If you’re looking for a water heater, you might come across the name A. O. Smith on a list of manufacturers. However, determining which brand’s product is best for you with so many alternatives might be challenging. So, if you’re wondering what brands of water heaters does AO Smith make? Look no further. Then this detailed handbook is a must-read!
A. O. Smith Water Heaters: A Quick Summary
A. O. Smith has a long and illustrious American history that predates the invention of water heaters. Charles Jeremiah Smith founded A. O. Smith in 1874 when he launched a small machine business in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This father-son business began by manufacturing metal parts for baby carriages and bicycles. Then, in 1889, they distinguished themselves from other metal producers.
Sheet metal was first used to manufacture steel tubes by C.J. Smith & Sons. This ground-breaking design has since become a standard in the manufacture of bicycle frames. Just six years later, in the United States, C.J. Smith and Sons became the leading maker of bicycle parts and eventually the world.
Their ambition to expand and improve was evident once more in 1899. One of Charles Smith’s sons, Arthur Oliver, created the world’s first lightweight, solid steel automobile frame.
A. O. Smith Top Commercial Industry
A. O. Smith became one of the auto industry’s top makers of commercial steel frames, supplying companies like GM and Ford. By 1910, A. O. Smith had established itself as North America’s leading producer of automotive frames.
A. O. Smith’s never-ending desire to learn and explore led to the brilliant concept of fusing small layers of glass with steel. This layer of glass preserves heat within the tank while also protecting it from water corrosion. This procedure transformed the water heater industry, and the brewing industry benefited immensely. They invented this technique in 1936, and it eventually became the industry standard for water heaters.
In 1942, A. O. Smith turned its focus to supporting the war effort. They created it all from aircraft propellers and landing gear to bombs, besides water heaters. After the war, the firm wasted no time showing why they were the finest.
They rose to prominence as a prominent producer of water heaters and storage tanks. Their products have strengthened to become longer-lasting, more energy-efficient water heaters with innovative safety measures. With its array of hybrid and energy-efficient goods, A. O. Smith continues to lead and innovate.
Water Heater Products by A. O. Smith
A. O. Smith makes high-quality water heaters that deliver consistently hot water when you need it. However, choosing the correct one to meet your individual needs and preferences can be complicated with so many possibilities. If you’re looking for a water heater, keep reading to learn more about A. O. Smith’s extensive line of products and how they differ from their competition. Continue reading to learn more. What brands of water heaters does AO Smith make?
A. O. Smith is dedicated to creating environmentally friendly products. Most of their water heaters are energy-efficient and use fewer resources to heat the water, but the company is also concerned about its production process.
Their newest manufacturing facility in China, for example, recycles 80% of the water utilized in the construction of their water heaters.
A. O. Smith is also focused on delivering a high-quality, long-lasting product. Blue Diamond Glass is a proprietary glass coating used on their tank-style water heaters. On most domestic water heaters, this unique coating is more successful than ordinary inside linings at preventing corrosive damage and rust deposit.
You can download the exclusive iCOMM app, which allows you to control the water heater’s settings and capabilities from a distance. If you’re traveling, you’ll be able to set water temperature limitations or restrict usage.
Nox Levels in the Low and Ultra-Low Ranges
A. O. Smith can boast that all of their gas and propane-powered water heater models are rated low or ultra-low Nox, which is a feat accomplished by a few manufacturers.
These certificates indicate that water heaters release less nitrous oxide, a hazardous greenhouse gas, to you and the environment. Water heaters must now comply with low Nox rules in many states.
Certification by the Energy Star
A. O. Smith’s water heaters are Energy Star certified in most cases. In a word, appliances that have received this accreditation are 10 to 20% more energy efficient than comparable appliances.
Receiving Energy Star accreditation is a big deal, and there are a lot of requirements to meet. One requirement is that the heater has a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), which measures the total efficiency of water heating.
When buying a water heater, what brands of water heaters does AO Smith make? look for the blue Energy Star logo. You’ll save money in the long run if you get an Energy Star certified water heater because it uses less energy.
How Long Do A. O. Smith Water Heaters Last?
In 1939, A. O. Smith established the industry standard for providing dependable, long-lasting water heaters that deliberate your safety and the environment. But What brands of water heaters does AO Smith make? Here are some of the standard features of all A. O. Smith tank water heaters.
1 – Tanks with a Glass Lining
The stainless steel core is protected further by fusing glass into the metal tank. This layer traps heat inside the tank while protecting it from water damage. On its Conservationist® home water heaters, the business developed its proprietary Blue DiamondTM glass covering in 2004. Compared to other manufacturers, this unique coating delivers twice the corrosion protection.
2 – Powered Anode System by Product Preservers TM
The corrosive effects of water combined with metal take a toll on anode rods. Instead of your tank rotting, the anode rod will rust in basic terms. A. O. Smith changed their anode system to incorporate adaptive technology, eliminating the need to inspect and replace old-style anode rods. The new anode system control module plugs into any standard 120-volt wall socket and features an LED fault light and an audible alert.
3 – Switch to Turn Off the Electricity
A high-temperature cut-off switch is standard on all A. O. Smith water heaters. It will automatically shut off if the water in the tank rises above the stated temperature.
4 – Valve for Temperature and Pressure Relief
During the heating process, water expands naturally, creating pressure. This safety valve opens if the internal pressure or temp exceeds the preset limit.
5 – An 80 Gallons Voltex® Hybrid Electric Water Heater
Instead of requiring heating devices, this revolutionary design uses heat from the surroundings to heat the water. This technology alone can save you up to 73 percent on your heating bills.
6 – Heating Elements (Dual)
When hot water is in great demand, these features provide a short recovery time.
Product Line of A. O. Smith
A. O. Smith makes tank-style and tankless water heaters that run on gas/propane or electricity. There are various distinct model possibilities for each type of water heater.
A. O. Smith has also developed a reputation for energy efficiency and low emissions. Many of its heaters are Energy Star Certified or classified as low or ultra-low Nox. Let’s look at A. O. Smith’s product line in more detail:
Water Heaters (Gas and Propane) | BUY ON AMAZON
Most A. O. Smith’s gas-powered water heaters consume less energy than competitors, and several have cut Nox emissions by 33%. A. O. Smith’s tank-style model, like the A. O. Smith BTR-199 Tank line-up for gas and propane heaters, is listed below:
Polaris
The Polaris line of water heaters by A. O. Smith is known for its high efficiency and reasonable heat recovery rate. Compared to the competition, many of these heaters are incredibly quiet.
Signature – Only Lowes stores carry the Signature range. This series is worthwhile because of its low cost and because it is one of the few water heaters that can be found at a big box store.
ProLine and ProLine Master are two different ProLine.
This range includes two different water heaters, which have high recovery and efficiency ratings of at least 80%.
A. O. Smith’s Vertex line is the most significant gas and propane water heater line. Every heater in this line is Energy Star certified and has an extrA. O.rdinarily high thermal efficiency.
Electric Water Heaters
A. O. Smith also makes several electric water heaters. They typically build these buildings with environmentally friendly materials and are all LEED-certified.
Their electric heaters can draw electricity directly from an ordinary socket, allowing them to be fitted in smaller locations than usual.
ProLine XE
This branch of the main ProLine line of gas or propane heaters has the same ultra-high efficiency as its competitors. These are medium-sized, and most have digital displays for convenient use.
Signature
Besides the Signature line’s electrical variant, Lowes also offers it. Like the gas or propane counterparts, these Signature electric water heaters are inexpensive and long-lasting.
Voltex line
The electrical analog of the gas Vertex group is the Voltex line. Every Voltex A. O. Smith water heater complies with the Energy Star program. They also have a unique dehumidifier feature that can warm your home’s water and remove extra moisture from the air for its operations, saving your overall operating costs.
Tankless Water Heaters
Depending on your demands, A. O. Smith offers tankless water heaters like A. O. Smith ATO-510-P that burn gas or propane. These heaters have a low or ultra-low NOx rating like their tank-style counterparts.
Tankless water heaters are smaller and take up less room, and all of A. O. Smith’s tankless heaters have remote controls and digital displays.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters | BUY ON AMAZON
A. O. Smith recently released a line of tankless electric water heaters like A. O. Smith DRE-120-15. These heaters offer the same space-saving and energy-saving advantages as gas-powered tankless heaters.
Electric Tankless Water Heaters | BUY ON AMAZON
They do, however, come with a bonus. Electric water heaters, unlike gas water heaters, do not require venting. Your installation costs will be far lower with no venting, and you’ll have more alternatives for where it can be located.
Solar-Powered Water Heater by Cirrex
Solar-powered water heaters are among the most advanced of A. O. Smith’s water heater options. These water heaters are an excellent alternative for ecologically conscious homeowners since they can save up to 70% on your water heating utility expenses!
They’re even better because they’re OG-300 certified, which means they’re eligible for federal refunds or tax credits, depending on your state.
What Are The Prices Of The Most Popular A. O. Smith Water Heater Models?
A. O. Smith produces a variety of water heaters. Depending on your model, prices range from $400 to $5,000. Because you can now buy A. O. Smith water heaters from your local Lowe’s home improvement store, they are less expensive than some of their competitors.
It sold the A. O. Smith Signature Series water heaters through Lowe’s, whereas local plumbers sold the A. O. Smith ProLine water heaters. Their water heaters have a 3- to 12-year limited warranty covering specific parts and tank leakage.
Is A. O. Smith A Good Water Heater?
- Many people in today’s do-it-yourself era prefer the idea of saving money by doing the task themselves. When it comes to water heaters, it’s important to remember that replacing the old with the new isn’t the only option.
- Water heaters generate a lot of pressure, which can build up over time if they aren’t properly vented or maintained. This pressure build-up can convert your water heater into a dangerous and devastating rocket. You’ll also need to know how to solder because you’ll be working with natural gas, propane, or electricity.
- Suppose you decide that hiring a qualified professional is the safer and more cost-effective alternative. In that case, A. O. Smith still allows you to buy your water heater from an allowed dealer. Yes, it is more expensive to hire a professional than yourself.
- A professional can help you determine what size water heater is appropriate for your home’s needs and whether you need new electrical, plumbing, or gas lines. They have the experience and equipment to complete the job safely. They are also well-versed in the local codes.
- Another benefit of hiring a professional to install your water heater is that their work is guaranteed. There is no such thing as a flawless appliance. A local skilled plumber will stand behind their work and assist with the A.O. Smith guarantee if your water heater requires service.
How long does the A. O. Smith water heater last?
Over the years, we’ve evaluated thousands of A. O. Smith water heaters. I can almost guarantee that A. O. Smith water heaters will last 10 to 15 years. While each A. O. Smith water heater comes with a regular 6-to-10-year guarantee, frequent inspections and maintenance by skilled specialists can help your water heater last up to 20 years.
Here are a few signs to determine your water heater’s health and lifespan.
The Water Heater’s Age
Is your water heater at least ten years old, if not more? Are you unsure?
The Water Heater’s Appearance
Examine the appearance, odor, and flavor of your water. Outside the tank, is there any evidence of rust or leaking? Is the water coming out of the faucet rusty? Is there a metallic odor or taste to it?
As The Water Heats Up, It Makes Popping Or Gurgling Noises.
Your electric or gas water heater should, in theory, operate quietly and out of sight. However, if you hear knocking noises, this is a sign that your water heater requires immediate care.
While it may tempt you to self-diagnose and treat your water heater’s symptoms, it’s best to leave it to the pros, especially if your water heater is still under warranty.
A. O. Smith Water Heater Warranties
Like most manufacturers, A. O. Smith’s warranties vary based on the type and model. Their gas tankless water heaters come with a 15-year heat exchanger guarantee, while they have a 5-year warranty.
Depending on the model, gas and electric tank-style water heaters have 6 to 10 years of tank life. On their website, you can look up specific warranty coverage.
Water Heaters by A. O. Smith Downsides
- A. O. Smith water heaters have various concerns, ranging from warranty issues to malfunctioning parts. According to the Better Business Bureau, it filed 113 complaints in the previous three years, with 63 being resolved in the previous year.
- A. O. Smith responds rapidly to customer care complaints and works to fix problems, even arranging for a service company to repair or replace the water heater.
- A. O. Smith continues to position itself as one of the leading distributors of water heaters, even though no company is immune to product faults. Their track record shows a solid drive to keep growing and improving.
- Considering how many water heaters A. O. Smith sells, 113 complaints in three years is a relatively small percentage of the total number of water heaters sold.
Competing Brands vs. A. O. Smith Water Heaters
One of the most well-known names in the water heater industry is A. O. Smith. They have a manufacturing facility to develop and maintain a diverse product line.
Many of A. O. Smith’s water heaters are more energy-efficient than their competitors (Rinnai, Rheem), but they are also more expensive. Let’s look at a couple of their top rival.
Rinnai Water Heaters | BUY ON AMAZON
A. O. Smith has a significantly broader product portfolio than Rinnai water heaters. A. O. Smith offers gas/propane, electric, and solar alternatives, but Rinnai solely offers Rinnai RLX94iN Natural Gas Tankless gas and propane-fueled water heaters. Tankless and tank-style heaters are available from Rinnai and A. O. Smith.
These businesses are known for their high-quality, well-designed water heaters, but they’re also on the more expensive side of the spectrum.
Rheem| BUY ON AMAZON
Rheem is an American-owned company that sells water heaters at most big-box retailers. The company makes water heaters with various intelligent technology features that allow you to keep track of your water heater’s consumption and health.
If there is a leak or other maintenance issue, you can even get alerts on your phone. Rheem is dedicated to producing Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 type of high-efficiency water heaters, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and developing cutting-edge intelligent technologies.
While this is not an entire list of comparisons, it is clear why these businesses are among the finest. Which brand to choose is determined by the qualities you seek in a company.
- Do you wish to work for a corporation with a long history in America?
- Do you want to work with a firm setting the standard for environmentally responsible products?
- Do you desire a company that produces its goods in the United States?
Investing in an energy-efficient water heater is a wise decision. So do your homework, ask around, and call a plumber in your area if all else fails. Every day, they are out there servicing many water heaters. Their expertise will be crucial in assisting you in determining which water heater brand is appropriate for your property.
Conclusion
You may already know that A. O. Smith can give you a reliable water heater, but did you know? What brands of water heaters does AO Smith make? The A. O. Smith production line produces two brands, which are top sellers among American consumers. Read about A. O. Smith’s water heater brands and why they’re so popular with homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: A Whirlpool water heater is one of several various models created by A. O. Smith. It provides all the excellence you expected and safety and durability features. Whirlpool no longer sells water heaters for home use. Because A.O. formerly made them.
While today’s water heaters are more well-designed than older ones, they still need to be maintained regularly to last as long as possible. You may expect a gas water heater to last 8-12 years with a regular examination, draining, and flushing, and an electric water heater to last 10-15 years with regular inspection, draining, and flushing.
Is it necessary to get my water heater flushed regularly? Our recommendation is to flush your water heater at least once a year. As a result, you’ll be able to avoid the problems that silt can cause.