American HPTV-50 2** vs Richmond PROPH50 T0 RH120-M: which uses less energy?
An asterisk in a model number stands for any character: one filing covers several variants.
At the medium draw pattern the American HPTV-50 2** and the Richmond PROPH50 T0 RH120-M use the same energy, 1,083 kWh a year each, on the same federal test. Both are filed as an electric 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 an electric tank at the medium draw pattern.
| Figure | American HPTV-50 2** | Richmond PROPH50 T0 RH120-M |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 3 | 3 |
| Energy use per year (kWh) | 1,083 | 1,083 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 52 | 55 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 46 | 46 |
| Installed cost range NLR REMDB | $2,970–$3,660 | $2,970–$3,660 |
| ENERGY STAR certified ENERGY STAR | yes | yes |
| Sound level (dB) ENERGY STAR | 45 | not filed |
| Refrigerant ENERGY STAR | R-513A, GWP 630 | R-134a, GWP 1430 |
| On the market since ENERGY STAR | 2023-07-10 | 2022-04-21 |
| CPSC recall naming it CPSC | none on file | none on file |
DOE CCD · 2026-09-19 NLR REMDB · 2026-04-01 ENERGY STAR · 2026-09-19 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).
- Both are ENERGY STAR certified, which requires a manufacturer warranty of at least six years; the actual term for each model is not published.
- Time on the market, as filed with ENERGY STAR: the American HPTV-50 2** since 2023-07-10, the Richmond PROPH50 T0 RH120-M since 2022-04-21. A sale date, not a lifespan.
Which should you pick?
- Pick the Richmond PROPH50 T0 RH120-M if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 55 gallons against 52.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 55 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 50-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
- American HPTV-50 2** 1,083 kWh a year
- Richmond PROPH50 T0 RH120-M 1,083 kWh a year