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Heater Types

Heat Pump Water HeatersHigh-efficiency electric replacements and hybrid tanks.Condensing Tankless Water HeatersCondensing whole-home flow with venting constraints.Gas Tank Water HeatersStraight swaps when gas storage is still the fit.

Plan Your Swap

Sizing guideCapacity, first-hour rating, and temperature-rise fit.Accessories hubInstall extras, code-adjacent parts, and paid-link accessory picks.Upgrade from NHP50Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from NHP65Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from NHP80Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from NPE 210S2Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from PROE50 T2 RH95Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.HPTA 50 2 vs HPTA 80 2Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.HPTS 50 2 vs NHP50Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.NHP120 vs PROPH80 T2 RH400 30Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.NPE 210S2 vs NPE 240S2Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.

Guides & Data

California heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Colorado heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Massachusetts heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Oregon heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Washington heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.DOE 2029 standardsWhat changes in 2029 and which product classes move first.

Brands

A.O. Smith Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Bradford White Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Navien Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Noritz Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Rheem Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Rinnai Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Takagi Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.
Type guide

Gas Tank Water Heaters

Live gas tank water heater models, compared by efficiency, size, and install needs.
A gas storage water heater keeps a tank of water hot at all times using a gas burner located beneath the...
First cuts Model tables Install context
Models2
Brands1
UEF0.64 to 0.65
Capacity40 gal, 50 gal
A gas storage water heater keeps a tank of water hot at all times using a gas burner located beneath the tank. Start by checking physical fit, then compare efficiency across the models below. Sizing guide

What to know

Best for

Budget-conscious homeowners with existing gas service who need a straightforward replacement. Good for homes with moderate hot water demand (2-4 people) where low upfront cost is the priority. Also suitable where natural gas is significantly cheaper than electricity.

Not ideal for

Energy-conscious buyers focused on long-term savings, as the low efficiency makes operating costs higher over the unit's life. Not ideal for large households that frequently run out of hot water or homes pursuing electrification. The DOE 2029 standards will significantly limit new gas tank options.

Advantages

  • Lowest upfront cost of any water heater type, typically $500-$1,200 for equipment
  • Simple, well-understood technology with wide availability of parts and service technicians
  • Fast recovery rate, a 40-gallon tank can reheat fully in about 30-40 minutes
  • Works without electricity in pilot-lit models, providing hot water during power outages
  • Compatible with existing gas infrastructure in most homes without modifications

Trade-offs

  • Lowest efficiency of any modern water heater type, with standby heat loss 24/7
  • Shorter lifespan of 8-12 years due to constant heating and tank corrosion
  • Combustion produces CO2 and carries a small risk of carbon monoxide if not properly vented
  • Requires adequate combustion air supply and proper venting, limiting installation locations
  • Can run out of hot water during heavy simultaneous use since capacity is limited to tank size

Is this the right type?

Good fitThis type works when
Budget-conscious homeowners with existing gas service who need a straightforward replacement.
Poor fitConsider a different type if
Energy-conscious buyers focused on long-term savings, as the low efficiency makes operating costs higher over the unit's life.
Open nextCompare against heat pumps
If operating cost matters more than keeping the same fuel type, see how heat pump models compare.
See the heat pump guide
40-gallon models for 1 to 2 people.

40-gallon models

ModelBrandUEFFHRHeightEst. Cost/yr
XG40T09HE40U0Rheem0.6581 gal63.75"~$358
50-gallon models for the most common residential size, best for 1 to 3 people.

50-gallon models

ModelBrandUEFFHRHeightEst. Cost/yr
XG50T09HE40U0Rheem0.6477 gal62.75"~$363
Installation accessories for gas tank water heater setups. Full accessories list
DOE 2029 standards: DOE 2029 standards increase minimum UEF requirements for gas storage water heaters. Standard atmospheric models may no longer meet requirements at common sizes, pushing the market toward power-vent, direct-vent, and condensing gas tank models. Full DOE 2029 analysis

Installation requirements

What installation involves

Electrical: None for standing pilot models. Electronic ignition models require a 120V outlet. Venting: Atmospheric models use Type B double-wall metal vent pipe with natural draft. Power-vent and direct-vent models use PVC or metal with a fan-assisted exhaust. Proper draft and combustion air supply required per NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1. Space: Floor-standing tank roughly 20-24 inches in diameter and 48-60 inches tall. Needs clearance from combustible materials per local code, typically 1-6 inches on sides depending on model. Other: Combustion air supply per code, either from the room or via dedicated air ducts. Drip leg (sediment trap) on the gas supply line. Temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve with discharge pipe to within 6 inches of the floor or exterior. Seismic strapping required in earthquake zones.

Equipment typically costs $500 - $1,200. Installed cost including labor and materials: $1,200 - $2,500.

Other water heater types
Tools
Sources. Performance: ENERGY STAR. Specs: manufacturer spec sheets. Cost: EIA, Dec 2025, US avg. Regulatory: DOE 10 CFR 430.