An A. O. Smith Product Installation
CASE NOTES
Project:
After more than 15 years of service, Valley View Elementary School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was ready to replace its aging 80% efficient gas water heater. To increase efficiency and support its sustainability goals, the school selected an A. O. Smith Cyclone™ FLEX™ high-efficiency commercial water heater.
Location:
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Product(s):
Cyclone™ FLEX™
Features & Benefits:
Up to 98% Efficiency
Reduce energy costs and maximize return on investment with ENERGY STAR® certified performance.
Smarter Gas Control
The AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Control System automatically optimizes combustion based on fuel conditions for efficient, reliable operation.
Advanced Monitoring and Control
A 7-inch touchscreen display and iCOMM™ connectivity make it easy to monitor, manage, and adjust water heater performance from virtually anywhere.
Greater Energy Utilization
A submerged combustion chamber helps capture more usable heat while reducing energy waste.
Installation Flexibility
Support for multiple venting materials and configurations simplifies installation for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Early Leak Detection
Built-in leak monitoring provides alerts through audible alarms and iCOMM™ notifications, helping prevent costly downtime and damage.
Compact Footprint
Designed to fit in tight mechanical spaces while maintaining service accessibility.
Long-Term Tank Protection
Powered anode technology helps protect the tank without the maintenance requirements associated with traditional sacrificial anodes.
Reliable, Lasting Efficiency
The helical coil heat exchanger promotes efficient heat transfer and helps resist scale buildup for dependable performance over time.
THE CHALLENGE
Reliable hot water plays an important role in supporting daily activities at Valley View Elementary School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from handwashing in restrooms to food preparation in the kitchen. The school’s existing gas water heater had been operating for more than 15 years and delivered approximately 80% efficiency. When it came time to replace the aging unit, the school sought a solution that could improve energy performance, reduce operating costs, and support its sustainability goals.
THE SOLUTION
To meet those objectives, Valley View Elementary selected the A. O. Smith Cyclone™ FLEX™ high-efficiency commercial water heater. As the newest addition to the industry’s most specified family of high-efficiency commercial water heaters, Cyclone™ FLEX™ builds on a legacy of proven performance. The Cyclone™ product line has set the standard for commercial water heating since the original Cyclone™ water heater was introduced in 1996, providing facilities with dependable operation and exceptional efficiency.
THE RESULTS
The Cyclone™ FLEX™ delivered a combination of installation flexibility, advanced controls, and high-efficiency performance that made it well suited for the school’s needs.
According to Peter Bibby of Soderholm & Associates, schools can realize immediate benefits by upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater. He noted that the Cyclone™ FLEX™’s flexible venting options help simplify installation by accommodating vent sizes from two to six inches, while the AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Control System automatically adjusts to varying fuel qualities and fuel types for efficient, reliable operation.
Available in 60-, 100-, and 119-gallon models with multiple input capacities, the Cyclone™ FLEX™ combines high-performance operation with user-friendly controls. A streamlined design and 7-inch color touchscreen display help simplify monitoring and maintenance, while integrated leak detection provides audible alarms and iCOMM™ notifications to support proactive facility management.
“We were looking for greater efficiency. It’s very important to us to have a reliable supply of hot water for our kitchen – and to make sure that students have hot water to wash their hands throughout the school year,” says School Superintendent Thomas Schmitt. “We needed a water heater that would deliver higher efficiency and lower our carbon footprint. So we chose the A. O. Smith Cyclone™ FLEX™ unit, which delivers up to 98% efficiency.”
