American GCG-50 4** vs Lochinvar GCRL-50 2**: which uses less energy?
An asterisk in a model number stands for any character: one filing covers several variants.
At the high draw pattern the American GCG-50 4** and the Lochinvar GCRL-50 2** 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 | American GCG-50 4** | Lochinvar GCRL-50 2** |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.62 | 0.62 |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 273 | 273 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 81 | 78 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 48 | 49 |
| Installed cost range NLR REMDB | $1,674–$2,831 | $1,688–$2,868 |
| CPSC recall naming it CPSC | none on file | none on file |
DOE CCD · 2026-09-19 NLR REMDB · 2026-04-01 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.
- No CPSC recall on file names either model (list checked 2026-09-24).
- The actual warranty term is printed in each model’s documentation, not in any registry.
Which should you pick?
- Pick the American GCG-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
- American GCG-50 4** 273 therms a year
- Lochinvar GCRL-50 2** 273 therms a year