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A. O. Smith Receives Vision Award for EMERGE™-i Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater

September 24, 2025

Vision Awards 2025 Winner Logos

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn.A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, was honored with the prestigious Vision Award for its outstanding EMERGE™-i Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH). This accolade recognizes A. O. Smith’s unwavering commitment to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability in commercial water heating.

The FacilitiesNet Vision Award, now in its seventh year, recognizes manufacturers across 12 categories that contribute to the efficient, profitable operation and management of commercial buildings in the United States. A. O. Smith was honored as one of 31 top organizations, taking home an award in the Plumbing & Restrooms category.

The EMERGE-i heat pump water heater raises the bar on energy efficiency, delivering up to four times higher efficiencies than similarly sized electric water heaters. Designed for light commercial applications, including the ability to operate at whisper-quiet levels and provide 40% more water to customers thanks to three different operating modes, the Emerge-i unit provides exceptional energy savings while ensuring a reliable and ample hot water supply.

"Receiving a Vision Award for our EMERGE-i Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater is an honor, and we are thrilled to be awarded for the second year in a row,” said Betsy Curran, A. O. Smith director of marketing and customer engagement. “As demand continues to grow for sustainable and efficient commercial water heating solutions, this award exemplifies our dedication to our customers to continue innovating within an ever-changing industry.”

With a 3.88 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), the EMERGE-i HPWH can save facilities money on annual energy costs—providing building owners with an efficient and cost-effective option. Integrated ducting adapters and a zero-clearance design on the top and back support an easy installation for contractors.

To enhance flexibility for users, all EMERGE-i models come with three levels of Hot Water + modes that use a smart valve to provide additional hot water. Customers can also benefit from using A. O. Smith’s iCOMM™ connectivity platform, which is fully integrated on all EMERGE-i units. It supports features like anti-leak technology using integrated leak detection and a smart anode. The smart sensor provides notifications through A. O. Smith’s notification-enabled mobile app in the event of a detected leak. An automatic shutoff valve also comes standard on all EMERGE-i models to further protect facilities.

For more information on the EMERGE-i family of heat pump water heaters and other A. O. Smith products, visit www.hotwater.com.

 

About A. O. Smith

A. O. Smith is a leading global water technology and manufacturing company that provides innovative water heating and water treatment solutions. For more than 150 years, dedication to innovation has propelled A. O. Smith to adapt to new opportunities and transform itself multiple times over. The company designs, builds, distributes and supports the world’s broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by extensive research. For the most up-to-date A. O. Smith news, like us on Facebook, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.hotwater.com.

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Why A. O. Smith?

 
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Market Leader

A. O. Smith is a leading manufacturer of both residential and commercial water heating technologies, including the #1 most specified commercial water heater.

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Commitment to Innovation

For more than 145 years, we’ve developed state-of-the art products that push new boundaries and improve the lives of our customers.

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Best-In-Class Support

We combine cutting-edge technology with committed people who take pride in providing the very best support for our customers.

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Unmatched Quality

Our products are put through rigorous quality and endurance testing so no matter where hot water is needed, A. O. Smith can provide a solution you can count on.

Learn more about A. O. Smith