Rheem 88H40* vs Richmond 88H40*: which uses less energy?
At the low draw pattern the Rheem 88H40* and the Richmond 88H40* use the same energy, 2,771 kWh a year each, on the same federal test. Both are filed as a short tank built to sit under a counter, 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 short tank built to sit under a counter at the low draw pattern.
| Figure | Rheem 88H40* | Richmond 88H40* |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.81 | 0.81 |
| Energy use per year (kWh) | 2,771 | 2,771 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 50 | 50 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 36 | 36 |
| Installed cost range | not published | not published |
| 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 Rheem 88H40* if its price or availability suits you — on energy the two are level.
- Pick the Richmond 88H40* if it is the one you can get installed sooner or for less — on the filed figures it has no advantage over the Rheem 88H40*.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 50 gallons of hot water — neither lists more. Check whether a 40-gallon heater is enough.
Each model on its own
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Rheem 88H40*
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.
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Richmond 88H40*
Its filed figures, class position and running cost on your ZIP.