[ProllyInfamous]

I have two heat pump water tanks, one Rheem and one AO Smith (our local utility heavily-subsidizes these, with a net-cost less than a standard tank water heater).

They both are rated for annual kWH usage less than the US EPA yellow label can display (for their category of tanked water heaters, i.e. competing mostly with resistive heating models).

Annually water heating is about 3% of my energy consumption.

[stratosmacker]

Do you prefer one to the other? I’m in the market

[ProllyInfamous]

The AO Smith (retail $1678) cost $250, after rebates (available to all SFH in any of TVA's power sellers, typically between Thanksgiving and NYE). With rebates the Rheem was $1000 (and is two years older).

Without rebates, they're similarly priced.

As far as reliability, they both have decent warranties and backup heating elements. Both heat water without internet connectivity. Similar performances (as far as heat output).

Overall, I feel the AO Smith is more customer friendly. Definitely easier to install:

1) AO has both top and side water connections; Rhm has one top and then one side connection (why?!)

2) AO's venting connections are far superior to Rheem's (which require custom/expensive adapters if installed in spaces <700sqft) — AO just has two standard 8" duct connectors on top... so much easier/cheaper to install into a closet. Rhm's top slit needs a $120 plastic adapter, and then ejects to the side (of a 24"D cylinder) [again: why?].

3) Rheem will not stay in ELECTRIC-HEAT (only) mode, for longer than two days — it automatically reverts to the prior heat pump option (which is annoying; you can use the app and set up a schedule to "force" electric mode... but then you have to use an app). AO stays in whichever mode you select.

4) AO is just nicer presentation. Despite a few obviously less-expensive components and design decisions... the AO is better thought-out. Just as an example, the Rheem has a threaded 3/4" socket for condensate, while the AO has a pre-installed (cheaper, too) drip tube.

5) The AO's electric vault is on the side (and not top) so a top leak is less likely to fill the conductors // corrosion. This is a better decision.

6) Rheem will likely last longer, despite being two years older. We'll see.

Either one will save you a lot of electricity + bonus dehumidification (while operating). I bought whichever was cheapest, the first time; now I would buy the AO even if ~$250 more expensive because the install is that much easier. This last rebate period I bought three =P