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Each day in America, the average family will take several showers during the day, run the dishwasher once or twice and then wash a couple of clothes with the laundry. Actually, water heating takes up to a quarter of all the energy costs most families incur per month which is one very important reason for buying a water heater that serves all the needs of your family while keeping the energy bill incredibly low.
In a nutshell, the most important features in a water heater should be the first hour ratings for its storage tank, the gallons per minute speed, efficiency at keeping the energy costs low and its price itself. There are many types of water heaters that claim to heat water while saving your energy, but there are not many brands that have proven the test of time, and one of them is A.O. Smith brand. Read the A.O. Smith water heater reviews article to learn the various models of A.O. Smith and their correspondent performance based on their features.
Residential Series
- AO Smith GDHE-50-NG
- Type: natural gas
- Input: 100,000 BTU
- Thermal efficiency: 96%
- Gallon Capacity: 50
- Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 66.75
- AO Smith PHPT-80
- Type: heat pump
- Watts: 4500/2000
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- Gallon Capacity: 80
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 x 81.5
A.O Smith GDHE-50-NG Residential Natural Gas Water Heater
The first thing you notice with this AO Smith model is the modern design that makes it look classy. In fact, the water heater has a state of the art design that when mixed with efficiency, makes it one of the best gas water heaters in the country today. The machine has a power direct vent plus and extended internal heat exchanger capable of supporting up to 100,000 BTU input. Both of these features ensure that your house will have an almost infinite supply of hot water so long as the machine lives.
On the other hand, this model offers unmatched thermal efficiency with its water condensing design. Its dimensions are also quite favorable for a medium sized home which makes it easy to install on your own. What is, however, more intriguing is its ability to release water at a relatively high speed and its design that creates room for installing either vertical or horizontal vents as long as 128 feet. Finally, the water heater is supported by a six-year warranty which explains how confident the manufacturers are with their product.
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AO Smith PHPT-80 Residential Electric Water Heater
This AO Smith model uses modern technology to reduce water heating costs by up to two-thirds. Its innovative design that helps dehumidify and cool the surroundings helps improve its efficiency and its speed in heating your water. With an 80-gallon water tank, PHPT-80 is one of the most ideal water heaters for average American families. In fact, if you were to refill the tank only once or twice a day, you would get as much water as ten people can use. Again, the heater saves energy costs since it generates heat via the heat pump mechanism.
On the other hand, this hybrid water heating machine has other features that are hard to find in its rivals. For instance, it comes with a powered anode aimed at protecting the tank, LCD screen display plus the fact that it comes with two heating elements for security purposes. Something else that is unique with the water heater is its long lasting incology which acts as a backup should one heating element fail to function. Finally, the PHPT-80 comes with a 10-year warranty and rates incredibly well among most reviews.
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ProMax Series
- A.O. Smith GCG-50
- Type: natural gas
- Maximum BTUs: 40,000
- Gallon capacity: 50
- Energy factor: 0.60
- Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 60
- A.O. Smith ENT-40
- Type: electric
- Wattage: 4500/6000
- Gallon capacity: 40
- Energy factor: 0.95
- Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 60
- AO Smith ProMax GPVT-50
- Type: propane gas
- Maximum BTUs: 50,000
- Gallon capacity: 50
- Energy factor: 0.70
- Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 68.5
A.O. Smith GCG-50 ProMax Tall Gas Water Heater
This is yet another water heater from ao smith that is credited for its powerful innovation driven features. For instance, while its water tank is slightly lower than that of the PHPT-80, its 50 gallon water tank when powered by its 40,000 BTU burner makes it capable of serving most families’ needs in regards to using hot water. It also comes with an internal microprocessor that helps speed the heating process even when the temperatures outside are extremely low. It has a Dyna clean diffuser that helps maximize the amount of hot water produced while eliminating as much lime and sediment buildup as it possibly can.
On the other hand, the GCH-50 gas water heater comes with a diamond glass coating meant to increase corrosion resistance that is a norm when metal comes into contact with hot water. Note also that this machine meets most of the necessary energy regulation requirements and favors positively in most A.O. Smith electric water heater user feedback.
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A.O Smith ENT-40 ProMax Tall Gas Water Heater
Topping most AO Smith electric water heater reviews, the ENT-40 is one of the most family-friendly water heaters anyone can have. As its name suggests, the machine comes with a 40-gallon tank that is capable of delivering up to 4,500 watts. The heater’s shape and design are specially built to fit any part of your house. Moreover, the water heater comes with a core guard, a blue diamond and a Dyna clean all meant to make this model last longer while delivering quality services.
To be more specific, the Dyna clean diffuser helps prevent or reduce the impact of sediments and lime in the tank; which could otherwise affect the quality of water heated as time goes by. On the other hand, the core guard aluminum anode rod is there to ensure that the tank lasts for a longer period of time without experiencing any form of corrosion. The blue diamond lining also helps protect the tank from leaks. To top it up, the permaglass coating helps add durability to the water tank.
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AO Smith ProMax GPVT-50 Power Vent Tall Propane Gas Water Heater
Being an ao smith product, the GPVT-50 is definitely built with innovation and efficiency in mind. It contains almost all of the features found in its cousins’ (ao smith water heaters) electric driven machines but performs equally better while being powered by propane gas. For instance, the heater is built in the same C3 patented technology found in its counterparts, has a versatile power vent design, a permaglass coating to ensure a longer life, a core guard aluminum anode to prevent corrosion of the tank plus an extra Dyna clean diffuser to reduce sediments and lime in the tank.
Apart from the aforementioned features, this machine is favored among most A.O. Smith user feedback and not because of its affordable price, but because of the great value it offers you from your money. Other notable features include the presence of a sealed combustion chamber that allows air intake for more efficiency plus a fireproof cordierite built at the tank’s bottom part. Besides, the machine meets the second phase of the ANSI Z21.10.1standards for flammable vapor ignition resistance. Finally, the machine has an external heat trap nipples, T&P insulation, and an Intel vent gas control.
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Conservationist Series
A.O. Smith PXNS-50 Conservationist Short Electric Water Heater
With a 50-gallon water tank and delivering at 5,500 watts, this model is one of the most energy saving water heaters amongst all ao smith products. This can be proved by the fact that it can achieve a first hour rating of 62 gallons at a low energy factor of only 0.95. Besides these features, the conservationist is built with the high quality patented technology that ao smith uses on all its water heaters. When it comes to ensuring durability, this water heater is coated with a blue diamond glass coating which is more efficient that other coatings. On the other hand, the machine comes with a Dyna clean diffuser meant to reduce the impact of lime or sediment build-up in the water tank.
Additionally, the water heater has a core hard magnesium anode that is powerful enough to protect the tank against corrosion for as long as ten or more years. There is also a standard female hose fitting which makes it easier for you to drain water during maintenance. On the other hand, the heater has an open and close valve that helps the easy flow of full straight through the water. Finally, the heater is energy compliant with several bodies including the federal energy conservation standards, and also has met the thermal efficiency requirements, HUD national code standards and is CSA certified.
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AO Smith 300/301 Series Conservationist Tall Natural Gas Water Heater
This model of ao smith water heaters is yet another proof that the manufacturers are very conscious about making energy conserving products. To start with, it has a self-powered electronic gas valve that helps power the electronic gas control without the need to use an external power source. Additionally, the gas control has a LED indicator that helps monitor the service diagnostics or the system operations. Like most ao smith water heaters, this model has an aluminum anode rod that prevents corrosion of the tank’s inner section.
Its drain valve which is made of brass as opposed to the ordinary plastic material makes the tank more tamper resistant for more durability and efficiency during the heater’s lifetime. Its microprocessor, on the other hand, enables tighter and better parameter differentials for faster heating responses. To provide a more eco-friendly heating experience, the 300/301 series has factory installed heat trap nipples and an eco-friendly gas burner design that helps reduce the machine’s emission percentage by up to 33%. Finally, the water heater has a blue diamond glass coating for better corrosion resistance and a six-year limited warranty on all parts plus the tank.
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Hybrid Series
A.O. Smith SHPT-50 Voltex Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
For people who like to keep their garage or basements clean, this is the water heater to buy. It has a highly efficient compressor that dehumidifies the surroundings of where it is placed as it heats water at a fast speed. Since it is relatively affordable price, it is no wonder why it does so well among A.O. Smith hybrid water heater user feedback. Its design is also very elegant plus it enhances the machine’s overall performance by keeping the water hot at extremely low energy costs.
Both the inner and outer coatings of the SHPT resemble most of other ao smith water heater design although it has a control system that helps you confirm that the tank is full. The inside of the tank as you would expect from its manufacturers is made of stainless steel to reduce corrosion as much as possible. In addition to this, this specific tank comes with a steel core that aims to improve the lifespan of the tank far much longer than other water heaters. The Blue diamond coating lined on the permaglass material ensures that the tank remains good looking and leak free for a long period of time. Finally, the heater uses a more recent type of technology that helps store more energy at lower costs than other models can.
Solar Series
AO Smith SUN-80 Residential Solar Water Heater
The SUN 80 solar water heater is a flexible easy to install a water heater that does not disappoint when it comes to keeping your water hot. It comes with a myriad of features that saves you the need to buy extra add-ons to enhance its performance. For instance, the water heater has an 80-gallon capacity tank that ensures your whole family enjoys using hot water for a whole day without having to refill the tank. Both the outside and inner parts of the solar water heater are built with the same high quality technology that ao smith are known for. The outer coating is made of permaglass lined steel for maximum protection against accidental leaks. In addition, it has a 2-inch non-CFC insulation, side and top connections and ability to withstand extra installations such as loop systems.
The Dyna clean diffuser, on the other hand, ensures that sublime and sediments, which are very prone in hard water areas, never affect the hot water tank. And of course, the inside of the tank is also made with an anode rod for maximum corrosion resistant. Finally, the SUN-80 is generally reviewed as the best machine a family looking to try out with solar water heating should go for.
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Commercial Series
AO Smith BTR-199 Tank Type Water Heater with Commercial Natural Gas
Anyone who owns the BTR-199 will agree that it is one of the most efficient and quickest water heaters in the market today. This 81-gallon capacity water heater has everything you would admire in a commercial water heater. First, the machine meets the US department of energy’s thermal efficiency requirements which means that it is yet another energy conserving product from ao smith manufacturers.
Everything else from the design to the features has some resemblance to other ao smith water heaters. For instance, both the outside and inner parts of the tank are covered with materials meant to increase durability as well as efficiency. The inner lined anode rod stainless steel protects the tank from sediment and lime that comes with hard water.
On the other hand, this machine is one of the most rated among all user feedback since it was first introduced into the market. And although it gas powered, the heater has an electronic ignition button and has the ability to withstand water degrees of up to 180 F. Finally, the heater comes with a self-cleaning feature and an adjustable thermostat.
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AO Smith DEL-65 Light Duty Commercial Electric Tank Type Water Heater
The ao smith DEL65 light duty is another water heater that utilizes its parent company’s innovative features to give you the best water heating services at minimal energy costs. With its mounted thermostats, controlling the heating temperatures in the tank becomes even easier. It carries a maximum of 50 gallons of water and has dual element models for better efficacy. It also meets the US’s department of energy’s thermal regulation standards besides being CSA certified.
On the outside, the tank is covered in tin plated copper elements for better durability while it also has got glass line on to it for both protection and better aesthetics. The commercial water heater is also protected from lime and sediments by the Dyna clean diffuser installed inside it. The overall measurements, on the other hand, are 14.2* 14.2* 15.5 inches whereas it only weighs 32.4 pounds. Other notable elements include the 208/240/480 volt, the last two of which can be converted to single phase at the terminal block.
Hot Water Supply Boiler
AO Smith HW-300
The HW-300 is an indoor use water heater that is made of high quality brass to ensure a long life of service to the owner. The water heater has its parts made of the best materials to suit their services. For instance, the water tubes are made of copper while the joints are made of flare union to make them immune to thermal shock or thermal cycling. The heater has also one of the smallest footprints possible for a heater of its mettle.
The heater also makes use of a copper heat exchanger that is placed directly above the main burner for fast water circulation as well as for better efficiency in terms of water heating. The gas valves, on the other hand, enable smooth light off without necessarily rolling out flames. The heater also comes with a thermal balance that not only reduces standby heat loss but also delays pump shut odd after the heating cycle is over. When it comes to safety assurance, the HW-300 water heater takes no chances. Its automatic safety control ignition pilot provides an instantaneous flame failure response. In addition, the gas valves and high limit controls ensure that the tank would never catch fire in the event of it getting overheated for any reasons.
Finally, the water heater has an ASME approved working pressure, 300,000 BTU input powered by natural gas and a 3-year limited warranty.
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A.O Smith Water Heater Pros and Cons
A.O Smith Water Heater Benefits
There is no doubt that ao smith water heaters are some of the most common water heaters in the US and beyond. For years, the parent manufacturer has been aggressively innovating water heaters that can solve every water heating need in the American home. Features found in these heaters also contribute to their popularity and high rankings as you will note below. Hang on as we look at some of the benefits you get by purchasing any of the many models and types of water heaters that ao smith produces.
- They are durable. AO Smith water heaters are made from the most durable materials like brass and stainless steel to guarantee a long life.
- They are highly efficient owing to the high technology used to make them.
- They deliver hot water for longer periods of time.
- They can easily be installed into any room or part of the house.
- Their repair parts are easily available in the market.
- They have relatively enough sized tanks for average families.
- They are eco-friendly with most models having passed a lot of energy regulation standards.
AO Smith water Heater Disadvantages
Although ao smith produces some of the best and some of the most durable water heaters in the market today, their products still have some flaws that anger their loyal customers. The following are some of the most popular flaws that can be noticed with the water heaters.
- They are expensive. Some people justify the prices with the water heaters’ features but the bottom line is that ao smith water heaters are very expensive. Most of them are priced in the thousands of dollars, which is so high for most people.
- They have small tanks. While the 50-80 gallon capacity tanks are enough for average family uses, ao smith does not have tanks that can serve relatively large commercial purposes.
- Some parts break off easily. The tanks may be made of brass, but most people tend to find fault in some of the joints and extra features like coils found in ao smith water heaters.
Conclusion
Having a water heater in the house is somehow a compulsory want that any American family must have. Whether it is the need to take a warm shower in the morning, washing laundry or turning on the dishwasher or it is due to the cold days of the winter, a good water heater is an important tool to own. And from the A.O. Smith water heater reviews outlined above, there is no doubt that ao smith water heaters offer the variety and the efficiency that you would probably be looking for in a water heater.
A.O. Smith water heaters as you have noted above are also good for both commercial and residential use, they are great for people who love using electronics as well as for those who want to power their electronics with gas. Finally, ao smith water heaters are very eco-friendly and safe to work with.
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