HEAT-FLO SSN-52D vs VAUGHN THERMAL ME55: which uses less energy?
At the medium draw pattern the HEAT-FLO SSN-52D and the VAUGHN THERMAL ME55 use the same energy, 3,531 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 | HEAT-FLO SSN-52D | VAUGHN THERMAL ME55 |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.92 | 0.92 |
| Energy use per year (kWh) | 3,531 | 3,531 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 65 | 64 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 51 | 52 |
| Installed cost range | $1,808–$2,178 | $1,822–$2,203 |
| 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 HEAT-FLO SSN-52D if its price or availability suits you — on energy the two are level.
- Pick the VAUGHN THERMAL ME55 if it is the one you can get installed sooner or for less — on the filed figures it has no advantage over the HEAT-FLO SSN-52D.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 65 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 50-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
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HEAT-FLO SSN-52D
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
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VAUGHN THERMAL ME55
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.