A. O. Smith, a pioneer in water heating and water treatment, announces the addition of the Voltex® MAX hybrid electric heat pump water heater (HPWH) to its growing family of sustainable products. The Voltex MAX HPWH uses a new smart valve to deliver maximum hot water while the heat pump technology provides maximum savings at all times.
The Voltex MAX HPWH can deliver homeowners around 40% higher First Hour Ratings than similarly sized electric water heaters and heat pump water heaters. Using newly available advanced operating modes, the Voltex MAX provides more hot water than previous iterations of heat pump water heaters.
Voltex MAX heat pump water heater
“The introduction of the Voltex MAX heat pump water heater is the culmination of many years of innovation designed to support the industry-wide shift toward decarbonization. Through dedicated research, A. O. Smith was able to develop a unit that not only supports electrification goals, but also supports homeowners and contractors,” said Arthur Smith, A. O. Smith product manager.
“The Voltex MAX unit incorporates features that our customers know and love, such as integrated leak detection, while also introducing new enhancements like our unique smart valve technology.”
Voltex MAX unit’s smart valve technology
Voltex MAX unit’s smart valve technology allows a contractor to install a smaller tank in an area
The Voltex MAX unit’s smart valve technology allows a contractor to install a smaller tank in an area where space is tight and still get comparable performance to a larger tank by using the unit’s Hot Water + modes. It also allows homeowners to customize the unit’s performance to exactly the way they live and use hot water. All Voltex MAX models come with three levels of Hot Water + modes that each provide about 10-12% extra hot water.
Hot Water + is a permanent operating mode and the unit will continue to function at the selected level until instructed otherwise. For temporary periods of increased demand, the Voltex MAX HPWH also offers a Guest Mode. This mode allows the unit to provide maximum hot water output for up to seven-day increments.
A. O. Smith’s iCOMM™ connectivity platform
An automatic shutoff valve also comes standard on all Voltex MAX models to further protect homes
Customers can also benefit from using A. O. Smith’s iCOMM™ connectivity platform, which is fully integrated on all Voltex MAX units. This technology supports features like anti-leak technology through the use of integrated leak detection and a smart anode.
For added peace of mind, the smart sensor provides notifications through A. O. Smith’s notification-enabled mobile app in the event of a detected leak. An automatic shutoff valve also comes standard on all Voltex MAX models to further protect homes.
Heat pump water heater
The smart anode adapts to local water conditions, protecting and extending the life of the water heater, and it displays an error code on the control panel when it needs to be replaced. Demand response and time-of-use capabilities make it even easier to save money by integrating a heat pump water heater into the growing number of utility smart grid programs.
Using the A. O. Smith mobile app, professionals and homeowners can remotely monitor and adjust the water heater to improve performance and increase savings.