Getting a high-quality water heater is every homeowner’s dream. That is why many people invest thousands of dollars in installing the best water heaters in their homes. What if I told you that you don’t have to dig too deep into your pockets to get a high-quality water heater?
Have you ever heard of A.O Smith? A.O. Smith has produced many of the best water heaters in the market since it was founded in 1874. Since they were founded, they have gained much knowledge and experience in water heater manufacturing technologies.
A.O Smith heaters are well known for their user-friendliness and innovative designs that cater to the modern consumer.
A.O Smith produces a wide variety of water heaters, which include tank-type, tankless, hybrid, electric, gas, and even solar. So, whatever your preference, with A.O Smith, you’ll always get what you’re looking for.
Our AO Smith Water Heater Reviews considers several factors including their eco-friendly properties, Efficiency, Quality and Price. We leverage expert input, analysis and customer reviews to shortlist the best of AO Smith Water Heaters available today. We get all the specs from the manufacturers site to ensure we don’t misinform our readers before making any buying decisions.
AO Smith Water Heater Reviews
Best A.O. Smith Gas Water Heaters
- A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent Gas Water Heater – Best Overall
- A.O. Smith GCR-50 ProMax Plus High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater – Best for Quality
- A.O. Smith GPVT-40 Gas Water Heater – Most user-friendly
Best A.O. Smith Electric Water Heaters
- A.O. Smith HPTU-50N Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater – Best Overall
- A.O. Smith HP10-80H45DV Signature Premier Electric Hybrid Water Heater – Best for Convenience and Usability
- A.O. Smith PXNS-50 Conservationist Short Electric Water Heater – Best for Efficiency
Best A.O Smith Tankless water Heaters
- A.O. Smith ATI-540H-N Tankless N.G. Water Heater – Best Overall
- A.O. Smith ATI-310N Non-Condensing Residential/Light Commercial Tankless Heater – Best for Durability
What are A.O. Smith products known for?
With over 140 years of experience, A.O Smith is known for its prowess in producing high-quality water heaters with innovative features and designs.
All their products are highly energy-efficient and durable. Although some people might consider their products a little expensive, they offer excellent value in longevity and functionality. So, with A.O Smith, you get your money’s worth.
Qualities Associated with A.O. Smith Water Heaters
They have an eco-friendly approach.
Since the company’s formation in 1874, A.O. Smith has been steadfast in its goal to protect and preserve the environment.
In fact, it has recently built a multi-purpose lab in China that recycles up to 80% of all the water in the plant. The lab has created a greener work environment as part of its eco-friendly approach.
Their new product line uses low static electrostatic powder coating, which produces zero phosphorus and nitrogen emissions, which is a first in the pressure tank industry.
All their products are uniquely crafted to be highly energy-efficient. They produce low amounts of carbon emissions and deliver the same level of consistent hot water.
Patented glass lining
A.O Smith has always been innovative. So, it’s no surprise AO Smith designed a way to reduce rust and corrosion effectively.
In 2004, A.O Smith patented their glass lining technology as Blue Diamond Glass Technology. The technology is twice as effective as any other lining used by their competitors to reduce rust and corrosion.
ENERGY STAR rated products
A.O. Smith has produced very many energy star-certified products, which is a sign of excellence in energy efficiency and conversion. Their product’s energy efficiency has proven to be very effective in reducing water heating costs.
ICOMM Connectivity
A.O Smith water heaters are compatible with the ICOMM app. Although the app is designed for commercial applications, it can also be used for residential applications. It can be linked to the water heater through Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can use the app to monitor and control your water heater from anywhere.
A.O. Smith value their employees
A.O. Smith believes in delivering the best customer service. They also understand that excellent service can only come from happy employees.
Therefore, A.O. Smith looks after their employees and recognizes the service their employees do for the company by honoring them on their website.
The recognition enables the employees to share any causes that they care about with the world. The employees are also able to showcase the benefits they get from working at A.O. Smith.
The drawback to A.O. Smith Products
Even though A.O Smith offers relatively good warranties for their products, accessing the insurance can be pretty difficult. Moreover, although the warranty covers both the tank and parts, it does not cover installation costs. This results in very high labor costs.
Some customers also complain of shoddy work by the installers. Poorly installed water heaters develop problems in the long run, which then causes the customers to incur further installation and repair costs.
A.O Smith Product Lines
Polaris
Polaris is specially designed for homeowners who need an endless supply of hot water. The entire line consists of water heaters with a high efficiency and recovery rate.
The line also incorporates top-of-the-line materials into its innovative design to provide you with quiet operation.
Proline and Proline Master
The line comprises models designed for both home and mobile home use. All these models have a high recovery rate and efficiency ratings of 80% or higher in some models.
Many models in this category are also ENERGY STAR rated.
Signature
The signature line is sold exclusively at Lowes. The line features various models made especially for home use.
Unlike the manufacturer’s other series, this line is not ENERGY STAR rated. It does, however, offer some of the best deals on value as far as home water heaters are concerned.
Vertex
Vertex is the pinnacle of AO Smith Gas Water Heaters. All the models in this line are ENERGY STAR rated and feature some of the most impressive thermal efficiency and recovery rates on the market.
Best A.O. Smith Gas Water Heaters
1. A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent Gas water heater
When it comes to gas water heaters, it doesn’t get any better than the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent Gas water heater.
This gas model is an exceptional option for any small household with many hot water requirements.
It comes loaded with lots of valuable features and functions. The most notable is the internal dip tube.
The dip tube works by directing cold water to the bottom of the tank and putting pressure on it, so it doesn’t influence the hot water temperature. This results in higher energy savings.
Another impressive feature this water heater packs is the hot surface igniter. Unlike most gas water heaters out there that use a pilot light, the A.O. Smith GPVL-50 ProMax Power Vent Gas water heater uses a hot surface igniter, which is generally more reliable and durable.
In terms of durability, you will like that the tank’s internal layer has a gas lining that actively eliminates the risk of rust and corrosion. The tank also features 2-inch foam insulation.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited warranty on tank and parts
- Capacity – 50 Gallon
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.72
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- Recovery Rate – 44.7 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 79 Gallons
2. A.O. Smith GCR-50 ProMax Plus High-Efficiency Gas Water Heater
Absolute quality and convenience. That is what you get with the A.O. Smith ProMax Plus Gas Water Heater.
This premium model is constructed from high-quality materials and comes loaded with lots of cool features that improve its efficiency and usability.
If you have a large family, you will like that this unit has a high recovery rate. This makes it perfect for homes with big families.
When it comes to installation, it doesn’t get any easier than this. This water heater has a reasonably compact design and weighs only 180 pounds.
This model can fit in most spaces. On top of that, it comes equipped with a two-pipe combustion system that actively draws clean air, thus reducing issues with indoor ventilation.
In terms of convenience, this water heater generates its power, enabling it to power the control panel. The control panel has an internal microprocessor that lets you monitor and control the heater using the U.I.’s easy-to-use controls.
It also comes equipped with a glass lining that protects the tank from rust and corrosion and a Dynaclean diffuser dip tube that actively prevents sedimentation, making it very durable.
Specs:
- Warranty – 6-year limited warranty on tank and parts
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.62
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- Recovery Rate – 43 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 84 Gallons
3. A.O. Smith GPVT-40 Gas Water Heater
The A.O. Smith GPVT-40 Gas Water Heater offers a perfect blend of premium performance and a large water capacity. The 40-gallon tank can supply enough hot water for a small-medium household effortlessly.
Like all A.O Smith water heaters, this model has a sturdy construction and is made from high-quality materials for optimum durability.
If you are an enthusiast of safeguarding the environment, you will love that this water heater produces close to zero NOx emissions. Impressive, right?
It’s never wise to gamble with safety, especially when it comes to water heaters. That is why A.O. Smith equipped this water heater with a flammable vapor detector that automatically disables the burner to prevent fire hazards.
When it comes to user-friendliness, it doesn’t get any better than this. The A.O. Smith GPVT-40 Gas Water Heater has a simple, user-friendly display with an easy-to-use user interface. It also comes equipped with LED lights that display crucial information on the system’s performance and diagnostics.
Specs:
- Warranty – Six year limited tank and parts
- Capacity – 40 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.70
- Gas Type – Natural Gas
- Recovery Rate – 55.9 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 87 Gallons
Best A.O. Smith Electric Water Heaters
1. A.O. Smith HPTU-50N Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
If you intend to reduce your utility costs, you should go for a hybrid water heater. And what better choice than the A.O. Smith Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater?
This water heater comes equipped with a 50-Gallon tank, with a recovery rate of 66 gallons per hour. In total, it can supply enough hot water for a small household.
It also features a very user-friendly digital display that has few buttons to minimize mishaps. The digital display’s user interface enables you to change between different modes effortlessly.
You can choose between efficiency, hybrid, vacation, and electric modes. The panel also allows you to set your desired temperature in one-degree increments.
When it comes to innovative technology, no one does it better than A.O Smith. This water heater comes equipped with advanced technology, which pulls in the surrounding heat and dehumidifies the surrounding air. This, in turn, cools the room. Cool, right?
Specs:
- Warranty – Ten year limited warranty on tank and parts
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 3.45
- Recovery Rate – Not Specified
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 66 Gallons
2. A.O. Smith HP10-80H45DV Signature Premier Electric Hybrid Water Heater
If you are looking for a water heater that can serve up to four people simultaneously, then you’d better take a look at this Electric Water Heater.
This electric water heater comes equipped with two 4500 Watt stainless steel heating elements that can effortlessly cater to all your hot water needs.
This water heater features an electronic user interface with a touchscreen display that enables you to operate the model in three unique modes.
This means that if three people are using the system simultaneously, they can all set it to match their individual preferences.
It also features a diagnostic feedback system that enables you to monitor your unit seamlessly actively.
Like our previous pick, this water heater incorporates dynaclean technology to prevent sediment buildup actively. That, coupled with the interior glass lining and dry fire protection, makes this water heater very durable.
Specs:
- Warranty – 10 year limited warranty
- Capacity – 80 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 3.45
- Recovery Rate – 20.7 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 82 Gallons
3. A.O. Smith PXNS-50 Conservationist Short Electric Water Heater
The quality and dependability of a water heater all come down to its energy efficiency and performance. The A.O. Smith Conservationist Electric Heater has an exceptional build quality and performance.
This water heater is impressive. It is fitted with phoenix heating features on its upper and lower ends. These heating elements are three times longer than your average copper element. They are remarkably efficient when it comes to heating water faster.
The specially designed dip tube enhances energy efficiency by reducing needless reheating caused by cold water mixing with hot water in the tank.
It delivers the cold water to the bottom of the tank and applies pressure to prevent it from mixing with already hated water. The effect is faster water heating and substantial energy savings.
You will like that this water heater imparts excellent resistance to corrosion throughout the entire system in terms of durability.
It comes equipped with a glass lining on the tank’s internal layer that prevents rust and corrosion.
Like our previous picks, this water heater also comes equipped with Dynaclean technology that actively creates turbulence within the tank, thus preventing sediment buildup.
Specs:
- Warranty – 10 year limited warranty on tank and parts
- Capacity – 50 gallons
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.95
- Recovery Rate – 25 GPH
- First Hour Rating (FHR) – 75 Gallons
Best A.O Smith Tankless water Heaters
1. A.O. Smith ATI-540H-N Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
If your house is a bit lacking in space, then you need a space-saving alternative that will offer you all the benefits of a larger model—the A.O. Smith ATI-540H-N Tankless N.G.
This water heater is perfectly tailored for residential use, and the best part about it is that it takes up very little space.
You will like the fact that this tankless heater utilizes commercial-grade copper alloy in its heat exchanger in terms of efficiency.
This makes it durable, allowing it to run efficiently in high-demand settings. This enables it to run three or four bathrooms effortlessly.
This water heater runs on natural gas. With a 199,000 BTU an hour, a uniform energy factor of 0.93, ultra-low NOx regulations, and condensing technology, this is one of the most energy-efficient tankless heaters on the market.
In terms of safety, it comes equipped with both freeze and overheat protection. You can also install it both indoors and outdoors.
Specs:
- Warranty – 15 year warranty on heat exchanger, five-year warranty on parts
- Capacity – N/A
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.93
- Water Temp – Not specified
- Flow rate – Max 10 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas or Propane (LP Version ATI-540H-P)
3. A.O. Smith ATI-310-N Non-Condensing Residential/Light Commercial Tankless Heater
With an 11,000 BTU and a maximum Gpm of 8.0, this tankless water is the ideal solution for all your residential/light commercial hot water needs.
The high BTU, coupled with the impressive GBP, guarantees you a constant supply of hot water throughout the premises.
This tankless water heater features a sleek, stylish design that blends well with most modern indoor décors. This means that not only does it have a high performance, it also improves your home’s aesthetic appeal.
In terms of safety, you will appreciate the fact that this water heater comes equipped with a specially-designed exhaust mechanism that actively protects the system from accidental hazards caused by overheating. It also has built-in freeze protection that keeps the water in your pipes liquid, even in the winter.
Specs:
- Warranty -15 year limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a five year limited warranty on parts
- Capacity – N/A
- Energy Star Rating – Yes
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) – 0.80
- Water Temp – Not specified
- Flow rate – Max 8 Gpm
- Power Supply – Natural Gas or Propane (LP version ATI-310-P)
Factors to consider when purchasing Smith Heaters
Type
The first thing that should come to mind when selecting a water heater is that not all water heaters are the same. A.O Smith offers the following types of water heaters:
Tank-type
This is the most common type of water heater and can be found in a majority of homesteads. The water in the tank is heated to the pre-set temperature. When you turn on the faucet, hot water flows from the tank to replace the pipes’ cold water.
Tankless
Also referred to as on-demand water heaters, tankless water heaters heat water as it passes through the system. Since they don’t have a storage tank, they require less energy to run and typically take up less space than their tank-type counterparts.
Solar
As the name suggests, solar water heaters use the sun’s heat energy to heat water. The system works through convection to bring water to the desired temperature.
Energy ratings
Unless you want to overspend on energy bills, it is crucial that you check the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of the water heater before making your purchase.
The department of energy introduced the UEF to determine and rate the energy efficiency of home appliances. Typically, the higher the UEF, the more energy-efficient the water heater is.
Recovery rate
If you plan on using separate showers or faucets simultaneously, then you need a heater with a fast recovery rate so that it can match your hot water needs.
Durability
A.O Smith makes durable water heaters. They come equipped with various features like the Dynaclean technology that actively prevents sediment buildup and a glass lining that prevents corrosion.
That being said, you should check the water heater’s warranty and customer reviews to confirm its durability. The more extended the warranty, the more the water heater is expected to last with little to no maintenance.
Installation area
Before heading out to buy your A.O. Smith water heater, you need a wall or floor space that is adequate to accommodate the water heater. The area should also be easily accessible for easy maintenance and repairs.
Conclusion
A.O. Smith is impressively one of the best water heater manufacturers on the market. They have vast experience and have been producing high-quality water heaters since they were founded in 1874. They also produce a variety of water heaters to suit every customer’s needs and preferences.
This text entails everything you need to know about A.O. Smith water heaters. We have also featured some of their best models in the AO Smith Water Heater Reviews section.
As our top pick, we chose the A.O. Smith HPTU-50N Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater. As a hybrid water heater, this model will save you lots of money in energy bills. It also comes loaded with lots of cool features that enhance user experience and efficiency, not to mention its excellent durability.
The model is user-friendly, loaded with fabulous features making it perfect for a small household. The Voltex Hybrid water heater also allows you to choose between efficiency, hybrid, vacation, and electric modes. There is much to be said about this water heater.
Whenever you go water-heater-shopping, remember to keep all the factors discussed in this AO Smith Water Heater Reviews in the buying section in mind. Doing so will ensure that you end up with a high-quality water heater that will suit all your hot water needs and preferences.
