Ruud MRG85245 vs Vaughn Thermal ME80: which uses less energy?
At the high draw pattern the Ruud MRG85245 and the Vaughn Thermal ME80 use the same energy, 5,392 kWh a year each, on the same federal test. Both are filed as an electric tank your utility can shift to off-peak hours, 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 your utility can shift to off-peak hours at the high draw pattern.
| Figure | Ruud MRG85245 | Vaughn Thermal ME80 |
|---|---|---|
| UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) | 0.92 | 0.92 |
| Energy use per year (kWh) | 5,392 | 5,392 |
| First hour rating (gal) | 77 | 85 |
| Rated storage volume (gal) | 84 | 78 |
| Installed cost range | not published | not published |
| CPSC recall naming it CPSC | none on file | none on file |
DOE CCD · 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).
- The actual warranty term is printed in each model’s documentation, not in any registry.
Which should you pick?
- Pick the Vaughn Thermal ME80 if you need more hot water in your busiest hour: it lists a first hour rating of 85 gallons against 77.
- Neither if your household's busiest hour needs more than 85 gallons of hot water — neither lists more.
Each model on its own
- Ruud MRG85245 5,392 kWh a year
- Vaughn Thermal ME80 5,392 kWh a year