Where the Ruud PROG40-38N RU62 fits
This 38,000-BTU/h model keeps the same physical envelope as Ruud’s 36,000-BTU tall natural gas option while providing a slightly higher listed recovery rate. It is a 40-gallon nominal heater with 38 gallons of rated storage. The full model number matters because Ruud also offers a larger-bodied 40,000-BTU version in this family.
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.
PROG40-38N RU62 specifications
| Exact model | PROG40-38N RU62 |
|---|---|
| Fuel and venting | Natural Gas; atmospheric natural draft |
| Nominal capacity / rated storage | 40 gallons / 38 gallons |
| Gas input | 38,000 BTU/h |
| First-hour rating | 64 gallons |
| Recovery | 38.4 gallons per hour at a 90°F temperature rise |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.58 |
| A — height to vent | 61½ inches |
| B — tank height | 58½ inches |
| C — tank diameter | 19 inches |
| D — height to gas connection | 14¼ 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 | 52¼ inches |
| H — water-connection size | ¾ inch |
| Shipping weight | 127 lb; not filled operating weight |
| Base limited warranty | 6-year tank and parts; eligibility and exclusions apply |
Hot-water demand and comparable models
Compared with the PROG40-36N RU62, this model increases recovery from 36.4 to 38.4 gallons per hour at a 90°F rise. Both list a 64-gallon first-hour rating and 0.58 UEF. For a larger change in tested first-hour delivery, the PROG40-40N RU62 lists 84 gallons, but its vent height is 1¾ inches greater and its diameter is ½ inch wider. Those differences need to be included in the replacement plan.
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
Matching the 36,000-BTU model’s tank dimensions does not make the gas connection a paperwork-only change. We check the available gas supply for the selected 38,000-BTU input, the other connected appliances and the existing vent arrangement. The delivered heater’s rating plate is the final reference for the fuel and input.
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
Is PROG40-38N RU62 the same as PROG40-38N RU62TT?
No. The TT suffix identifies the separate top-mounted T&P-valve configuration. This guide covers the standard side-T&P model. The valve position affects discharge-pipe routing, so the suffix belongs on the equipment order.
Is PROG40-38N RU62 natural gas or propane?
This exact model is natural gas, with 38,000 BTU/h input. For the other fuel, compare Ruud PROG40-32P 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 64-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 58½ inches high; the drawing lists 61½ 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.