Reliance reviews skew positive on emergency-swap value and hardware-store-channel convenience. Reliability matches State, AO Smith Signature, and Whirlpool equivalents — same manufacturing. Specific patterns by line:
Standard 6-NORT / 6-EORS
- What owners praise: available same-day at Ace/True Value; competitive pricing; matches Rheem/State at lower channel cost
- Common complaints: 6-year warranty feels short for newer homeowners; plastic drain valve seizes by year 3-4; standard insulation could be thicker
- Real-world lifespan: 8-12 years with anode rod replacement at year 5; 6-9 years without
9-NORT / 9-EORS Extended
- What owners praise: 9-year warranty for $100 upgrade is good value; improved insulation noticeable on standby
- Common complaints: not always in-stock at smaller hardware stores; slightly larger footprint than 6-NORT
- Real-world lifespan: 10-14 years with maintenance
12-50-NORT Premium
- What owners praise: 12-year warranty is among the longest residential coverage; 0.65 UEF saves noticeably; brass drain valve from factory
- Common complaints: $200 over base feels expensive when buying for a rental; not always in-stock locally
- Real-world lifespan: 12-16 years
Power Vent 6-PVRT
- What owners praise: straightforward swap from existing power-vent; price competitive with State/AO Smith equivalents
- Common complaints: blower bearings whine after 5-7 years; condensate trap needs priming after every long off period; 5-flash codes when vent termination clogs with snow
SOMS Mini-Tank
- What owners love: plug-in install — no electrician needed; instant solution for distant sinks; durable 6-year warranty for a budget mini-tank; competitive with Bosch Tronic for ~$30 less
- Common complaints: outlet hose fitting can leak if overtightened; 6-gallon runs out fast on extended use (10-gal recommended for higher demand); standby loss noticeable in cold spaces
- Best application reviews: RV / tiny home / detached office
HPHE Hybrid Heat Pump
- What owners praise: dramatic reduction in electric bill (60-70% drop vs old resistance electric); IRA tax credit application straightforward; quiet enough for basement install; 10-year warranty matches AO Smith Voltex
- Common complaints: 700+ cu ft air space requirement caught many off-guard; condensate drain installation added cost; performance drops in cold basements (below 40°F); compressor noise audible at night in adjacent rooms
- Standout feedback: "Same as the State Premier Hybrid at Lowe\'s but $200 cheaper through my local wholesaler" — typical comment
Common across all lines
- AO Smith customer service: mixed reviews. Phone hold times reported at 15-30+ minutes; dealer counter service generally faster
- Warranty claims: generally honored when serial and install date verified; registration within 90 days is critical
- Documentation: manuals comprehensive, especially HPHE Hybrid
Bottom line
Reliance owners are generally satisfied — same manufacturing as the rest of the AO Smith family with better hardware-channel pricing. The 6-year Standard warranty is the most common complaint vector; upgrading to 9- or 12- tier or replacing the anode rod at year 4-5 addresses it. Mini-Tank SOMS line and HPHE Hybrid are the standouts.