A. O. Smith Polaris high-efficiency condensing gas tanks

A. O. Smith Canada publishes the Polaris as a high-efficiency condensing gas storage water heater and describes it as the perfect choice for combi systems, meaning it can serve domestic hot water and, in a combination design, space heating through a recirculating loop. Its submerged combustion chamber with a spiral flue is published at up to 96% thermal efficiency, a measure distinct from UEF that is not a savings percentage.

The published construction is unusual among storage tanks: a high-grade stainless steel tank with brass connections that A. O. Smith Canada says needs no anode, which removes the routine anode inspection a glass-lined tank requires. The manufacturer also lists whisper-quiet operation and states the unit can be vented up to 120 ft using ULC S636 PVC or CPVC pipe, either through the wall or through the roof. Because it is a condensing unit it produces condensate and needs a drain.

The Canadian site links a Polaris specification sheet, installation manual, wiring diagram and warranty sheet, all cited here, and states a 10-year limited tank and 10-year parts warranty. Per-model capacities, first-hour ratings and inputs sit in the linked specification sheet, which is the source used before any model row is published. Polaris is also published under the John Wood and GSW brands in this catalogue; this page documents the A. O. Smith Canada record. Whether CANRO supplies a Polaris for a project is confirmed at consultation.