovation. The brand’s global recognition stems from pioneering condensing tech in Asia, with UK-specific praises for energy-efficient models meeting stringent standards.

Trustpilot Reviews for Navien Boilers

Trustpilot reviews for Navien boilers average 4.0/5 from 476 users, with many praising reliable performance and responsive engineers like Mathew Cundill for quick fixes. Homeowners highlight consistent heating, though a few note initial setup challenges; overall, 80%+ express satisfaction with efficiency and support.

Navien Boiler Guarantee: What You Can Expect

Navien boiler guarantees range from 2 to 12 years, covering parts and labour for manufacturing defects when registered within 30 days and serviced annually by qualified engineers. Extensions apply with add-ons like Smart Plus controllers, ensuring comprehensive protection for UK installations.

Are Navien Boilers Right For You?

Navien boilers are right for you if innovative tech and strong hot water capabilities align with your home’s demands. Consider these points to decide.

Choose Navien boilers if…

• Your property needs high-flow hot water for multiple bathrooms, like in larger family homes.
• You seek A-rated efficiency to lower bills and emissions as an eco-aware landlord.
• Compact, modern designs fit your space, with smart app control for convenience.
• Oil-fuelled options suit off-grid rural locations requiring durable performance.

Don’t choose Navien boilers if…

• You prefer widely recognised UK brands with extensive local support networks.
• Noise sensitivity is a concern, as some models operate louder.
• Budget limits favour cheaper entry-level gas boilers without advanced features.

Ready for a New Boiler Quote?

Enhance your home’s comfort efficiently—secure a new boiler quote from Boilers 2 Go now. Their team offers personalised recommendations to match your heating requirements and budget seamlessly.

FAQs

How Does Navien’s Blue Flame Technology Reduce Emissions?

Navien’s Blue Flame technology in oil boilers like the LCB700 achieves cleaner combustion by premixing air and fuel, cutting NOx emissions by up to 80% compared to standard burners for better air quality.

What Integration Options Do Navien Boilers Have with Renewables?

Navien boilers support hybrid setups with solar thermal systems via optional kits, allowing preheated water to enter the unit and further boost efficiency in sustainable UK homes.

Can Navien Boilers Accommodate Underfloor Heating Systems?

Yes, Navien’s NCB series works efficiently with underfloor heating due to low-temperature operation modes, providing even warmth while maintaining high condensing efficiency.

How Do Navien Boilers Handle Water Pressure Variations?

Navien models feature built-in pressure sensors and auto-filling loops to stabilise supply, preventing drops in performance during peak usage in multi-storey properties.

What Diagnostic Tools Are Available for Navien Boilers?

Navien’s app and onboard displays offer real-time error codes and usage stats, enabling proactive troubleshooting and remote alerts for timely maintenance.