Home Depot is the secondary big-box retailer for AO Smith. Selection is narrower than Lowe's — Home Depot's primary water heater partner is Rheem, so AO Smith stocking varies more by store.
What Home Depot typically stocks
- Signature Premier 40G and 50G gas (in larger stores)
- Signature 100 40G and 50G electric (limited)
- ProLine Tankless (online-only at most stores)
Online order with delivery
Full AO Smith catalog available online with home delivery (5-10 business days). Voltex hybrid, Vertex, and Cyclone Xi commercial typically online-only.
Home Depot install services
Similar to Lowe's — Home Depot contractor network handles AO Smith installs at $400-$700 for standard tank swap.
AO Smith at Lowe's vs Home Depot
- Selection: Lowe's has broader AO Smith stock; Home Depot emphasizes Rheem
- Pricing: typically within $20-$50 on same SKU
- Install service: roughly equivalent
- Warranty service: identical — both go through AO Smith at 1-800-527-1953
Bottom line
If your local Home Depot stocks the AO Smith model you want at a competitive price, no functional reason to drive to Lowe's. If you need anything beyond the volume Signature Premier or Signature 100 models, Lowe's will have it in stock more often.