AO Smith vs Richmond Water Heater
If you’re looking for a water heater, you will have a difficult time choosing. This is because there are countless brands to choose from. However, AO Smith and Richmond brands often feature on the lists of best water heaters to consider.
Both Richmond and AO Smith are known for producing top-quality water heaters. However, their products are different in many ways.
This article provides a detailed comparison between Richmond and AO Smith water heaters to help you determine which brand better suits your needs.
AO Smith Company Review
AO Smith is an American company that produces a wide variety of goods, such as boilers, water heaters, and water treatment devices. It is one of the biggest North American producers of water heaters and a significant exporter of water treatment goods to Asia [1].
AO Smith has been producing hot water tanks and water heaters for more than 70 years. These water heaters are renowned for their longevity and typically last up to 30 years.
Their extensive selection of gas, electric, and tankless water heaters is available for your selection. The brand also makes larger-capacity commercial boilers and heaters.
Despite being a great option for the majority of homeowners, these water heaters are typically a little more expensive than Richmond water heaters. For individuals on a tight budget, the price may be what separates the two brands.
Richmond Company Review
The well-known American business, Rheem is the owner of Richmond water heaters. The headquarters are in Atlanta [2].
The company has a wide range of goods available, including hybrid, electric, gas, solar, and tankless water heating systems.
Inexpensive water heaters with basic features and a straightforward design are available for purchase by homeowners, as are versions with cutting-edge technology and the most cutting-edge features.
The EverKleen Self Cleaning System, which fights lime and sediment buildup, the FVIR system for protection, and the LifeGuard stainless steel heating elements for continuous power supply are just a few of the high-quality features found in Richmond water heaters.
Quality anode rods, eco-friendly gas valves, self-diagnostic systems, and other features are also included in some versions to ensure dependable and secure functioning.
AO Smith vs Richmond Water Heater
You need to understand the essential characteristics of a dependable water heater to compare the items more effectively. The heaters from the various brands can then be examined to see if they adhere to the standards.
- Reliability
Although Richmond may not seem particularly well-known at first, it is a name worth noting. All Richmond water heaters are produced by Rheem, making them among the most dependable and effective units available.
The EverKleen Self-Cleaning technology is used in Richmond heaters. The tank’s longevity and efficiency are increased by using this cleaning technique to remove sediment and lime build-up inside the tank [3].
A high-volume water stream is produced by the system by pumping water via an inlet tube. Hot areas are avoided, and sediment is kept from collecting at the tank’s bottom.
Lifeguard Stainless Steel Heating Elements are another aspect of the heaters. Only water heaters with a warranty of nine or twelve years can have this feature. The components are strong, extend the tank’s life, prevent lime buildup, and guard against dry fire burnout.
To assure dependability, AO Smith uses low-wattage copper heating elements, T&P-type certified relief valves, and PermaGlas coating. The electric water heater is sturdy thanks to these parts.
The output of AO Smith ProMax Electric water heaters is maximized. Dynaclean diffuser dip tubes stop the buildup of silt and lime. The environmentally friendly insulation stops “standby” heat loss so that hot water is always available.
- Durability
Richmond thoroughly examines its tanks. Their lifespan is extended since they can clean themselves. They stop the accumulation of lint, dust, and other organic materials from occurring. Additionally, the device incorporates an automatic shut-off that guards against explosions.
Richmond water heaters are fantastic for a busy household because they use very little energy and offer enough hot water to take a shower and run appliances at the same time. Although AO Smith claims to achieve this, customers argue that the Richmond brand is superior. Additionally, only higher-end models come with the majority of these functions.
Water heaters made by A.O. Smith last 10 to 15 years.
Each A.O. Smith water heater is covered by a standard 6- to 10-year warranty, but regular checks and upkeep by trained specialists can extend the life of your water heater to as long as 20 years.
Although it may be tempting, it is best to leave the diagnosis and treatment of your water heater’s symptoms to the experts, especially if you have a guarantee.
- Efficiency
Maintaining your water heater is necessary to protect it. However, relatively few homeowners actually do this. Lint, dust, and oil accumulation will cause a water heater’s performance to significantly degrade.
Because of this, Richmond water heaters have a mechanism that removes lint, dust, and grease. The Richmond Integra System is remarkably original in its design and helps to reach dust and other debris in your water heater’s most difficult-to-access areas. It ensures that peak performance standards are reached while also extending the product’s lifetime.
To increase the effectiveness of its water heaters, AO Smith has created cutting-edge technology. A unique tank material lighter than other brands was created by the company. The new technology also guards against corrosion, which can result in early water heater failure. It also aids in reducing silt buildup which can result in scale buildup and decreased efficiency.
With an efficiency factor (UEF) of 0.93, AO Smith water heaters are recognized as Energy Star-compliant [5].
The water heaters made by A.O. Smith also have several safety features like an LED malfunction light and audio alerts. A high-temperature cut-off switch is also included on every water heater for safety reasons.
- Warranty
Featuring a normal 6- to 10-year warranty on all water heaters, A.O. Smith offers one of the best warranties in the business. A 15-year guarantee is offered on some tankless water heaters. You can calculate the age of your water heater and if the tank and parts are still covered by warranty using the simple-to-read chart provided by A. O. Smith warranties.
Like with other warranties, several circumstances will void yours. A.O. Smith warranties are typical in terms of what is not covered. But if you want to check it out, the warranty is simple to read.
The majority of Richmond water heaters come with a 1-year warranty on household labor and a 6-year limited warranty on parts. Installation is not covered by Richmond warranties. Mid-efficiency tankless water heaters come with warranties of up to 12 years. A 5-year warranty is offered on electric tankless systems.
In residential installations, the Richmond Marathon water heater gives a lifetime limited warranty on tanks and a 6-year warranty on parts. The warranty is transferrable but only applies to the original buyer.
Related: Rheem vs AO Smith
Conclusion
Your decision on a water heater is influenced by several factors, and this article outlines the main distinctions between these two leading brands.
While Richmond is superior in electric tank and tankless water heaters, AO Smith is superior in gas water heaters. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have an unlimited purse, you need to take these distinctions and qualities into account before making a choice.
Read Next: Richmond vs Rheem Water Heater
Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
