A.O. Smith has recalled about 616,000 residential water heaters. The heaters, manufactured by A.O. Smith and sold primarily in California, have a gas burner screen that develops tears, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The water heater’s burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
The burner screen can tear, producing excess heat and leading to a potential fire hazard
The water heaters were sold under the following brand names: American, A.O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftmaster, and Whirlpool.
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No reports of injuries have been reported to the CPSC, but A.O. Smith has received six reports of fires.
The CPSC recall notice provides details on identifying the water heaters. In brief, they are 30-, 40-, and 50-gallon gas or propane-fired water heaters under the brand names above. Only water heaters with the first four digits of the serial number between 1115 and 1631, where the first four digits represent the year and week of production, are included in the recall. The brand name, model number, and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve or thermostat.
Consumers can inspect the data plate. If you believe you have an impacted model, you should immediately turn off the water heater and contact A.O. Smith to see whether a free repair is needed.
Recall Details
The recall: About 616,000 A.O. Smith water heaters sold under the following brand names: American, A.O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftmaster, and Whirlpool.
The risk: The gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater’s burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
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Incidents/injuries: No injuries reported. A.O. Smith has received six reports of fires.
Where and when sold: Independent contractors, plumbers, plumbing supply vendors, and at various home improvement and hardware stores primarily in California from April 2011 through December 2016 for $500 to $1,000.
The remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the water heater, turn off the power, and contact A.O. Smith to see whether a repair is needed.
Contact the manufacturer: Go to waterheaterrecall.com to see whether you have an impacted model. Consumers with Whirlpool, U.S. Craftmaster, or American Water Heater brand water heaters can call toll-free 866-854-2793. Consumers with Reliance, State, A.O. Smith, and Kenmore brand water heaters can call toll-free 866-880-4661.
Report a defective product: Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to saferproducts.gov.
More From Consumer Reports
We've be tracking down the best water heaters for almost five years, spending over 80 hours researching the best manufacturers in the industry. While researching for this guide, we looked at 50-gallon models from 10 of the best brands. We chose these water heater brands because they have reputations for making reliable, durable and efficient units. This guide summarizes our research to help you make an educated decision when buying your next water heater.
Why trust us?
Since 2012, we've evaluated HVAC equipment and tested some, such as smart thermostats, in our lab to see how easy it is to install and use. Through these tests, we've gained valuable experience that helps us reach our conclusions concerning more complex home appliances, including water heaters. When, as in the case with water heaters, we can't physically test the product, we use the same attention to detail to verify our research so our decisions echo our mission to provide helpful information to our readers.
To inform our research, we used guides by the U.S Department of Energy’s Energy Saver website and Nationwide insurance’s guide to water heater safety. Additionally, we looked at the buying advice provided by the water heater manufacturers themselves, though we admit that this doesn’t play as large a part in our comparison as the aforementioned sources. Lastly, we looked for customer and installer reviews to see which brands have the best reputation.
Best Overall
Rheem
Its reputation for manufacturing durable, reliable water heaters makes it a good choice for most homes
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
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. We looked at the Rheem Prestige G50-40N RH67 PD as a reference point for our guide. This gas water heater is Energy Star rated and has a 12-year warranty. You can control or monitor it as part of your smart home using the included EcoNet Wi-Fi Kit and smartphone app. This EcoNet system can even send you alerts if there is a leak or other complication. To protect you, the device automatically turns off if potentially flammable vapor builds up. You won’t have to worry about cleaning a filter either, as this unit is made to operate without one.
For more information read our fullRheem review
Best Budget Brand
Kenmore
Kenmore water heaters, which you can buy at Sears’ online stores, are among the least expensive on the market
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Kenmore water heaters, which you can buy at Sears’ online stores, are among the least expensive on the market. They are dependable and sturdy, which makes them a good choice if your budget is limited. The company makes models in natural gas, electric and hybrid variants but doesn't make tankless models. We looked at the Kenmore 58250, an electric water heater, as a reference point for our guide. It has a 12-year warranty and digital controls. A smartphone kit is not included, but if you want smartphone controls, you can buy a kit separately. This water heater doesn't have an Energy Star certification; however, it is a self-cleaning appliance, which should help keep it running longer. As a safety measure, this device also automatically shuts off if the water temperature goes beyond 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information read our fullKenmore 58250 review
Best Premium Brand
AO Smith
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
AO Smith is one of the largest manufacturers of water heaters, which it sells under a variety of brands. Those sold under the AO Smith brand are some of the more expensive models available, but the company has a reputation for quality products. AO Smith makes gas, electric, tankless, solar and hybrid water heaters in a variety of sizes. We looked at the AO Smith Vertex GPHE 50, a premium gas water heater, as a reference point for this guide. This model has a durable brass drain valve and is energy efficient. It is Energy Star certified, operating at 90 percent thermal efficiency. This unit is also designed to be taller and take up less floor space, so it’s a good choice if you’re pressed for room. The warranty is much shorter than others, only lasting six years.
For more information read our full AO Smith Vertex GPHE-50 review
Buying a water heater: efficiency ratings
Efficiency standards for gas and electric water heaters are different, but both use the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings system, where higher scoring units produce more hot water while using less energy. To earn an Energy Star certification, for example, electric water heaters with tanks up to 55 gallons must have a UEF greater than 2. In contrast, gas water heaters with tanks up to 55 gallons only need a UEF above 0.64 or 0.68, depending on how they use water during the day. Qualifications for tanks over 55 gallons are even higher. Choosing a water heater near or above the Energy Star standards will save money on your utilities, though the most efficient units usually command the highest prices.
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Water heater warranties
The typical water heater is estimated to last eight to 12 years. Many factors can affect this, including the build quality, maintenance issues and the hardness of the water in your area. Since your water heater can be a substantial investment for your home, choose one with a long warranty. The best water heater warranties cover the unit for nine to 12 years. Labor warranties usually last one year, though your plumber might offer an extended warranty.
How much do water heaters cost?
On average, you can expect to spend between $700 and $2,000 to get a new water heater installed in your home. Without installation, electric water heaters usually cost between $300 and $700. Similarly, gas water heaters cost between $400 and $1,000. However, a heater’s cost depends largely on the water heater brand, tank size and its efficiency rating.
Although it's tempting to open the installation manual and install your new water heater on your own, most homeowners don't have the necessary skills and experience. By choosing a professional installer, you get someone who knows exactly what to do and how to do it correctly and safely. Furthermore, some brands only sell their water heaters through installers. Installers also often have water heater suggestions for your home.
Most plumbers are trained and licensed and have valuable experience, so it's worth the extra cost to have them install your water heater. To find the best plumber in your area, take some time to look at their online customer reviews on Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Angie's List and similar websites.
Installation costs typically include labor, supplies and water heater removal. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 to have an installer swap out your old water heater for a newer model, though this may increase or decrease based on where you live. However, if you’re changing the type of water heater in your home, you can expect to pay up to $1,500, sometimes more, to upgrade your home’s electrical or natural gas connections appropriately. Make sure to get quotes from three or four local plumbers in order to find the best price.
Permits & inspections
Most cities and counties require you apply for a permit before you install a water heater in your home. Depending on where you live, the licensed plumber you hire can obtain the necessary permits as part of the installation. However, it’s a good idea to double-check with them or your local building department to learn exact permit requirements for your location. This will also help you find out if you need to get the permit yourself or if the contractor does it. When the installation is complete, someone from the organization that issued the permit will inspect the water heater to verify it complies with the building code.
Gas vs electric water heaters
Water heaters fueled by natural gas usually cost less to operate on a monthly basis than electric models. As a bonus, they still work when the power goes out. Electric water heaters heat water more efficiently than gas models but often have higher energy costs, since electricity generally costs more than natural gas. If your home already has a gas water heater, there's no need to switch to electric. If you want to learn more about different types of water heaters, the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver website has a fairly comprehensive guide on the subject. In fact, it was one of the best resources we found during our research about water heaters.
Tank size
Choose a hot water heater large enough to handle multiple water users simultaneously. The number of people in your home affects the water heater size you need. For example, most 50-gallon water heaters can supply hot water for up to four people. Most water heater companies – including Whirlpool, Rheem, Kenmore and Bradford White – offer small and large sizes so you can select one that suits the needs of your household.
To figure out a more precise size of water heater for your household, you need to estimate your peak hour demand. The simplest way to do this is to add up the number of showers, times you wash the dishes and wash clothes with hot water in an hour. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver website provides a useful worksheet that suggests the following amounts of hot water for common activities:
- Shower – 10 gallons
- Shaving – 2 gallons
- Hand dishwashing and food preparation – 4 gallons
- Automatic dishwasher – 6 gallons
- Clothes washer – 7 gallons
After you figure out your peak hour demand, look for a water heater with a first-hour rating (FHR) that matches. The FHR is how much water a unit can heat per hour, assuming you start with a full tank of hot water.
Lifetime energy costs
You can estimate your new electric or gas water heater's annual and lifetime energy costs with this calculator from the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). It also compares your estimates with those of base models, FEMP recommendations and the most efficient models in the industry. This calculator can help you decide if a more efficient model is worth the extra cost over its lifetime.
How many years does a hot water heater last?
When you're spending so much at once for a hot water heater, the question of longevity is a concern. Fortunately, tank style water heaters generally last eight to 12 years on average – depending on if you have hard water in your area and perform regular maintenance to keep the heater running at peak efficiency. We found through our research and discussions with plumbing professionals that you can expect a new water heater to last for about 10 years. Setting aside a little money every year to help offset the cost for when you do have to replace it can help reduce the stress of forking over a chunk of change you weren't expecting to spend.
We also found that many plumbing experts advise installing a hot water filter to help reduce the amount of sediment and minerals that get into your water heater. This extra system could help double the lifespan of your water heater, but we recommend consulting with your local plumber first to find out if it would be worth it in your area.
When should you replace your water heater?
You don’t need to be a plumber to figure out that your water heater isn’t working properly, but it helps to know the symptoms associated with a broken water heater before you lose hot water entirely.
- Look out for any changes in hot water quality, such as brown water or metallic tastes, which may indicate your storage tank is rusting on the inside.
- If you experience a sudden decrease in the amount of hot water your heater delivers, or the water never gets completely hot, this could be the result of a bad or old heating element.
- A decrease in the volume of water coming through the faucets could indicate a pipe is blocked with sediment, hard water deposits or another object.
- If your water heater starts to sound different when heating water, especially if you hear popping and cracking, that could be a problem.
- Any time you see water leaking directly from the water heater, something needs to be tightened.
- As mentioned earlier in our guide, the average lifespan of a water heater is about 10 years, so anything older than 10 to 15 years is a good candidate for replacement, even if it’s still working fine.
Water heater safety
Your water heater may be out of sight, out of mind, but this integral part of your household does need regular maintenance and care. Nationwide insurance recommends homeowners inspect certain components of their water heaters at least yearly, such as ventilation, pilot light and the temperature or release valve.
You should follow the instructions contained in the manufacturer’s user manual to see exactly how to check each of these components. As always, if you are unsure of the condition of your water heater or need assistance, call your local plumber to get a professional inspection and guidance.