
AO Smith is the better choice for gas water heater but only by a fraction. However, Rheem is a preferred choice of buyers who wish to purchase Electric Tankless Water Heaters.
Full Answer
What are some common problems with a Rheem water heater?
- System Overload – You could be using too much hot water and overloading your hot water heater. ...
- Exhaust Blockage – Your hot water heater needs to vent pressure and air from the combustion chamber. ...
- Check the Error Code Guideline – Rheem water heaters can display a variety of error codes. ...
How to determine AO Smith water heater age?
Water Heater Age – How Old Is Your Water Heater?
- Determining Water Heater Age. With newer models, the installation date of the water heater is usually located on the information sticker that is right on the water heater.
- Decoding A Water Heater’s Serial Number To Find Construction Date. ...
- When To Replace Your Water Heater. ...
- Water Heater Age & Replacing Your Water Heater. ...
Is a Rheem water heater good?
Rheem tank-style gas water heaters are considered an excellent value because they offer efficiency up to 84% while remaining affordable. They also have a quick recovery time, so running out of hot water is rare. More than 20 models are produced in good/better/best series in sizes from 29 gallons to 98 gallons.
What is the best salt water softener system?
- BEST OVERALL: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener
- BEST BUDGET: Waterboss 36,400-Grain Water Softener System
- UPGRADE PICK: DuraWater 64k-56sxt-10al 64,000 Grain Water Softener
- BEST SALT-BASED: Rheem Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener
- BEST PORTABLE: On The Go Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener

Are Rheem and A. O. Smith the same?
The only difference between A.O. Smith and the Rheem products in this department is that Rheem is more widely distributed than A.O. Smith products and parts. AO Smith tankless heaters are produced through a joint-venture partnership with Takagi.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
Best & Most Reliable Water Heater Brands in the WorldA.O. Smith. ... Rheem. Rheem was founded in 1925 by two brothers, Donald and Richard Rheem – and with financial backing from a third brother, William. ... Kenmore. ... Bradford White. ... American Standard. ... American Water Heaters. ... Bosch. ... EcoSmart.More items...
Who makes A. O. Smith hot 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 Rheem a good water heater?
Rheem is a good, mid-level water heater brand that's not too expensive. Its reputation for manufacturing durable, reliable water heaters makes it a good choice for most homes. The company sells water heater models in gas, electric, tankless, solar and hybrid styles.
How long does AO Smith hot water heater last?
between 6 to 10 yearsSmith tank water heaters have a limited warranty lasting between 6 to 10 years, it is not uncommon to find water heaters that are still properly functioning well over a decade or more. When properly installed and maintained in locations with good water quality and pressure, A. O.
What are the top five hot water heaters?
The 5 Best Water Heaters of 2022 RatingsProductForbes Advisor RatingTank SizeA.O. Smith EG12-50R55DV3.850 gallonsRheem XG50T12DU38U23.850 gallonsRheem XE50T10H45U03.850 gallonsRheem XE50T12CS55U13.750 gallons1 more row•May 16, 2022
What is the best brand of gas hot water heater?
BEST OVERALL: Rinnai High Efficiency 6.5-GPM Tankless Water Heater.RUNNER-UP: A.O. Smith Signature 40-Gallon Water Heater.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sure Comfort 40-Gallon Natural Gas Tank Water Heater.BEST TANKLESS: Rinnai High Efficiency 7.5 GPM Tankless Water Heater.More items...•
Is A. O. Smith American made?
A. O. Smith Corporation is an American manufacturer of both residential and commercial water heaters and boilers and the largest manufacturer and marketer of water heaters in North America. It also supplies water treatment products in the Asian market....A. O. Smith.TypePublicWebsiteaosmith.com17 more rows
Are A. O. Smith hot water tanks glass lined?
A. O. Smith changed the water heater market over 80 years ago by introducing the glass-lined tank for all tank water heaters. By lining the inside of the water heater with glass, heat stays within the tank and protects the steel exterior from rusting and becoming a safety risk.
How long will a Rheem water heater last?
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.
Is Rheem a reliable brand?
Rheem ties for No. 5 in our rating of the Best HVAC Companies of 2022. Although it started in 1925 making water heating systems, Rheem Manufacturing Company expanded into air conditioning and HVAC systems in the 1950s. Today, Rheem is owned by The Paloma Group, which also makes Ruud HVAC systems.
Are Rheem water heaters made in the USA?
Rheem water heaters are made in different states in the US. The manufacturing sites of Rheem water heaters are in Atlanta, Georgia, Eagan, Minnesota, and Oxnard, California. As for parts production and replacement parts manufacturing, you can find their headquarters in Randleman, North Carolina.
AO Smith Overview
AO Smith produced its first water heater in 1939 and is still going strong here in 2021. But the company has been in operation in other fields since its foundation in 1874.
Rheem Overview
Rheem is one of the biggest producers of water heaters in North America, with facilities in New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico. With nearly 100 years of service, Rheem’s reputation for being one of the best reigns supreme.
Considerations Before You Buy
Your first concern should be budget. While the cost of the heater is a primary consideration, you’ll also want to consider the type of energy source and how much it will cost for operation.
AO Smith Water Heater Vs Rheem FAQ
Check out these frequently asked questions before you go if you still have things you want to know about AO Smith vs. Rheem water heater.
Conclusion
While picking a water heater manufacturer requires much thought and research, narrowing your choice down to AO Smith vs. Rheem makes the decision process easier. Both brands are superior choices, so you really can’t go wrong with either one. However, your needs will influence which heater is right for your home.
Rheem Vs AO Smith Comparison
It is really hard to determine is AO Smith better than Rheem or vice versa without making a thorough comparison – and this is exactly what we’re going to do! We’ve looked through dozens of reviews to find out the pros and cons of both brands and to make a conclusion.
Rheem Vs AO Smith – What Brand Of Tankless Water Heater Is The Most Reliable?
When it comes to reliability, both of these brands are more or less equal. Both will offer you high-quality products, and all of their water heaters have the same lifespan. In fact, the durability of the water heaters mostly depends on maintenance and how well you take care of them and it’s not up to any of these two manufacturers.
The Verdict
As seen above, both brands have some good and some bad sides. While Rheem provides the best tankless and electric water heaters out there, AO Smith offers better warranties and a wider choice of gas water heaters.
Important! Installation and Labor
Think about installation costs and contractors BEFORE purchasing a heater!
Rheem vs AO Smith Natural Gas 50-gallon Water Heaters
I called a HVAC & Plumbing guy to get an in-house estimate and I also made some research Home Depot, Amazon and Lowes to get an estimate. Here are my options.
Rheem vs AO Smith Tankless Gas Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are source of “endless” hot water, but they are more sensitive to water quality. Hard water, lack of maintenance (no descaling, no flush and drain), improper installation/venting etc. could significantly shorten the life of the heater. So every model of every brand needs some maintenance on it.
Rheem vs AO Smith Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are much more simple than gas ones. They don’t need gas nozzles, ignition automation and are more safe. Tank models are more durable, require less power (due to water preheating), but they are much larger and limited in the amount of hot water.
Which is better, Rheem or AO Smith?
AO Smith is the better choice for gas water heater but only by a fraction. However, Rheem is a preferred choice of buyers who wish to purchase Electric Tankless Water Heaters.
How long does a Rheem water heater last?
How long do a Rheem and AO water heater last? A Rheem water heater usually lasts for 12 years. However, the lifespan varies upon the model, energy supply and level of usage. On the other hand, AO Smith water heaters last for about 10-15 years.
How many tankless water heaters does Rheem make?
Rheem is known for producing 15 tanked water heaters of electric type, and 43 tanked water heaters of gas-type. Apart from this, it also manufactures three kinds of tankless heaters for residents.
How long is the warranty on a Rheem water heater?
The warranty policy of Rheem water heaters encompasses support, warranty services, and an extended warranty option too. Its warranty period starts from 6 years that can be extended upto the period the purchaser owns the home where the unit is installed.
Does Rheem have Find A Pro?
When it comes to installation, Rheem has ‘Find A Pro’ service that connects the buyer and any independent Rheem serviceman within 25 miles. AO Smith not so attractive models don’t appeal people at the very first look. However, they are known for a diverse range of product design.
Who makes Rheem water heaters?
Background: Rheem, a remarkable water heater brand was devised by two brothers- Richard and Donald Rheem. Since its inception, there has been no turning back. The brand is evolving and coming up with a diverse range of products with each passing day. It always focussed on quality over profit.
Is Rheem solar energy durable?
They have their own pros and cons. Rheem is manufactured to quickly adapt to the solar system which makes them a durable and reliable choice for homeowners. On the other hand, it lacks up to the mark customer service.
What is the difference between Rheem and AO Smith?
The one big difference is that Rheem products include heating and cooling systems, and air conditioning while AO Smith focuses solely on water heaters.
Who is Jonathan Holmes?
Jonathan Holmes is an avid writer, SEO, gardener, Dad, and Husband. When he's not busy with his family, you'll often find him pottering around in the garden or tending to one of the dozens of house plants he keeps healthy and happy. Jonathan has been featured on many media outlets, including Life Hacker, wikiHow and Buzz Feed.
What is the most popular water heater company?
In the United States, Rheem and AO Smith are two of the most popular water heater companies. Both of the companies offer a variety of different water heaters for bigger and smaller households. Their water heaters are powered by gas and electricity, but which one is the best for your household?
Rheem vs. AO Smith Comparison
The decision-making process for buying a new water heater is complicated, but it always begins with a single moment of need recognition. We all hope that a kind plumber will tell us something’s wrong with our unit before catastrophe strikes. Unfortunately, the only warning many of us get is a lukewarm shower or a leak in the basement.
Things to Consider
Comparing your buying options is almost as tricky as researching what to buy, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before getting started. Remember that procrastinating causes anxiety and makes it harder to make a final decision, so act quickly.
Rheem vs. AO Smith FAQ
Below, you’ll find a list of common questions people have about water heaters.
How Do You Choose Between Rheem vs. AO Smith?
So there you have it — Rheem vs. AO Smith. Both companies make quality products, but personal preference will determine which brand a consumer chooses. It’s important to note that not all brands make equally good water heaters across all categories.
Which is better, AO Smith or Rheem?
Both AO Smith and Rheem are great names in the water heater industry. Rheem has a better overall product offering with a higher reach in the industry. But AO Smith is known to have a better customer experience. Regardless of what type of water heater you choose, both options will provide you with excellent longevity.
What is AO Smith known for?
They are known for producing water heaters that can quickly provide a product that does not take up a sizeable electric footprint. As a result, many people pick AO Smith for a combination of good customer service and energy-efficient products. Also, their site is far easier to understand on a consumer level.
Which is better, a tankless or electric water heater?
Tankless water heaters are better at single appliances that use continuous water. As a result, they don’t typically work for more than one device at a time, but they do work continuously. Both of these work similarly. The edge goes to the Tankless Electric Water Heater by Rheem due to a higher GPM.
What is the UEF on a water heater?
The Unified Energy Factor (UEF) is the Department of Energy’s method of communicating the energy efficiency of a water heater. The higher the number, the higher the energy efficiency. The UEF varies a bit by size between your different options.
Where is Rheem water heater made?
They also have locations in Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.
Is Rheem a high quality heater?
Their Professional and Prestige lines comprise a wide variety of highly-rated heaters. Some of their heaters are known for being a bit high in the noise-level department. Some have concerns about them being made outside of the United States. Whatever the case may be, Rheem has a history of high-quality products.
Does Rheem have a tankless water heater?
The edge goes to the Tankless Electric Water Heater by Rheem due to a higher GPM. That means it can handle more appliances. On all other fronts, they are incredibly energy efficient and can handle unlimited showers provided you don’t have them connected to one at a time.
