A. O. Smith GCBL-30R 4** vs American Standard GN30L2-3-*: which uses less energy?
An asterisk in a model number stands for any character: one filing covers several variants.
At the medium draw pattern the A. O. Smith GCBL-30R 4** and the American Standard GN30L2-3-* use the same energy, 185 therms a year each, on the same federal test. Both are filed as a gas tank, so the comparison holds; what separates them is below. Enter your ZIP to price either one on your own rate.
Side by side
Compared within one class only: models filed as a gas tank at the medium draw pattern.
| Figure | A. O. Smith GCBL-30R 4** | American Standard GN30L2-3-* |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 185 | 185 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 65 | 66 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 29 | 29 |
| Installed cost range | not published | not published |
| CPSC recall naming it CPSC | none on file (better) | recall 16171 |
DOE CCD · 2026-09-19 CPSC · 2026-09-24
What it costs to run
Reliability
Not published: Reliability, failure rates and each model’s actual warranty term.
The registries these figures come from certify energy performance under a federal test; none of them records how long a unit lasts or how often it fails, so this page does not rank the two on reliability.
What is here instead:
- The filed efficiency, capacity and tank size of both models, side by side above.
- The American Standard GN30L2-3-* is named in CPSC recall 16171; see the recall page for which units and the remedy.
- The actual warranty term is printed in each model’s documentation, not in any registry.
Which should you pick?
- Pick the American Standard GN30L2-3-* if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 66 gallons against 65.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 66 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 30-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
- A. O. Smith GCBL-30R 4** 185 therms a year
- American Standard GN30L2-3-* 185 therms a year