A.O. Smith Voltex AL 50 Gal
#5 in 40–50 GallonFull review
A solid 240 V heater with leak protection included, sold at Lowe’s as the Signature 900 line.
Lowe's $1,950$1,950
The A.O. Smith Voltex AL 50 Gal is the better heat pump water heater overall, rated 3.6 to 3.0. The A.O. Smith Voltex AL 50 Gal leads on efficiency and hot water. The GE Profile 50 Gal 120V wins on noise and cold rooms. The A.O. Smith Voltex AL 50 Gal costs $689.97 less ($1,950 vs $2,639.97).
GE Profile 50 Gal 120V
#18 in 40–50 GallonFull review
The most efficient 120 V plug-in here, and the quietest, for replacing a gas tank without new wiring. It can be rewired for 240 V later if the household outgrows it.
GE Appliances PC Richard $2,639.97$2,639.97
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 50 Gal for efficiency (3.80 UEF vs 3.20 UEF) and hot water (65 gallons in the first hour vs 59 gallons in the first hour).
- Choose the GE Profile 50 Gal 120V for noise (41 dB(A) vs 45 dB(A)) and cold rooms (heat pump runs down to 35 °F room air vs heat pump runs down to 37 °F room air).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 40–50 gallon heat pump water heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | A.O. Smith Voltex AL 50 Gal | GE Profile 50 Gal 120V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 57 3.80 UEF | 14 3.20 UEF |
| Hot water 20% | 60 65 gallons in the first hour | 36 59 gallons in the first hour |
| Warranty 20% | 75 10-year tank, 10-year parts, 1-year labor | 75 10-year tank, 10-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Cold rooms 15% | 32 heat pump runs down to 37 °F room air | 40 heat pump runs down to 35 °F room air |
| Noise 10% | 69 45 dB(A) | 94 41 dB(A) |
Specifications
| A.O. Smith Voltex AL 50 Gal | GE Profile 50 Gal 120V | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings (ENERGY STAR) | ||
| Size (nominal) | 50 gal | 50 gal |
| Tank volume (measured) | 46 gal | 50 gal |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 3.80 | 3.20 |
| First-hour rating | 65 gal | 59 gal |
| Draw pattern | Medium | Medium |
| Yearly energy use | 831 kWh | 1,015 kWh |
| Heat pump cut-off (low) | 37 °F | 35 °F |
| Sound level | 45 dB(A) | 41 dB(A) |
| ENERGY STAR ID | 2408851 | 4016268 |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 240 V | Plug-in 120 V |
| Circuit | 30 A, 208/240 V | Shared 15 A circuit |
| Backup element | 4,500 W | 900 W |
| Operating air range | 37 to 120 °F | 35 to 120 °F |
| Minimum room size | 450 cu ft | 700 cu ft |
| Size | 63 in tall, 15 in across | 48.1 in tall, 18.5 in across |
| Weight | 196 lb | 179 lb |
| Refrigerant | R-134a | R1234YF |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| App | A. O. Smith (iCOMM) | SmartHQ |
| Demand response port (CTA-2045) | Yes | Yes |
| Leak detection | Yes | Yes |
| Modes | Hybrid, Heat Pump, Electric, Vacation | Heat Pump, Hybrid, High Demand, Electric, Vacation |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 10 yr tank, 10 yr parts, 1 yr labor | 10 yr tank, 10 yr parts, 1 yr labor |
| Also sold as | American HPS10250H045DV, Lochinvar HPSA050KD, Reliance 10-50-DHPTS, State HPSX-50-DHPT | - |
| Released | 2022-06 | 2025-05 |