Kyungdong Navien Launches Navien Condensing ON AI... From Boiler to Water Heater Appliance

Paradigm Shift from 'Heating Equipment' to 'Hot Water Appliances' Aligned with Customer Lifestyle Changes
Evolving through Wireless Firmware Updates via AI, Opening the Era of Boiler Home Appliances

Navien Condensing ON AI product promotional shot.
[Photo by Kyungdong Navien]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Kyungdong Navien has announced a paradigm shift in the boiler market with the launch of its new condensing boiler product and the beginning of a new water heating appliance, the 'Navien Condensing ON AI.'

The newly released Navien Condensing ON AI is a product that expands the scope of boilers, traditionally recognized as heating equipment, by adapting to customers' lifestyles. With enhanced insulation performance of buildings and the use of individual heating devices such as heated mats, the primary use of boilers for heating has gradually decreased. On the other hand, reflecting the fact that the hot water function is used more frequently throughout the year for a refreshing day, it has been transformed into a customized appliance that provides customers with optimal hot water as well as heating.

Kyungdong Navien combined condensing technology with hot water technology. The product name incorporates two meanings of "ON": '온 (溫)' meaning warm water, and 'ON' symbolizing the start of a new boiler era, along with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, encapsulating the new direction Kyungdong Navien aims to pursue.

The hot water performance has been significantly improved compared to conventional boilers. It breaks the conventional notion of inconveniences such as waiting for cold water to come out of the pipes after turning on the water or temperature fluctuations when using water simultaneously in multiple places. By implementing abundant flow and consistent temperature control, quick hot water usage is possible. The boiler selection criteria have also shifted from heating capacity to the number of bathrooms, allowing customers to intuitively choose based on hot water usage.

The Hot Water Ready system, which helps provide quick hot water, only requires pressing a quick button before use. The boiler automatically warms the water in the pipes connected to water outlets such as showers, enabling use within 10 seconds after turning on the faucet. This reduces hot water usage waiting time by up to 93% compared to existing boilers. Additionally, the amount of water wasted while waiting for the right temperature can be reduced by up to 94%. Furthermore, by applying a turbo pump, the amount of hot water increases by about 6 liters during a 10-minute shower, allowing abundant hot water use. The mixing valve maintains a consistent hot water temperature, which is another advantage of the Navien Condensing ON AI.

Another major differentiator from existing boilers is the industry's first application of wireless firmware updates (FOTA, Firmware Over The Air), allowing the product to continuously evolve. Unlike previous products that had to be used with the same functions after installation, this product evolves according to the customer's lifestyle through updates. Various AI features assist customers with more convenient use, including learning hot water and heating usage patterns, providing monthly HEMS reports, and a smart diagnosis service that allows customers to check boiler issues at a glance. In particular, the 'Quick Hot Water Smart Operation' function, which learns and analyzes hot water usage patterns to prepare hot water according to the customer's lifestyle, earned the industry's first AI+ certification from the Korea Standards Association (KSA).

The indoor temperature controller (room controller) used for boiler operation is also differentiated from existing boilers. It offers clearer information through a 4.3-inch display and more convenient use with a welcome mode that maximizes brightness when approaching the controller. Additionally, its sleek design won the Red Dot Award, one of the world's top three design awards.

It can reduce nitrogen oxides, the main cause of fine dust, by up to 79%, and significantly cut greenhouse gas carbon dioxide emissions. The integrated WET-type heat exchanger, which circulates water around the heat exchanger inside the boiler, is another strength, as it helps maintain the heat exchanger's performance and durability for a longer time.

Kim Yong-beom, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kyungdong Navien, stated, "The 'Navien Condensing ON AI,' Kyungdong Navien's first water heating appliance, breaks the existing perception of boilers as heating equipment and is prepared to change according to customers' needs and lifestyles. We will continue various efforts to transform it into an appliance that evolves according to the customer, not just equipment, to provide a more comfortable living environment."