ARMOR is Lochinvar\'s condensing commercial water heater line — 95% thermal efficiency with PVC venting. Designed for commercial applications where IECC code, utility rebate eligibility, or duty cycle justify the upfront cost premium over atmospheric EnergyRite.
The lineup
Key features
- 95% thermal efficiency — condensing operation captures latent heat from flue gas
- PVC venting — sidewall or roof termination; no flue/chimney required
- 5-year tank warranty (10-year extended available)
- Stainless fire-tube heat exchanger
- SMART TOUCH controls with fault code display
- Multiple-unit cascade for high-demand installations
- Variable-speed combustion blower
When ARMOR makes sense
- IECC code requires condensing in commercial new construction
- Utility / state rebates for high-efficiency commercial equipment (substantial in some markets)
- No existing chimney — PVC venting eliminates the chimney requirement
- High duty cycle — 24/7 operation makes the 15% efficiency improvement materially significant
- Operating-cost focus over upfront-cost focus
Operating cost comparison (similar duty cycle)
| EnergyRite ERN-501 (81%) | ARMOR AWN-501 (95%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront installed | $5,500-8,000 | $9,500-13,500 |
| Annual gas cost (typical light-commercial) | $4,500-6,500 | $3,800-5,500 |
| Annual savings vs atmospheric | Baseline | $700-1,000 |
| Payback on upfront premium | — | 5-7 years typical |
Payback math is application-specific. High-duty-cycle installs (24/7 hotels, restaurants, multi-family) see faster payback. Low-duty-cycle installs (small offices, churches) may not justify the premium.
Install requirements
- PVC venting (2"-4" depending on size and run)
- Condensate neutralization required (acidic condensate)
- 120V controls + dedicated outlet
- Engineering-calculated gas line
- Condensate drain — gravity or pump
- Annual professional service mandatory for warranty (same as residential combi)
Cascade capability
Multiple ARMOR units can be cascaded for higher capacity. Smart Touch control manages cascade firing for efficiency — units sequence based on load. Common for large hotels, multi-family buildings, large institutional kitchens.
Annual service
ARMOR requires the same annual service as residential combi boilers — heat exchanger brushing, condensate trap cleaning, combustion analysis, sensor verification. Commercial scale typically $450-750 per visit. Budget $500-1,000 per year per unit. Required for warranty.
Warranty
- 5-year tank/heat exchanger (10-year extended available)
- 1-year parts
- 1-year labor
- Annual professional service required
Bottom line
ARMOR is the condensing commercial play. 15% efficiency gain vs EnergyRite atmospheric, $4,000-5,000 upfront premium, $700-1,000/year operating savings. Right for high-duty-cycle commercial installs, code-required new construction, and operations with utility rebates available. EnergyRite remains the practical choice for replacement and budget-priority applications.