The 40-Gallon gas water heater is the most common sized water heater for residential homes. It is the perfect size for most families, and the durability of a gas water heater is something everyone can appreciate.
If you are looking for minimal maintenance and a reliable, durable natural gas water heater, finding the best 40-Gallon gas water heater should be paramount. Every homeowner should consider many options to choose from and factors.
Highlighted 40-Gallon Water Heaters Mentioned:
- AO Smith GCR 40 ProMax – Best For 3-4 Person Households
- Bradford White 40 – Longest Lasting Model
- Noritz EZTR40NG – Best Tankless
Throughout this article, I will highlight the essential characteristics of many of the natural gas water heaters I have installed over the years and point out several things that should be considered when choosing the perfect 40-Gallon gas water heater.
Everybody will have different requirements and limitations due to their specific family size, space availability, and installation requirements. Still, we are confident that a 40-Gallon water gas heater will work for you.
How I Choose The Best 40-Gallon Water Heaters – Methods For Testing
I have some essential criteria that I look for when I install and use 40-gallon water heaters, which include:
- Value
- Ease Of Installation
- Time To Heat
- Materials
- Warranty/Support/Customer Satisfaction
- Longevity
40 Gallon Gas Water Heater Reviews
If I ever get behind a camera, I would basically say what the twins have to say about these 3 water heater brands here. Like them, I’ve installed all 3 and have had similar results.
| Feature | AO Smith GCR 40 ProMax | Bradford White 40 | Rheem PROG40-38N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gas-powered tank | Gas-powered tank | Gas-powered tank |
| Capacity | 40 gallons | 40 gallons | 40 gallons |
| Energy efficiency | 0.62 EF | 0.62 EF | 0.62 EF |
| Recovery rate | 41 gallons/hr | 41 gallons/hr | 38.4 gallons/hr |
| Venting | Atmospheric | Power vent | Atmospheric |
| Warranty | 6-year limited | 6-year limited | 6-year limited |
As you can see, the three water heaters mentioned in the video are gas-powered tanks with 40-gallon capacities and similar energy efficiency ratings. The Bradford White has a power vent, which could be useful for homes with limited venting options, while the AO Smith and Rheem both have atmospheric venting. The Rheem has a slightly lower recovery rate than the other two, but its energy efficiency rating is still the same. Finally, all three water heaters have a 6-year limited warranty.
Now let’s take a deeper dive into each of these best 40-gallon water heaters.
1. Bradford White 40 Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
The Bradford White 40-Gallon natural gas water heater is a more reliable gas water heater today. Made in the USA using high-quality materials.
One of the best features from Bradford is their self-cleaning system which they call the Hydro Jet System, which forces hot water through a slim tube each time you drain your tank. This prevents calcium and sentiment build-up. No other manufacturer has a self-cleaning system like this, so you can expect longer life out of this unit.
Every component of this gas water heater is made from brass or stainless steel and is heavy-duty. I have not once had an issue with the durability of the parts on this gas water heater.
One of my favorite external features of this 40-Gallon gas water heater is the LED-Indicator light.
Fewer models will often have an LED-light indicator to identify error codes. But they are often hard to understand, or the light is not bright enough. The Bradford White model’s green LED is bright, and the error code cadence is easily identified.
Why I Love It
- All the water connectors and valves are metal, which is excellent for durability.
- Exclusive Hydro Jet Self-Cleaning System – Best in the market
- The LED status indicator is easy to see, and the cadences are easily distinguished.
- There is a resettable thermal switch that helps with safety when there is an explosive vapor present.
- The sight window that allows you to view the ignitor and thermocouple is comprehensive and easy to open and close when servicing the unit.
- This natural gas water heater swiftly responds to hot water requests within the home.
- Great customer service
- Made in USA
Keep In Mind
I noticed that this unit’s tank dents easier than other comparable systems.
2. A.O. Smith GCR-40 ProMax Plus 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater
A.O. Smith is one of our favorite brands of water heating systems mainly because it does not cause as many water heater issues as other brands. They constantly strive to include small, user-friendly details that will give you peace of mind that your water heater will be there for you when you need it.
This 40-Gallon gas water heater is a tank; it is so solid and durable that I have no worries about durability with this system. While the tank is hefty, you will no longer have to worry about it once it is in place.
It runs extremely quiet for a 40-Gallon gas water heater, and the efficiency certification from the NAECA gives me peace of mind knowing I am not wasting energy or water. This natural gas water heater is excellent for any home, but it would excel in an area with a water supply on the harder side.
The glass-lined interior helps combat corrosion, and the Dynaclean diffuser fights off limescale build-up and sediment issues.
Why We Love It
- A microprocessor allows for precise temperature sensing and a faster heating response.
- The relief valves and fixtures are all made from brass, the most durable material.
- Thanks to the Dynaclean diffuser dip tube, there is hardly any sediment or lime buildup.
- Since this is a direct venting model, it draws clean air from outside to help ventilate gas.
- We were impressed by the low noise level with the A.O. Smith System for a gas water heater.
Keep In Mind
- Burner is known to go bad faster than others
3. Noritz EZTR4ONG 40 Gal Indoor Tankless Water Heater
The Noritz Tankless water heater was truly ahead of its time. With a maximum water capacity of 6.6 GPM, this is one of today’s most popular 40-Gallon gas water heater replacements.
You will see many benefits with this tankless gas water heater, but the noise level is the most noticeable.
Standard 40-Gallon gas water heaters can be extremely loud, especially if they require power venting exhaust. With the Noritz system, you will not hear a thing; for the first few weeks you have it, you will wonder if it is running.
While this unit is cumbersome for a 40-Gallon gas water heater equivalent, you will not have to worry about durability.
All the components are solid, and you will not see any plastic components either.
The beauty of the tankless water heater is that you will never run out of hot water; the Noritz proves this theory right away.
Why We Love It
- This tank is much lighter than other 40-Gallon natural gas water heaters!
- The gas valve is quick-reacting and has safety features to ensure no excess gas remains in the unit.
- Multiple features within this system help fight tank corrosion, which we appreciate.
- There is hardly any maintenance with this gas water heater.
Keep In Mind
The pilot light ignition was tricky to get lit, but eventually, we got there.
4. Rheem PROG40-38N RH59 Natural Gas Water Heater
The Proline 40-Gallon gas water heater is popular for many homeowners, especially those with more complicated venting pipes.
Often, condo buildings and apartments will have water heaters placed in precarious spots making it very difficult for gas to be expelled properly.
To combat this, the Proline XE features a powered exhaust fan that pushes gas out with strong force rather than the atmospheric style we have seen. This exhaust fan was quiet and kicked in immediately, which we were impressed by.
The tank itself features a few features that help combat water hardness and sediment buildup. These are great because you will have overall better water, and they will elongate the gas water heater.
All the components are made from brass, which is the best choice for durability and ease of use. Plastic valves can get stuck easily, and this brass valve features a ÂĽ-inch flathead screw that allows you to tighten and loosen the valve quickly. With this, you could accidentally bump the valve, which will not open, causing unnecessary leaks!
Why I Love It
- This gas water heater has a hot surface ignitor rather than a pilot light and is much more reliable.
- The drain valve is made entirely from brass, always preferred over plastic.
- A self-cleaning dip tube prevents the buildup of sediment and limescale.
- The anode rod is sacrificial and does a great job of reducing hard water levels within the tank.
Keep In Mind
- The warranty is six years and is Pro-Rated, lower than many others
- Cheap Thermostat
- Made in Mexico
- Pro-Rated Warranty
Is a 40-Gallon Water Heater Enough?
This depends entirely on the size of your family and the amount of hot water used daily. There are far more appliances throughout the home that rely on hot water than many people realize, but the reality is that these appliances are not run every day and use much less water than the shower.
For MANY homes, a 40-Gallon water heater is more than enough to handle the typical capacity of many homes.
You first need to consider the number of people in your home. The more people in your home, the higher the hot water demand.
I always suggest to my clients that if you have four or fewer people in the home, a 40-Gallon water heater is more than enough, and the benefits from the smaller tank will benefit you more than having water your capacity you do not need. If your water demand is higher or you have 5+ people in the home, you may want to consider a more extensive gas water heater.
40-Gallon Gas Water Heater Prices
Another benefit of the 40-Gallon natural gas water heater is the up-front cost. They are far more affordable than larger-capacity water heaters, but it is essential to remember that gas water heaters, in general, are more expensive than their electric counterparts.
However, the operating costs of gas water heaters are much less than electric water heaters and outweigh the up-front savings in most cases.
Depending on the BTU maximum rating and the quality of the valve, you will see a lot of variation in prices for 40-Gallon natural gas water heaters.
The water heater is one of the essential home appliances, and you will be highly surprised by how often you rely on your water heater.
Finding the perfectly priced water heater for you is essential, but there are numerous safety features that you will find in the higher-priced 40-Gallon gas water heaters that are worth it for most homes.
How long to heat a 40-Gallon gas water heater?
The time associated with heating the water in a 40-Gallon gas water heater can be dictated by the BTU rating that comes with a gas water heater. The British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating of 40-Gallon gas water heaters is around 34,000 BTUs. A higher BTU rating means more power is associated with the burner, and the critical part is that it will heat up faster.
Because the gas water heater is typically slower to provide hot water than a tankless system or electric system, having a higher BTU rating will allow for less wasted water between turning the water on and having hot water be delivered.
You will also want to check the type of burner the water heater possesses. Systems with a pilot light will heat up slower and can cause longer wait times between a hot water valve opening and the hot water delivery. We suggest finding a unit that has a surface ignitor. We find they are quicker to heat, are safer, and require less maintenance.
40-Gallon vs. a 50-Gallon Water Heater For a Family of 4
Overall, 40 and 50-Gallon gas water heaters will be the two main differences. They have the same technology and purpose; the main difference is size and capacity.
The BTU output will often remain steady between the two size variations, and the sediment combatting features will also be uniform between the two sizes.
As mentioned, two areas are distinguishable that are important to understand. The size of a 40-Gallon gas water heater tank is much easier to maneuver and fit into more spaces for installation.
In terms of the 50-Gallon water heater, you will see more water available upfront, and the first-hour rating will typically be more, although this should not be a deciding factor unless you have a VERY large family.
40-Gallon Gas Water Heater Benefits
Easier Installation
The beauty of the 40-Gallon water heater is that you can fit them into tighter spaces much more accessible than a 50-Gallon gas water heater. With the standard water heater with a tank, one of the biggest complaints is that they are tough to fit into some homes.
They are bulky, wide, and heavy. Because of the smaller capacity of a 40-Gallon gas water heater, you can slide it into more spaces and not be as limited in your choices.
The height is one of the most critical aspects of the tank-style water heater installation. There are vent pipes, water pipes, and gas lines running around, and if you have a wicked tall water heater, you will be limited there. Because most 40-Gallon natural gas water heaters are considered “Short” water heaters, they are easier to fit vertically into space.
50-Gallon Gas Water Heater Benefits
First Hour Rating and Capacity
The most significant difference between a 40 and 50-Gallon natural gas water heater is the water capacity and, most notably, the first-hour rate. This rate refers to the amount of hot water available in the first hour the machine is running, assuming the tank is full.
For more prominent families, a 50-Gallon water heater makes it easier to accommodate all the family members and the water they demand daily. The typical family of 4 will have more than enough water capacity with the best 40 Gallon gas water heater. Still, the added capacity of a 50-Gallon water heater makes it better for families with five or more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTU is a 40-Gallon gas water heater?
The most common BTU rating is 34,000, but you will find many options with a higher maximum output. This will usually make the unit slightly more expensive, but the benefits will typically outweigh the up-front costs. The BTU rating will vary between 40-Gallon gas water heaters.
How long can you shower with a 40-Gallon water heater?
To determine the shower length, you must investigate the water heater’s first-hour rating or FHR. This number refers to the amount of hot water that the water heater can produce in running for the first hour.
It is essential to understand that the first-hour rating assumes that the tank portion of the water heater is full. The higher the FHR on a specific unit, the longer your showers will last. The average shower uses 2.1 gallons of hot water per minute. To determine the exact amount of time you will be able to shower comfortably, divide the first-hour rating by 2.1.
Is a 40-Gallon gas water heater enough for a family of 4?
Yes! This is the perfect size for a family of 4. 40-Gallon gas water heaters are more affordable to run when compared to larger models, and the amount of water that a 40-Gallon water heater can produce is more than enough for a typical family of 4.
Assuming each family member takes a standard 8-minute shower, you have enough water to handle all four showers simultaneously!
Conclusion
Natural gas water heaters are still one of the most popular water heating choices globally.
They are reliable, cheap to operate and run, and are the most durable option.
Finding the best 40-Gallon gas water heater is different for everybody involved. Still, once you’ve decided that the 40-Gallon capacity is suitable for you, it is time to determine the functional features you wish to have.
By following our review guide and in-depth buying section, we are confident that you have all the information to determine the perfect 40-Gallon water heater for you. We sincerely thank you for tuning into this article, and we wish you all the best in finding the best 40-Gallon water heater for you.