A. O. Smith reaches new heights of energy efficiency with the Voltex Hybrid Electric Water Heater, the only type of electric water heater in the industry that is Energy Star rated. With its enhanced energy efficiency, the Voltex can pay for itself in energy savings in three years or less, depending upon the application.
The Voltex requires less than half the amount of energy as a standard electric water heater to operate, says the manufacturer, making it well-suited for the environment and cost-conscious homeowners. The difference in utility bills is significant: up to $203 annually for a Voltex, compared to as much as $575 for a conventional electric model depending upon local utility rates. Installation is very similar to a conventional electric model with the addition of a condensate drain.
At the heart of the Voltex is A. O. Smith’s new heat pump technology. This system operates essentially like an air conditioner in reverse, pulling heat out of the surrounding air and transferring it to the water in the tank. The homeowner can choose to operate the Voltex in one of three modes. In “efficiency” mode, the water heater relies almost entirely on the heat pump. In “hybrid” mode, it switches back and forth between the heat pump and standard electric heating elements depending on the hot water demand. In “electric” mode, the Voltex operates like a standard electric water heater.
Thanks to its energy efficiency, the Voltex is eligible for a Federal Tax Credit of 30% of its total installed cost up to $1,500. In addition to the Federal Tax Credit, many states and local utility companies have developed rebate programs to encourage the adoption of this new technology.