Reliance 50-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater
Reliance 50-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater Review
The Reliance 50-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater is A.O. Smith's value-tier 50-gallon heat-pump under the Reliance brand. Functionally equivalent to AO Smith Voltex Premium HPTU-50 at slightly lower price point with shorter warranty.
Specs: 50 gallons stored, integrated heat pump + 4500W backup resistance element, UEF 3.45, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified, 6-year tank warranty, 6-year compressor warranty (shorter than Voltex Premium's 10-year).
The 6-year warranty is the meaningful difference versus higher-tier heat-pumps. Reliance positioning saves $100-$300 versus AO Smith Voltex Premium equivalent but with shorter warranty.
About $1,699 unit, $2,700 installed before federal + utility rebates. After IRA Section 25C credit + utility rebates, net install cost often drops to $800-$1,800.
Right buyer: budget-constrained heat-pump install with 6-year ownership horizon. For 10+ year ownership, AO Smith Voltex Premium HPTU-50 (10-year warranty) is the better economic choice.
- Heat pump technology — 2–3× more efficient than resistance electric; UEF 3.45 qualifies for federal tax credits
- UEF 3.45 — top-tier efficiency; qualifies for Inflation Reduction Act §25C residential credit
- 10-year warranty — solid above-average coverage for this class
- Heat pump mode requires 1,000 sq ft ambient space and 40–90°F surrounding air — loses efficiency in cold utility rooms