LOCHINVAR FMDV-50 2** vs Richmond PROG50-36N RH60 MH DVX: which uses less energy?
At the medium draw pattern the Richmond PROG50-36N RH60 MH DVX uses 191 therms a year and the LOCHINVAR FMDV-50 2** 194 — 3 therms (2%) less, about 34 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 | LOCHINVAR FMDV-50 2** | Richmond PROG50-36N RH60 MH DVX |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.57 | 0.58 (better) |
| Energy use per year (therms) | 194 | 191 (better) |
| First hour rating (gal) | 67 | 65 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 47 | 48 |
| Installed cost range | not published | $1,440–$2,230 |
| 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 Richmond PROG50-36N RH60 MH DVX if running cost matters most: it uses 3 therms less a year on the same test.
- Pick the LOCHINVAR FMDV-50 2** if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 67 gallons against 65.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 67 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 50-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
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LOCHINVAR FMDV-50 2**
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
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Richmond PROG50-36N RH60 MH DVX
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.