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Reliance AO Smith 9000509-045 Electric Thermostat

Curated from 125 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 31, 2025

Reliance AO Smith 9000509-045 Electric Thermostat

Brand: Reliance

Price: $19

Snoop Score:

6.1

Sentiment

6.3

Popularity

8.2

Technical

5.3

Buy on Amazon for $19 See All Water Heater Thermostats, Elements & Parts Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The AO Smith Reliance 9000509-045 Single Element Electric Thermostat is designed for use with single element electric water heaters, providing an adjustable temperature range of 90F to 150F. This thermostat features a Thermo-O-Disc (TOD) style that allows for easy exchange with Apcom style thermostats, making it a versatile choice for repairs and replacements. Consumer feedback highlights the product's effectiveness in troubleshooting heating issues, with users noting that it can save significantly on electricity bills, stating, "Both units have already paid for themselves by the reduction in the power bills." Many have found it affordable and easy to install, with long-term reliability reported in various conditions, including well water scenarios. However, some users have expressed concerns over the history of Reliance's equipment performance, pointing to experiences of breakdowns and potential leaking issues. Overall, the AO Smith Reliance 9000509-045 Single Element Electric Thermostat is recommended for those needing a replacement thermostat for their electric water heaters, especially given its positive feedback regarding cost savings and ease of installation, despite some negative sentiments regarding long-term reliability.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Water Heater Thermostats, Elements & Parts

You have at least one bad heating element. It’s overheating and tripping the reset.
Positive Feedback

Went 2 years before it broke down and they just took my word for it that I moved in last month.
Negative Feedback

6.1

Reliance AO Smith 9000509-045 Electric Thermostat

Buy on Amazon for $19

Replacement Repairs

5 / 10

Extended Water Heater Lifespan

5 / 10

DIY Home Repairs

2 / 10

Energy Efficiency Optimization

10 / 10

See how this compares to all Water Heater Thermostats, Elements & Parts

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Effective troubleshooting advice for heating issues

“You have at least one bad heating element. It’s overheating and tripping the reset.”➕

“Could and probably is a bad thermostat.”➕

Affordable replacement parts for water heaters

“I think my lower element isn’t heating.”➕

Easy to troubleshoot thermostat issues

“Make sure your thermostats are set correctly. Worst case, get a rebuild kit and replace everything.”➕

Cost savings on electricity bills

“Both units have already paid for themselves by the reduction in the power bills.”➕

“I figure I save $20/month, and it saves me from running dehumidifier in summer, so there's another $5/month savings.”➕

Effective in well water conditions

“It's ran in heat pump mode and my water supply is well, even during winter in semi conditioned basement it has no problem catching up with 6 people using hot water.”➕

Long-term reliability and performance

“Still working and still only runs in heat pump mode haven't used heating elements yet.”➕

Easy installation with proper setup

“Man this is awesome, I am in the situation of replacing our 15 year old electric water heater and was wondering if I should get this.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Reliance's equipment has a history of poor performance

“Went 2 years before it broke down and they just took my word for it that I moved in last month.”➕

Potential for leaks causing insulation issues

“Is it normal for water heater insulation to be wet?”➕

“If you don’t have a leak up on the nipples up top, you’ve got a leaking heater.”➕

“something is obviously not right.”➕

“But wet usually means a leak.”➕

High upfront costs for installation

“Yeah I am comparing it to the Rheem water heater now.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
DROMIX EWH-02 Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit	$37	9.1	Details	Buy
Eastman 60174N Thermostat for Water Heaters	$12	8.3	Details	Buy
DROMIX EWH-00 Electric Water Heater Thermostat Kit	$27	8.0	Details	Buy
TAIACE Electric Water Heater Thermostat Kit	$28	7.0	Details	Buy
Fiada Water Heater Thermostat Replacement Parts Assembly	$9	6.8	Details	Buy
ATEEfaee Upgraded 100108283 Water Heater Element	$41	6.7	Details	Buy
Reliance AO Smith 9000509-045 Electric Thermostat	$19	6.1	Details	Buy
APCOM Apcom WH10-A Bradford White Upper Water Heater Thermostat	$20	5.6	Details	Buy
Gosknor RV Water Heater Thermostat Switch Replacement	$13	5.4	Details	Buy
Meonum Thermostat Switch for Suburban RV Water Heaters	$13	5.1	Details	Buy
Z Zero KST202 Electric Thermostat for Water Heaters	$19	3.0	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion around the size and specifications of the water heater

“A.O. Smith doesn’t make an 88 gallon hpwh, so I’m guessing you have a smaller likely 65 gallon tank.”➕

“The issue only popped up this year.”➕

Discussion on adjusting temperature controls

“I can't for the life of me locate the controls and the internet hasn't an answer that I have found.”➕

“I would definitely advise the latter, can never be too careful...”➕

“Never adjust temperature while power is on.”➕

“That’s an expensive T&P.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Importance of regular maintenance and filter cleaning

“Since cleaning the filter we’ve got tons of hot water.”➕

Potential benefits of adding a mixing valve

“Add a mixing valve and turn up the heat on the unit. This will make the water last longer.”➕

Discussion on how to cancel Reliance contracts.

“Feeling totally ripped off!”➕

“Just watch them act...”➕

“https://www.reddit.com/r/PersonalFinanceCanada/comments/18fcrhb/how_to_cancel_a_reliance_water_heate”➕

Discussion on the technical aspects of breaker configurations

“Be careful not touch the metal parts at the back of those empty breaker spaces, those are live bus bars.”➕

“You tested with a meter at the water heater and got no voltage?”➕

“Are you sure that the breaker is for your water heater?”➕

“Code usually requires a disconnect near the heater.”➕

Maintenance tips to prevent overheating

“So far been working, no more overheating.”➕

Advice on handling old water heater pickups

“Several years later I haven’t heard a thing from them.”➕

“I feel there was a malicious compliance aspect to that as well because my friend was pretty mad at the fee.”➕

General discussion on water heater brands and models

“I'm interested in general opinions, but if anyone's interested in my specific case, it's for a laundry room on the 2nd floor.”➕

“Lowes used to sell Whirlpools which had a bad rep, now rebranded as AO Smith but it's likely not *real* AO Smith.”➕

“I have an AO and have to replace it now after 4.5 years.”➕

“Longevity depends on water quality and if yearly flushing is performed.”➕

Discussion on thermostat settings for efficiency

“I set them both to 125F because my limited understanding from online research tells me that it will be most efficient if temps are the same.”➕

“I didn’t even know they cold come with two thermostats.”➕

“Only one will turn on and it will maintain the temp.”➕

“This homeowner did something very wrong.”➕

Advice to avoid replacing a tank that isn't leaking

“Don't replace a tank that isn't leaking.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Concerns about multiple elements malfunctioning

“What are the chances of having it happen on multiple elements?”➕

Discussion on alternatives to Reliance water heaters

“Thanks for all the advices. I'm finally going to be Reliance-free!”➕

“But because I bought it, I could scrap it myself after.”➕

Dry firing can burn out heating elements

“Why would a hot water heater eat through a new element in 2 weeks?”➕

“One of the most common causes of burned-out heating elements is dry firing.”➕

“Element burnt up if not submerged in water.”➕

“Looks like dry fire to me.”➕

Discussion about potential installer errors

“Def did not dry fire. I remember the relief valve overflowing when I was organizing the truck.”➕

“I doubt he would dry fire a system (he def knows better) but maybe he messed up the fill on the double 120.”➕

Discussion on installation quality and its impact

“it is all about the quality of the installation.”➕

Concerns about energy sources and sustainability

“I’m not sure that’s better than a nuclear power plant.”➕

Debate on efficiency of different heating systems

“HPWH operating costs are tiny. I replaced my resistance heater with a HPWH in 2015 and it _paid_for_itself_ in 2-3 years.”➕

Discussion on the longevity of older water heaters

“the water heater is 30 years old and works perfectly.”➕

“I've never seen a heater live this long, but it's an ol US made thing and eh?”➕

“one day they came home to a flooded house.”➕

“Everything works perfectly until it doesn’t.”➕

Thermostats are more problematic than heating elements

“Thermostats are more problematic and I’d replace both before replacing the elements.”➕

Common issues with older water heaters

“Today's shower was luke warm at best. I'm guessing that's a sign that something is going out.”➕