Reliance 66-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater
Reliance 66-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater Review
The Reliance 66-Gallon Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater is A.O. Smith's value-tier heat-pump under the Reliance brand. Functionally equivalent to AO Smith Voltex Premium HPTU-66 distributed through Lowe's at slightly different price point.
Specs: 66 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 is value — saves $100-$300 versus AO Smith Voltex equivalent but with shorter warranty.
About $1,899 unit, $2,800 installed before federal + utility rebates. After rebates, net install cost often drops to $1,000-$2,000.
Right buyer: budget-constrained heat-pump install with 6-year ownership horizon. For longer ownership horizons (10+ years), AO Smith Voltex Premium HPTU-66 with 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