Thanks to your water heater, you don’t have to haul pots of boiling water to the tub like you’re in an 18th-century period drama. This modern marvel works behind the scenes every day as the beating heart of your home, heating and storing water for your morning shower, your kid’s bath, and last night’s dishes. And though it’s the second biggest energy user in most homes—behind only HVAC, and consuming more energy than the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer combined—most people don’t give the appliance a second thought until they end up in an accidental cold plunge. But it’s time to start: Newer high-efficiency heat pump models can use less energy, cut utility bills, and potentially save homeowners several hundred dollars a year.
So, what exactly is a water heater (aka the appliance many of us casually call a “hot water heater”)? First, the basics: Most homes have an electric or gas water heater that heats water in a tank via a burner or electric coils. After you use the stored water, you have to wait for it to reheat. A heat pump water heater, by contrast, pulls warmth from the air and transfers it into the tank.
Then there are hybrid models. A prime example is the A. O. Smith Signature™ 900 Smart Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater with Hot Water Plus. Available exclusively at Lowe’s, this Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award winner combines a heat pump with conventional electric backup elements so it can ramp up quickly when you suddenly need a lot of hot water, keeping you comfortable in more ways than one.
Your Home Feels More Affordable
Life is just more comfortable when you don’t have to worry as much about utility bills. Sure, you could use less hot water or adjust the thermostat, but you can also find savings with a new, more efficient model.
Your water heater’s energy efficiency directly impacts its annual cost. Look for the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), which measures how much hot water you get per unit of energy. The higher the number, the better. For reference, a conventional electric water heater scores around 0.9, while the Signature 900 scores up to a 3.88 UEF rating, depending on tank size. This score also helps determine ENERGY STAR certification. The EPA gives this label to products that meet a minimum efficiency threshold. For heat pump water heaters to qualify, they need a UEF of at least 2.0.
A. O. Smith’s ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters can be four to five times more efficient than standard electric models, reducing annual energy costs by as much as 76% and potentially saving homeowners up to $600 per year. Depending on where you live, switching may also qualify you for local utility rebates worth up to $1,800. Check available rebates in your area at https://www.lowes.com.
Always Enough Hot Water To Go Around
The Signature 900 Series comes in a range of tank sizes, from 40 gallons all the way up to 80 gallons, so you can find a model that’s right for your household size. On top of that, the line boasts an impressive “first-hour” rating—the industry standard for measuring how much water a unit can deliver in peak use. For example, the 80-gallon Signature 900 has a first-hour rating of 95 gallons—so it’s capable of supplying 95 gallons of hot water in the first hour of use, making it ideal for households with four to six people and high simultaneous hot water demands.
But knowing that hot water demands aren’t always predictable (e.g. in-laws dropping in for an unannounced visit), A.O. Smith came up with a smart solution for the Signature 900. By switching to the advanced Hot Water+ or Guest operating modes on the unit, homeowners can boost the overall hot water output by up to 40% whenever they need it—whether hosting extra guests for a few days or longer-term demand as well. That way, you’ll always have plenty of hot water, even when the entire family is home for the holidays.
Comfort in Numbers
76% lower energy costs than standard electric water heater. Up to $600 back in your pocket every year.
Up to a 3.88 UEF rating. That’s more than four times the efficiency of a conventional water heater, which typically scores around 0.9.
Just 45 dBA. Quiet enough to blend into the background.
Up to 40% more hot water. Hot Water+ and Guest Mode help ensure there’s enough on demand.
One Less Thing to Think About
Heat pump water heaters are known to be loud due to the fan and compressor, which can be cumbersome in shared spaces. Fortunately, the Signature 900 is whisper quiet at 45 dBA, about the same noise level of a library.
The Signature 900 also features anti-leak technology for added peace of mind and protection, including Leak Watch, which sends moisture alerts to your phone, and Leak Shield, which automatically shuts off the water supply if a leak is detected. Plus, the model comes with a 10-year warranty.
Manage it all right on your phone with the iCOMM app. Switch between four modes, adjust the temperature, implement a schedule that prioritizes heating when utility rates are most affordable, and feel easy breezy knowing you’re in control.
Reliable Hot Water Year After Year
Corrosion can shorten a water heater’s lifespan faster than normal wear and tear (homes with hard water are especially prone to this). The Signature 900’s ceramic-lined interior resists rust, and its Tank Guard Plus system monitors local water quality and adjusts how the unit operates to help protect against buildup and deterioration. The result? A water heater that could last a quarter of a century, roughly a decade longer than a standard model, and time enough to power many bedtime baths and rinse a lot of muddy paws.
Ready to upgrade how your home handles hot water? Learn more at aosmithatlowes.com.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
