Product News

Expanding its tankless water heater offering, A. O. Smith offers customers unparalleled installation flexibility

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, announces the launch of its Adapt™ Premium Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heaters with X3® Scale Prevention Technology. With new premium features, including an integrated recirculation pump and patented heat exchanger; enhanced installation flexibility and highly efficient performance, Adapt™ tankless meets the needs of busy contractors and homeowners alike.

Building on A. O. Smith’s legacy of innovation, this unit is the first tankless water heater designed and manufactured entirely by A. O. Smith. To enhance installation flexibility, the Adapt line offers two- and three-inch dual pipe venting, ½- and ¾-inch gas line options and universal indoor/outdoor installation.  A. O. Smith designed the units so they can be converted from natural gas to liquid propane in the field with an included kit. All of these features work together to provide plumbing professionals with unparalleled installation flexibility when working in the field. Plumbers now have a unit that conforms on the spot to fit their exact needs, no matter the install location, fuel type or existing venting.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything A. O. Smith does and the Adapt series is no different. When designing and manufacturing this product, flexibility was our top priority. We’re providing contractors with the ultimate hot water toolkit,” said Isaac Wilson, A. O. Smith tankless senior product manager. “We understand that contractors are not just in the field; they are also on the clock. With the Adapt line, contractors can meet a homeowner’s needs without having to go back to their wholesaler to get a different unit or without having to carry additional inventory in their truck— saving them both time and money.”

The Adapt tankless water heaters also include several high-end features that are frequently requested by homeowners, such as Wi-Fi capability for remote monitoring and peace of mind and an integrated recirculation pump that provides instant hot water and eliminates the time homeowners typically spend waiting at their fixture for the water to heat up.

Available in 160,000-; 180,000-, and 199,000-BTU/hr units, the Adapt line of water heaters fits a variety of needs. Plus, the unit is equipped with A. O. Smith’s patented X3® Scale Prevention Technology which inhibits scale build-up and corrosion to extend the life of the unit up to three times longer. With zero lifetime descaling maintenance, the Adapt tankless water heater meets the needs of busy installers and homeowners.  Units also qualify for numerous state and local rebates and are ENERGY STAR® certified.

To learn more about the Adapt Tankless Water Heater line and A. O. Smith’s full suite of offerings, visit www.hotwater.com.

New CFR Boiler Simplifies Setup, Optimizes System Efficiency and Operation, and is Cost-efficient Solution to Meet Emerging Regulation

AERCO, a Watts brand, introduces the CFR boiler, the world’s first stainless steel condensing Category I boiler that features up to 87.6% thermal efficiency. Offering the highest efficiency in a Category I boiler, as well as a compact footprint and AERCO’s  advanced Edge^® Controller to simplify setup and optimize system efficiency and operation, CFR enables building owners and facility managers to cost-effectively upgrade their boiler plant and maximize performance without replacing existing Cat I/Type B venting.

Building on its 75 years of industry leadership and engineering, AERCO designed the CFR to be a cost-effective approach to replace a non-condensing boiler plant with a condensing model by eliminating the need to update piping and venting typically required for condensing operation. Available in 1500 MBH and 3000 MBH models, CFR helps building owners cost-effectively and confidently comply with local and national regulations requiring the installation of boilers with greater energy efficiency.

Ideal for Retrofit Projects

CFR is an ideal hydronic heating solution for the retrofit commercial market, as it delivers energy savings, reliable heat, and flexible, cost-saving installation in a compact footprint. Its advanced design and technology maintain dry flue gas while exceeding efficiency standards. The boiler achieves best-in-class efficiency while safely reusing existing Category I/Type B venting, making it an economical solution. An industry-unique warranty against condensate corrosion provides added peace of mind and improves the lifetime value of the boiler.

Further optimizing the CFR boiler for retrofit projects is the Edge Controller. The revolutionary technology optimizes system efficiency and operation as well as easily integrates the CFR boiler with a facility-wide Energy Management or Building Automation System (BAS).

Designed to easily connect with AERCO’s SmartPlate^® EV indirect water heater, the CFR boiler can also be part of a smart, powerful combination plant to promote further system-wide energy efficiency in a cost-effective manner.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the CFR boiler because it provides building owners and facility managers with a reliable, cost-effective replacement to their current Category I boiler. CFR is a best-in-class retrofit solution because of its unmatched energy efficiency. It also significantly reduces cost of ownership due to its installation flexibility, outstanding warranty, reliable performance, and ease of maintenance,” said Christian Zapata, Product Manager, Hydronic Solutions, AERCO.

To learn more about the new CFR boilers, please visit www.aerco.com/cfr

iFLO Will Save HVAC Technicians Nuisance Calls, Save Homeowners from an Out-Of-Service HVAC

Professional HVAC Specialists have a new friend in the smart home space, to help save them time, make them some money, and service customers more conveniently.  iFLO® is the first-of-its-kind, smart automated device that dispenses a bio-enzymatic cleaning solution directly into the AC drain line and drain pan actively breaking down and flushing out the build-up that leads to clogs, floods, and shutdowns. iFLO patented technology uses geo-location and reads local temperature, and humidity levels to customize maintenance needs. iFLO is on a mission to save HVAC technicians from nuisance calls and homeowners from unnecessary costly clogs.

iFlo is thrilled to be launching at the AHR Expo in Chicago with partners Watsco Distribution, and Dealers: Air Pro’s, All Year Cooling. Come visit booth N2067 at AHR in Chicago January 22-24.

How it works for the PROS

• Real Time Outbound Calls:Patented “Smart” Float Switch immediately alerts service provider when condensate line is clogged.
• Recurring Revenue:Enroll your customers in 6-month service calls to replace iFLO® bottles, saving homeowners the hassle of needing to remember and do it themselves.
• Real-time dashboard:Provide service techs with custom admin panel identifying location and status of iFLO® customers.

When an HVAC Expert includes iFLO on a new HVAC install, it ensures the unit will run smoothly. This is especially helpful, as in year one, when the unit is under warranty HVAC technicians often have to absorb the cost, or work with insurance to get paid on calls related to the unit not working, that many times, are caused by a clogged drainpipe. Something iFLO was invented specifically to target and solve.

Stay in control Using AI-based technology, the FLO app can geo-locate users and provide a customized dispensing schedule based on humidity and temperature. iFLO proprietary cleaning solution lasts for 3-6 months depending on location. Through the app, utilize a variety of subscription plans, something that an HVAC service provider can offer to customers, including installation.

“iFLO is a revolutionary smart home product that will change the landscape for servicing and maintaining HVAC units,” says Joe McDonell, inventor iFLO, “By installing iFLO a PRO can make sure that their customers units are running smoothly. Shut downs, water damage, leaks related to clogged drain pipes are no longer an issue with iFLO smart device and proprietary cleaning solution. With the app there is ability to service from a far, and ensure the AC doesn’t shut down, especially when it’s needed most, and create an unhappy customer.”

Why iFLO is needed: ACs cool the space and eliminate excess humidity by passing warm air through the cold condensation coils located inside the air handler. Condensation forms on the coils and collects in a catch basin. When the condensation mixes with biological particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and airborne germs, a thick jelly-like mucus called “Zooglea” starts to form. Zooglea becomes sticky and gummy as it builds up inside the condensate drain line, eventually clogging the PVC pipe and causing the AC to either shut down or overflow.

Why Does Zooglea Matter? Before 2015, condensation coils contained copper, an antimicrobial inhibitor slowing the growth of bacteria that minimized clogs between six to nine months. Due to the rising cost of materials, manufacturers have since replaced copper with aluminum. Unlike copper, aluminum does not inhibit the growth of Zooglea. The number of ACs replaced every year has increased by 5-6%, further exacerbating the problem.

iFLO Kit Includes: Device, 36oz Drain Cleaner, Drain Line Connector/Adaptor

Learn more at https://iflo.com/ visit us at booth N2067 at AHR in Chicago January 22-24.

Gripple, one of the leading manufacturers of wire joining and tensioning solutions for MEP applications, has expanded its innovative UniGrip wire suspension system to now support heavy duty duct and multi-tier piping runs.

Joining Gripple’s UniGrip 2, 3, and 4 Cable Hanger family is the UniGrip 6, the only single-channel cable fastener on the market capable of accommodating 6mm (1/4”) cable and boasting a SWL (Safe Working Load) of 800 lbs.

The UniGrip 6 fastener features a ¾” male thread for attaching to back-to-back strut or brackets, with both Center Exit and Side Exit versions available for the cable exit.  The UG6 Cable Hanger Kit now opens up the door for the trapezing of large heavy-duty ductwork and multi-tier piping runs—all with cable hangers instead of threaded rod.  UniGrip 6 offers huge contractor benefits on projects such as hospitals, data centers and other large industrial and commercial builds, by allowing contractors to replace threaded rod and the associated handling challenges.

The UniGrip 6 has been independently tested and approved to support safe working loads of 800 lbs and is ICC and UL 2239 approved for the support of conduit.

In 2017, when Gripple first introduced its UniGrip single-channel fasteners to the construction market, the subsequent UniGrip 2, 3, and 4 Cable Hanger range held the highest safe working loads of any comparable Gripple Cable Hangers to date—120 lbs, 240 lbs, and 550 lbs, respectively.  Now with the introduction of the UniGrip 6, Gripple is proud to have the only single-channel cable fastener on the market capable of accommodating 6mm (1/4”) cable, and boasting a hefty 800 lb safe working load per hanger Gripple’s UniGrip range has already been utilized on major projects across the world and is renowned for being up to six times faster to install than traditional suspension systems.  The new UniGrip 6 can be pre-installed on back-to-back strut for off-site pre-fab, and to reduce time spent working at heights.

Sean Boyle, Product Manager at Gripple explains: “Our UniGrip hanger range is extremely popular with contractors and we’ve released the UniGrip 6 in response to demand for heavier duty support for major industrial projects.  The system shares all the benefits for which the UniGrip range is renowned, including being easy to use, lightweight, labor-saving, and secure.”

Sean adds “We see huge opportunities for this product with gigafactories, data centers, hospitals and industrial facilities where independently tested heavy duty suspension systems are essential.”

With its compact design, you can fit ten 10ft drops into one small box, significantly improving handling and eliminating cutting with hot works. The high strength steel cable helps lower the buildings embodied CO₂, as part of enhancing sustainability. UniGrip 6 has the highest load rating capability of any wire suspension system of its type.

Easy to use, the UniGrip range features an ergonomically designed release button which allows for simple adjustments to be made.  This button acts as a locking nut, featuring an indicator, which clearly highlights the wire is locked in position for the ultimate security and reassurance.

For more information about the Unigrip system visit: https://www.gripple.com/building-services/hvac/