A. O. Smith Marks 30 Years of Cyclone Commercial Water Heaters with New FLEX Enhancements

Updated Cyclone FLEX™ models add improved serviceability, adaptive gas controls, leak detection and connectivity while maintaining up to 98% thermal efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • A. O. Smith celebrates 30 years of the Cyclone® commercial water heater platform with new Cyclone FLEX™ enhancements

  • Updated models feature AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Control, over-the-air updates and optional automatic leak shutoff

  • Cyclone FLEX delivers up to 98% thermal efficiency 

MILWAUKEE, WI — A. O. Smith is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Cyclone® commercial water heater platform with a series of enhancements designed to improve installation, serviceability and performance across its Cyclone® FLEX™ high-efficiency commercial water heaters.

First introduced in 1996, the Cyclone platform has become a cornerstone of A. O. Smith's commercial water heating lineup. The latest updates build on that legacy with new technologies aimed at helping contractors simplify installation and maintenance while delivering high-efficiency performance for demanding commercial applications.

Enhanced Controls Improve Performance and Serviceability

The updated Cyclone FLEX lineup now includes models ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 Btu/h, all delivering thermal efficiencies of up to 98%.

At the core of the platform is A. O. Smith's helical coil heat exchanger, designed to provide reliable performance in commercial installations. The units also feature AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Control technology, which automatically adjusts for different fuel types and gas qualities without requiring separate models or conversion kits—an industry-first capability for commercial tank water heaters in the United States.

Connectivity Adds New Monitoring Capabilities

Cyclone FLEX also incorporates expanded smart features, including over-the-air software updates that help keep units current with the latest performance improvements and functionality.

An integrated leak detection system, paired with an optional automatic water shutoff valve, provides additional protection by helping identify leaks before they cause damage to equipment or surrounding property.

“Cyclone has set the standard in commercial water heating for 30 years,” said Matt Schulz, Senior Product Manager, Commercial Gas, at A. O. Smith. “With these latest enhancements, we’ve listened closely to our customers and improved usability, performance, and overall experience, building on what is already the most trusted platform in the industry.”

Three Decades of Commercial Water Heating Innovation

Since its introduction, the Cyclone platform has evolved to meet changing commercial water heating requirements while maintaining the reliability that contractors and facility managers expect.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just reflecting on our success—we’re building on it,” said Schulz. “Cyclone is a testament to what happens when innovation is guided by customer needs. These latest enhancements represent our strongest offering yet and help set the stage for the future of commercial water heating.”

A. O. Smith encourages customers and partners to learn more about the Cyclone Flex by watching an in-depth product overview presented by Matt Schulz, available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMsUgmV66I0.

This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.
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