Where the Ruud PROG40-40N RU62 fits
Ruud’s 40,000-BTU/h tall natural gas option pairs a 40-gallon nominal tank with an 84-gallon first-hour rating. It has a different body size from the 36,000- and 38,000-BTU versions. This is worth comparing when peak demand is the issue, provided the taller vent connection and gas supply suit the property.
The photograph is Ruud’s representative tall Atmospheric family image. It shows the standard side-T&P arrangement; the exact dimensions and burner rating come from the model row below.
PROG40-40N RU62 specifications
| Exact model | PROG40-40N RU62 |
|---|---|
| Fuel and venting | Natural Gas; atmospheric natural draft |
| Nominal capacity / rated storage | 40 gallons / 38 gallons |
| Gas input | 40,000 BTU/h |
| First-hour rating | 84 gallons |
| Recovery | 40.4 gallons per hour at a 90°F temperature rise |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.66 |
| A — height to vent | 63¼ inches |
| B — tank height | 60 inches |
| C — tank diameter | 19½ inches |
| D — height to gas connection | 14 inches |
| E — listed vent size | 3 or 4 inches; final vent sizing requires installation review |
| F — water-connection centers | 8 inches |
| G — height to side T&P valve | 53½ inches |
| H — water-connection size | ¾ inch |
| Shipping weight | 135 lb; not filled operating weight |
| Base limited warranty | 6-year tank and parts; eligibility and exclusions apply |
Hot-water demand and comparable models
The PROG40-36N RU62 and PROG40-38N RU62 each list 64 gallons in the first hour; this model lists 84. Its 63¼-inch vent height and 19½-inch diameter are larger than their 61½-inch and 19-inch dimensions. Also compare the 50-gallon PROG50-40N RU62: it adds rated storage but lists a 76-gallon first-hour rating. A larger nominal tank therefore does not automatically mean a higher tested first-hour figure.
First-hour rating combines stored hot water and recovery under a standardized test. It is not a promise of continuous delivery at that rate. Tell us about back-to-back showers, tub filling and appliances used at the same time so we can compare the heater with your actual peak demand. Incoming water temperature and fixture flow also affect the result.
Fit, gas supply and atmospheric venting
The 60-inch tank height is not the complete height to plan around. Ruud’s drawing places the vent connection at 63¼ inches, before allowing for the vent connector and the rest of the installation. We check the existing connection height and route instead of assuming the old 40-gallon heater’s vent can stay in exactly the same position.
Order the factory natural gas version and verify that fuel on the delivered rating plate. A propane heater is a separate configuration, even when its tank looks similar. WHE checks the available gas supply against the selected input and the other appliances; the manual prohibits changing the heater to another fuel.
This atmospheric heater uses natural draft through a suitable vent system. WHE checks the draft hood, connector, complete vent route, combustion-air supply and any shared appliances. The sheet’s “3 or 4 inches” entry is not a stand-alone instruction to pick either pipe size. A power-vent or direct-vent installation needs a separate suitability review.
This guide covers the standard side-T&P model with top water connections. It does not specify the separate TT top-relief-valve or AX side-water-connection version. We plan the relief discharge, shutoffs, thermal-expansion provisions and any pan or drainage work around the actual installation.
Care, features and warranty
The family includes Ruud’s Guardian combustion shut-off system, a low-NOx burner, an anode rod and a brass drain valve. “Low NOx” does not mean ultra-low NOx, and the combustion shut-off feature is not a water-leak shutoff. Keep the air openings and service areas accessible and follow the supplied maintenance instructions. Sediment-control features do not eliminate maintenance.
Ruud lists a six-year limited tank and parts warranty. The linked residential certificate distinguishes eligible single-family use from other installations and excludes labor and reinstallation costs. Keep the purchase record, model and serial number. ProtectionPlus is an optional tank-warranty extension; it is not included base coverage or an automatic extension of parts and labor. Confirm the certificate supplied with the unit.
Which manufacturer figures this guide uses
Specifications here follow Ruud’s October 2025 sheet, RU-PROA-ATM-SS-10.25. The family web table still uses an older Energy Factor column. Those EF figures are not interchangeable with the UEF values in the current sheet. Confirm the delivered rating plate, EnergyGuide and supplied instructions before installation.
Frequently asked questions
Why compare this 40-gallon heater with a 50-gallon model?
This model lists an 84-gallon first-hour rating, while PROG50-40N RU62 lists 76 gallons and has more stored water. Storage and first-hour delivery describe different things. The better fit depends on the actual draw pattern, installation space and recovery needs.
Is PROG40-40N RU62 natural gas or propane?
This exact model is natural gas, with 40,000 BTU/h input. For the other fuel, compare Ruud PROG40-36P RU62 as a separate selection. Do not assume equal dimensions or performance, and do not convert this heater to another fuel.
Does a 40-gallon label mean 40 gallons of rated storage?
No. Ruud lists 40 gallons nominal and 38 gallons rated storage for this model. Its 84-gallon first-hour rating is a separate performance measure that includes recovery during testing.
How much height does this tall model need?
The tank itself is 60 inches high; the drawing lists 63¼ inches to the vent. The installation also needs space for venting, water piping and service. Those dimensions alone do not establish the required enclosure height or clearances.
Can WHE quote a replacement from photos?
Clear photos of the data plate, entire heater, vent, gas connection and surrounding space help us start. We confirm the fuel, fit, demand and installation scope before finalizing equipment and pricing. An existing 40-gallon tank alone does not establish compatibility.
Plan a Ruud replacement with WHE
Water Heating Experts helps homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and nearby Palm Beach County communities compare equipment and installation needs. See our gas water heater installation service, Ruud model guides and complete model catalog. Include the full model number when requesting an estimate so the proposed fuel, burner and connection arrangement are clear.
Official Ruud documents
- Professional Achiever Atmospheric family page
- Specification sheet RU-PROA-ATM-SS-10.25, October 2025 (model table on page 2)
- Residential gas FVIR use and care manual AP14328-5, May 2017
- Residential six-year limited warranty certificate AP16826-2
Specifications checked October 17, 2026. Use the instructions and warranty supplied with the delivered heater.