Adapt® SC Standard Condensing Gas Tankless
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The Adapt® Gas Tankless Family
Adapt® NC Non-Condensing
On-demand hot water - only when you need it
Single non-condensing copper heat exchanger for proven, reliable performance
X3 Scale Prevention Technology on select models
Certified up to .82 UEF
Simple Install:
- Wall-mount bracket & hardware included
- Indoor & outdoor options
- 3” venting
- ¾” gas line compatibility
Adapt® SC Standard Condensing
On-demand hot water - only when you need it
Dual condensing heat exchanger system, copper primary, stainless steel secondary
X3 Scale Prevention Technology on select models
Energy Star Certified up to .95 UEF
Flexible Install:
- Wall-mount bracket & hardware included
- Indoor & outdoor options
- 2” or 3” venting
- ¾” gas line compatibility
Adapt®+ Premium Condensing
On-demand hot water - only when you need it
Patented single heavy-duty stainless-steel helical condensing heat exchanger
X3 Scale Prevention Technology on select models
Energy Star Certified up to .95 UEF
Enhanced Flexible Install:
- Wall-mount bracket & hardware included
- Indoor & outdoor options
- 2” or 3” venting
- ½” or ¾” gas line compatibility
Built-in recirculation pump - faster water delivery with optional remote activation
Introducing The New Adapt® SC
A. O. Smith’s Adapt® SC condensing gas tankless water heaters (160K, 180K, and 199K BTU/hr) deliver reliable, on-demand hot water, high efficiency, and flexible installation for residential applications.
Built to Perform
Adapt® SC gas tankless water heaters are engineered for reliability and efficiency, featuring a proven dual-heat-exchanger system for consistent, on-demand hot water. A primary copper heat exchanger enables rapid heat transfer, while a secondary stainless steel heat exchanger provides enhanced efficiency and corrosion-resistant durability. Designed for uninterrupted performance.
The A. O. Smith Adapt® SC ensures homeowners always have dependable hot water. Backed by a 15-year limited warranty and available X3 models with no scale exclusions, it offers lasting confidence.
Built to Adapt
Adapt® SC is designed for installation flexibility across a wide range of applications. It supports 2" or 3" venting options for easy compatibility with retrofit or new construction.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations (with optional outdoor kit), it adapts to various installation environments, and is available in natural gas and liquid propane. An included wall-mount bracket simplifies mounting and speeds up installation, even in tight or unconventional spaces.
Built to Last
Adapt® SC is built for long-term durability, helping reduce maintenance and extend product life. X3® Scale Prevention Technology protects the heat exchanger from scale buildup, extending unit life up to three times longer than standard tankless models.
Two design options are available: X3 models with integrated X3® Scale Prevention Technology, and bypass models (denoted with an “M” at the end of the model number) that allow easy upgrade by replacing the bypass cartridge with an optional X3 cartridge.
Featured Adapt® SC Products
- ENERGY STAR® certified with a UEF of 0.95
- 199,000 BTU input
- 15-year limited warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified with a UEF of 0.95
- 199,000 BTU input
- 15-year limited warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified with a UEF of 0.95
- 180,000 BTU input
- 15-year limited warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified with a UEF of 0.95
- 180,000 BTU input
- 15-year limited warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified with a UEF of 0.95
- 160,000 BTU input
- 15-year limited warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified with a UEF of 0.95
- 160,000 BTU input
- 15-year limited warranty
How The Adapt® SC Works
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Adapt® SC standard condensing tankless water heaters by A. O. Smith offer an efficient solution for a continuous hot water supply. Unlike traditional tank systems, it heats water on demand, ensuring you have hot water whenever you need it without the energy losses associated with storing heated water.
When the hot water faucet is turned on, cold water enters the unit, triggering the system to ignite its gas burner. This burner heats the water as it flows into the secondary stainless steel heat exchanger first, so all condensing occurs there, and then the water is heated by the primary heat exchanger.
This dual heat exchanger design enhances energy efficiency, achieving a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.95, meaning 95% of the energy consumed is effectively converted into hot water.
The Adapt® SC models are designed for flexibility, allowing installation in various settings, either indoors or outdoors, with an optional vent cap kit. They support both 2" and 3" PVC venting up to 150 feet, accommodating diverse installation requirements.
Additionally, for homes with higher hot water demand, up to 12 units can be linked to ensure a consistent, ample hot water supply.
These units feature a built-in control display that lets users easily monitor system status, adjust settings, and view error codes.
Built to Last. Adapt® SC is engineered for long-term reliability, reducing maintenance and extending product life.
Certain models feature integrated X3® Scale Prevention Technology, while the feature can be added as an optional accessory for Bypass (M) models. Patented X3® technology protects against scale buildup and extends the heat exchanger's lifespan up to 3 times longer than standard tankless models without X3®.
Still Have Questions?
Tankless water heaters offer the option of venting through an exterior side wall instead of through a chimney flue on the roof. Water heaters that are direct venting have two vents — one that pulls in air from the outside and one that carries away exhaust. Power venting water heaters draw air from inside the room and have only a single vent for exhaust. While non-condensing tankless water heaters require thick metal venting to handle the temperature of heat that's released, condensing tankless water heaters can use plastic venting such as PVC. They have already used the hot vapors to heat more water, leaving only cooler fumes for ventilation.
A. O. Smith tankless water heaters boast industry-leading 15 year limited warranties. While the lifespan of a gas tankless water heater can vary, factors like water conditions, usage rates and maintenance all contribute to your water heater’s health. New condensing units come equipped with X3® Scale Prevention Technology that extends life up to three times longer.
Tankless water heaters have different flow rates measured in gallons per minute (GPM), which indicate the amount of water they can deliver at a time. Because these water heaters don't maintain a supply of hot water in a tank, you need to choose an appropriately sized tankless model based on household needs. The ideal output rate for your home depends on the number of people in the residence, the appliances you use, and the original temperature of the water being heated. Some people install more than one tankless water heater based on their requirements. Check out our water heater selector to help choose the best water heater for your needs.
What do I need?
- Before installation, you will need to determine the incoming ground water temperature, the ideal location in your home, and the correct water heater size required for your needs.
Where to install?
- A tankless water heater can be installed anywhere in your home with the correct piping—closets, garage, bathrooms, etc. In warmer climates where there is no risk of freezing, a tankless water heater may be installed on the exterior of the home to save on interior space.
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X3® Scale Prevention Technology
Prevent scale build-up to reduce regular maintenance and extend the life of your water heater by up to 300%.
Rebates & Tax Credits
Rebate and incentive programs provide savings to consumers for the purchase of water heaters that meet certain energy efficiency standards.
ACT NOW - Federal Tax Incentive ends 12/31/2025
Need Help From A Pro?
A. O. Smith water heaters are professionally installed by local independent contractors.
Learn About Residential Tankless Water Heaters
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Compare tankless to traditional water heaters, and the pros and cons of using a tankless water heater in your home.
Tankless Water Heater Cost
If you're wondering about tankless water heater cost or where to purchase a dependable system, read on to discover what you can expect to pay and how to go about choosing a tankless water heater that meets your specific needs.
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
Tankless water heaters are a space-saving, energy-efficient alternative to traditional tank water heaters. Understanding how these units operate helps you decide whether a tankless water heater is right for your home.
Water Heater Selector Quiz
Need Help From A Pro?
A. O. Smith water heaters are professionally installed by local independent contractors.