A complete NTI boiler buying guide and brand review, including NTI’s top models, AFUE ratings, features, model comparisons, warranty info, and more.
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Buying a new boiler for your home can be a tough decision. It’s a big investment, and there are a lot of factors to consider and numerous brands and models to choose from.
When the time comes to upgrade your boiler, NTI is a quality Canadian brand that has multiple styles and models available. This guide will provide an in-depth review of the NTI brand, the models they have, what interesting features you might want to look for, price ranges, and warranty terms.
For homeowners looking for a new NTI boiler, this guide will go over everything you need to know to make an informed decision about a heating system that will match your budget, comfort needs, and more.
Also Read: The Best Boilers for Canadians
An Overview of the NTI Brand
Strong Points
There are plenty of things that are great about NTI as a brand. For one thing, all of their boilers are high efficiency and ENERGY STAR® certified, so not only will you save on monthly bills, but you also might qualify for certain rebates.
Furthermore, all of their boilers are designed with convenience and ease in mind. That means they’re easy to install (which could save you on labour costs), quick to setup, simple to maintain, and a breeze to program and control. All of their units are equipped with a programmable touchscreen display, and some also have Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control.
While NTI boilers are all gas boilers, the company has propane conversion kits available for Canadians living in places with no gas hookup.
Finally, NTI also has a great selection of boilers, and consumers looking at this brand will get to choose from every type of boiler there is, including conventional, combi, condensing, and condensing combi.
Room for Improvement
One of the things about NTI is that they don’t beef up their boilers with new features or technologies. They use specially designed heat exchangers in just about every model, and a couple models have Wi-Fi connectivity, but beyond that the brand just doesn’t put any emphasis on tech. To be fair, most boiler brands don’t, but NTI isn’t leading the pack in this regard either.
Another thing about NTI is that their basic warranty terms are standard or even short compared to some other brands. While their extended warranty is decent—and they give you plenty of time to register—if you do fail to register then you’ll only be eligible for a five-year parts warranty (including the pressure vessel).
The Bottom Line
NTI boilers are dependable, high-quality, and long-lasting, and many consumers love that they’re designed and manufactured in Canada. NTI has plenty of boiler models and styles to choose from at a range of prices, so there’s guaranteed to be something to suit every home and every homeowner.
Another great thing about NTI is their focus on efficiency and easy installation and maintenance, because these will translate to excellent cost-savings over the years. But most importantly, an NTI boiler should keep your family warm and comfortable for many years, regardless of what winter throws at you.
NTI Average Boiler Price Range
$3,000 – $5,000+ (including installation)
It’s not possible to give an accurate quote about the price of a potential boiler purchase without knowing the specifics of the project, and that’s simply because there are so many things that can impact the price.
Take installation for example. The cost to install a new boiler typically starts around $1,000 or more, based on things like the type of boiler, the make, model, and size, the number of zones, and the layout and infrastructure of your home. You can see why it would be impossible to give an accurate quote when the cost of installation alone can vary so much.
Beyond that, the price of the boiler will also depend on the make and model, size and capacity, efficiency rating, boiler type, additional features, and more.
The good news is that you might be able to save money on your boiler through rebates from the government, a utility company, the manufacturer, or your local HVAC distributor. Rebates are made available throughout the year from these sources, especially for high-efficiency boilers.
NTI Boiler Options Reviewed
Conventional Boilers
NTI has a couple conventional heat-only boilers to choose from, including the Lx and Vmax series boilers. Conventional boilers can be more expensive than combi boilers because of their size and capacity, but they also tend to be less efficient.
NTI’s conventional boilers aren’t quite as efficient as their condensing models, but they still have quality components, good efficiency ratings, ENERGY STAR certification, and good turndown ratios.
Condensing Boilers
Along with offering conventional boilers, NTI also has a number of condensing boilers that trap water vapour in the exhaust gases and recycle it for more efficient heating and less energy loss.
NTI’s condensing boilers include the TFT and FTV series models, and select models from the FTVN, Tx, and TRX series (the others in those series are condensing combi boilers). Condensing boilers are generally more sophisticated and more efficient than conventional ones, and that is true of NTI’s models.
Combi Boilers
NTI only has one series that features combi boilers, and that’s the Vmax Plus series. Combi boilers combine the function of a boiler system and water heater in one, so the Vmax Plus boilers can heat your home and provide all the domestic hot water you need for daily activities like cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Condensing Combi Boilers
Condensing combi boilers are among the most sophisticated boilers on the market because not only are they high-efficiency condensing boilers, but they also provide domestic hot water. NTI has a great selection of these, including the FTV Combi and Tx Combi models, as well as select models from the FTVN and TRX series.
One of the great things about NTI’s condensing combi boilers is they give priority to the hot water function, so you’ll never have to worry about your heating system using up all the resources when your hot water demands increase.
Comparison of NTI’s Top Models
Below we’ll compare and review NTI’s boiler models, including their features and specifications.
FTVN Series
The FTVN series boilers are available in condensing and condensing combi models. Most of the models have an efficiency rating of 95 percent, but one model is rated at a 96 percent AFUE. These are wall-hung boilers that have quick connect components for faster installation, which could save you on initial labour costs. The pumps are equipped with sophisticated ECM motors that are more efficient and can save energy by varying their speed based on demand. FTVN series boilers also boast a 10:1 turndown ratio, durable stainless steel heat exchangers, and Wi-Fi compatibility so you can operate and monitor the system remotely.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 96 percent
Boiler type: Condensing and condensing combi models
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 79,000 to 184,000 BTUs
Number of models: Seven
What’s good: These are extremely efficient condensing/combi gas boilers that have a great turndown ratio, Wi-Fi connectivity, durable and advanced components, and easy installation.
TRX Series
The TRX series boilers are similar to the FTVN models in that they’re wall-hung boilers that come in both condensing and condensing combi versions. The top-performing model in the series has an AFUE rating of 96 percent and a turndown ratio of 11:1, which will translate to excellent energy savings. The boilers are equipped with NTI’s special XTRATECH stainless steel heat exchanger, ECM pump motors, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operation and monitoring. Like the FTVN models, the TRX models also have the quick connectors for faster installation, plus an additional swing-down control box that makes maintenance a breeze.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 96 percent
Boiler type: Condensing and condensing combi models
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 79,000 to 184, 000
Number of models: Seven
What’s good: These are high-efficiency gas boilers in both condensing and condensing combi styles, and that have been designed for easy installation, fast maintenance, and convenient remote Wi-Fi control.
TFT Series
TFT condensing boilers come in a wide range of sizes and capacities, and while the smaller ones are ideal for residential, the larger boilers are even suitable for light commercial applications. These wall-hung models feature stainless steel heat exchangers, internal piping, and venting for improved reliability, durability, and ease of installation. Installation is further made simpler thanks to the multiple venting material options and water connections on the top and bottom of the unit. Finally, TFT series boilers have an intuitive ifLEX touchscreen display that makes programming settings fast and easy.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 95.4 percent
Boiler type: Condensing
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 56,000 to 380,000 BTUs
Number of models: Eight
What’s good: Excellent and high-quality boilers with good efficiency ratings, flexible installation options, and a wide array of sizes and capacities for residential or light commercial space heating.
Lx Series
Lx series boilers are conventional boilers that are suitable for both residential and light commercial space heating. They are floor mounted boilers, but up to a certain size they can also be wall-hung for more flexible installation. These models have a turndown ratio of 8:1 and an AFUE rating as high as 94 percent. The easy to clean stainless steel heat exchanger is durable and reliable, and these boilers have plenty of features that make installation and maintenance easier. Controlling and monitoring the system is also simple thanks to the large touchscreen display.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 94 percent
Boiler type: Conventional
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 150,000 to 800,000 BTUs
Number of models: Seven
What’s good: Conventional boilers with good efficiency ratings and plenty of models to choose from with a wide range of capacities that can accommodate residential and light commercial spaces.
Vmax and Vmax Plus Series
The Vmax series boilers are conventional boilers, and the Vmax Plus are combi boilers. All of the boilers in these series have 95 percent AFUE ratings, turndown ratios of 95 percent, and overall excellent performance. This is thanks to the down-fired fire tube stainless steel heat exchanger and other quality components. Like other NTI boilers, the Vmax and Vmax Plus models were designed with easy installation and maintenance in mind, so they have quick-connect parts, universal vent connections, integrated and dedicated parts for connections, multiple options for piping materials, and more. And for your convenience, these models have an easy to program display that can also provide service reminders and error histories.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 95 percent
Boiler type: Conventional and combi
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available:
Number of models:
What’s good: High-efficiency heat-only or heat and hot water boilers that will save energy, save money, and perform reliably for many years while also offering fast and easy installation and service.
FTV and FTV Combi Series
There are six models in this series: three condensing heat-only boilers and three condensing combi boilers, and they all boast AFUE ratings of 95 percent. Like other NTI boilers, these models have been designed for fast installation and easy service, so you could save on energy costs as well as labour costs when your system needs maintenance. These models are equipped with NTI’s special vertical fire tube heat exchanger, which features a dimpled design for increased efficiency and longevity. Other great features include the outdoor reset sensor, programmable display, and high-energy spark ignition for reliable ignition every time.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 95 percent
Boiler type: Condensing and condensing combi models
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 110,000 to 190,000 BTUs
Number of models: Six
What’s good: These are all high-efficiency boilers that deliver cost-effective performance for space heating and heat and hot water, and they’re easy to use, install, and service.
Tx and Tx Combi Series
The Tx series boilers are high-efficiency, heat-only, condensing gas boilers with AFUE ratings of 94 percent. The Tx Combi boilers are high-efficiency, condensing combi gas boilers with AFUE ratings of 95 percent. All the models are equipped with an easy-to-use programmable display, quick-connect components, universal vent connections, an easy-maintenance heat exchanger, and more. The Tx and Tx Combi models also promise fast installation and easy service, which means lower labour costs when it comes time for maintenance and repairs.
Boiler Stats
AFUE: 94 and 95 percent
Boiler type: Condensing and condensing combi
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 57,000 199,000 BTUs
Number of models: Seven
What’s good: The condensing models offer good efficiency and reliable performance, and the combi models are trustworthy boilers that provide all your heating and hot water needs while also giving priority to your domestic hot water demands.
Recently Discontinued NTI Boilers
Boilers that have been discontinued might still be available through the manufacturer or a local HVAC distributor. These models have likely been discontinued because they’ve been updated and renamed, or replaced by more advanced models. Check with your local HVAC dealer to inquire about stock.
Discontinued T Series Boiler Stats
AFUE: 91.9 percent
Boiler type: Conventional and combi
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 47,500 to 188,000 BTUs
What’s good: A very basic boiler system with a decent efficiency rating that’s available as a conventional boiler, but that’s also available as a combi boiler model that can provide hot water and heat.
Discontinued Ti Series Boiler Stats
AFUE: 93.5 percent
Boiler type: Conventional and combi
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Sizes available: 84,000 to 181,000 BTUs
What’s good: Has an energy-saving feature that reduces the water temperature as your heating demands decrease; two models are available: the conventional model and the combi model.
NTI Exclusive Features
Feature 1 – ifLEX interface
The ifLEX interface is a proprietary touchscreen display that gives you excellent insights into the operation of your boiler system. Along with enabling you to easily program and manage system and comfort settings, the ifLEX interface can also help you diagnose problems, give you error histories, provide service reminders, and help you manage performance.
Feature 2 – Proprietary Heat Exchangers
NTI doesn’t rely on any old heat exchangers to power their boilers. Instead, they use specially designed heat exchangers with unique features that improve longevity, reliability, and performance.
For example, the TRX series boilers are equipped with an innovative stainless steel heat exchanger called XTRATECH®, which features large diameter tubing. Other models have NTI’s vertical fire tube heat exchanger, which has a dimpled design that makes for more efficient performance, optimized heat transfer, and less degradation.
Feature 3 – Wi-Fi Connectivity
Several NTI boiler models are Wi-Fi compatible, which means they can be operated remotely. Not only does this make it easier for you to manage comfort and performance settings on the go, but it can also facilitate maintenance and repairs, which could increase the lifespan and efficiency of your boiler.
NTI’s Boiler Warranty
It’s always a good idea to consider what kind of warranty a boiler comes with before you commit to installing it. The main reason is that a long warranty can save you a lot more in repair and maintenance costs than a shorter one.
Moreover, a long warranty is a good indication that the manufacturer stands by their products. When a boiler is guaranteed for 10 years or more, it’s because the manufacturer expects it to last at least that long without any major problems.
NTI warranties are pretty good for the boiler market. When you buy an NTI boiler and register it within six months of installation, this is what the warranty terms offer:
- A five-year warranty for all parts
- A 10-Year warranty for the pressure vessel
- 20 percent coverage on the pressure vessel from year 11 and beyond
If you don’t register, however, then the basic warranty only covers parts and the pressure vessel for five years.
NTI: ABOUT THE COMPANY
Not only does NTI have more than 50 years of experience in the HVAC industry, but they also design and manufacture all their boilers in Saint John, New Brunswick. They focus their efforts on manufacturing high-quality gas boilers that will keep Canadian homes warm during the coldest winters, but they also make sure their systems are high-efficiency so that staying warm doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
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