Where the Ruud PROG40-36P RU62 fits
The PROG40-36P RU62 is the 36,000-BTU/h propane version of Ruud’s standard tall 40-gallon atmospheric heater. It lists 38 gallons of rated storage, an 84-gallon first-hour rating and 0.66 UEF. It is a useful comparison when an existing propane tank runs short during busy periods, but the gas supply and physical fit still come first.
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.
PROG40-36P RU62 specifications
| Exact model | PROG40-36P RU62 |
|---|---|
| Fuel and venting | Propane; atmospheric natural draft |
| Nominal capacity / rated storage | 40 gallons / 38 gallons |
| Gas input | 36,000 BTU/h |
| First-hour rating | 84 gallons |
| Recovery | 36.3 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 32,000-BTU PROG40-32P RU62 lists a 67-gallon first-hour rating and measures 18½ inches in diameter with a 61½-inch vent height. This 36,000-BTU model raises the first-hour figure to 84 gallons and measures 19½ inches by 63¼ inches to the vent. The 50-gallon PROG50-36P RU62 offers 48 gallons of rated storage and a 76-gallon first-hour rating. Compare those figures together instead of choosing from capacity alone.
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
Moving from the smaller 32,000-BTU propane model to this one adds an inch of tank diameter and 1¾ inches of vent height. That can change pan selection, piping alignment and the room available around the heater. We also check the propane supply arrangement for the selected input and the demand from other appliances.
Order this factory propane model for an LP supply. A similar-looking natural gas unit is a different configuration; the manual prohibits changing the heater to another fuel. WHE reviews the propane supply, regulator arrangement and connected appliance demand as part of the installation assessment.
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 is recovery listed as 36.3 GPH instead of 36.4?
The October 2025 Ruud sheet specifically gives PROG40-36P RU62 a 36.3-GPH recovery rate at a 90°F rise. Some other 36,000-BTU rows list 36.4 GPH. This guide retains the value in this exact model’s row rather than substituting a neighboring model’s figure.
Is PROG40-36P RU62 natural gas or propane?
This exact model is propane, with 36,000 BTU/h input. For the other fuel, compare Ruud PROG40-40N 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.