Introducing the Cyclone® Flex™
Delivering superior, high-efficiency performance Cyclone® is known for while remaining on the cutting edge of technology.
Cyclone® Flex™ High-Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heaters
Meet the Cyclone® Flex™ High-Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heater from A. O. Smith.
A next-gen solution engineered for maximum thermal performance, advanced diagnostics, and expanded application flexibility.
Featuring A. O. Smith’s proprietary AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Technology, Cyclone® Flex™ delivers cleaner, more stable ignition and optimized combustion for superior efficiency, achieving up to 98% thermal efficiency.
With three new BTU input/output sizes, extended venting lengths, and over-the-air software update capability, this commercial gas water heater is well-suited for a wide range of installations.
Additionally, integrated features include iCOMM™ remote monitoring and built-in leak detection.
A.O. Smith's new Cyclone® Flex™ redefines what’s possible in high-efficiency commercial water heating by combining smart controls, scalable design, and proven Cyclone® Flex performance.
Featured Cyclone® Flex™ Products
- ENERGY STAR® certified—95% or greater efficiency, reducing energy costs and maximizing performance
- Adaptive Gas Control System—Automatically adjusts to fuel qualities and abnormalities
- 3-year limited tank and 1-year limited parts warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified—95% or greater efficiency, reducing energy costs and maximizing performance
- Adaptive Gas Control System—Automatically adjusts to fuel qualities and abnormalities
- 3-year limited tank and 1-year limited parts warranty
- ENERGY STAR® certified—95% or greater efficiency, reducing energy costs and maximizing performance
- Adaptive Gas Control System—Automatically adjusts to fuel qualities and abnormalities
- 3-year limited tank and 1-year limited parts warranty
How Cyclone® Flex™ Works
The Cyclone® Flex™ high-efficiency commercial gas water heater is designed to quickly and efficiently heat large amounts of water. It uses a down-fired burner to warm water stored in a thick, insulated tank.
Step 1: Cold Water In, Hot Water Out
Cold water enters the bottom of the tank. As the tank fills, hot water is pushed out through a pipe at the top, ready for use.
Step 2: The System Detects a Drop in Temperature
When the control system senses that the water is getting cooler, it sends a signal to start heating. This is referred to as a “call for heat.”
Step 3: Self-Check and Startup
Before heating begins, the water heater performs a self-diagnostic check to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Then the blower turns on to clear out the system with fresh air. This is called the pre-purge cycle.
Step 4: Gas and Ignition
Next, the control system checks that combustion air is flowing correctly. Then it opens the gas valve and activates the spark ignition system, which lights the burner.
Step 5: Heat Transfer with the Helical Coil
The burner’s hot gases are pushed down through a helical heat exchanger. This coil design retains the gases inside the tank for a longer period, allowing more heat to transfer into the water. This is more efficient than standard vertical flue systems.
Step 6: Exhaust and Venting
After heating, the hot gases exit the tank through a vent pipe.
Step 7: Temperature Control and Efficiency
The burner runs at full power until the water gets within eight degrees of the set temperature. Then, the burner modulates down to use less gas while still maintaining heat. This helps the water heater stay energy-efficient.
Step 8: Shutdown and Safety
Once the desired temperature is reached, the gas valve closes. The blower continues to run briefly to remove any remaining exhaust, ensuring a safe and clean next cycle
What is the new AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Valve?
AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Valve sets a new standard in combustion control, automatically adjusting for changing fuel quality to maintain peak performance. No more manual tuning.
It’s integrated servo motor and electronic controller ensure a precise air-fuel mix for cleaner, more efficient combustion.
Designed to be reliable, AiQ™ enables faster, smoother ignition and reduces lockouts, helping to lower service calls and improve system uptime.
Smart Combustion, Simplified.
Bringle’s Smoking Oasis Relies on Cyclone® Flex™ to Meet Demand
Bringle’s Smoking Oasis relies on continuous hot water to keep operations running smoothly.
Still Have Questions?
The Cyclone® Flex™ from A. O. Smith is a high-efficiency commercial gas water heater designed to deliver up to 98% thermal efficiency. It uses advanced features like AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Technology, smart diagnostics, and iCOMM™ remote monitoring to provide consistent performance and expanded installation flexibility.
The Cyclone® Flex™ heats water using a down-fired burner and a helical coil heat exchanger. Cold water enters the bottom of the insulated tank, and when the temperature drops, a call for heat triggers a self-diagnostic sequence, spark ignition, and efficient gas combustion. The system modulates burner power to maintain temperature while maximizing energy efficiency.
AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Technology provides cleaner ignition, optimized combustion, and stable performance in varying conditions. This intelligent system ensures consistent operation and contributes to the Cyclone® Flex™ achieving up to 98% thermal efficiency in commercial applications.
Yes. With multiple BTU sizes, extended venting capabilities, and over-the-air software update support, the Cyclone® Flex™ is ideal for a wide range of commercial applications—from hospitality and healthcare to education and multi-family buildings.
Use our Commercial Water Heater Pro Size Tool to find the best fit for your needs.
The Cyclone® Flex™ includes built-in iCOMM™ remote monitoring, integrated leak detection, over-the-air software updates, and a self-diagnostic system. These features help facility managers monitor performance, ensure safety, and reduce maintenance downtime.
Project specs? Enter your facility water heating needs and we'll recommend a specific product to meet your requirements.
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Replacement Parts
Finding replacement parts for A. O. Smith's commercial water heater products is easy thanks to our wide selection and online parts portal.
Commercial Sizing Tool
Use our tool to size an A. O. Smith commercial water heater to meet your specs.
Water Heater Resources
Find detailed product literature, a water heater sizing tool, virtual training workshops, a product cross-reference tool, and other valuable information on our resource page. Partner with A. O. Smith to help your business thrive.