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Plumbing

AO Smith Water Heater Review: Reliable, Efficient Home Solutions

Modernize Rating: 4.5/5

Average Cost: $400 - $3,000

AO Smith offers a broad range of high-quality water heaters, including tank, tankless, hybrid, and heat pump models. Known for energy efficiency and durability, their systems typically cost between $400 and $3,000, depending on the model and features. Whether you need a traditional or advanced water heater, AO Smith provides reliable options designed to meet diverse household needs.

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Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

AO Smith Water Heater Review

A.O. Smith has long been a trusted name in the water heating industry, offering a wide variety of high-performance water heaters for homes and businesses alike. Known for both tank and tankless models, as well as advanced energy-saving technologies, A.O. Smith has established a reputation for reliable and innovative water heating solutions. Whether you need a traditional gas or electric unit or are interested in more modern hybrid or heat pump systems, A.O. Smith provides a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. In this AO Smith water heater review, we’ll break down the pros and cons of their water heaters, explore top models, and compare them to top competitors in the market.

Getting to Know AO Smith

A.O. Smith Corporation has been a leader in water heating technology for more than 150 years. Founded in 1874 by Arthur Oliver Smith’s father, Charles Jeremiah Smith, the company initially produced automotive parts but began focusing on water heaters in the 1930s. Today, A.O. Smith is recognized for its innovation, producing a broad range of water heaters, including gas, electric, hybrid, and tankless systems, to meet both residential and commercial needs.

AO Smith Logo

A.O. Smith is known for its energy-efficient products, advanced heating technology, and durable construction, making it a reliable choice for homeowners looking to invest in a long-lasting, high-quality water heater. The company offers what they call commercial-grade products for residential use, meaning you’ll get top-notch appliances for your home. And whether you prefer a traditional tank-based system or are considering the more energy-efficient tankless or heat pump models, A.O. Smith offers a comprehensive selection to meet various heating demands.

Pros & Cons of AO Smith Water Heaters

When considering an A.O. Smith hot water heater, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed decision.

Pros

  • Range of Models: A.O. Smith offers several water heaters including tankless, tank, electric and heat pump models to fit any budget. Government rebates are also available for many of their products.
  • Smart, Energy Efficient Models: Many A.O. Smith water heaters come with smart technology, such as Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to monitor and control their units remotely. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, these units can reduce your utility bills over time.
  • Durability and Reliability: A.O. Smith water heaters are built to last, with robust designs and long warranties that ensure reliable performance for years to come.

Cons

  • Higher Cost: While A.O. Smith offers premium models with excellent features, the initial investment can be higher than some competitors, especially for their tankless or hybrid systems. In addition, their pricing information is not readily available on their website.
  • Complex Installation: Depending on the type of water heater you choose, the installation process can be more complex than other brands and may require professional help, adding to the cost.
  • Electric Model Lifetimes: Some customers say that their electric heaters don’t last as long as the competitors’.

AO Smith Water Heater Review: Top Products

A.O. Smith offers a range of water heaters tailored to different needs. Here’s a closer look at their top models:

Gas Water Heaters

A.O. Smith offers ProLine, Vertex, and Polaris model gas water heaters. They are available in several sizes and known among the company’s lineup of products for their energy efficiency and performance over time. Many of these gas water heaters are ENERGY STAR certified and come in both natural gas and liquid propane tank designs.

Gas Water Heater

Electric Water Heaters

The A.O. Smith ProLine XE Voltex electric water heater offers high energy efficiency with a powerful electric heating element. It is designed to provide ample hot water for households of all sizes and features an advanced temperature and pressure relief valve for safety. These heaters come in various sizes from 50 to 80 gallons. Hybrid models are also available.

Electric Water Heater Cost

Tankless Water Heaters

A.O. Smith offers a range of tankless water heaters which offer continuous hot water through a space-saving design, making them ideal for homeowners who want hot water on demand without the need for a bulky tank. Many of these tankless models from the Adapt line also boast Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to monitor their water heater remotely.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

The A.O. Smith Voltex Hybrid Electric Heat Pumps are energy-efficient models that use a heat pump to extract heat from the air to heat the water, reducing energy consumption compared to conventional electric water heaters. It’s an ideal model for environmentally conscious homeowners looking to save on utility bills.

How Much Do AO Smith Water Heaters Cost?

The cost of A.O. Smith water heaters varies depending on the type, model, and features. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

Costs of AO Smith Water Heaters
Type of Water HeaterEstimated Cost Range
Gas Water Heaters$500 to $2,100
Electric Water Heaters$400 to $1,200
Tankless Water Heaters$500 to $2,500
Heat Pump Water Heaters$1,700 to $3,000
Hybrid Water Heaters$1,000 to $2,700

Factors That Affect Costs

  • Size: Larger units or those with higher capacity will cost more, as will units designed for larger homes or commercial use.
  • Type: Tankless, hybrid, and heat pump models tend to be more expensive up front, but offer long-term savings on energy costs.
  • Installation: Complex installations, such as for tankless or heat pump water heaters, can increase your overall costs. Installation can range from $300 to $1,500 or more depending on your home’s setup and the type of unit being installed,
  • Features: Models with smart technology, Wi-Fi compatibility, or advanced safety features may cost more than basic models.

Benefits of Investing in AO Smith Water Heaters

When considering an A.O. Smith water heater, here are a few key benefits that make it a solid investment:

  • Energy Savings: Many A.O. Smith models are designed to be highly energy-efficient, which translates into lower utility bills over time.
  • Durable and Reliable: A.O. Smith is known for manufacturing long-lasting water heaters, which can reduce maintenance costs and the need to replace your system.
  • Wide Selection: With gas, electric, tankless, hybrid, and heat pump models, A.O. Smith offers a wide variety of options to suit different household needs.
  • Smart Features: Many A.O. Smith water heaters come with smart technology, allowing you to monitor your usage and adjust your water heater remotely for added convenience.
  • Warranties: A.O. Smith offers warranties ranging from 6 to 12 years, depending on the model, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Baby getting a sink bath in a white kitchen

AO Smith vs Competitors

When shopping for the best tank water heaters or best tankless water heaters, AO Smith consistently ranks as a leading brand known for reliability and innovation. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together a competitor breakdown that compares AO Smith’s offerings with other top water heater brands on the market. This overview highlights key features, pricing, and performance factors so you can find the best water heater to meet your home’s needs and budget.

AO Smith vs Rheem

Rheem is one of A.O. Smith’s top competitors, offering a similarly wide range of water heaters, including gas, electric, tankless, and heat pump models. Rheem tends to offer slightly lower prices on its entry-level models compared to A.O. Smith, ranging from $400 to upwards of $1,200 to $2,300 making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers. Both companies offer competitive warranties, but A.O. Smith’s offers 6- to 12-year warranties across the board while Rheem ranges from 5 to 15 years depending on the model.

AO Smith vs Bradford White

Bradford White is another well-established brand that competes with A.O. Smith, particularly in the residential market. Bradford White is known for its reliable and durable units, but its product line is more limited than A.O. Smith’s, especially in the tankless and hybrid categories. A.O. Smith tends to have a wider selection of advanced models with additional features, such as Wi-Fi capabilities and energy-saving technologies. Bradford White’s models are known for their simplicity and longevity, but can far exceed A.O. Smith in cost, with models ranging from $800 to as much as $8,000.

AO Smith vs GE

GE Appliances is a trusted name in the business for all sorts of appliances and systems from microwaves to ovens to water heaters. Their products are widely available and most contractors have experience servicing their products. Priced between $500 for entry-level models and $1,200 for mid-range units with improved efficiency and durability features, GE’s tank and tankless water heaters are widely available in stores and online.

Is AO Smith Right for Me?

A.O. Smith water heaters are ideal for homeowners who are looking for high-quality, energy-efficient, and durable water heating solutions. If you’re willing to invest in a long-term solution with advanced features, A.O. Smith offers a broad selection to meet a range of household needs. Homeowners interested in tankless, heat pump, or hybrid water heaters will particularly appreciate the variety of options available.

Overall, A.O. Smith water heaters are well-regarded for their energy efficiency, reliability, and advanced features, though the higher upfront costs and installation complexities are factors to consider.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a reputable brand with a wide range of models, robust warranties, and an excellent track record, A.O. Smith is a solid choice for your water heating needs.

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