AO Smith Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

This review details a deeply disappointing experience with the AO Smith hybrid heat pump water heater. The author recounts two significant failures within a short timeframe, highlighting the unit's unreliability despite its initial promise of energy efficiency. These malfunctions rendered the water heater largely unusable, forcing reliance on the less-efficient electric-only mode and negating the key benefit of the hybrid system. Beyond the repeated mechanical issues, the author expresses considerable frustration with AO Smith's warranty coverage, which failed to adequately address the recurring problems and associated labor costs.The review serves as a cautionary tale for prospective buyers considering this model. It underscores the importance of thorough research before investing in a hybrid heat pump water heater, emphasizing the need to examine reviews and warranty terms carefully. The author's experience suggests that the potential energy savings of the AO Smith unit are severely compromised by its poor reliability and inadequate support, ultimately making it a costly and frustrating investment.

Pros And Cons

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Initial Impressions and Early Failures

My experience with the AO Smith hybrid heat pump water heater started with initial excitement. The promise of energy efficiency was appealing. However, this quickly turned sour. The unit, despite being touted as improved, failed after only eight months. The heat pump malfunctioned, rendering the unit unusable unless forced into electric-only mode, negating its primary benefit.

The warranty process was less than ideal. While the unit was replaced under warranty, the company did not cover the labor costs associated with the removal, installation, and registration of the new unit. This added significant expense to an already disappointing situation.

Second Attempt: Same Problems

After the replacement, I had hope the issues were resolved. Six months later, the same problems resurfaced. The heat pump mode failed to provide consistent hot water. It would initially heat the water but then quickly revert to cold, rendering it ineffective for even a short shower. This issue progressively worsened over time.

The situation became increasingly frustrating. I contacted AO Smith again, only to be met with a less-than-satisfactory response. The company attributed the failure to an installation error, despite ample space and adherence to installation guidelines.

Warranty Woes and Final Verdict

AO Smith's warranty coverage proved inadequate. They refused to cover labor costs for diagnosing and potentially repairing the unit, leaving me responsible for the expense of hiring a plumber. This adds insult to injury, considering the initial high cost of the unit and the repeated failures.

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend the AO Smith hybrid heat pump water heater. The repeated failures, lack of adequate warranty coverage, and overall poor customer service make it an incredibly disappointing and costly investment. Consider other brands before choosing this unit.

Alternatives and Conclusion

While the concept of a hybrid heat pump water heater is appealing, AO Smith's implementation falls drastically short. The energy savings are overshadowed by the constant breakdowns, costly repairs, and unhelpful customer support. I encourage exploring alternatives from different manufacturers before committing to this option.

There are many other heat pump water heater brands available on the market. It's important to research reviews and understand the warranty terms before making a purchase. Look for reliable brands with a proven track record of producing durable and efficient units.