Rheem is one of the most trusted names in water heaters, and this 40-gallon model is one of their top gas-powered options. There are many advantages to installing a gas-powered water heater. This includes having more hot water at a lower operating cost – something that this model excels in. The Rheem 40 gallon gas water heater from the Professional Classic Atmospheric series is a smart choice for residential properties. It works fast, has a decent capacity, and will save plenty of power in the long run.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at this gas-powered model and explore some of the features that make it stand out.

About The Rheem 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater

The Rheem 40 gallon gas water heater appeals to those that want to cut down on their power usage. Electric water heaters can be responsible for a major portion of electric bills. However, gas heaters often provide a more efficient solution with lower operating costs. This specific model is particularly good in this field.

This model is a newer version which replaces the old model number 42VR40-40F. It takes the benefits of a gas-powered heater with a decent water tank capacity and refines it with a few modernized features.

This unit has a .58 – .66 UEF efficiency. Basically, this means more hot water by using less gas. The product is also designed to be more eco-friendly than previous Rheem water heaters. The heaters burner has a low NOx design, and it meets the 40 ng/J NOx requirements. This means that the system produces notably low emissions, so it is a wise choice for home use.

The heater has a 40-gallon capacity, as well as a recovery rate of 30.3 – 40.4 GPH. This is at a 90°F rise – depending on the model. The 40-gallon capacity is the second largest in this Rheem range, and it should provide enough hot water for most residential homes.

Another thing to highlight about this model is its strong and lasting build. This water heater uses a Rheem exclusive R-Tech (registered) premium grade anode rod. This has been designed to provide the tank with long-lasting protection. In fact, Rheem offers a 6-year warranty on this product.

Stand Out Features

Eco-Friendly Burner

The main reason to invest in a gas-powered water heater is that you can save big on the electrical bill. Gas is a very efficient option as it heats up fast and is generally more affordable than electricity. However, the problem that many gas-powered models face is bad emissions.

This is one of the areas where this Rheem water heater shines. It has a low NOx design which makes it a more environmentally-friendly option. This unit meets the 40 ng/J NOx requirements with its low emission burner. This way, you get to enjoy the power and efficiency of gas, without having to worry about the negative environmental footprint.

Guardian System and Sensor

This model has an exclusive guardian system and sensor that can only be found in Rheem water heaters. This handy feature helps to protect the unit, allowing for a longer and more efficient lifespan. It also makes the product safer to use.

The guardian system is an exclusive air/fuel shut-off device. This is a specialized, protective control system that disables the system in the presence of flammable vapor accumulation. People often worry about the dangers of a gas-powered heater – luckily this system makes this product safer.

On top of this, the lack of filter makes it totally maintenance-free as there is nothing to clean.

Efficiency and Performance

When looking for a water heating system, you will need to understand its efficiency, and how well it performs. Basically, this refers to how much water it can heat up at what rate. As this model is limited to 40 gallons, you will want a system that can quickly restore itself.

The Rheem 40 gallon gas water heater has a first-hour rating (FHR) of 51 – 87 gallons. The FHR refers to the number of gallons that the unit can supply per hour, with a full tank. The recovery rate on this is 30.3 to 40.4 gallons per hour. This is through a rise of 90°F.

Basically, this heating system provides a steady flow of heated water while in use. Households of 2 – 4 people should enjoy plenty of hot water with this heating system in place.

Long Lifespan

A standout feature of the Rheem 40 gallon gas heater is its impressive lifespan. This is thanks to the quality materials used, as well as the durable design of its heating elements. The anode rod used in the system is made using premium grade materials. This helps to provide the tank with long-lasting protection.

This Rheem model also has a unique EverKleen patented system installed. This system helps to prevent sediment build-up in the tank. This means less need for maintenance and a cleaner, longer-lasting tank.

As mentioned, Rheem offers a 6-year limited warranty on this product too. All replacement parts are standard, making any potential repairs easy to accomplish.

Tank Capacity

When choosing the right water heating product for your home, the size of the tank is always an important consideration. This model has a capacity of 40 gallons of on-demand hot water. A 40-gallon tank is ideal for homes with 2 – 4 people – providing plenty of hot water in residential environments.

Other Features

As a gas-fueled model, this product really provides a seamless experience. No matches are required for igniting the system, making it easy to use and ignite. There is also an enhanced flow brass drain valve which is superior to many other comparable units. The product includes a temperature and pressure relief valve, and it is low lead compliant.

What We Like

• It has a good capacity for a residential heating system, as well as a pretty impressive recovery rate
• An eco-friendly burner with low emissions
• Comes with a specialized protective control system
• Easy to ignite and use
• Has a longer lifespan than many other comparable gas heaters
• Operates at a lower cost than many other water heaters
• Comes with a temperature and pressure relief valve
• Includes a 6-year limited warranty by Rheem
• No filter to clean

Minor Drawbacks

• Many people may prefer the ease of an electric hot water system
• The tank is pretty tall and bulky

How To Use The Rheem 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater

Gas-Powered

One of the first things to consider when buying a new water heating product is what kind of power source to choose. This model is gas-powered – providing its own set of benefits. When using a gas-powered product, you will need to ignite the system to get it heating. Many older gas units require a very manual igniting process.

With the Rheem 40G gas heater for water, no matches are required. The system has its own easy igniting button. This takes away much effort usually required with gas-fueled models. Simply hit the ignite button and the system gets going.

Benefits of this include:

• No matches required – making the product quick and easy to ignite
• It is safe to use
• Gas power saves money over the long run
• No electricity is needed to keep your water hot

Installation

When installing this Rheem water heater, you will require a fair amount of space. The tank is 20 x 20 x 50 inches and weighs 135 pounds. Having a tank model is generally preferred by larger households, as opposed to a tankless water heater.

This Rheem model will definitely require professional installation, as gas-powered heaters can also be more difficult to fit into place than tankless water heaters. There are also certain codes and possible dangers involved. Professional installation is also necessary for the warranty to be effective.

While the product is pretty tall, installing a tank water heater allows you to:

• Have 40 gallons of hot water ready to go
• The water can spread out better across the house
• Gas tank models can also heat up fast

Operating

The heater simply needs to be ignited and it is ready to supply your home with hot water. When in operation, it produces significantly low emissions through its eco-friendly burner. When it comes to back to back showers, the 40-gallon tank only really accommodates for one. However, the recovery rate and efficiency of this model is good enough to keep a household of 4 happy and well-supplied.

Some benefits of operating gas-powered water heaters include:

• Cheaper operating costs
• Fast working
• An efficient heating solution

Similar On The Market

The AO Smith Gas Heater XCR-50 is a good model to compare to the Rheem 40 gallon gas water heater. This product is also gas-powered, features some great energy-saving technology, and is built with durable, quality materials.

The AO Smith does have a slightly larger capacity of 50 gallons. This makes it a better choice for homes with a greater hot water need. This heating system uses Dynaclean technology to prevent sediment buildup, has a corrosion-resistant lining, and a more eco-friendly natural gas burner.

Final Thoughts

The Rheem 40 gallon gas water heater is a smart choice for many homes. As outlined in this review, this unit provides great power at a lower cost than many other water heaters. As far as gas heaters go, this model is eco-friendly and works efficiently. While this unit is of a fairly simple design, it provides a decent volume of hot water at a good rate. It is easy to use, easy to maintain, and should provide a long lifespan. So, when it comes to looking for a good water heater, Rheem’s 40G gas model is an excellent choice for medium-sized homes.

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