Struggling with cold showers? The A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short 12-Year Energy Smart Electric Water Heater, around $790, delivers endless hot water for your family! Its compact design and smart tech slashed my bills and kept my home cozy. You’ll love the Wi-Fi controls and leak protection. Join me—I’ll share my journey, and you’ll be snagging this heater to enjoy steamy showers and worry-free days!
My Experience With The A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater
Alright, let me take you back to May 2025, a time when the simple pleasure of a hot shower had become a daily gamble in our 1,800-square-foot home in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a busy 38-year-old nurse, juggling long shifts with life alongside my husband and three energetic kids, the inadequacy of our old 40-gallon water heater had reached its breaking point. The scenario of enduring a frigid shower after just one load of laundry had become an all-too-familiar and deeply unwelcome experience. Fed up with the cold surprises, I headed to Lowe’s with a mission to find a reliable upgrade. That’s where the A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short 12-Year Energy Smart Electric Water Heater caught my eye, priced at $789.99. Its shorter 48.5-inch height was a perfect fit for our rather cramped utility closet, and the array of smart features – including the iCOMM Wi-Fi app, integrated leak detection, and an impressive 0.92 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) efficiency rating – truly hooked me. While the online reviews were generally positive regarding its reliability, several mentioned the installation being somewhat complex, so I wisely decided to book a professional plumber to handle the job.
The installation process took a full day, but it was well worth the investment. Our plumber, Carla, expertly swapped out the old, undersized unit, meticulously connected the necessary 240-volt wiring, and established the 3/4-inch hot and cold water lines. She then seamlessly paired the iCOMM app to my smartphone, patiently walking me through its various features, showing me how to easily adjust temperature settings and monitor our hot water usage. By the evening, the glorious flow of hot water was back in our lives – and what a difference it made! We could now run multiple showers and even a full dishwasher cycle without the slightest hint of the water turning tepid. The new A.O. Smith heater operated with a quiet hum, a welcome change from the loud clanking of our old unit, and the integrated LED panel clearly indicated that it was heating efficiently. My neighbor, Tom, who was also considering a water heater upgrade, borrowed my quick guide to the iCOMM app after I had mine installed and was particularly impressed with the convenience of remote control.
Now, a month into enjoying our upgraded hot water system, I’ve noticed a tangible $15 decrease in our monthly electric bill, a direct result of the A.O. Smith’s energy-efficient design. The iCOMM app also proved its worth by promptly alerting me to a minor drip near one of the connections, which Carla was able to quickly and easily fix under the manufacturer’s warranty. Furthermore, the impressive 68-gallon first-hour rating of the new heater comfortably keeps up with our busy family’s demanding morning routine, ensuring everyone gets a hot shower without any waiting or temperature fluctuations. I’m absolutely thrilled with our purchase – the days of shivering through lukewarm showers are finally over! You’ll undoubtedly feel that same sense of joy and relief when your family’s showers stay wonderfully hot, and your wallet gets a much-deserved break.
Pros Of The A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater
This heater’s a champ for family homes. Here’s why I’m obsessed, and you’ll be too.
1. Compact Design: Space-Saving Efficiency for Any Home
The shorter 48.5-inch height was a crucial factor for fitting into our relatively tight utility closet, proving that powerful performance doesn’t always require a bulky unit. You’ll appreciate its space-saving design, especially if you have limited utility room.
2. High Efficiency: Significant Savings on Your Energy Bills
The impressive 0.92 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) translates directly into lower energy consumption. The noticeable $15 reduction in our monthly electric bill is a testament to its efficiency, providing long-term cost savings. You’ll enjoy a more environmentally friendly and budget-conscious hot water solution.
3. Smart Wi-Fi Control: Ultimate Convenience at Your Fingertips
The iCOMM Wi-Fi app is a game-changer. Being able to adjust water temperatures, set vacation modes, and even monitor energy usage directly from my smartphone, even from the comfort of my bed, is incredibly convenient and allows for optimal control. You’ll love the ease and flexibility of remote access.
4. Leak Detection: Proactive Protection Against Water Damage
The integrated leak detection system with an automatic shut-off valve provided invaluable peace of mind. The early detection of a minor drip prevented potential water damage and costly repairs. You’ll feel secure knowing your home is protected.
5. Ample Hot Water: Never Run Out, Even During Peak Demand
The generous 68-gallon first-hour rating ensures that even with multiple simultaneous uses, like three showers in quick succession, we never experience a shortage of hot water. You’ll finally be able to bathe comfortably without worrying about the water turning cold.
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6. 12-Year Warranty: Unmatched Coverage for Long-Term Reliability
The exceptional 12-year warranty on both parts and the tank is the longest coverage I could find, demonstrating the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and longevity. You’ll trust in its long-term reliability and have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
7. Fast Recovery: Minimize Waiting Time for Hot Water
The dual 5500-watt heating elements provide a rapid recovery rate, heating approximately 25 gallons of water per hour. This ensures that even after heavy use, the hot water supply is quickly replenished, minimizing any frustrating wait times. You’ll avoid those unwelcome cold waits between showers.
8. Quiet Operation: Enjoy a Peaceful Home Environment
The A.O. Smith water heater operates with a remarkably quiet hum, a significant improvement over our previous noisy unit. You’ll barely notice it running, contributing to a more peaceful and comfortable home environment.
9. Glass-Lined Tank: Built to Resist Corrosion and Last for Years
The durable glass-lined tank with a ceramic interior coating provides excellent resistance against rust and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the water heater and providing years of reliable use. You’ll benefit from its robust construction and extended lifespan.
10. Safety Features: Worry-Free Installation and Operation
The inclusion of dry-fire protection is a crucial safety feature that automatically shuts off the heating elements if the tank is accidentally drained or runs empty, preventing damage and ensuring safe operation. You’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s designed with safety in mind.
11. Energy Smart Mode: Intelligent Optimization for Maximum Savings
The intelligent Energy Smart mode automatically learns and adapts to your household’s hot water usage patterns, optimizing heating cycles to conserve energy and further reduce your electricity bills without compromising hot water availability. You’ll enjoy maximized energy efficiency with minimal effort.
12. Easy Diagnostics: Streamlined Troubleshooting for Quick Resolutions
The integrated LED diagnostic panel displays error codes, which proved incredibly helpful when Carla quickly identified and resolved a minor sensor issue. This feature allows for faster troubleshooting and simpler maintenance. You’ll appreciate the ease of identifying and addressing any potential issues.
Cons Of The A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater
It’s not perfect—some issues tripped me up. Here’s what you’ll deal with.
High Upfront Cost
$790 plus $500 install—steeper than basic models. You’ll budget carefully.
Complex Installation
240-volt wiring needs a pro—DIY’s risky. You’ll hire a plumber.
Wi-Fi Setup Glitches
App pairing took three tries—frustrating start. You’ll need patience.
Noisy Fan at Startup
Brief hum when elements kick on—woke my kid once. You’ll notice it.
Heavy Weight
150 pounds—moving it was tough. You’ll need help.
App Dependency
Some features require Wi-Fi—spotty signals limit use. You’ll ensure strong connectivity.
Limited Retail
Mostly Lowe’s or online—Home Depot skips it. You’ll shop specific stores.
Slow Warranty Parts
Replacement sensor took two weeks—annoying delay. You’ll wait for fixes.
Oversensitive Leak Sensor
False alarms from condensation—tweaked settings. You’ll adjust sensitivity.
No Gas Option
Electric-only—gas users are out of luck. You’ll check power sources.
Small Display
LED screen’s tiny—hard to read errors. You’ll squint at codes.
Maintenance Tips For The A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater
Your A.O. Smith heater’s installed—keep it running like new. Here’s how I care for mine.
Flush Tank Annually
Sediment builds up—I drain via the valve yearly. Flush yours; you’ll boost efficiency.
Check Anode Rod
Sacrificial rod prevents rust—I inspect every two years. Replace yours; you’ll extend tank life.
Test T&P Valve
Pressure valve can stick—I lift the lever biannually. Test yours; you’ll ensure safety.
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Monitor App Alerts
iCOMM flags issues—I check daily. Watch yours; you’ll catch leaks early.
Insulate Pipes
Uninsulated pipes lose heat—I wrap with foam. Cover yours; you’ll save energy.
Clean Air Vents
Dust clogs vents—I vacuum monthly. Clear yours; you’ll maintain airflow.
Verify Electrical Connections
Loose wires trip breakers—I tighten yearly. Check yours; you’ll avoid outages.
Adjust Temperature
125°F is hot enough—I lowered from 140°F. Set yours; you’ll reduce wear.
Inspect for Leaks
Drips waste water—I check fittings quarterly. Look at yours; you’ll prevent damage.
Schedule Pro Checkups
Carla tunes it yearly for $100—catches wear. Book yours; you’ll prolong life.
Keep Area Clear
Clutter blocks access—I clear the closet. Organize yours; you’ll ease repairs.
Update Wi-Fi Module
App updates fix bugs—I check monthly. Download yours; you’ll stay connected.
Comparison With Other Brands
A.O. Smith’s awesome, but I eyed competitors. Here’s how it stacks up.
A.O. Smith vs. Rheem Gladiator
Rheem’s $689 Gladiator has leak detection—my friend loves its EcoNet app. A.O. Smith’s shorter design fits tighter spaces, but Rheem’s cheaper. You’d pick Rheem for cost, A.O. Smith for compactness.
A.O. Smith vs. Bradford White AeroTherm
Bradford White’s $850 AeroTherm hybrid is ultra-efficient—my cousin raves about savings. A.O. Smith’s simpler electric design needs less maintenance. You’d choose Bradford White for eco-tech, A.O. Smith for reliability.
A.O. Smith vs. GE GeoSpring
GE’s $900 GeoSpring hybrid saves energy—Tom used it. A.O. Smith’s faster recovery and Wi-Fi edge out. You’d go GE for green perks, A.O. Smith for speed.
A.O. Smith vs. Whirlpool Energy Smart
Whirlpool’s $600 Energy Smart is budget-friendly—my sister got one. A.O. Smith’s longer warranty and smart features win. You’d grab Whirlpool for price, A.O. Smith for tech.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short is 48.5 inches tall, per Lowe’s specs. Mine fits my 50-inch closet perfectly. You’ll measure your space to confirm.
Both are top-tier—A.O. Smith’s compact design and iCOMM app suited me, but Rheem’s Gladiator is cheaper, per Home Depot reviews. You’ll choose based on budget and space.
With maintenance, 10-15 years, per A.O. Smith’s site. My plumber says flushing extends life. You’ll get 12+ years with care.
A.O. Smith’s Signature Premier Short tops Drinking Water’s 2025 list for efficiency and smart features. My experience confirms it. You’ll love its reliability.
Conclusion: Grab the A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater Now
Here’s the scoop—the A.O. Smith 50 Gallon Short Electric Water Heater, at $790, is a hot water hero. Its smart tech, compact size, and endless supply make showers blissful, despite install costs and Wi-Fi hiccups. You’ll adore the energy savings and leak protection. Buy this heater today—your family will thank you, and you’ll enjoy cozy, worry-free days!