Friedrich FDTGH-S11I vs RELIANCE WATER HEATERS ATHR-160M 1 (RTHR-160X3 1)
The Friedrich FDTGH-S11I is the more efficient unit: UEF 0.96 versus 0.95 — about 1% less energy for the same hot water. At national average rates that works out to about $255/year for the Friedrich FDTGH-S11I against $258/year for the RELIANCE WATER HEATERS ATHR-160M 1 (RTHR-160X3 1) — a $3 annual difference. The Friedrich FDTGH-S11I sustains the higher flow (5.8 GPM vs 4.8 GPM under the DOE test).
| Friedrich FDTGH-S11I | RELIANCE WATER HEATERS ATHR-160M 1 (RTHR-160X3 1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) | 0.96 | 0.95 |
| Fuel | Natural Gas, Propane | Natural Gas, Propane |
| Max flow rate | 5.8 GPM | 4.8 GPM |
| Draw pattern | High | High |
| Annual gas use (natural gas) | 176 therms/yr | 178 therms/yr |
| Gas input rate | 199 kBTU/h | 160 kBTU/h |
| Max current draw | 2 A | 5 A |
| Vent type | Direct Vent | Power Vent, Power Direct Vent |
| Recovery efficiency | 98 % | 98 % |
| Smart / connected capable | No | No |
| Minimum activation flow | 0.4 GPM | 1 GPM |
| Annual propane use | 192.35 gal/yr | 194.53 gal/yr |
| Vent size | 2 | 3 / 2 |
| Width | 18.1 in | 17 in |
| Depth | 13.6 in | 16 in |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Which costs less to run, the Friedrich FDTGH-S11I or the RELIANCE WATER HEATERS ATHR-160M 1 (RTHR-160X3 1)?
The Friedrich FDTGH-S11I: about $255/year versus $258/year for the RELIANCE WATER HEATERS ATHR-160M 1 (RTHR-160X3 1) at national average rates — a $3 annual difference.
Are the Friedrich FDTGH-S11I and RELIANCE WATER HEATERS ATHR-160M 1 (RTHR-160X3 1) both ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes — every water heater in this database is drawn from the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR certified water heater datasets.