University Turns to Emerge X HPWH for Sustainable, Code-Compliant Hot Water System

Washington and Lee University, a historic private institution in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, needed a water heating solution that could meet strict sustainability targets while fitting into a challenging mechanical room layout in its new business college building.

After evaluating several options, the project team selected A. O. Smith’s Emerge® X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) for its combination of high efficiency, low emissions and modular, contractor-friendly design.

Split-System Design Solves Top-Floor Installation Constraint

Local building restrictions required the mechanical room to be located on the top floor, forcing equipment to be lifted into place in multiple stages. Because the Emerge X is a split system—with the heat pump module and storage tank delivered as separate components—the installation team could hoist and position each section independently, avoiding structural access issues and reducing job-site complexity. The system’s modular layout also made final assembly and connections more straightforward in the confined space.

High-Efficiency Operation and Low-GWP Refrigerant Support Sustainability Goals

Blauch Brothers, Inc., Mechanical Contractors, was chosen as the installer for the project. With offices in Harrisonburg and Winchester, Blauch Brothers has been in business since 1954, and prides itself on serving the unique needs of its Central Virginia community: solving the complex puzzles of commercial HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems. 

“When we started looking at the different options on the market, we wondered if we could be efficient and take care of the environment at the same time. With the Emerge X heat pump water heater, we can,” says Chris Blauch, Vice President and Operations Manager at Blauch Brothers Inc. “The unit’s low carbon emissions will help Washington and Lee University achieve the Commonwealth of Virginia’s green building standards. They want the best for their students and their community, and A. O. Smith has helped them achieve that.”

The Emerge X HPWH extracts heat from ambient air rather than generating heat through resistance, enabling a Coefficient of Performance (CoP) up to 4.6—roughly five times the efficiency of a standard electric water heater. The system also uses R513A, a low Global Warming Potential refrigerant that further reduces on-site environmental impact and supports the Commonwealth of Virginia’s green building standards.

Optimized Components Improve Performance and Reduce Operating Costs

Cost-effectiveness was another top priority. The Emerge X incorporates ECM variable-speed motors, which outperform permanent split capacitor motors by adjusting pump speeds to match system demand. Additional high-performance components—including a Copeland scroll compressor with CoreSense™ protection, electronic expansion valve, and reversing valve—deliver stable operation, faster recovery, and enhanced reliability. The system’s zero on-site emissions and high efficiency profile translate into long-term operating savings for the university.

“For customers that are particular about energy savings and the environment, heat pump water heaters are a great solution,” says Jeff Storie, A. O. Smith’s director of brand and field marketing. “The Emerge X unit has zero on-site carbon emissions, incredibly high efficiency ratings and a modular design—all of which made the unit a perfect fit for Washington and Lee’s needs and priorities.”

Flexible Controls and Scalable Hot Water Management

The Emerge X’s remote-mountable control box added another layer of design flexibility, allowing installers to position the controls where access and visibility were optimal rather than where space permitted. Building managers now benefit from a user-friendly interface for monitoring performance and adjusting system parameters. The control platform is expandable as well, enabling the university to integrate multiple heat pumps on a single controller if future hot water demand increases.

To learn more about the Emerge X HPWH and other A. O. Smith solutions, visit hotwater.com.

Note: this release was rewritten with help from generative AI.