A. O. SMITH GPVT-50 2** vs LOCHINVAR GPDX-50L 3**: which uses less energy?
At the high draw pattern the LOCHINVAR GPDX-50L 3** uses 232 therms a year and the A. O. SMITH GPVT-50 2** 235 — 3 therms (1%) less, about 32 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 high draw pattern.
| Figure | A. O. SMITH GPVT-50 2** | LOCHINVAR GPDX-50L 3** |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.72 | 0.73 (better) |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 235 | 232 (better) |
| First hour rating (gal) | 97 | 118 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 48 | 48 |
| Installed cost range | $2,258–$4,333 | $2,316–$4,484 |
| 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 LOCHINVAR GPDX-50L 3** if running cost matters most: it uses 3 therms less a year on the same test.
- Pick the A. O. SMITH GPVT-50 2** if it is the one you can get installed sooner or for less — on the filed figures it has no advantage over the LOCHINVAR GPDX-50L 3**.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 118 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 50-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
-
A. O. SMITH GPVT-50 2**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
-
LOCHINVAR GPDX-50L 3**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.