Vertex™ from A.O. Smith:New Improved Tank-style Water Heater Rivals Tankless

A.O. Smith, in partnership with one of the nation's leading design engineering firms, has developed a 76,000 BTU tank-style water heater that boasts a 90 percent thermal efficiency rating and promises "endless hot water." Here at Boden Plumbing we're pretty excited about its possibilities. Just imagine: the reliable tank style heater that just about every house is already fitted for with the energy savings of an on-demand heater - plus that seemingly endless stream of hot water we all dream about.

The development of the Vertex™ was part of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) project. With an average 78 percent thermal efficiency, the conventional tank-style water heaters left some room for improvement. The Vertex™ jumps to 90 percent thermal efficiency and still provides an estimated 127-gallon first hour delivery and a 93 gph recovery rate. It's like getting the output of a 75-gallon water heater without the gas bill you'd expect.

Lower operating costs for the homeowner and fuel savings for everyone concerned - it's all good.

The Vertex™ gains by replacing the standard straight vertical flu tube with an internal helical heating coil. This increases the surface area over which heat is transferred to water in the tank and allows the unit to accept 76,000 BTU. "Higher input with more efficient combustion produces much more hot water, with lower operating costs," A.O. Smith.

The other big plus from Boden Plumbing's perspective is the simplified install for a high-efficiency energy saving unit over what's often required when switching from a tank-style water heater to a tankless unit. We have a lot of people asking about on-demand water heaters these days, but the retrofits necessary to match needs with the existing infrastructure in the home often makes the switch logistically or financially prohibitive. If you are replacing a 40- or 50-gallon tank style unit, the change over to a Vertex™ is seamless. In addition, the Vertex™ power vent design means a simpler and less expensive venting system compared to what's required for tankless units.

We'll be able to tell you more once we've tried the Vertex™ out for ourselves. Terry Boden will be installing one in his home soon so that when it comes to guaranteeing the A.O. Smith Vertex™ to his customers, he can be confident in his recommendation. He did the same with a tankless water heater, which is why he's a good source of advice when it comes time to replace a water heater in your home. Give him a call, he'd be glad to help you out with more information.

:: HGTV on Vertex™ water heaters
:: A.O. Smith's details on the new Vertex™ water heater.

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com