A. O. Smith has introduced the Voltex X, a split heat pump water heater (HPWH) developed in partnership with Panasonic. The product addresses a gap in the manufacturer’s lineup by providing a viable heating solution for residential spaces where traditional unitary HPWHs cannot fit due to space constraints, such as apartments and mobile homes.
The Voltex X features several notable characteristics. It offers five tank size options, including a “low-boy” configuration measuring 36 inches in height and 26 inches in width, designed to fit into confined spaces. The system uses CO2 as a refrigerant, which enables operation in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit and allows for rapid water heating. The fifty-gallon model delivers a seventy-gallon first-hour rating without requiring an electric resistance backup system. The split design connects indoor and outdoor units through water lines rather than refrigerant lines, simplifying installation for plumbers by keeping refrigerant contained within a sealed outdoor unit.
The system presents some implementation considerations. Water line freeze protection combines active circulation during cold weather with passive drip mechanisms during power outages, though industry professionals indicate this remains a potential concern even with robust protection systems. Equipment and installation costs typically range from $4,000 to $4,500, positioning the Voltex X below or comparable to other split HPWHs but above traditional unitary systems priced between $1,600 and $3,500. Additionally, the system requires dual electrical connections: a 240-volt, 20-amp circuit for the outdoor unit and a 120-volt, 15-amp connection for the indoor tank.
A. O. Smith is marketing the Voltex X as available through distributors nationwide. The company also plans to introduce a commercial variant with 6 kilowatts of power that can be stacked to serve large multi-family buildings as a central HPWH system. The residential model operates at 4.5 kilowatts.
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