ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. (April 6, 2026) – A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating, water treatment and water management, announces the release of the Voltex® X Outdoor Split Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH), made in partnership with Panasonic. The Voltex X unit will be joining A. O. Smith’s Voltex family of high efficiency, sustainable products.
The Voltex X is a highly versatile member of A. O. Smith’s heat pump lineup. It is a split system design jointly developed by Panasonic and A. O. Smith, leveraging both companies’ core competencies. With the ability to be installed in locations that reach temperatures as low as -25°F, the Voltex X unit uses CO2 refrigerant to ensure operation. The system circulates hot water through the lines which helps prevent freezing. For added protection during power outages, an Anti-Freeze Mechanical Leak Valve is available to safeguard the unit. All Voltex X units are also equipped with leak detection technology and are compatible with A. O. Smith’s accessory automatic shut-off valve kits to optimize unit longevity.
As demand for heat pump technology accelerates in preparation for the DOE NAECA IV 2029 residential efficiency regulations, A. O. Smith continues to expand its lineup with solutions like the Voltex X that support homeowners, contractors and distributors transitioning to next generation, high-efficiency water heating.
“The introduction of the Voltex X heat pump water heater is a testament to A. O. Smith’s dedication to providing sustainable products that support the needs of our customers,” said Brad Vossler, A. O. Smith senior product manager. “The Voltex X unit furthers accessibility to critically important heat pump technology in areas where it has not always been feasible to install a heat pump water heater. Being limited by environmental conditions, such as temperature and space constraints, is now a thing of the past.”
The small footprint and split system design were created for a wide range of applications, including hard-to-fit installation locations. Voltex X units are engineered for maximum flexibility. With the heat pump located outdoors and five available tank configurations; the split system design enables installation in space‑restricted areas where traditional integrated heat pumps cannot fit. The split system design also ensures little to no noise disruption in a home, as the heat pump unit that produces noise is installed outdoors.
In addition to being cold climate capable and space conscious, the Voltex X unit is sustainable with a smaller carbon footprint. The Voltex X HPWH uses a low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, which has essentially zero impact compared to existing refrigerant solutions. Outdoor installation also means no venting kit or ambient air requirements, solidifying the Voltex X Outdoor Split Heat Pump Water Heater as a versatile and compatible option for residential applications.
For more information on the Voltex X heat pump water heater and other A. O. Smith products, visit www.hotwater.com.
A. O. Smith is a leading global water technology and manufacturing company that provides innovative water heating and water treatment solutions. For more than 150 years, dedication to innovation has propelled A. O. Smith to adapt to new opportunities and transform itself multiple times over. The company designs, builds, distributes and supports the world’s broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by extensive research. For the most up-to-date A. O. Smith news, like us on Facebook, follow us on LinkedIn and visit www.hotwater.com.
