A. O. Smith launches CO₂ split heat pump water heater for residential use

<p>US-based water heating company A. O. Smith has launched an outdoor split-system heat pump water heater (HPWH) designed to extend heat pump water heating to colder climates and space-constrained homes.</p>

<p>Developed in partnership with Panasonic, the Voltex X system uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) as its refrigerant and can operate at ambient temperatures as low as -31.7 C.</p>

<p>Unlike an integrated HPWH, the Voltex X places the heat pump equipment outdoors while retaining the hot water storage tank indoors. This allows the tank to be installed in locations such as closets, garages, utility rooms and basements, the company said.</p>

<p>The system is available with 189 L, 250 L and 303 L storage capacities. The largest configuration has a first-hour rating of up to 360 L.</p>

<p>A. O. Smith also offers the 189 L version in short, tall and lowboy configurations. The lowboy variant is intended for locations with restricted vertical clearance, including spaces beneath air handlers or stairs.</p>

<p>Moving the compressor outdoors also reduces indoor noise. A. O. Smith rates the outdoor unit at 35 dBA to 40 dBA, while the company says the indoor portion produces 0 dBA.</p>

<p>The Voltex X provides four operating modes, including a heat pump mode intended to maximize efficiency, a guest mode for increased hot water availability for up to seven days, and a vacation mode designed to reduce energy consumption while the home is unoccupied.</p>

<p>The system includes Wi-Fi connectivity through A. O. Smith&#8217;s iCOMM app. Users can remotely adjust water temperature, change operating modes, monitor energy use and configure operation around utility time-of-use schedules. The app also provides alerts and notifications.</p>

<p>The manufacturer has also integrated leak detection and freeze protection. The system can be paired with an automatic water shutoff valve for additional protection against water damage.</p>

<p>A. O. Smith is offering the Voltex X with a 10-year limited warranty.</p>

<p>The system will initially be distributed in the United States. &#8220;It can reduce utility costs by up to 76% compared to standard electric water heaters – offering annual savings up to $600,&#8221; the company stated.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/12/a-o-smith-launches-co%e2%82%82-split-heat-pump-water-heater-for-residential-use/">A. O. Smith launches CO₂ split heat pump water heater for residential use</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.pv-magazine.com">pv magazine Global</a>.</p>