A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1) vs Bradford White RTGR150X1
The Bradford White RTGR150X1 is the more efficient unit: UEF 0.98 versus 0.95 — about 3% less energy for the same hot water. At national average rates that works out to about $258/year for the A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1) against $510/year for the Bradford White RTGR150X1 — a $252 annual difference. The A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1) sustains the higher flow (4.8 GPM vs 4.3 GPM under the DOE test).
| A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1) | Bradford White RTGR150X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) | 0.95 | 0.98 |
| Fuel | Natural Gas, Propane | Propane |
| Max flow rate | 4.8 GPM | 4.3 GPM |
| Draw pattern | High | High |
| Annual gas use (natural gas) | 178 therms/yr | 173 therms/yr |
| Gas input rate | 160 kBTU/h | 150 kBTU/h |
| Max current draw | 5 A | 2 A |
| Vent type | Power Vent, Power Direct Vent | Power Direct Vent |
| Recovery efficiency | 98 % | 98 % |
| Smart / connected capable | No | No |
| Minimum activation flow | 1 GPM | 0.5 GPM |
| Annual propane use | 194.53 gal/yr | 189.07 gal/yr |
| Vent size | 3 / 2 | 2 / 3 |
| Width | 17 in | 17.3 in |
| Depth | 16 in | 14.8 in |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Which costs less to run, the A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1) or the Bradford White RTGR150X1?
The A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1): about $258/year versus $510/year for the Bradford White RTGR150X1 at national average rates — a $252 annual difference.
Are the A. O. Smith ATHR-160M 1 (ATHR-160X3 1) and Bradford White RTGR150X1 both ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes — every water heater in this database is drawn from the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR certified water heater datasets.