AMERICAN GPVT-50 2**

The 235 therms figure is not a registry entry. This site computed it from the registry's UEF, the ratio of hot water delivered to energy used, which is 0.72 for this model. The calculation applies the daily hot-water draw that the DOE test assigns to the high draw pattern. The source is DOE CCD, retrieved 2026-09-19. Among the 414 gas tanks registered at the high draw pattern, this model ranks 50th lowest for energy use, which places it in the lowest quarter of its class. The gap to the class median of 260 therms is 25 therms. The methodology page explains how the annual figures are calculated.

The high draw pattern describes a larger household, or one where showers and laundry overlap, and the 235 therms figure applies to that situation. The registry lists a first hour rating, the gallons of hot water available in the first hour from a full tank, of 97 gallons. The rated volume is 48 gallons. These two values are the ones to compare with your own busiest hour. The data here does not say whether 97 gallons covers a specific household, so that is unknown. The figure does not describe a household whose daily use differs from the federal test draw, and its actual gas use could be higher or lower. The water heater selector filters by fuel, space and size.

Running cost is not stated in the text, because it depends on the state average residential gas price where you live. The cost calculator applies the price for your ZIP to the 235 therms at the high draw pattern. The 25 therms difference from the class median is a difference in energy, not in cost, and how it translates depends on that price. The modeled installed-cost range appears in its own block with its source and date. It is a modeled range, not a quote. If you are comparing units, you can find a same-class replacement by model number and check it against the same 260 therms class median.