Heat pump water heaters are some of the newest types of water heaters, slowly growing in demand with different manufacturers offering their heat pump water heaters. Is there a way to tell these brands of heat pump water heaters apart? Yes! We’ll look at two of the top brands for heat pump water heaters, Rheem and A.O. Smith, and how they compare against each other.
We at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air have accumulated knowledge and experience in the water heater industry for over 15 years. Whether that’s working with the top heat pump water heater brands to provide training to our technicians or going out to the field to install and service water heaters, we gather all of the information we gain to help homeowners in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas find a water heater that’s right for them.
This article will compare how A.O. Smith and Rheem heat pump water heaters may be similar or different in the following categories.
- Energy Efficiency
- Price
- Warranty
- Variety
- Additional Features
This insider information will give you the tools to decide whether one of these two brands’ heat pump water heaters is suitable for your home.
Let’s hop right in!
What Are the Differences Between A.O. Smith and Rheem Heat Pump Water Heaters?
A.O. Smith and Rheem are two of the leading manufacturers of different types of water heaters, such as tankless and conventional water heaters, besides heat pump water heaters. Heat pump water heaters are among the various water heating systems available for residential and commercial settings.
In terms of energy efficiency, heat pump water heaters are the most efficient. Rheem and A.O. Smith have highly efficient heat pump water heaters, but is one more efficient?
Energy Efficiency
Without a doubt, Rheem and A.O. Smith heat pump water heaters are three to five times more energy efficient than traditional and tankless water heaters. Even so, Rheem’s heat pump water heaters are slightly more efficient than A.O. Smith’s heat pump water heaters. Rheem’s heat pump water heaters have a UEF rating of 3.45 to 4.07, whereas A.O. Smith heat pump water heaters can have a UEF rating of up to 3.88.
The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings are a rating system based on standards used by water heater manufacturers. These ratings help homeowners compare efficiency among the different water heater options.
Although there’s not much difference in UEF rating scores for A.O. Smith and Rheem heat pump water heaters, the difference could show up in yearly savings. Both heat pump water heaters can save you money in energy costs and provide other benefits, but Rheem’s heat pump water heaters can save you a little more.
Before taking advantage of the energy cost savings these two heat pump water heaters offer, homeowners must compare the price of a heat pump water heater from A.O. Smith and Rheem.
Price
Pricing is one of the categories where A.O. Smith and Rheem differ significantly. Rheem’s heat pump water heaters cost more than A.O. Smith’s heat pump water heaters.
A.O. Smith’s heat pump water heater can cost $1,900 to $4,900 without installation and between $5,200 to $10,800 with installation. Rheem’s heat pump water heaters cost between $3,100 to $5,800 without installation and between $8,500 to $14,000 with installation.
Rheem was the first manufacturer to introduce a heat pump water heater, so they’ve had a headstart developing their product. Their advantage in creating a heat pump water heater first has enabled them to make the necessary adjustments to their units so they can be the most efficient in the market.
Regardless of which heat pump water heater you decide, you’ll invest in a product with the best warranty coverage.
Warranty
When it comes to warranty coverage and conditions, Rheem and A.O. Smith are very similar. Both manufacturers have heat pump water heaters with a 10-year limited warranty on the tank and parts. They also offer a 12-month warranty on labor to cover any defective parts within the first year of purchase.
A.O. Smith and Rheem’s warranty booklets are both easy to follow and accessible online and are included in the installation. Both brands also recommend homeowners register their products online so warranty claims can be filed and reviewed more efficiently.
Rheem offers homeowners extra peace of mind by providing a ProtectionPlus Program for their heat pump water heaters. This program is an extended warranty added to the original coverage period of a heat pump water heater.
The warranties for Rheem’s and A.O. Smith’s heat pump water heaters apply to all their heat pump water heaters. We’ll look at the different options of heat pump water heaters offered by both manufacturers.
Variety
A.O. Smith and Rheem offer different tank capacities for their heat pump water heaters. Rheem offers the following options,
- 45 gallons
- 50 gallons
- 65 gallons
- 80 gallons
On the contrary, A.O. Smith has various heat pump water heater options available,
- 50 gallons
- 66 gallons
- 80 gallons
The type of tank size required for installation will depend on various factors, such as a home’s number of bathrooms, fixtures that use hot water, and hot water usage. If a house is replacing an older conventional water heater, that tank’s size can help determine which heat pump water heater is needed.
Rheem has an extra option available, but both brands offer enough choices for most homes in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas to have adequate hot water without running out.
One category where Rheem and A.O. Smith share similarities is the additional features they offer.
Additional Features
Rheem and A.O. Smith offer similar features. Here are some of the shared features both brands share.
- Leak protection: A standard feature in heat pump water heaters, leak detection, prevention, and protection help alert homeowners of a potential leak. Rheem and A.O. Smith also have an automatic shutoff valve that kickstarts once the heat pump water heater detects a leak. A leak can lead to water damage in a home, and both brands are designed to detect and prevent that from happening.
- Smartphone app compatibility: Heat pump water heaters from Rheem and A.O. Smith are designed to have connectivity with smartphones via a downloadable app. The app from both brands allows homeowners to control settings such as water temperature, view and receive alerts, and switch between different operating modes.
These brands may have similar features but have different aspects that the other manufacturers may not have.
- Whisper-quiet operation: A.O. Smith heat pump water heaters highlight a special feature that minimizes vibration noises to keep the noise level at 45 decibels. This feature is only available with their 120v plug-in heat pump water heater from A.O. Smith.
- Tracking energy usage: This feature is only available with Rheem, not A.O. Smith. Rheem’s heat pump water heaters provide homeowners with detailed reports on energy usage on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. These reports assist homeowners with making any adjustments to their energy consumption.
As the interest for heat pump water heaters grows in California, Rheem and A.O. Smith are two brands expected to continue to innovate their line of heat pump water heaters so homeowners can have reliability for hot water in their homes.
Is A.O. Smith or Rheem Heat Pump Water Heaters Right for You?
Both brands have features in various categories where they share similarities and other areas where they differ. After breaking down a comparison between Rheem and A.O. Smith, we hope you can continue to feel confident in your search for heat pump water heaters. This insider information will help you narrow down your heat pump water heater choice.
We’ve worked with all sorts of water heaters from the top brands in the water heating industry, from tankless to heat pump water heaters. Whether it’s A.O. Smith or Rheem, our technicians at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air have received specialized training in various products, including heat pump water heaters.
If you’re curious about installing a heat pump water heater in your home or have questions about different options, contact us through one of the buttons below or book an appointment through our online scheduler.
As you search for a suitable water heater, you may have encountered hybrid water heaters. Although sometimes used interchangeably, hybrid and heat pump water heaters operate differently. To help set them apart, check out this article that compares heat pump water heaters with hybrid water heaters.
