Best Gas Storage Water Heaters in the USA

This guide focuses specifically on conventional and high-efficiency gas storage water heaters. For on-demand gas systems, see Best Gas Tankless Water Heaters.

For a comparison of every major water-heating technology, return to Best Water Heaters in the USA.

Quick Answer: Best Gas Storage Water Heaters in the USA

Our overall choice: The Rheem Performance Platinum Maximus XG40S12UHN50U0 stands out because it combines 0.90 UEF, ENERGY STAR certification, a 12-year tank-and-parts warranty, Wi-Fi, leak detection and a high-demand operating mode in a relatively compact 40-gallon configuration. Rheem lists up to 192 gallons of first-hour hot-water delivery in MaxMode across the Maximus family.

For a larger household: the 50-gallon Rheem Maximus XG50T12UHN100U0 provides a larger storage tank while retaining the high-efficiency condensing design. Rheem lists 0.89 UEF for this specific model and up to 192 gallons of FHR in MaxMode across the family.

For a simpler replacement: a conventional atmospheric model can make more sense when the existing home already has a compatible atmospheric venting arrangement.

What Is a Gas Storage Water Heater?

A gas storage water heater contains an insulated tank filled with domestic water. A gas burner heats the water from below, and combustion gases leave through a venting system.

The basic process is:

1. Cold water enters the tank.
2. The thermostat detects that the water temperature has fallen.
3. The gas burner ignites.
4. The burner transfers heat through the bottom of the tank.
5. Hot water rises toward the top.
6. Combustion gases leave through the vent.
7. The burner shuts off when the thermostat is satisfied.

Unlike tankless systems, the burner does not have to heat the entire domestic-water flow instantaneously. Instead, the tank acts as a thermal reservoir.

Gas Storage vs Gas Tankless

The major conceptual difference is that a gas storage heater uses stored thermal energy, while a tankless heater produces hot water primarily when demand occurs.

How a Gas Storage Water Heater Produces Heat

The burner converts the chemical energy of natural gas or propane into thermal energy.

The simplified energy path is:

Gas → combustion → hot combustion gases → heat exchanger/tank → water

The efficiency of the system depends on how much of the combustion energy ultimately becomes useful hot water rather than being lost through exhaust gases, standby losses and other pathways.

ENERGY STAR explains that high-efficiency gas storage models improve upon conventional systems through measures such as improved insulation, heat traps and more efficient burners. Some high-efficiency models use secondary heat exchangers to recover additional heat from combustion gases.

Atmospheric vs Power Vent vs Direct Vent

One of the most important differences between gas storage water heaters is how combustion air enters the heater and how exhaust gases leave the building.

ENERGY STAR’s current product specification database recognizes atmospheric vent, direct vent, power vent and power-direct-vent configurations for gas storage water heaters.

Atmospheric Vent Gas Water Heaters

An atmospheric gas water heater uses natural buoyancy to move combustion gases upward through the vent.

The hot exhaust is less dense than surrounding air, creating the draft necessary to move combustion products out of the building.

This design is relatively simple and can be an excellent replacement choice when the home already has an appropriate atmospheric vent.

Rheem’s current Performance Atmospheric series includes 29-, 30-, 40-, 48-, 50- and 55-gallon configurations, with model-dependent UEF values of approximately 0.58–0.66 and first-hour ratings ranging from 55 to 97 gallons.

Advantages

• Simple technology
• Low electrical dependence
• Common replacement format
• Wide model availability
• Suitable for homes with existing atmospheric venting

Limitations

• Lower efficiency than modern condensing designs
• Requires suitable natural-draft venting
• Combustion air requirements must be satisfied
• Exhaust gases can carry significant heat out of the home

Power Vent Gas Water Heaters

A power-vent water heater uses a powered blower to move combustion gases through the vent system.

This allows considerably more flexibility in vent routing than a conventional atmospheric design.

For example, A. O. Smith’s current 50-gallon G6-PVT5050NV uses a 50,000 BTU burner and supports power-vent installation through a wall or roof. The manufacturer lists a 97-gallon first-hour rating and venting up to 180 feet under the specified installation configuration.

Advantages

• More flexible vent routing
• Longer possible vent runs
• Useful where natural-draft venting is difficult
• Can simplify some replacement layouts

Limitations

• Requires electricity
• Contains additional mechanical components
• Higher installation cost can occur
• Correct venting must follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Direct Vent Gas Water Heaters

Direct-vent systems use outdoor air for combustion and send combustion products outside through a dedicated vent arrangement.

This can be valuable when the water heater is installed in a confined room because combustion air does not have to be supplied from the room in the same way as a conventional atmospheric appliance.

Rheem’s current direct-vent gas storage platform uses a coaxial vent arrangement, with the vent system supplying combustion air from outside while exhausting combustion products. Rheem states that its direct-vent design can operate without external electrical power.

Condensing vs Non-Condensing Gas Storage

This is one of the biggest efficiency distinctions.

Non-Condensing

In a conventional non-condensing heater, combustion gases remain hot enough that water vapor in the exhaust generally remains in vapor form. The exhaust therefore needs to retain sufficient temperature for proper venting.

Condensing

A condensing system deliberately extracts additional heat from the combustion gases. The exhaust can cool enough for water vapor to condense.

The recovered heat is transferred into the domestic water, increasing efficiency.

But condensation creates an important installation consequence:

A condensing gas water heater needs a condensate-management system.

ENERGY STAR notes that very-high-efficiency gas storage water heaters can use secondary heat exchangers to extract additional heat until combustion gases condense, and such systems require appropriate venting and condensate drainage.

Why Condensing Gas Storage Can Be More Efficient

Consider combustion gases leaving a conventional system.

If those gases still contain substantial sensible and latent heat, sending them outside represents an energy loss.

A secondary heat exchanger can recover some of that energy.

The simplified process becomes:

Burner → primary heat transfer → secondary heat exchanger → cooler exhaust → condensate

The additional recovered heat can increase UEF, but the system becomes more complex.

Understanding UEF for Gas Storage Water Heaters

Uniform Energy Factor measures overall water-heater efficiency using the standardized DOE test method.

For current ENERGY STAR gas storage criteria:

• For tanks over 20 gallons and up to 55 gallons, medium-draw models require UEF of at least 0.81.
• For the same size range under the high-draw pattern, the requirement is at least 0.86.
• For tanks over 55 gallons, the requirement is at least 0.86.
• ENERGY STAR gas storage models also require an FHR of at least 51 gallons per hour.
• The system warranty requirement is at least six years.
• The applicable safety standard is ANSI Z21.10.1/CSA 4.1 for gas-fired storage residential products.

This is why simply looking at the gas input rating is not enough when comparing models.

What Is Gas Burner Input?

Burner input is usually expressed in BTU per hour.

For example:

• 30,000 BTU/h
• 40,000 BTU/h
• 50,000 BTU/h
• 65,000 BTU/h

A higher input generally means the burner can transfer heat to the water more quickly, but burner input alone does not determine the total amount of hot water a heater can deliver.

You must also consider:

• Tank capacity
• Recovery efficiency
• Heat-exchanger design
• First-hour rating
• Thermal losses
• Water temperature rise

Gas Storage Water Heater Recovery Rate

Recovery rate describes how quickly a heater can restore hot-water capacity after water is consumed.

It is commonly expressed in gallons per hour at a specified temperature rise.

A simplified relationship is:

Useful heating output ∝ Burner input × Recovery efficiency

and:

Recovery gallons ∝ Useful heating output ÷ Temperature rise

Therefore, a heater with a higher burner input can have substantially greater recovery capability, but only if the heat is efficiently transferred to the water.

What Is First-Hour Rating?

First-Hour Rating, or FHR, estimates how much hot water a storage water heater can deliver during the first hour beginning with the tank fully heated.

FHR incorporates both stored hot water and the heater’s ability to recover during continued use.

ENERGY STAR defines FHR as the maximum estimated volume of hot water supplied during an hour beginning with the water heater fully heated.

For storage water heaters, FHR is often more useful than tank capacity when comparing two models.

Tank Capacity vs FHR

For a family choosing between two 50-gallon heaters, an 80-gallon FHR model can be substantially more useful than another 50-gallon model with a lower FHR.

How Much Gas Storage Capacity Do You Need?

These figures are starting points, not absolute rules.

A 40-gallon heater with strong recovery can sometimes outperform a poorly matched 50-gallon heater.

Why a 40-Gallon Gas Heater Can Work for a Family

Gas burners can replenish stored hot water substantially faster than many conventional electric resistance heaters.

Therefore, a 40-gallon gas storage heater should not automatically be considered equivalent to a 40-gallon electric tank.

The correct comparison is based on FHR, recovery and household demand.

Rheem’s Maximus 40-gallon model, for example, is designed around high recovery and high-demand operation rather than simply relying on a large storage tank. Rheem lists up to 3.8 GPM continuous hot-water flow at the setpoint and up to 192 gallons of FHR in MaxMode for the family.

50-Gallon Gas Storage Water Heaters

The 50-gallon class is one of the most common choices for whole-home gas storage heating.

It provides a useful balance between storage capacity, physical size and recovery performance.

For many households of three to five people, a 50-gallon tank is a reasonable starting point, provided the FHR matches the home’s peak demand.

55-Gallon and Larger Gas Storage Water Heaters

Consider a larger tank when demand is concentrated into a short period.

Examples include:

• Several consecutive showers
• Multiple bathrooms
• Large bathtubs
• Large families
• Frequent laundry during peak periods
• Guest-heavy households

However, larger storage also means a larger physical appliance, greater standby losses and potentially more installation space.

Natural Gas vs Propane

Never assume that a natural-gas appliance can simply be connected to propane. The appliance must be specifically configured and certified for the fuel being used.

Gas Line Sizing

A gas water heater requires an adequate gas supply.

The required gas-line size depends on factors such as:

• Gas input rating
• Total connected load
• Gas type
• Pipe material
• Pipe length
• Pressure
• Local code

A 50,000 BTU/h water heater is not evaluated in isolation if the same gas line also supplies a furnace, range, fireplace or other appliances.

Gas-line sizing should therefore be performed using the applicable fuel-gas code and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

Combustion Air

Gas combustion requires oxygen.

Atmospheric water heaters commonly obtain combustion air from the surrounding installation area, subject to code requirements.

Insufficient combustion air can create unsafe operating conditions and combustion problems.

Do not seal or modify combustion-air openings simply because they appear inconvenient.

Flue and Venting Safety

Gas storage water heaters produce combustion gases that must be safely discharged.

The venting system must provide:

• Correct diameter
• Correct material
• Correct slope where applicable
• Proper termination
• Correct clearances
• Suitable draft or powered exhaust

Improper venting can allow combustion products to enter the home.

Installation should therefore follow the manufacturer’s manual and applicable fuel-gas, plumbing and building codes.

Carbon Monoxide Considerations

Any combustion appliance creates a carbon-monoxide safety consideration.

A properly installed and maintained gas water heater should safely exhaust combustion products, but homeowners should still have appropriate carbon-monoxide detection in the home.

Warning signs that require professional attention include:

• Unusual combustion smell
• Soot around the appliance
• Repeated burner shutdown
• Backdrafting
• Condensation where it should not occur
• Unusual flame appearance
• CO-alarm activation

If a carbon-monoxide alarm activates, follow the alarm manufacturer’s emergency instructions and leave the area if necessary. Do not attempt to troubleshoot a combustion appliance while exposed to potentially dangerous combustion gases.

Tank Construction

Most conventional gas storage water heaters use a steel tank protected by an internal glass-based lining and a sacrificial anode.

The basic protection system is:

Steel tank + protective lining + sacrificial anode + controlled water chemistry

Rheem’s atmospheric models, for example, use a premium-grade anode rod for tank protection, while Bradford White uses its Vitraglas lining and Microban system in its atmospheric gas water-heater platform.

Anode Rods

The sacrificial anode is one of the most important components for extending the life of a conventional steel tank.

Instead of allowing the steel tank to become the easiest material to corrode, the anode is designed to sacrifice itself.

When the anode becomes heavily consumed, tank corrosion protection can decrease.

Homes with aggressive or unusual water chemistry may consume anodes more rapidly.

Hard Water and Gas Storage Water Heaters

Hard water can produce mineral deposits inside the tank.

These deposits can accumulate near the bottom of the tank, where the burner transfers heat into the stored water.

Possible consequences include:

• Popping or rumbling noises
• Reduced heat-transfer efficiency
• Higher fuel consumption
• Reduced effective tank volume
• Greater maintenance requirements

Regular flushing can help control sediment, although the appropriate maintenance interval depends on water conditions and manufacturer instructions.

See Best Water Heaters for Hard Water.

Gas Water Heater Maintenance

1. Flush the Tank

Periodic flushing can remove accumulated sediment.

2. Inspect the Anode

Replace the anode when its condition indicates that corrosion protection is becoming inadequate.

3. Inspect the Burner

The burner should remain clean and operate according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Inspect the Vent

Check for corrosion, blockage, improper connections and other venting problems.

5. Check the T&P Valve

The temperature-and-pressure relief valve is a critical safety component.

6. Check Gas Connections

Gas piping and connections should be inspected by a qualified professional.

7. Check for Water Leaks

Inspect around the tank, drain valve, water connections and relief valve.

Leak Detection on Modern Gas Storage Water Heaters

Modern premium gas storage systems increasingly combine traditional tank technology with electronic monitoring.

Rheem’s Maximus includes LeakSense, an integrated leak-detection system, LCD diagnostics and EcoNet connectivity. Rheem also offers an optional automatic water-shutoff accessory designed to limit the amount of water released during a detected leak.

This can be particularly valuable when a gas water heater is located:

• Above finished living space
• Inside a finished basement
• In a vacation home
• Near expensive equipment
• In an apartment

Smart Gas Storage Water Heaters

Wi-Fi does not directly increase the combustion efficiency of a water heater.

Its value comes from monitoring and control.

Smart functions can include:

• Remote temperature adjustment
• Vacation mode
• Energy-saving settings
• Leak notifications
• System-health alerts
• Diagnostic information

Rheem’s Maximus integrates EcoNet Wi-Fi and provides remote control and monitoring through the manufacturer’s platform.

High-Efficiency Gas Storage Water Heaters

High-efficiency gas storage systems can achieve significantly higher UEF than basic atmospheric models.

Rheem’s Maximus family, for example, reaches up to approximately 0.90 UEF and is ENERGY STAR rated.

The tradeoff is greater system complexity.

High-efficiency designs can incorporate:

• Secondary heat exchangers
• Condensate drains
• Powered venting
• Electronic controls
• Advanced burner management
• Leak sensors
• Wi-Fi electronics

Therefore, the most efficient model is not automatically the best replacement if the existing installation cannot accommodate its venting and condensate requirements economically.

Atmospheric vs High-Efficiency Gas Storage

Cold Climate Considerations

Cold incoming water increases the amount of energy required to produce domestic hot water at the desired temperature.

The approximate energy required to heat water is:

Q = m × Cp × ΔT

where:

• Q = heat required
• m = mass of water
• Cp = specific heat of water
• ΔT = temperature increase

Therefore, the same 50-gallon heater can behave differently in a northern winter than in a warm climate where groundwater enters the house at a higher temperature.

In colder regions, prioritize:

• Higher FHR
• Strong recovery
• Adequate burner input
• Good tank insulation
• Appropriate venting
• Freeze protection for vulnerable piping

See Best Water Heaters for Cold Climates.

Warm Climate Considerations

Warm groundwater reduces the temperature rise required to produce hot water.

This can reduce the instantaneous energy required for recovery.

However, tank standby losses still matter because the heater must maintain stored water at its set temperature.

Good insulation and appropriate temperature settings therefore remain important.

See Best Water Heaters for Warm Climates.

Gas Storage Water Heaters for Existing Homes

Gas storage heaters are particularly attractive as replacement appliances when the existing home already has:

• Natural gas or propane service
• A suitable gas line
• Compatible water connections
• An appropriate vent
• A suitable installation location

However, replacing an old atmospheric heater with a modern condensing heater is not necessarily a plug-and-play replacement.

Venting, condensate drainage, electrical supply and combustion-air requirements can all change.

See Best Water Heaters for Existing Homes.

Gas Storage Water Heaters for New Construction

New construction gives the installer more freedom to design the gas line, venting, drain, condensate system and appliance location around the selected heater.

This makes high-efficiency gas storage particularly attractive when the home is designed around the equipment from the beginning.

See Best Water Heaters for New Construction.

Gas Storage Water Heaters for Multiple Bathrooms

Multiple bathrooms do not automatically mean that you need a tankless heater.

A sufficiently sized storage heater with a strong FHR can serve multiple bathrooms effectively.

The important question is whether the peak simultaneous demand exceeds the heater’s ability to supply and recover hot water.

For high-demand homes, compare FHR rather than simply comparing tank gallons.

See Best Water Heaters for Multiple Bathrooms.

Gas Storage Water Heaters for Large Families

Large households should evaluate:

• Tank capacity
• FHR
• Recovery rate
• Burner input
• Number of bathrooms
• Simultaneous shower usage
• Bathtub demand

A larger tank is not always the only solution. A high-recovery gas storage heater can provide substantial hot-water output from a relatively moderate tank.

See Best Water Heaters for Large Families.

Best Gas Storage Water Heaters: Our Recommended Models

1. Rheem Performance Platinum Maximus XG40S12UHN50U0 — Best Overall

The Rheem Performance Platinum Maximus XG40S12UHN50U0 is our overall choice because it demonstrates how modern gas storage technology can combine relatively compact storage with high recovery and high efficiency.

Why We Selected It

• 40-gallon tank
• Natural gas
• 0.90 UEF
• ENERGY STAR rated
• 12-year limited tank and parts warranty
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Integrated LeakSense leak detection
• LCD system-health display
• MaxMode high-demand operation
• Up to 3.8 GPM continuous hot-water flow at setpoint
• Up to 192-gallon FHR in MaxMode across the family
• Dual anode rods
• Built-in condensate neutralizer
• Power-vent/direct-vent installation flexibility
• Certified to 10,100 feet altitude

Rheem lists 0.90 UEF, ENERGY STAR certification, a 12-year warranty, LeakSense, EcoNet Wi-Fi and high-altitude certification for the model.

Relevant Certification / Standards

The product is an ENERGY STAR-rated residential gas storage water heater. Applicable gas-appliance and installation requirements must be followed for the specific installation.

Important Limitations

• More complex than a traditional atmospheric water heater.
• Requires condensate management.
• Requires appropriate powered/direct venting.
• Higher purchase and installation cost than basic atmospheric models.
• Electronic controls require electrical power.

Who Should Buy It

Homeowners wanting high efficiency, strong recovery and modern leak/monitoring features without moving to tankless technology.

Who Shouldn’t Buy It

It may be excessive for a low-demand home or a straightforward replacement where an inexpensive atmospheric tank can use the existing infrastructure.

Maintenance Considerations

Maintain the condensate system, inspect the anodes, flush sediment and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Product Information

Check Rheem’s current product documentation and authorized installation network for availability.

For high-demand households, see Best Water Heaters for High Hot-Water Demand.

2. Rheem Performance Platinum Maximus XG50T12UHN100U0 — Best 50-Gallon High-Efficiency Gas Storage Water Heater

The 50-gallon Maximus is the better choice when a household wants the technology of the Maximus platform but needs more physical storage than the 40-gallon version.

Why We Selected It

• 50-gallon tank
• Natural gas
• 0.89 UEF for this specific model
• 12-year limited tank and parts warranty
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• LeakSense leak detection
• LCD system-health display
• High-demand MaxMode
• Built-in condensate neutralizer
• Flexible power-vent/direct-vent installation
• Dual anode rods
• High-altitude certification to 10,100 feet

Rheem’s current listing gives the XG50T12UHN100U0 a 50-gallon tank, 0.89 UEF, Wi-Fi, leak detection and a 12-year warranty.

Relevant Certification / Standards

Rheem identifies the Maximus family as ENERGY STAR rated and designed for high-efficiency gas storage operation.

Important Limitations

• Condensate drainage is required.
• Installation is more complicated than atmospheric gas storage.
• Requires appropriate electrical service.
• Higher upfront cost.

Who Should Buy It

Families that want 50-gallon storage together with high efficiency and strong recovery.

Who Shouldn’t Buy It

It is not the most economical choice for a low-demand household or a simple atmospheric replacement.

Maintenance Considerations

Inspect the condensate system, anode rods, burner system and water connections, and flush sediment as required.

Product Information

Check the current Rheem product page and professional installation network.

For larger homes, see Best Water Heaters for Large Homes.

3. Rheem Performance Series Atmospheric XG50T06TH40U0 — Best Traditional Atmospheric Gas Water Heater

The Rheem Performance Atmospheric represents the opposite design philosophy from the Maximus. It prioritizes relatively simple conventional gas-storage architecture rather than maximum efficiency and electronic functionality.

Why We Selected It

• 50-gallon tank
• Natural gas
• Atmospheric venting
• Up to 50,000 BTU/h burner capacity across the family
• Model-dependent UEF of approximately 0.58–0.66
• FHR range of approximately 55–97 gallons across the family
• Recovery up to approximately 51 GPH at a 90°F rise depending on model
• Self-powered diagnostic gas control
• Low-NOx burner design
• Premium-grade anode rod
• Six-year tank and parts warranty
• One-year full in-home labor warranty

Rheem’s current Performance Atmospheric series lists 29- to 55-gallon capacities, model-dependent UEF values of 0.58–0.66 and FHR values of 55–97 gallons.

Relevant Certification / Standards

Rheem lists CSA, AHRI and other applicable certifications for the product family.

Important Limitations

• Lower efficiency than high-efficiency condensing models.
• Requires compatible atmospheric venting.
• Combustion-air requirements must be satisfied.
• Does not offer the same level of smart monitoring as premium electronic models.

Who Should Buy It

Homeowners replacing an existing compatible atmospheric gas tank who value simplicity and lower initial cost.

Who Shouldn’t Buy It

If you are building a new home and can easily design the installation around a high-efficiency condensing system, compare lifecycle costs before choosing a conventional atmospheric model.

Maintenance Considerations

Flush sediment, inspect the anode, maintain the burner and inspect the venting system regularly.

Product Information

Check the current Rheem model list because exact tank capacity, burner input, FHR and UEF vary by suffix.

For replacement installations, see Best Water Heaters for Existing Homes.

4. Bradford White RG250T6N — Best Professional-Installation Gas Storage Water Heater

The Bradford White RG250T6N is a 50-gallon-class atmospheric gas storage model from a manufacturer strongly oriented toward professional plumbing distribution.

Why We Selected It

• 50-gallon class
• Natural gas
• Atmospheric vent design
• Vitraglas tank lining
• Microban protection
• Bradford White ICON gas control
• Hydrojet Total Performance System
• Defender Safety System
• Sacrificial anode protection

Bradford White currently lists RG250T6N among its residential atmospheric gas-water-heater models. Its platform includes Vitraglas lining with Microban, ICON gas controls, Hydrojet sediment management and the Defender Safety System.

Relevant Certification / Standards

Bradford White provides model-specific technical documentation and installation information through its professional distribution network.

Important Limitations

• Primarily sold through professional plumbing channels.
• Not designed around consumer smart-home functionality.
• Exact efficiency and performance figures depend on the specific model configuration.
• Atmospheric venting limits replacement flexibility.

Who Should Buy It

Homeowners whose plumbing professional recommends Bradford White and who value professional distribution, serviceability and the company’s tank-protection technologies.

Who Shouldn’t Buy It

It may not be the easiest choice for someone who wants to purchase a water heater entirely through an online retail channel.

Maintenance Considerations

Maintain the tank, anode, burner, venting system and sediment-control system according to Bradford White’s instructions.

Product Information

Use Bradford White’s professional network to identify the correct model and installation configuration.

For professional installation considerations, see Best Water Heaters for New Construction.

5. A. O. Smith G6-PVT5050NV — Best Power-Vent Gas Storage Water Heater

The A. O. Smith G6-PVT5050NV is a useful choice when the installation benefits from power venting rather than a conventional atmospheric vent.

Why We Selected It

• 50-gallon tank
• Natural gas
• 50,000 BTU/h burner
• 97-gallon first-hour rating
• Power-vent configuration
• Electronic gas valve
• Self-diagnostic gas control
• Flammable-vapor ignition protection system
• High-altitude certification from 0 to 10,100 feet
• Vent flexibility through wall or roof
• Six-year limited residential warranty

A. O. Smith lists the G6-PVT5050NV as a 50-gallon tall power-vent natural-gas model with a 50,000 BTU burner and 97-gallon first-hour rating. The manufacturer also lists power-vent installation through the wall or roof up to 180 feet under its specified installation configuration.

Relevant Certification / Standards

The product uses electronic gas controls and the manufacturer’s specified safety systems. Installation must comply with applicable fuel-gas, plumbing and building codes.

Important Limitations

• Requires electrical power.
• More complex than atmospheric venting.
• Exact operating efficiency should be verified from the current Energy Guide for the model.
• Vent configuration must follow the manufacturer’s approved limits.

Who Should Buy It

Homeowners who need the venting flexibility of a power-vent water heater and want a conventional 50-gallon storage tank.

Who Shouldn’t Buy It

If the existing home already has a perfectly suitable atmospheric vent and the lowest installation cost is the priority, an atmospheric model may be more appropriate.

Maintenance Considerations

Maintain the burner, electronic controls, venting system, anode and tank according to A. O. Smith’s instructions.

Product Information

Check A. O. Smith’s current product listing for availability and exact model documentation.

For limited-space installations, see Best Water Heaters for Limited Space.