A.O. Smith

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, announces the launch of its newly updated website, hotwater.com. The fully redesigned website offers an immersive and user-friendly experience with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of today’s trade professionals and homeowners. Key improvements to the website include a mobile-friendly design, a Read more

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, announces the launch of its newly updated website, hotwater.com. The fully redesigned website offers an immersive and user-friendly experience with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of today’s trade professionals and homeowners.

Key improvements to the website include a mobile-friendly design, a reorganized navigation system and enhanced search functionality. These upgrades, made possible by the new Salesforce Commerce Cloud platform, provide users with a seamless browsing experience and quick and easy access to the information that’s important to them. As consumers are researching new water heaters they can quickly navigate to the Contractor Locator Tool, which will connect them to an A. O. Smith installer who can help them select the best-fit water heater for their installation needs.

The new Hotwater.com features a range of additional enhancements designed to benefit trade professionals:

All users will also benefit from:

  • Rebates Center: The improved Rebates Center makes it easier for customers to find rebates and incentives for installing A. O. Smith high efficiency products.
  • Educational Content: The enhanced Info Center educates customers on frequently asked topics like Water Heater Sizing, Water Heater Venting and more.
  • Accessibility: The website is now equipped with an ADA-compliant tool, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all users.

“A. O. Smith’s updated website is the result of a year-long endeavor aimed at enhancing our online customer experience. Before starting the overhaul, our team surveyed customers to find out what resources were most important to them. We then used this feedback to guide our efforts to diligently craft a digital experience that seamlessly aligns with their evolving needs, delivering unparalleled value and convenience,” said Jeff Storie, A. O. Smith marketing director.

Experience the enhanced A. O. Smith website today by visiting www.hotwater.com.

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment products, announces its second quarter promotion for wholesale channel partners and their customers. Each quarter this year, the brand is partnering with wholesalers across the country to offer incentives for contractors who purchase select products. “We received an overwhelmingly positive response from contractors on Read more

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment products, announces its second quarter promotion for wholesale channel partners and their customers. Each quarter this year, the brand is partnering with wholesalers across the country to offer incentives for contractors who purchase select products.

“We received an overwhelmingly positive response from contractors on the Q1 promotion, and we are looking forward to rewarding our loyal customers again this spring,” said Jeff Storie, A. O. Smith marketing director.

The second quarter promotion kicks off May 15th and runs through June 30th. During this time, contractors who purchase an A. O. Smith ProLine® or ProLine® Master tank water heater at a participating wholesale counter location will receive a credit toward tools. Contractors will receive one credit for every unit purchased while supplies last.*

Contractors can visit https://hotwater.com/q2promo to view the list of participating wholesalers where they can purchase a qualifying product.

Additional promotions later in the year will include a branded jacket with the purchase of two high-efficiency water heaters and a Pit Boss fire pit with the purchase of three commercial gas water heaters.

Wholesalers interested in participating in future promotions can contact their A. O. Smith representative.

*Visit https://hotwater.com/q2promo for full promotion details.

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, is proud to announce its 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the company’s fifth consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award, and its third Read more

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, is proud to announce its 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the company’s fifth consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award, and its third time being honored as a Sustained Excellence partner. The award distinguishes companies that have made a long-term commitment to energy management through their products or services. A. O. Smith is one of only a select number of organizations to be recognized as a Sustained Excellence partner.

“It’s an honor to have our long-standing commitment to the development of sustainable water heating technology recognized by ENERGY STAR for the fifth year in a row,” said Francois Lebrasseur, A. O. Smith business development manager, utilities. “We value our partnership with ENERGY STAR, and we are dedicated to expanding on our efforts as we work together to create a more sustainable future.”

Many accomplishments and collaborations lead to this prestigious award, including but not limited to:

  • The launch of A. O. Smith’s latest ENERGY STAR® certified product, the Voltex® AL (anti-leak) Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater. ​​The unit boasts one of the highest energy efficiency rates on the market, saving homeowners up to 78% or $607 a year on utility bills when compared to a standard electric water heater
  • Proactively leading webinars and in-person training events to educate contractors and wholesalers on the constantly evolving landscape of energy efficient water heating technology
  • The introduction of new educational content through A. O. Smith University to ensure continued training on new product technology
  • Dissemination of a variety of marketing and sales materials to help customers better understand the benefits of new products
  • Enhancing the O. Smith website’s ENERGY STAR® category landing page to help customers evaluate the best products for their needs

“As we accelerate historic efforts to address climate change, public-private partnerships will be essential to realizing the scale of our ambition,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.  “I applaud this year’s ENERGY STAR award winners for working with EPA to deliver a clean energy future that saves American consumers and businesses money and creates jobs.”

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis, protecting public health, and creating a clean energy future for everyone.

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

As the demand for more energy-conscious water heating solutions continues to grow, the industry is seeing an increase in the popularity of heat pump water heaters – a product rated three times more efficient than a standard tank electric water heater. This trend has allowed manufacturers to focus on creating more energy-efficient technology with the Read more

As the demand for more energy-conscious water heating solutions continues to grow, the industry is seeing an increase in the popularity of heat pump water heaters – a product rated three times more efficient than a standard tank electric water heater. This trend has allowed manufacturers to focus on creating more energy-efficient technology with the homeowner and professional in mind. Driven by factors including government regulations, customer demands and the desire for smart technology, A. O. Smith strives to be a key resource for customers by providing insights and solutions to help move the industry forward.

Regulations and rebates

To support decarbonization and electrification efforts, local, state and national governing bodies have set, or are currently vetting, regulatory standards that have already elevated the demand for heat pump products. Tax credits and rebates are also helping to drive the adoption of heat pump water heaters in new construction and existing homes by giving consumers more reasons to switch from traditional electric or gas water heaters to heat pump water heaters.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed in mid-2022, will have a direct impact on the water heating industry. It includes increases in tax credits for homeowners and homebuilders, which will help lessen the financial investment that often comes with purchasing a heat pump water heater and select high-efficiency gas water heaters.

Starting in 2023, the tax credit for heat pump water heaters will be 30% of the total cost to purchase and install the unit up to a cap of $2,000. This variable tax credit will offer significantly higher upfront savings to homeowners in 2023, especially when combined with local utility rebates, which can run as high as $1,000 in some states.

To make it easier for customers purchasing energy efficient water heaters to find local rebates and tax credits, A. O. Smith also offers a ZIP code-enabled rebate finder powered by EcoRebates. The tool helps streamline the process by allowing customers to enter their location to see current rebates available for a wide selection of high-efficiency products.

Professional perks

Along with the desire for increased cost-savings comes the need for an improved installation and service experience for the professional. A. O. Smith recently launched the Voltex AL (anti-leak) heat pump water heater, a first-of-its-kind water heating solution with updated water connections, smart connectivity and integrated leak detection.

Installation flexibility was a priority when designing the Voltex AL model, providing professionals with a universal replacement option. Incorporating a zero-clearance design for the sides and back, as well as top and front water connections, this product is an ideal choice for a variety of new and retrofit applications. The Voltex AL heat pump water heater also operates at 45 dBA, making it the quietest model currently on the market.

The ENERGY STAR® certified Voltex AL® product features an incredibly high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 4.02 with the 66-gallon unit and 3.8 with the 50-gallon. It’s also available in an 80-gallon model.

Smart technology

Another key driving factor in the development of heat pump water heating technology is the adoption and integration of smart features. As technology evolves, more homeowners are interested in controlling their appliances remotely using their smartphones.

With the new Voltex AL heat pump water heater, the integrated iCOMM connectivity platform supports features like anti-leak technology through the use of integrated leak detection and a smart anode. Using the A. O. Smith mobile app, professionals and homeowners can remotely monitor and adjust the water heater to improve performance and increase savings. For added peace of mind, the smart sensor provides notifications through the notification-enabled mobile app in the event of a detected leak. Owners can also utilize an optional shutoff valve accessory to further protect homes. The smart anode adapts to local water conditions, protecting and extending the life of the water heater, and it displays a specific error code on the control panel when it needs to be replaced. Demand response and time-of-use capabilities make it even easier to save money by integrating the heat pump water heater into the growing number of utility smart grid programs.

Heat pump water heaters will continue to play an important role in decarbonization and efficiency efforts. As government agencies put energy efficiency front and center, it’s our responsibility as manufacturers to prioritize more sustainable technology for our customers to ensure a greener future.

Blog Authors:

Arthur Smith, Product Coordinator – Specialty Residential, A. O. Smith

 

 

 

Francois Lebrasseur, Business Development Manager – Utility Sector, A. O. Smith

 

 

 

New model features smart, zero-clearance design to enhance installation flexibility and serviceability A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, announces the introduction of the Voltex® AL (anti-leak) hybrid electric heat pump water heater to its family of residential products. This unit brings to market a first-of-its-kind water heating solution with integrated Read more

New model features smart, zero-clearance design to enhance installation flexibility and serviceability

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, announces the introduction of the Voltex® AL (anti-leak) hybrid electric heat pump water heater to its family of residential products. This unit brings to market a first-of-its-kind water heating solution with integrated leak detection, smart connectivity and updated water connections for professionals and homeowners seeking a highly efficient, intuitive and user-friendly product.

The Voltex AL model leads the water heating industry in efficiency, featuring the highest overall Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 4.02 with the 66-gallon unit and the highest 50-gallon UEF at 3.8. It is also available in an 80-gallon model. The unit can save homeowners up to $521 per year on utility bills when compared to a standard electric water heater. ENERGY STAR® certified, the product also allows homeowners to take advantage of rebates and tax credits for additional savings.

“Heat pump water heaters continue to play an important role in decarbonization and efficiency efforts, and A. O. Smith is committed to the development of these technologies,” said Arthur Smith, A. O. Smith product coordinator. “The Voltex AL heat pump water heater not only provides contractors and technicians with increased installation and maintenance flexibility, but it also supports our commitment to homeowners who are looking for additional energy and cost savings.”

Installation flexibility was a priority when designing the Voltex AL model, providing professionals with a universal replacement option. Incorporating a zero-clearance design for the sides and back, as well as top and front water connections, this product is an ideal choice for a variety of new and retrofit applications. The Voltex AL heat pump water heater also operates at 45 dBA, making it the quietest model currently on the market.

The Voltex AL heat pump water heater offers homeowners peace of mind thanks to the fully integrated iCOMM™ connectivity platform, which supports features like the new anti-leak technology through the use of integrated leak detection and a smart anode. Using the A. O. Smith mobile app, professionals and homeowners can remotely monitor and adjust the water heater to improve performance and increase savings. For added peace of mind, the smart sensor provides notifications through the notification-enabled mobile app in the event of a detected leak. Owners can also utilize an optional shutoff valve accessory to further protect homes. The smart anode adapts to local water conditions, protecting and extending the life of the water heater, and it displays an error code on the control panel when it needs to be replaced. Demand response and time-of-use capabilities make it even easier to save money by integrating a heat pump water heater into the growing number of utility smart grid programs.

For more information on the Voltex AL heat pump water heater and other A. O. Smith products, visit www.hotwater.com.