Whirlpool Energy Smart 40-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
Whirlpool Energy Smart 40-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater Review
The Whirlpool Energy Smart 40-Gallon Natural Gas is an upmarket variant of the standard Whirlpool 40-Gallon Gas, with the Energy Smart control module integrated. Built by A.O. Smith with Whirlpool branding for the Lowe's channel.
Specs: 40,000 BTU input, UEF 0.62, 73-gallon FHR, 8-year tank and 8-year parts warranty (versus 6 for standard Whirlpool 40-gal Gas). Atmospheric vent through B-vent. The Energy Smart control system monitors usage patterns and adjusts heating schedules to reduce standby losses.
The Energy Smart positioning sits between standard Whirlpool and the A.O. Smith Signature Premier line. The 8-year warranty and smart control module are the meaningful upgrades versus standard Whirlpool gas. ENERGY STAR certified.
About $599 at Lowe's, $1,350 installed. For longer-term primary residences, either A.O. Smith Signature Premier (12-year warranty, similar features) or Rheem Performance Platinum (12-year warranty at Home Depot) is usually the better economic choice — the Energy Smart sits in an awkward middle tier.