No heat, no cool, or no hot water? We can help.
December 29th, 2025
2 min read
By Alex Largent
Rheem is the more reliable choice for most New Cumberland homes because it handles hard water, cool basements, and mixed-age plumbing systems with fewer issues. Honest Fix services both brands, but long-term results across New Cumberland show Rheem performs more consistently in real-world conditions.
New Cumberland’s homes—from Heights-area properties to river-adjacent houses along Ridge Avenue—often deal with cooler basements, older supply lines, and high sediment levels. These conditions create noticeable differences in how water heater brands age. Honest Fix has serviced both systems throughout the community and continues to see clear reliability patterns that help homeowners make informed decisions.
Homes near the river or the hills around the Heights often maintain lower basement temperatures, which place more strain on heat pump and standard water heaters. Rheem maintains steadier performance under these conditions, while many A.O. Smith units show more thermostat or valve-related failures. Sediment is a recurring issue in New Cumberland due to aging supply lines, and Rheem’s EverKleen system helps slow internal buildup. Retail-grade A.O. Smith units typically require more frequent anode rod replacements and show faster corrosion. These differences lead to fewer mid-life service calls for Rheem units and a longer usable lifespan.
Basements throughout New Cumberland—especially near Ridge Avenue, Oak Street, and Harrison Street—tend to remain cool and slightly damp due to the area’s terrain. Rheem’s ProTerra hybrid heat pump maintains higher efficiency in these environments, while Voltex models from A.O. Smith often experience output fluctuations. For tankless units, Rheem’s condensing systems perform more reliably with the older gas infrastructure found throughout the town. Their integrated diagnostics simplify repairs when access is limited in hillside or river-adjacent homes.
Honest Fix installs Rheem because its warranty structure avoids the labor and shipping expenses A.O. Smith assigns to homeowners after the first year. Many New Cumberland houses—particularly older ones along Ridge Avenue or the hills near the Heights—have plumbing quirks that increase component wear. Rheem’s up to 12-year tank and parts coverage, with optional labor protection, aligns with Honest Fix’s guarantees and helps reduce long-term risk for local homeowners.
Yes. Honest Fix services A.O. Smith units across New Cumberland, including homes near the riverfront and the Heights. Rheem is used for replacements due to stronger reliability in cooler basements and hard-water conditions.
Hybrid systems typically are. Rheem’s ProTerra heat pump maintains efficiency in the town’s cool, moisture-prone basements, while A.O. Smith’s Voltex units show more variability.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.