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Tankless with X3® Scale Prevention Technology

X3® Scale Prevention Technology prevents scale build-up to reduce regular maintenance and extend the life of your water heater by up to 300%

High-Efficiency Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heaters

X3® Scale Prevention Technology

Scale is the #1 enemy for tankless technology. With normal use, scale build-up occurs because minerals like calcium and lime naturally exist in hard water. This buildup decreases efficiency and increases the cost to operate the water heater. Regular descaling is required to prevent these issues. 


A. O. Smith's X3® Scale Prevention Technology combines tankless technology with a built-in descaling process to achieve unparalleled protection on many of our condensing gas tankless models.

Benefits of Gas Tankless Water Heaters with X3® Technology

Maintains Like-New Performance

Tests showed tankless models with X3® Scale Prevention Technology maintained like-new efficiency after 15 simulated years vs. models without X3® technology, which showed a 10% efficiency reduction in just 1.5 years.

Extends Life Up To 3 Times Longer

The new X3® Scale Prevention Technology eliminates particle build-up in the heat exchangers, preventing scaling and extending the life of the unit. 

Never Descale Again. Ever.

X3® Scale Prevention Technology eliminates the need for regular scale-related maintenance as it prevents scale from accumulating.

"Peace of Mind" Scale-Inclusive Warranty Coverage

A. O. Smith stands behind this revolutionary product with the industry’s first ever “Peace of Mind" 15-year limited warranty, which covers scale-related failures should they occur.

Enjoy Instant Hot Water

Tankless water heaters with X3® Technology are approved to work with an external recirculation pump and cross-over valve (sold separately through APCOM).

Rebates & Tax Credits

Up to $850 in Local Utility Rebates may be available in your area!

*Gas water heaters with UEF of 0.82 or higher OR with a thermal efficiency of at least 90%. Local utility rebates available in limited geographical areas. For information on the Federal Tax Credit, go to: energystar.gov. Check with your tax advisor for applicability. Offer details and expiration may vary. See Rebate Center for details.

How it Works

Cutaway image of Adapt tankless water heater

Recirculation pump not included with all models

How X3® Scale Prevention Technology Eliminates Scaling Problems


As water flows into the water heater, it first passes through our patent pending X3® Scale Prevention cartridge, preventing sediment particles from bonding to each other.


This process allows mineral particles to pass harmlessly through the heat exchanger, protecting it from harmful scale buildup.


No regular descaling is needed, and your tankless water heater can last up to three times longer than a tankless model without X3® Scale Prevention Technology.

Still Have Questions?

The Gas Tankless with X3® Scale Prevention Technology has been tested in various locations around North America, including Roswell, New Mexico, an area with some of the hardest water in the country, to ensure its performance can hold up in the harshest water conditions.

Yes, our tankless models with X3® Scale Prevention Technology are capable of being used with a recirculation pump when a cross-over valve is used. Cross-over valve sold separately.

More than 85% of American homes have hard water which can adversely affect plumbing systems, including water piping, water fixtures, and the water heating system.

Typically, residential single-family applications with hard water concerns will benefit from X3® Scale Prevention Technology.

Our standard condensing gas tankless model are designed for use in residential single-family applications where linking multiple water heaters is not required.

Up to twelve ADAPT™ Premium models can be linked together with a single cable per heater (one cable included with each Premium unit).

Based on our research, stainless steel and copper heat exchangers fail at the same rate due to scale build up. A. O. Smith tankless model with X3® Scale Prevention Technology protect the heat exchanger, which is backed by an industry-leading 15-year limited warranty.

Our standard condensing gas tankless model are only compatible with 3" or 4" venting. Our ADAPT™ Premium condensing gas tankless water heaters can be vented with 2” PVC up to 75’ or 3” PVC up to 150’. 

As long as the gas line is sized appropriately for the BTUs, ½" gas lines can be used based on national fuel gas codes or applicable local gas codes or as outlined in the instruction manual. Always refer to the printed instruction manual that accompanies the unit.

Our ADAPT™ Premium models with X3® Scale Prevention Technology include a pressure relief valve.

Our standard condensing gas tankless models and ADAPT™ "M" models do not include are pressure relief valve. It must be field supplied.

Product Comparison

 
Adapt XE
ProLine
 
Adapt XE Premium Condensing Gas Tankless with X3® Scale Prevention Technology
ProLine® 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater
 
Adapt™ XE Natural Gas Premium Condensing Tankless Water Heater with X3® Technology
ProLine 50-Gallon Atmospheric Vent Tall Gas Water Heater
 
ATHR-199X3
GCR-50
Single Shower Length
Unlimited
37 minutes
Showers back-to-back
Unlimited
4.7 showers
Showers at the same time
3.1 showers
3.2 showers
Maximum Tube Size
Unlimited
87 gallons
X3® Scale Prevention Technology
X
 
Continuous hot water
X
 
Space savings
X
 
Energy Efficiency
X
 
Hot Water Storage Supply
 
X
UEF
0.95
0.62
Warranty
15 years
6 years


Many factors affect the actual performance of a water heater. This represents our closest approximation of your likely experience with this water heater in your local area, but actual performance may vary depending on factors beyond our ability to control or estimate.

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Vent Configurations

Gas water heaters require venting upon installation. Learn more about how to choose the correct vent type for your home.

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How can the quality of your water affect your water heater? Get tips and more information on water hardness, why it matters, and how to solve it.

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Water Heaters and Safety

Discover the innovative design features A. O. Smith engineers use to keep your water heater both functional and safe for everyday use.

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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 now matter where hot water is needed, A. O. Smith can provide a solution you can count on.

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