A. O. Smith was recognized 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. ”

Created as an expansion to a portfolio of commercial high-efficiency products, the Emerge X HPWH aims to deliver savings and reliable hot water for high-demand commercial applications. The Emerge X HPWH features a 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.