A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and water treatment, was recognized for design excellence by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies in the 2025 Chicago Athenaeum GOOD DESIGN Awards for its Voltex MAX Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) and Emerge X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater. The awards honor products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have chartered new directions for innovation and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace.

“It is an honor to have our innovative product design recognized by the Good Design Awards for the third year in a row. We are honored that the Good Design Awards have recognized our product development team for two outstanding products this year,” said Betsy Curran, A. O. Smith director of marketing. “The Voltex MAX and the Emerge X units are some of our most efficient units on the market for residential and commercial use. A. O. Smith’s number one commitment is to provide our customers with innovative and efficient technology. We are thrilled to have that commitment recognized through the selection of two of our products for the GOOD DESIGN Awards."

Providing around 40% higher First Hour Ratings than like-sized electric water heaters and heat pumps, the Voltex MAX hybrid electric HPWH offers peace of mind and flexibility. All Voltex MAX models are equipped with three levels of Hot Water + modes that each provide about 10-12% extra hot water—allowing homeowners to customize the unit’s performance to exactly the way they live and use hot water. The addition of the smart valve in the Voltex MAX unit delivers maximum hot water while the heat pump technology provides maximum savings at all times.

Created as an expansion to a portfolio of commercial high-efficiency products, the Emerge X HPWH delivers exceptional savings and reliable hot water for high-demand commercial applications. The Emerge X HPWH features the industry’s only ECM variable speed pump found in a heat pump water heater, ensuring precise control, higher efficiency and reduced noise levels. The Emerge X unit does not require specialized installation equipment, providing easy installation for professionals. The user-friendly control panel makes it easy to adjust settings and monitor performance.

To learn more about the Voltex MAX Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater and Emerge X Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater, along with A. O. Smith’s full suite of offerings, visit www.hotwater.com.