Residential
Split‑System HPWH Cuts Bills 70%
Voltex X split‑system heat pump water heater slashes heating costs by up to 76%
A. O. Smith’s new Voltex X can lower a household’s water‑heating bill by roughly three‑quarters compared with a conventional electric heater, according to the company’s claim of up to $600 annual savings. The system achieves this by using a heat‑pump cycle instead of a resistive element, delivering the same hot‑water output with far less electricity.
The Voltex X is offered in 189 L, 250 L and 303 L tank sizes, with the largest model providing a first‑hour rating of up to 360 L. All versions are built around a 4.5 kW compressor that runs on carbon‑dioxide (CO₂) refrigerant, a low‑global‑warming‑potential fluid that enables high efficiency even in very cold weather.
Outdoor split design lets you place the tank anywhere in the home
Unlike integrated heat‑pump water heaters, the Voltex X separates the compressor (outdoor unit) from the storage tank (indoor unit). This means the tank can be tucked into closets, garages, utility rooms or basements, freeing up valuable space in cramped houses. The outdoor compressor operates at a quiet 35‑40 dBA, while the indoor tank is silent (0 dBA), eliminating the indoor noise that can bother occupants.
CO₂ refrigerant keeps the system efficient down to –31.7 °C
Developed with Panasonic, the Voltex X uses CO₂, which has a 99.9 % lower global‑warming potential than traditional HFC refrigerants and retains high thermodynamic performance at sub‑zero temperatures. The unit is rated to work at ambient temperatures as low as –31.7 °C (‑25 °F), extending heat‑pump water heating to cold‑climate regions where conventional units would stall.
Wi‑Fi and smart modes optimise energy use around time‑of‑use rates
The Voltex X connects to A. O. Smith’s iCOMM app via Wi‑Fi, letting owners adjust temperature, switch operating modes and monitor energy consumption from a smartphone. Four modes are available: a high‑efficiency heat‑pump mode, a “guest” mode that guarantees hot water for up to seven days, a “vacation” mode that throttles consumption while the home is empty, and a standard mode. Users can also programme the system to run when utility rates are lowest, further cutting the electricity bill.
What it means for Israel’s homes
In Israel, where residential electricity rates are relatively high, a 76 % reduction in water‑heating electricity use could represent a meaningful cost saving. Combined with the country’s growing rooftop‑solar market, the Voltex X offers a way to provide hot water with far less grid electricity, making it an attractive complement to solar installations.
Market context: heat‑pump water heaters gaining traction globally
Heat‑pump water heaters are increasingly seen as low‑carbon alternatives to electric resistance heaters. The Voltex X’s outdoor split architecture addresses space constraints that are common in many homes, helping to broaden the appeal of HPWH technology.
Outlook: wider adoption could support Israel’s renewable‑energy goals
Israel aims for 30 % renewable electricity by 2030. Wider use of efficient water‑heating solutions such as the Voltex X could contribute to overall energy‑efficiency targets and help reduce peak‑grid demand when paired with rooftop solar.
Sources: HotWater.com product page, HotWater.com newsroom release, StreetInsider press release
Sources & further reading
FAQ
How much can the Voltex X save on my electricity bill?
A. O. Smith says the unit can reduce utility costs by up to 76 %, which translates to about $600 a year in the U.S. – roughly ₪730 per year in Israel at the typical residential tariff.
Can the Voltex X work in very cold winters?
Yes, it’s rated to operate at ambient temperatures as low as –31.7 °C (‑25 °F) thanks to its CO₂ refrigerant.
Do I need extra space for the outdoor compressor?
The outdoor unit is compact and can be mounted on a wall or roof‑mounted pad, while the indoor tank can sit in closets, garages or basements.
Is the system noisy?
The outdoor compressor runs at 35‑40 dBA, which is about the sound of a quiet refrigerator, and the indoor tank is silent.
Can I control the Voltex X with my smartphone?
Yes, the iCOMM app lets you set temperatures, choose operating modes and schedule heating around time‑of‑use rates.
How does the Voltex X help Israel meet its renewable targets?
By cutting electricity demand for water heating, especially when paired with rooftop solar, the unit supports the country’s goal of 30 % renewable electricity by 2030.
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