Starting from January 14, 2012
Fatekh Vergassov
AO Smith GPHE-50 Power vent Noise
Technical Support Department e-mail log
-----Original Message-----
 
From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 6:05 PM
To: 'support hotwater'
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
So, you just prove you don’t have neither true engineering, nor Technical support
We will see what DOE will say about this technical policy
 
FV

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 5:31 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Fatekh,
 
As previously explained we do not provide a decibel level. I have talked to the engineering department and that is unfortunately something they do not test for.
Our service providers are plumbers and would not carry tools with them to test the decibel rating of a blower motor. I apologize for the inconvenience.
 
Thank you,
 
Technical Support Department
Michael
 

 
-----Original Message-----

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 11:15 PM
To: 'support hotwater'
Subject: RE:
AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using

Michael who?
Brandi who?

Since we are talking about "Noise verification" and not about pizza perfume or drink, etc. taste, regular engineer for any technical characteristic would use technical tool like tester, meter, etc. And would compare data with some code, normative, standard...

Plumbers referred by you don’t have neither normative Noise level, nor any Noise meter, so they cannot produce anything, but some opinion about Noise...

Customers would not buy such unprofessional stories...

From our context only one conclusion may be done - AO Smith does not have "Technical support", but have several uneducated householders with some opinions...

Fatekh Vergasov
Owner-Builder, PhD in technical diagnosis

-----Original Message-----

From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:54 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE:
AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using

Fatekh,

My name is Michael and I am Brandi's supervisor. Reading the context between Brandi and yourself, she is correct in suggesting that we will not replace a blower motor due to Noise, unless verified by one of our service providers. Below I have included a list of the service providers for your area.

WELLMAN PLUMBING, INC. FREMONT CA 510-656-0399
ECONOMY ROOTER SANTA CLARA CA 408-249-4922
DONE RIGHT ROOTER & PLBG INC SAN JOSE CA 408-432-1412 - wrong phone number

Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Michael

-----Original Message-----

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 2:13 PM
To: 'support hotwater'
 
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
Since you show yourself as un-professional one, let me talk with your supervisor, please
Who is your boss?
 
FV

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 7:54 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
Hello,
I am the supervisor, please let us know if we can assist you further.
Thank you,
 
Technical Support Department
Brandi
 

 
-----Original Message-----

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 6:52 AM
To: 'support hotwater'
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using

Brandi,

None of engineer thinks this way...
Invite your supervisor, please

FV

 
-----Original Message-----

From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 6:16 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using

Hello,
The service provider, would generally not use any tools to determine if the blower would need to be replaced. If there was an issue with the a part failing on the unit causing excessive Noise, such as a bearing, than the blower would make a different type of Noise than a blower in normal operation.

Thank you,
Technical Support Department

Brandi

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:29 PM
To: 'support hotwater'
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,
 
Would you please disclose method of Noise level determination...
I need to know this in details before I invite any so called "service provider" recommended by you and with unknown status in your business...
 
FV

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:56 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello,
 
As previously stated our service provider will need to determine if the blower does indeed need to be replaced. unfortunately the warranty will not cover a replacement blower, because you feel it is to loud.
Also we have not verified the warranty as a serial number has not been provided on this water heater. Below I have included a list of the service providers for your area.
WELLMAN PLUMBING, INC. FREMONT CA 510-656-0399
ECONOMY ROOTER SANTA CLARA CA 408-249-4922
DONE RIGHT ROOTER & PLBG INC SAN JOSE CA 408-432-1412
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
 
Brandi

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 8:20 AM
To: 'support hotwater'
 
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandy,
 
Since you creat situation, when it is impossible to get true-to-life fact of real Noise of your Blower Assambly, lets me use judjmental or opinion one...
Under my opinion my existing "Blower assembly" is tooooooooooo Noisy
So, send me new "Blower assembly" by warranty
Hope it would be less Noisy one. If not we'll change it again and again
 
FV

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 8:08 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
 
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
Hello,
Unfortunately the decibel level is not available for us to provide.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

 
From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 4:46 PM
To: 'support hotwater'
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,
 
May be you right... Tell me what is your "normal Noise" in db and in at what distance from blower?
Only Noise measurement may say - blower is good or not...
 
FV

-----Original Message-----

 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 1:09 PM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello,
A service provider would need to verify that the blower needs to be replaced, due to a part failing. Unfortunately the warranty would not replace the blower for what would be considered normal Noise, and the entire water heater would not be replaced for this or if a part needed to be replaced.
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi
 

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tue 1/24/2012
To: support hot water
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,

Since I do suspect your "Blower Assembly" as a source of outstanding Noise, would you please change this unit by your warranty?

FV

-----Original Message-----

From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 10:21 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using

Hello,
I do apologize, unfortunately our engineering, or "design team" are not available to take customer questions and concerns. As previously stated there is nothing additional we can provide to lower the Noise, other than the VAA which comes with the water heater. Again I do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tue 1/24/2012
To: support hot water
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,
My question was: "Would you please connect me with officer who is responsible for Design at you company?"
But it was ignored by you
FV

 
-----Original Message-----
 
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello,
You are correct, I do not design the blower but we provide technical assistance of the water heater and it parts. We unfortunately do not offer anything to make the unit less Noisy. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Mon 1/23/2012
To: support hot water
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,
My subject is not blower, but "Blower assembly" - blower + electric motor
 
1. Blower can produce Noise.htm">Noise because it is design wrongly;
2. Electric Motor can produce Noise.htm">Noise because it has unnecessary blower in it, and Electric motor has 2 ball bearing instead sleeve one, i.e. "Blower assembly" designer was wrong when he choose this particular motor
Since you are not designer, would you please connect me with officer who is responsible for Design at you company?
 
FV

 
-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 6:11 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello Fatekh,
Unfortunately we do not have, or offer anything to make the blower less Noisy.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Fri 1/20/2012 8:58 PM
To: support hot water
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,
 
What exactly can you offer to lower 70-75 db Noise.htm">Noise, produced by you blower and it's electric motor?
 
FV

-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 1:14 PM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello Fatekh,
I do apologize for any inconvenience the Noise.htm">Noise may cause unfortunately the blower on the unit, can not moved and this is not any part or device that is offered to quite the Noise.htm">Noise. Again I do apologize for any inconvenience, please let us know if we can assist you further.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Fri 1/20/2012 10:23 AM
To: support hotwater
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Brandi,
 
My house is almost finished and has flue tubing already installed...
To change exhausting system is not possible or will cost extra money...
To lower Noise.htm">Noise of existing AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT today I finish:
 
1. Additional wall acoustic insulation;
2. Built new lower additional ceiling with Noise.htm">Noise barrier; 3. Second Laundry door was converted into wall with acoustic barrier...
But Noise.htm">Noise huge emission of more then 73 db still exists. Because:
1. Vent pipe assembly (Key No. 11, 12, 13 from your repair part list) have vibration of unknown nature (Heater is not connected to gas line, i.e. it is not burns);
2. Vent pipe assembly after Blower
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_fan has the same vibration too;
3. Rubber couplings seem to be unnecessary hard and the are not as regular rubber bellowers
4. Blower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_fan itself make big like whistling Noise.htm">Noise, because of it's wrong design. The similar story computer industry use to have, when they "don't care"... Now computer blowers are whispering, so Noise.htm">Noise is almost unnoticeable, because it produces les then
0.1 sone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sone
5. Blower http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_fan has no ammortisation Rubber-to-Metal base like this http://www.rubber-group.com/schwingmetall.html or any other
6. Your Heater and its blower were never tested by AMCA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Movement_and_Control_Association
So, your heaters Noise.htm">Noise problem is 100% result of design mistakes
 
Fatekh Vergasov

-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 7:04 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello,
We have standard vent water heaters that vent through a chimney or metal venting, or a direct vent water heaters which vents through the side wall. I have attached the spec sheet for these types of units.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Thu 1/19/2012 7:47 PM
To: support hot water
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
I need more information about you offer, please
 
FV

-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 7:01 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello,
We do offer other gas water heaters that does not require a blower, if the Noise.htm">Noise from the blower would be an issue. Please let us know if we can assist you further.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wed 1/18/2012 11:46 PM
To: support hotwater
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Since you never disclose Noise.htm">Noise information ever before! Customer make decision to buy, i.e. you selling "cat in a bag", Customers may return this Noise.htm">Noise-provider to you back as unit, which conform any Noise.htm">Noise standard in U.S.A. and in entire World
 
FV

-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 1:00 PM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello,
The way the water heater is manufactured and how the parts work together, the blower can not be moved to the end of the venting. The water heater must be installed as it is manufactured to be in order for the water heater to work properly and for the warranty to be valid.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tue 1/17/2012 10:58 AM
To: support hotwater
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
What the problem to install blower outside as any other manufactures does?
 
Education?
 
FV

-----Original Message-----
 
From: support hotwater [mailto:hotwatersupport@hotwater.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 5:18 AM
To: Fatekh Vergasov
Subject: RE: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hello Fatekh,
Thank you for contacting hotwater.com. Any plumber can install the water heaters. Below I have included a list of service provider below, that may be able to assist you.
WELLMAN PLUMBING, INC. FREMONT CA 510-656-0399
ECONOMY ROOTER SANTA CLARA CA 408-249-4922
DONE RIGHT ROOTER & PLBG INC SAN JOSE CA 408-432-1412
The blower must be installed on the top of the water heater, unfortunately this can not be moved.
 
Thank you,
Technical Support Department
Brandi

From: Fatekh Vergasov [mailto:fv1946@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Sat 1/14/2012 9:35 AM
To: Hot water, Help
Subject: AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT installation and using
 
Hi,
I just bought your AO SMITH GPHE-50 POWER VENT...
 
I need:
 
1. To find company certified installer in my area, zip code 94301
2. To know if it possible to install Noisy blower on the roof end?
 
Thanks
Fatekh Vergasov

May 10, 2006

DOE Helps Develop an Energy-Efficient Water Heater

A new 50-gallon water heater with 90 percent thermal efficiency has been developed by A.O. Smith Water Products Company in a three-year collaboration with DOE and TIAX LLC, a leading engineering product development firm.

To achieve the high efficiency with only a modest cost premium, the new water heater employs a glass-lined helical-coil heating element made from carbon steel, rather than stainless steel. The new "Vertex" water heater combines high energy input with efficient combustion to deliver performance similar to a 75-gallon tank.

The high rate of energy production also allows the tank to maintain a temperature rise of 45 degrees Fahrenheit with a flow rate of three gallons per minute, which means that under most conditions, the water heater will endlessly provide hot water for a shower with a low-flow showerhead.

See the A.O. Smith press releases on the collaboration (PDF 121 KB) and the Vertex water heater (PDF 109 KB).
 
Information source

Science

 
www.pseudology.org