A. O. SMITH GCF-40 1** vs GE GG40S**AYV01: which uses less energy?
At the medium draw pattern the A. O. SMITH GCF-40 1** uses 173 therms a year and the GE GG40S**AYV01 176 — 3 therms (2%) less, about 27 therms over ten years. Both are filed as a gas tank, so the comparison holds. Enter your ZIP below to price the difference.
Side by side
Compared within one class only: models filed as a gas tank at the medium draw pattern.
| Figure | A. O. SMITH GCF-40 1** | GE GG40S**AYV01 |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.64 (better) | 0.63 |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 173 (better) | 176 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 70 | 72 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 38 | 40 |
| Installed cost range | $1,643–$2,763 | $1,614–$2,687 |
| ENERGY STAR certified | not matched | not matched |
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 below.
- The actual warranty term is printed in each model’s documentation, not in any registry.
Which should you pick?
- Pick the A. O. SMITH GCF-40 1** if running cost matters most: it uses 3 therms less a year on the same test.
- Pick the GE GG40S**AYV01 if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 72 gallons against 70.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 72 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 40-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
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A. O. SMITH GCF-40 1**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
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GE GG40S**AYV01
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.