A.O. Smith vs Richmond Water Heater: Which Brand Should You Buy?
Key Takeaways
- Richmond is a Rheem brand; A.O. Smith makes its own water heaters.
- Both brands sell gas, electric, tankless and heat pump models in 40 and 50 gallon sizes.
- Conventional tank models from either brand are typically planned around 10 to 15 years.
- In our 50-gallon example, A.O. Smith had the stronger burner and lower listed price; Richmond had the higher first-hour rating, better UEF and longer warranty.
- Compare exact model numbers and an itemised installation quote, not brand names.
Two plumbers. Two quotes. Two different brands.
That is how most people end up comparing an A.O. Smith vs Richmond water heater. You want to know which one lasts longer. Which one is more reliable. And which one is worth your money.
Both brands sell gas and electric water heaters. Both offer 40 and 50 gallon tanks. But the details differ, and those details can cost you hundreds of dollars.
If your Richmond has already stopped heating, start with why your Richmond water heater is not working. It may be a cheap fix, not a replacement.
Here is the short version. A.O. Smith builds its own heaters. Richmond is a Rheem brand. Each has cheap and premium tiers. So the real comparison is model against model, not logo against logo.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond Water Heaters: Quick Comparison
Both brands cover the same ground: gas, electric, tankless and heat pump models, glass-lined tanks with anode rods, and 10 to 15 year tank lifespans. The differences sit in specific models, warranties and prices.
| Feature | A.O. Smith | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | A.O. Smith Corporation | Rheem Manufacturing |
| Gas water heaters | Yes | Yes |
| Electric water heaters | Yes | Yes |
| Tankless models | Yes | Yes |
| Heat pump models | Yes | Yes |
| Common tank sizes | 40 and 50 gallons | 40 and 50 gallons |
| Tank protection | Glass lining and anode rod | Glass lining and anode rod |
| Sediment protection | Varies by model | EverKleen on selected models |
| Warranty options | Model dependent | 6–12 years, plus lifetime tank on Marathon |
| Typical tank lifespan | About 10–15 years | Similar for steel tank models |
| Premium options | Signature and ProLine | Encore and Marathon |
A.O. Smith at a glance
- Builds its own heaters
- Signature for retail
- ProLine through plumbers
- Glass-lined tank, anode rod
Richmond at a glance
- Made by Rheem
- Essential, Essential Plus, Encore, Marathon
- EverKleen sediment control on some models
- Lifetime tank on Marathon
Who Makes A.O. Smith and Richmond Water Heaters?
A.O. Smith Corporation makes A.O. Smith heaters. Rheem Manufacturing makes Richmond heaters.
Who manufactures A.O. Smith water heaters?
A.O. Smith Corporation is an American company. It makes water heating and water treatment products.
Its home range covers gas tanks, electric tanks, tankless units and hybrid heat pumps.
Two families matter most. Signature is mostly sold in stores. ProLine is sold through plumbing wholesalers and contractors.
Who manufactures Richmond water heaters?
Rheem Manufacturing Company makes Richmond water heaters. Richmond is one of Rheem’s brands.
The home lineup has four families: Essential, Essential Plus, Encore and Marathon.
You can get natural gas, propane and electric versions, depending on the family.
Are Richmond and Rheem the same company?
Essentially, yes. Richmond is a Rheem brand.
That matters when you read reviews. Some reviews talk about Rheem products, not Richmond models.
But do not assume every Richmond matches a Rheem of the same size. Build, features, warranty and sales channel can all differ.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond: Product Range Comparison
Each brand has a ladder of tiers. Compare an entry model with an entry model, and a premium model with a premium model.
A.O. Smith Signature and ProLine
Signature covers several levels of home gas heaters.
Take the Signature 100 G6N-T5040NVR. It is a 50-gallon natural gas model. It has a 40,000 BTU burner. It carries a six-year limited warranty.
Longer-warranty Signature options exist too.
ProLine is the other family. Plumbers and wholesalers sell it. Features and warranties vary by product.
Richmond Essential and Essential Plus
These are Richmond’s core home families.
Essential Plus gas models add:
- Premium-grade anode rod
- Flammable vapor detection
- Low-NOx burner
- EverKleen sediment reduction
The Essential Plus atmospheric range includes 40 and 50 gallon tanks. Published UEF ratings run from 0.58 to 0.64, depending on the model.
Richmond Encore and Marathon
Encore adds features and longer warranty options on some models.
Marathon is different. It does not use a glass-lined steel tank. It uses a non-metallic tank built to resist corrosion.
That is why it carries a lifetime limited tank warranty for qualifying homes.
But “lifetime tank” does not mean every part lasts forever.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond Water Heater: How Long Do They Last?
Plan on about 10 to 15 years for a conventional tank from either brand. Tankless units can last 20 years or more.
Nobody wants a new heater after six or seven years. Installation alone is expensive.
How long does an A.O. Smith water heater last?
A.O. Smith’s buying guide says tank heaters typically last 10–15 years.
Tankless systems can last 20 years or longer.
Real life depends on water quality, maintenance, installation, temperature setting and sediment.
A 12-year warranty does not promise 12 years of service.
How long does a Richmond water heater last?
Plan on the same range for Richmond glass-lined steel tanks: about 10–15 years.
Some fail earlier. Some run longer.
Essential and Essential Plus use anode rods to fight corrosion. That helps. It cannot stop corrosion forever.
What does the Department of Energy say?
The US Department of Energy estimated an average lifetime of about 15 years for storage water heaters.
That is an average across many homes. It is not a promise for yours.
Can a water heater last 15–20 years?
Yes. Some do.
Good maintenance, kind water and a fresh anode rod all help a tank go longer.
Tankless units can reach 20 years or more with care. Richmond Marathon is a special case, thanks to its non-metallic tank.
A longer warranty does not mean a longer life. Warranty and lifespan are two separate things.
Ricky's take: In my experience, the anode rod decides more tank lifespans than the brand name on the label. Here in Texas, with our hard water, I tell folks to have it checked every few years. Cheap part. Expensive tank.
What makes water heaters fail early?
- Corrosion. The lining and anode rod wear down over time.
- Sediment. Minerals settle on the bottom, cut efficiency and add stress.
- Skipped maintenance. No flushing, no anode checks.
- Harsh water. Hard or aggressive water speeds up wear.
- Poor installation. Bad venting or connections shorten life.
A leaking tank almost always means replacement, not repair.
Signs it is time to replace
Watch for leaks around the tank. Rusty hot water. Uneven temperatures. Popping or rumbling. Repairs that keep coming back.
Is your unit fairly new? Check the parts first. A thermostat, element or gas control may be the real problem.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond Water Heater Prices: How Much Do They Cost?
In our example, the A.O. Smith 50-gallon gas model listed at about $729 and the Richmond at about $1,196.59. Those are single retailer listings, so compare local quotes.
Two quotes might show A.O. Smith costing $200–$300 more than Richmond.
Is that worth it? Only real models can answer that. So let’s look at two.
Example 1: A.O. Smith Signature 100 G6N-T5040NVR
A 50-gallon, tall, natural gas heater.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | G6N-T5040NVR |
| Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Fuel | Natural gas |
| Burner input | 40,000 BTU |
| First-hour rating | 81 gallons |
| UEF | 0.62 |
| Tank warranty | 6 years |
| Height with draft hood | About 60.75 inches |
Lowe’s listed it at about $729 when we checked. Confirm the current price before you buy.
It has an electronic gas valve, a protective anode rod and a fused ceramic tank shield.
It is a solid example of an entry-level retail option.
Example 2: Richmond Essential Plus 9G50-38FN4
Another 50-gallon natural gas heater.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 9G50-38FN4 |
| Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Fuel | Natural gas |
| Burner input | 38,000 BTU |
| First-hour rating | 85 gallons |
| Recovery rate | 38.4 gallons per hour |
| UEF | 0.64 |
| Tank warranty | 9 years |
| Diameter | About 20.5 inches |
R.P. Lumber’s online store listed it at about $1,196.59 when researched.
Sutherlands also lists it, with the same 50 gallons, 38,000 BTU and nine-year warranty.
These are separate store listings. Prices and stock change by area.
Which 50-gallon model offers better value?
| Feature | A.O. Smith G6N-T5040NVR | Richmond 9G50-38FN4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 gallons | 50 gallons |
| BTU | 40,000 | 38,000 |
| First-hour rating | 81 gallons | 85 gallons |
| UEF | 0.62 | 0.64 |
| Tank warranty | 6 years | 9 years |
| Example listed price | $729 | $1,196.59 |
A.O. Smith wins on
- Burner input (40,000 BTU)
- Listed price ($729)
Richmond wins on
- First-hour rating (85 gal)
- Efficiency (0.64 UEF)
- Tank warranty (9 years)
Does that make Richmond a bad buy? No.
Does it make A.O. Smith the winner? Not necessarily.
Your installation quote, local stock, warranty terms and the exact specs decide it.
How much does installation cost?
The heater is only part of the bill.
A replacement can also include:
- Disconnecting and removing the old heater
- Hauling away and disposing of the old tank
- Water and gas connections
- Venting changes
- An expansion tank, if required
- Permit fees, where they apply
- Labour and start-up checks
So a $729 heater can turn into a much bigger quote.
Another homeowner may pay less, if the swap is simple and the old connections still work.
That is why you should always ask for an itemised quote.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond: Build Quality and Tank Protection
Both brands use glass-lined steel tanks with anode rods. Richmond adds EverKleen sediment control on some models. Neither wins on name alone.
A.O. Smith tank protection
Many A.O. Smith tanks are glass-lined steel.
Protection comes from the lining plus an anode rod. The rod corrodes first, so the steel does not.
The Signature 100 example adds a fused ceramic tank shield.
Richmond tank protection
Essential Plus uses a glass-lined tank and a premium-grade anode rod.
It also adds EverKleen. It swirls water inside the tank to keep sediment from settling.
Less sediment means better efficiency and fewer sediment problems.
Which brand has better tank protection?
Neither, by name alone. Both have solid protection.
Compare the exact models: tank build, anode rod, warranty and upkeep needs.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond: Reliability and Customer Reviews
Reviews for both brands are mixed. Trust reviews that name the exact model, install date and what failed.
Specs are useful. But you also want to know what happens after install.
Do they work as promised? Can you get parts? Which one do plumbers like?
Marketing will not tell you that.
What do customers say about A.O. Smith?
A.O. Smith sells a lot of products, so reviews vary by family.
Some owners report years of good service. Others report leaking tanks, failed parts or warranty hassles.
Careful with review-site scores. A bad review might be about a water filter, not a water heater.
A useful review names the model, the install date and the failure.
What do customers say about Richmond?
Richmond reviews vary too.
Its Rheem connection helps with support and manuals.
But a review of a premium Rheem is not a review of a Richmond Essential Plus. Look for the actual model.
What do plumbers think?
Plumbers look past the logo. They care about:
- How easy it is to install
- Local parts stock
- Warranty support
- Replacement cost
- First-hour delivery
- Burner and control design
A plumber who installs one brand a lot knows its parts well. That is worth something. It does not prove the brand is better.
Ricky's take: Honest answer? I install what my supply house keeps on the shelf. A part I can grab today beats a "better" brand I wait a week for. Ask your plumber the same question. Their answer tells you a lot.
Real Homeowner Discussion: A.O. Smith or Richmond?
A homeowner on Reddit’s r/Plumbing had two quotes. The A.O. Smith quote was about $300 more than the Richmond one.
Their question: is the extra $300 worth it?
One commenter preferred Bradford White but said A.O. Smith was good. Another said they would pay more for A.O. Smith over Rheem. Others asked about the sales channel and parts availability.
Paraphrased from r/Plumbing
This happens all the time. Two plumbers, two brands, and the pricier one is not always better.
But one detail was missing. No model numbers. Without them, nobody can judge that $300.
Picture two quotes:
Quote A
- A.O. Smith, 50-gallon gas
- 6-year tank warranty
Quote B
- Richmond, 50-gallon gas
- 9-year tank warranty
- Higher first-hour rating
If B also delivers more hot water, the cheaper quote may be the better deal.
But if Quote A includes extra work, different venting or a longer-warranty model, the higher price may be fair.
Ask for the full model number and an itemised quote before you choose.
Read the original Reddit discussion. There is also a Facebook discussion on Richmond vs A.O. Smith.
A.O. Smith vs Rheem Water Heater: How Do They Compare?
Rheem builds Richmond, but a premium Rheem is not a Richmond Essential Plus. Compare the models you are actually quoted.
Both A.O. Smith and Rheem make huge ranges. Gas, electric, tankless and hybrid.
But a store-shelf Richmond and a premium Rheem pro model are different products. Tiers, sales channels and warranties differ.
So if you are weighing a Signature 100 against an Essential Plus, ignore specs from a top-tier Rheem.
Compare what is actually on your quote.
A.O. Smith vs Richmond: Which Brand Should You Buy?
Buy the model, not the brand. Pick the one with the best mix of first-hour rating, efficiency, warranty, installed price and local parts.
Before you sign a quote, compare:
- Exact model numbers
- Tank size and first-hour rating
- BTU input and UEF
- Tank and parts warranty
- Labour warranty
- Installation and disposal costs
- Local parts availability
Choose A.O. Smith if…
- The price is competitive
- You like its burner and control design
- Your plumber services it often
- The warranty meets your needs
Choose Richmond if…
- You find Essential Plus at a good price
- You want a longer warranty
- You need more first-hour delivery
- You like EverKleen sediment control
Which is better for a 50-gallon gas heater?
Both brands have good options.
The A.O. Smith G6N-T5040NVR has a 40,000 BTU burner and an 81-gallon first-hour rating.
The Richmond 9G50-38FN4 has a 38,000 BTU burner and an 85-gallon first-hour rating.
Lots of back-to-back showers? The first-hour rating matters more than BTU.
Also size for the number of people at home, how much hot water runs at once and recovery time.
Final Verdict: A.O. Smith vs Richmond Water Heater
There is no good reason to pick an A.O. Smith vs Richmond water heater on brand name alone.
Compare the exact models: first-hour rating, BTU, UEF, warranty, installed price and local parts. Then choose the best overall value for your home.
Both brands make solid gas and electric tanks, plus premium options.
A.O. Smith offers a broad lineup with several tiers. Richmond, built by Rheem, brings strong Essential Plus models and the unusual Marathon.
Replacing a 50-gallon gas tank? Start with the model numbers.
A six-year A.O. Smith may be cheaper up front than a nine-year Richmond. Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on the gap and the specs.
Choose the heater that gives you the best mix of performance, warranty, install quality and long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A.O. Smith better than Richmond water heaters?
Neither brand is automatically better across every product category. A.O. Smith and Richmond both offer different product tiers. Compare exact model numbers, warranty terms, efficiency and installation costs before choosing.
Is Richmond made by Rheem?
Yes. Richmond water heaters are manufactured by Rheem Manufacturing Company. Richmond is one of Rheem's water heater brands.
How long does an A.O. Smith water heater last?
A.O. Smith's buying guidance indicates that conventional tank water heaters typically last around 10–15 years. Maintenance, installation and water quality can influence the actual lifespan.
How long does a Richmond water heater last?
Conventional Richmond steel tank water heaters should generally be planned around a similar lifespan of approximately 10–15 years. Individual units may last longer or fail earlier.
Is Richmond cheaper than A.O. Smith?
It depends on the product and retailer. Some Richmond models may cost less, while other models with longer warranties or additional features can cost more.
Is A.O. Smith worth paying $300 more for?
Not automatically. Compare the exact models, tank warranty, first-hour rating, installation inclusions and parts availability. A more expensive model isn't necessarily better value.
Which brand has a better warranty?
Both manufacturers offer different warranty levels. A.O. Smith offers models with different tank warranty periods, while Richmond has Essential, Essential Plus, Encore and Marathon products with different coverage. Check the actual warranty certificate.
Which is better, A.O. Smith or Rheem?
Both manufacturers offer extensive product ranges. The better choice depends on the exact model, efficiency, performance, warranty and installation requirements.
How much does a 50-gallon A.O. Smith water heater cost?
One example is the Signature 100 G6N-T5040NVR, which was listed at approximately $729 at Lowe's when researched. Prices vary by location and retailer.
How much does a Richmond 50-gallon water heater cost?
The Richmond 9G50-38FN4 has been listed by different suppliers at different prices. One R.P. Lumber listing showed approximately $1,196.59. Check local availability before purchasing.
Does Richmond offer a lifetime warranty?
Yes. Richmond Marathon products have a lifetime limited tank warranty for qualifying residential applications. This does not mean all Richmond water heaters have lifetime coverage or that all components are covered forever.
Which brand is easier to repair?
Repairability depends on the specific model, the failed component and local parts availability. Ask your installer which replacement components they stock and how quickly they can obtain parts.
Sources
- A.O. Smith – When to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater
- A.O. Smith – Water Heater Buying Guide and Expected Lifespan
- A.O. Smith – Signature 100 G6N-T5040NVR Specifications
- Richmond – Essential Plus Atmospheric Gas Water Heaters
- Richmond – Official Water Heater Product Range
- R.P. Lumber – Richmond 9G50-38FN4 Product and Pricing
- Sutherlands – Richmond 50-Gallon 9-Year Natural Gas Water Heater
- Reddit r/Plumbing – A.O. Smith or Richmond?
- Facebook – Richmond water heater vs A.O. Smith discussion