A.O. Smith Voltex AL 80 Gal
#2 in 80 GallonFull review
A solid 240 V heater with leak protection included, sold at Lowe’s as the Signature 900 line.
Lowe's $2,798$2,798
The A.O. Smith Voltex AL 80 Gal is the better heat pump water heater overall, rated 3.8 to 3.6. The A.O. Smith Voltex AL 80 Gal leads on hot water and noise. The ACiQ 80 Gal Hybrid wins on efficiency. The ACiQ 80 Gal Hybrid costs $648.01 less ($2,149.99 vs $2,798).
ACiQ 80 Gal Hybrid
#8 in 80 GallonFull review
The Midea-built design, sold direct by an online HVAC store, for a buyer installing it themselves who doesn’t need labor cover.
ACiQ HVACDirect $2,149.99$2,149.99
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the A.O. Smith Voltex AL 80 Gal for hot water (95 gallons in the first hour vs 91 gallons in the first hour) and noise (45 dB(A) vs 49 dB(A)).
- Choose the ACiQ 80 Gal Hybrid for efficiency (4.00 UEF vs 3.88 UEF).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 80 gallon heat pump water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | A.O. Smith Voltex AL 80 Gal | ACiQ 80 Gal Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 63 3.88 UEF | 71 4.00 UEF |
| Hot water 20% | 80 95 gallons in the first hour | 64 91 gallons in the first hour |
| Warranty 20% | 75 10-year tank, 10-year parts, 1-year labor | 70 10-year tank, 10-year parts |
| Cold rooms 15% | 32 heat pump runs down to 37 °F room air | 30 heat pump runs down to 37.4 °F room air |
| Noise 10% | 69 45 dB(A) | 44 49 dB(A) |
Specifications
| A.O. Smith Voltex AL 80 Gal | ACiQ 80 Gal Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings (ENERGY STAR) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 80 gal | 80 gal |
| Tank volume (measured) | 82 gal | 74 gal |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| First-hour rating | 95 gal | 91 gal |
| Draw pattern | High | High |
| Yearly energy use | 1,279 kWh | 1,240 kWh |
| Heat pump cut-off (low) | 37 °F | 37.4 °F |
| Sound level | 45 dB(A) | 49 dB(A) |
| ENERGY STAR ID | 2408847 | 3626855 |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 240 V | 240 V |
| Circuit | 30 A, 208/240 V | 30 A, 208/240 V |
| Backup element | 4,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Operating air range | 37 to 120 °F | 37 to 109 °F |
| Minimum room size | 450 cu ft | - |
| Size | 69 in tall, 27 in across | 41.7 in tall, 21.8 in across |
| Weight | 302 lb | 290 lb |
| Refrigerant | R-134a | R-134a |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | A. O. Smith (iCOMM) | - |
| Demand response port (CTA-2045) | Yes | Yes |
| Leak detection | Yes | No |
| Modes | Hybrid, Heat Pump, Electric, Vacation | Economy, Heat Pump, Hybrid, E-Heater, Vacation |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 10 yr tank, 10 yr parts, 1 yr labor | 10 yr tank, 10 yr parts |
| Also sold as | American HPS10280H045DV, Lochinvar HPSA080KD, Reliance 10-80-DHPTS, State HPSX-80-DHPT | 1HVAC ACIQ-80G-HP-WH, DIYCOOL ACIQ-80G-HP-WH, PolarWave ACIQ-80G-HP-WH |
| Released | 2022-06 | 2024-05 |