High-Rise Retrofit Puts Rinnai RCW750AN to Work in Toronto
Key Highlights
- First Canadian RCW750AN installation provides a real-world high-rise performance benchmark
- Retrofit eliminates crane lift, reducing installation complexity and disruption
- Cascade system delivers stable DHW with high efficiency and low-NOx operation
PEACHTREE CITY, GA — Rinnai’s RCW Series commercial boilers are delivering sustained, high-efficiency domestic hot water performance at 2150 Condos in Toronto, marking the first installation of the RCW750AN floor-standing model in Canada and establishing a field-proven solution for high-rise applications where volume, sustainability and operational efficiency are critical.
Located at 2150 Lawrence Avenue East in Toronto’s Scarborough neighborhood, the multi-tower residential community includes three buildings completed in 2020. The RCW750AN installation serves a 17-storey tower with 204 residential suites and shared common areas, creating consistent demand on centralized domestic hot water (DHW) systems.
High-Rise Retrofit Driven by Reliability and Efficiency Needs
After a heat exchanger failure in 2024 impacted the building’s previous boiler system, facility management opted for a proactive replacement strategy focused on long-term reliability and improved efficiency.
The upgrade included two RCW750AN floor-standing commercial condensing, gas-fired volume water heaters installed in cascade and paired with a 1,600-gallon storage tank to handle peak and fluctuating demand. The configuration allows the system to respond dynamically to building load while maintaining stable DHW delivery.
Engineered for Performance, Modulation and Low Emissions
The RCW750AN is designed for demanding commercial applications, delivering up to 99% thermal efficiency with Ultra Low NOx emissions to support evolving sustainability requirements.
A 316L stainless steel heat exchanger enhances durability and long-term performance, while a 10:1 turndown ratio enables tighter load matching—reducing cycling and unnecessary energy consumption. An integrated 7-inch touchscreen control platform simplifies commissioning, diagnostics and ongoing system monitoring for contractors and facility teams.
Installation Simplified Without Crane Requirements
High-rise boiler replacements often require crane lifts to reach upper mechanical rooms, adding cost and coordination challenges. At 2150 Condos, that step was eliminated.
Factory-integrated castors allowed the mechanical contractor to move the boilers through the building and transport them via elevator. At just 28.5 inches wide, the units fit standard access points, while removable doors, integrated lifting hooks, locking casters and leveling feet streamlined positioning and setup in the penthouse mechanical room.
Startup Support and Stable System Performance
Rinnai commercial sales and engineering personnel supported onsite startup, assisting with commissioning and combustion verification.
During initial operation, a single boiler carried overnight DHW demand. Once fully cascaded, the system modulated effectively using sensor-based control, maintaining stable performance across varying load conditions.
“The boilers have been running smoothly with no issues,” said Akram Ziad, Condominium Manager at 2150 Condos. “Our HVAC provider monitors the system monthly and reports strong performance. We have not received resident complaints regarding hot water, and we are seeing encouraging trends in operating performance compared to the previous system.”
Proven Field Performance for High-Rise Applications
With several months of operation now established, the 2150 Condos project demonstrates how Rinnai’s RCW Series floor-standing water heaters can support high-rise residential and large-scale commercial applications where volume, efficiency, durability and sustainability are essential.