ASHLAND CITY, TENN. — A. O. Smith Water Products Co. has signed a long-term exclusive brand license and endorsement agreement with the producers of the HGTV television series "Living With Ed" and it 's co-star Ed Begley Jr. Under terms of the agreement, A. O. Smith will use the trademark of the show and the endorsement of Begley to market its Vertex line of residential gas water heaters throughout the U.S.
"A. O. Smith is honored to be working with such a celebrated individual, environmentalist and actor," said Ajita Rajendra president, A. O. Smith Water Products. "Ed Begley Jr. is known for his efforts in putting our Earth first, and we feel he is the perfect person to tell consumers that the A. O. Smith Vertex is their green water heater option."
Vertex is a 76,000 Btuh power-vent residential gas water heater that's 90% efficient. It was developed by A. O. Smith in partnership with one of the nation's leading design engineering firms as part of a U.S. Department of Energy program. The 90% efficient unit can deliver significant savings on operating costs compared to standard 78% efficient water heaters. The unit has an estimated 127-gal. first hour delivery and 93 GPH recovery. It can produce more than 3-GPM continuous flow at a 45F temperature rise.
"I began my journey on sustainable living back in 1970 and am so excited to have this opportunity to educate others on how they can make simple lifestyle changes and live green," said Begley. "A. O. Smith and their Vertex help us tell the green story by giving consumers an efficient and green option when choosing a water heater. We think they will be a great addition to the team and we are ready to get their message out there."
The marketing relationship will be launched with the creation of a series of print, video and on-line materials featuring Living With Ed branding and Ed Begley Jr. endorsements. In addition, Begley will make appearances at upcoming media events.
One of the first programs to debut in the growing "green" T V genre, the vanguard series returns bigger, better and greener than ever with 13 new episodes that will find Begley and wife, Rachelle Carson, dispensing more tips and practical ideas on how anyone can lead a greener lifestyle. In a new twist this season, Begley ventures out beyond his own green acres to give viewers a peek inside the homes and proper ties of other Hollywood personalities who are either looking for advice from Begley or eager to share the innovative ways they are working toward environmentally conscious living. Living With Ed will premiere in its regular weekly prime time slot on Monday, Aug. 27, a t 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
Additional information is available at www.hotwater.com.
Ed Begley Jr., host of the HGTV green home show "Living with Ed," signs a cover of a Vertex water heater.