Is the Rheem PROG40-40N RH62 right for your replacement?
The Rheem PROG40-40N RH62 is a tall Professional Classic atmospheric water heater for natural gas. It is a candidate for a conventional gas-tank replacement where the fuel supply, combustion air and natural-draft vent can be made suitable. WHE checks those conditions alongside household hot-water demand before recommending it for a home in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter or nearby communities.
The complete model number matters. Rheem offers several 40-gallon atmospheric models with different burner inputs, dimensions and delivery ratings. This guide covers the 40,000 BTU/h natural-gas version, not the lower-input models or propane versions.
Storage, burner input and hot-water delivery
Rheem’s May 2024 specification sheet lists 40 gallons nominal capacity, 38 gallons rated storage, 40,000 BTU/h input, 0.66 UEF and an 84-gallon first-hour rating. Published recovery is 40.4 gallons per hour at a 90°F temperature rise. First-hour delivery is a standardized test result that combines stored hot water and recovery; it is not the tank’s volume.
WHE asks when hot water runs short, which fixtures overlap and whether a bathtub creates a large single draw. Those details help evaluate delivery more usefully than the gallon label alone. Actual results depend on inlet temperature, settings, flow and the pattern of use.
Dimensions and installation fit
The tank measures 60 inches high by 19½ inches in diameter. Rheem lists 63¼ inches to the vent connection, a 14-inch gas-connection height and a 53½-inch height to the side relief-valve connection. The two top water connections are 8 inches apart and use ¾-inch connections; the drawing shows a ½-inch gas connection. Approximate shipping weight is 135 pounds.
The vent height needs special attention when an older heater sits under a low ceiling or an existing vent connector. WHE checks the access opening, draft hood, connector alignment, water piping, drain-pan space where required and access to the burner, controls and anode. Published tank dimensions do not include the complete working envelope.
Natural-draft venting, gas supply and controls
The linked US manual identifies this as a Category I natural-draft appliance that requires the supplied draft hood and a suitable vent to the outdoors. Its specification row lists a 3- or 4-inch vent; the selected size depends on the supplied hood and the full vent design. That listing is not permission to reuse any existing pipe without checking it.
WHE reviews combustion-air openings, vent condition and sizing, draft, gas pressure, supply capacity, shutoff access and connections. A power-vent or direct-vent heater has a different installation arrangement. The manual shows a pilot and piezo ignition system; this atmospheric design has no electric vent blower. We verify the supplied controls and any separate powered accessories during the replacement review.
This is a natural-gas model. Rheem’s manual warns against converting the heater to another gas type and states that this heater is not suitable for manufactured/mobile homes. WHE confirms the equipment label and application before ordering, and evaluates the relief discharge, water pressure and thermal expansion as part of the plumbing work.
How it compares with other Rheem 40-gallon models
The PROG40-36N RH62 has the same 38 gallons rated storage, but its listed input is 36,000 BTU/h, first-hour rating is 64 gallons and UEF is 0.58. Its tank is 58½ inches high and 19 inches in diameter. This PROG40-40N RH62 therefore changes both the published performance and the installation dimensions; the models are not interchangeable simply because both say 40 gallons.
The shorter PROG40S-40N RH62 also lists 38 gallons rated storage and 40,000 BTU/h input, but its first-hour rating is 66 gallons. Its tank is 50½ inches high and 23 inches in diameter. That wider, lower profile may address a height constraint, while requiring a separate sizing and vent review.
Maintenance and limited warranty
Rheem lists its Guardian combustion safety system, protective tank lining, anode rod, sediment-reduction features and brass drain valve. The series’ filter-free combustion system does not make the entire heater maintenance-free. The manual calls for inspection of the venting and burner; WHE also considers sediment, anode condition and access for service.
The standard listing is a six-year limited tank-and-parts warranty, subject to the applicable Residential Warranty Certificate. Optional ProtectionPlus tank coverage is not automatically included. WHE confirms equipment availability, the installed price and any separate installation coverage in the estimate rather than treating the manufacturer’s tank-and-parts term as labor coverage.
Manufacturer references: Rheem PROG40-40N RH62 product page, PROG RH N COMBO Rev. 7 specification sheet, May 2024 and US use and care manual, AP22543 Rev. 04. The product page’s general description uses older EF figures; this guide uses the exact model’s UEF and delivery ratings from the specification sheet. The image is Rheem’s atmospheric-series photo; appearance can vary by model.
PROG40-40N RH62 frequently asked questions
Is PROG40-40N RH62 natural gas or propane?
This exact model is natural gas. Rheem lists propane versions under different model numbers. The manual warns against changing the heater to a fuel different from its rating plate.
What is the difference between its 60-inch and 63¼-inch heights?
The tank itself is 60 inches high; Rheem lists 63¼ inches to the vent connection. The installed vent, water piping and required clearances need additional space.
Does the 84-gallon first-hour rating mean it holds 84 gallons?
No. The nominal capacity is 40 gallons and rated storage is 38 gallons. First-hour rating includes stored hot water and recovery under standardized test conditions.
Can it use my existing power-vent setup?
Compatibility cannot be assumed. This is a Category I natural-draft heater with a draft hood, not a power-vent model. WHE reviews the complete vent system and combustion-air supply before recommending a replacement.
Is a ten-year warranty included?
The standard listing is a six-year limited tank-and-parts warranty, subject to the applicable certificate. ProtectionPlus is an optional tank-warranty extension, not automatic ten-year coverage or a promise of installation labor.
Request a WHE gas water heater estimate
For faster service, text photos of the existing model label, gas connection, vent and surrounding space to 561-602-9062. WHE can evaluate gas water heater replacement options and explain the proposed work before confirming equipment or pricing. Use the estimate button above to start your request.