Exploring Popular Rheem Power Vent Water Heaters

Rheem power vent water heaters (PV) are designed to heat water in the same way as conventional atmospheric type, but the products of combustion are blown out with a small fan, instead of rising upwards naturally through the pipes. Check out the main features and high-efficiency models.

Power vented heaters are more expensive than the models using natural draft or direct vent, while the installation is much more flexible since the vent pipes are longer and can be installed horizontally through the outside wall or vertically through the roof. Since the heater uses the electrically-powered fan, the vent pipes can be made of plastic, such as PVC, which is cheaper than metal as found in atmospheric models.

Power venting system allows flexible installation where the vents can run up to 100 ft., vertically or horizontally and are made of PVC, ABS or CPVC.

Most of the models are factory built to use natural gas, but with the appropriate conversion kit, heaters can also use propane gas.

The main features found in PV units are the Guardian System, which utilizes the Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance system (FVIR), with the flame arrestor plate that prevents ignition of flammable vapors outside the gas combustion chamber, and the air filtration that reduces clogging. The system saves you money and time since there are no filters to clean.

Rheem power vented water heaters have the self-diagnostic system incorporated, which allows easier installation and troubleshooting. The EverKleen system is a self-cleaning system where specially designed dip tube creates turbulent water flow. This is what reduces the sediment build-up inside the tank, reduces the operational costs, and provides more hot water.

Model review

Performance 50 Gal. Tall 6 Year 42,000 BTU Natural Gas Power Vent Tank Water Heater (sold by Home Depot)

• Professional Classic Plus Power Vent
• Professional Classic Plus Power Vent Heavy Duty
• Professional Classic Power Vent Ultra Lox NOx
• Professional Classic Power Vent
• Performance Series Power Vent (US only)
• Performance Series Power Vent High Demand (US only)

* For the propane models change N to P or XG to XP depending on the model.

S - stands for short (example: PROG40S)

Summary of the main features

• Energy Star compliance for EF>0.67
• Self-diagnostic system for better service and monitoring
• Eco-friendly gas burner with low NOx emission. Professional Classic PV Ultra Lox NOx model utilizes Ultra Lox NOx radiant burner made of stainless steel
• Guardian System for maintenance free and safe operation
• Robust and reliable Silicon Nitride Ignitor on all models except Professional Classic PV Ultra Lox NOx which utilizes spark to pilot ignitor
• EverKleen tank protection against sediment build-up

Rheem power vent water heaters are ideal for homes where there is no chimney and is hard to establish a natural draft, and in homes that are built as energy efficient. The above models are ideal for mid-size homes as Rheem mainly offers popular sizes with the 40 and 50-gal tank capacity, while if more hot water is needed, there are high demand units with 75-gal capacity.

For those customers who live in the area with the stricter environmental regulations, ultra-low NOx models are those to look for. Most of the models are Energy Star compliant, providing greater savings and tax breaks where applicable.

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