AMERICAN GDVNL-40L 1** vs LOCHINVAR GDV-40 3**: which uses less energy?
At the medium draw pattern the AMERICAN GDVNL-40L 1** uses 182 therms a year and the LOCHINVAR GDV-40 3** 185 — 3 therms (2%) less, about 30 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 | AMERICAN GDVNL-40L 1** | LOCHINVAR GDV-40 3** |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.61 (better) | 0.6 |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 182 (better) | 185 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 64 | 64 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 38 | 39 |
| Installed cost range | $1,468–$2,313 | $1,424–$2,199 |
| 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 AMERICAN GDVNL-40L 1** if running cost matters most: it uses 3 therms less a year on the same test.
- Pick the LOCHINVAR GDV-40 3** if it is the one you can get installed sooner or for less — on the filed figures it has no advantage over the AMERICAN GDVNL-40L 1**.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 64 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 40-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
-
AMERICAN GDVNL-40L 1**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
-
LOCHINVAR GDV-40 3**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.