A. O. SMITH GCRL-50 2** vs AMERICAN GCRL-50 4**: which uses less energy?
At the high draw pattern the A. O. SMITH GCRL-50 2** and the AMERICAN GCRL-50 4** use the same energy, 273 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 GCRL-50 2** | AMERICAN GCRL-50 4** |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.62 | 0.62 |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 273 | 273 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 78 | 81 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 49 | 50 |
| Installed cost range | $1,688–$2,868 | $1,703–$2,904 |
| 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 GCRL-50 2** if its price or availability suits you — on energy the two are level.
- Pick the AMERICAN GCRL-50 4** if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 81 gallons against 78.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 81 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 50-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
-
A. O. SMITH GCRL-50 2**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
-
AMERICAN GCRL-50 4**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.