What is the difference between Rheem and A. O. Smith?

Author: Jalyn Bernhard  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

On average, Rheem water heaters have a lifespan of 12-15 years, whereas A.O. Smith units typically last around 10-12 years. This extra longevity means fewer replacements and lower overall costs in the long run. In my years of service, I've noticed that Rheem units require fewer repairs compared toA.O.

Which is better, Rheem or A. O. Smith?

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.

What is the most common problem with Rheem water heaters?

While there can be a number of causes, the most common is corrosion. When water stays in the tubes for a long time, sediments and rust start to form, and eventually create cracks inside the tubing or the tank itself. The result is a leak.

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?

Best Water Heater Brands Ranked
  1. Navien. In 1978, Navien got its start in the water heater business. ...
  2. Bradford White. Bradford White began in 1881. ...
  3. Kenmore. Kenmore is a recognizable brand, but usually in the kitchen appliance sphere. ...
  4. Rheem. ...
  5. Rinnai.

What brand of hot water system is most reliable?

The brands we have discussed above are generally very reliable, particularly if you go for their premium products. So, some names you can rely on are Bosch, Dux, Sanden, Rinnai, Steibel ,Rheem, Solahart , Aquamax & Vulcan, just to name a few.

Best Residential Water Heater - Bradford vs Rheem and AO Smith - Twin Plumbing

What water heaters do plumbers recommend?

AO Smith, State, and Bradford White are all very dependable brands and are known by professional plumbers for top-quality gas and electric water heaters. Master plumber Eddie Heil put it this way, “AO Smith, State, and Bradford White are all great choices in our experience.

What brand water heaters last the longest?

Bradford White water heaters are known for their durability and sturdy construction, providing lasting performance for years. In business since 1881, the company has a long reputation for selling quality products for both residential and commercial use.

Who makes AO Smith water heaters?

Smith Water Products Company is headquartered in Ashland City, Tennessee, home of the world's largest water heater factory. The A. O. Smith network includes five manufacturing facilities in North America, plus plants in Nanjing, China and Veldhoven, The Netherlands.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Rheem?

In this putative multistate class action, Plaintiff alleges that Defendant Rheem Manufacturing Company (“Rheem” or “Rheem Manufacturing”) manufactured defective residential heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems under the Rheem and Ruud brand names.

What is the life expectancy of a Rheem?

The average lifespan of a Rheem system

If you're looking into purchasing a Rheem Hot Water System, you can expect its average lifespan to be anywhere between 5-15 years.

What is the average life of a Rheem water heater?

Rheem hot water systems have a typical life span of between 5 and 15 years depending on water conditions and how well the system has been serviced. You can add years to the life to a Rheem hot water system if you have it serviced every 5 years.

What is the life expectancy of an A. O. Smith water heater?

Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.

Is Rheem a premium brand?

The major brands are categorized according to quality as follows: Lennox – Premium. Rheem – Standard. Daiken – Standard.

Are Whirlpool and A. O. Smith the same company?

The addition of the American, Whirlpool, GSW, and John Wood brands make A.O.

Is Rheem better than A. O. Smith?

Rheem is generally the better choice due to its higher energy efficiency (up to 0.93 UEF), longer lifespan (12-15 years), better warranty (12 years), and advanced features like EcoNet™ technology.

What is the best name brand water heater?

Top Water Heater Brands in 2024
  1. A.O. Smith: Advancement and Efficiency. ...
  2. Rheem: Versatile and Reliable. ...
  3. Bradford White: American-Made Quality. ...
  4. Bosch: Compact and Efficient. ...
  5. EcoSmart: Vitality Sparing and Eco-Friendly.

Are there any recalls on A. O. Smith water heaters?

A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard. This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters.

Do Rheem water heaters have glass-lined tanks?

6-YEAR WARRANTY RHEEM WATER HEATER

These are fantastic water heaters, but they do require annual maintenance to drain the tank. This prevents harmful mineral deposits from forming and cracking the glass lining of the storage tank.

Is a 40 or 50 gallon water heater more efficient?

If you are on a budget, a 40-gallon may be the better option for you. Water Heater Efficiency: When it comes to efficiency, a 50-gallon water heater is going to be more efficient than a 40-gallon water heater. This is because it will have a lower recovery time, which means it will take less time to heat the water.

Can a hot water heater last 20 years?

Water Heater Lifespan

With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater's warranty for the most accurate timelines.

Where are Rheem water heaters made?

Rheem is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It manufactures in Fort Smith, Arkansas; Montgomery, Alabama; Oxnard, California and Eagan, Minnesota. All manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001 certified.

What is the most common residential water heater?

Storage tanks are the most common type of water heater. As the name suggests, these consist of an insulated tank in which water is heated and stored until needed, then emerges from a pipe on top of the water heater.

Does Home Depot install water heaters?

The Home Depot partners with local, licensed and insured professionals to help homeowners choose the right water heater for their home. If you live within 30 miles of a Home Depot store and call us before noon at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT, our team offers same-day installation.

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