A. O. SMITH GCGH-50 2** vs FRIEDRICH PROG50-34U RH EC1: which uses less energy?
At the high draw pattern the A. O. SMITH GCGH-50 2** and the FRIEDRICH PROG50-34U RH EC1 use the same energy, 269 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 high draw pattern.
| Figure | A. O. SMITH GCGH-50 2** | FRIEDRICH PROG50-34U RH EC1 |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.63 | 0.63 |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 269 | 269 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 76 | 80 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 48 | 48 |
| Installed cost range | $1,732–$2,981 | $1,732–$2,981 |
| 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 GCGH-50 2** if its price or availability suits you — on energy the two are level.
- Pick the FRIEDRICH PROG50-34U RH EC1 if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 80 gallons against 76.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 80 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 50-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
-
A. O. SMITH GCGH-50 2**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
-
FRIEDRICH PROG50-34U RH EC1
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.