Performance Platinum 50 Gal. Tall 12-Year 38,000 BTU Ultra Low NOx (ULN) Natural Gas Power Damper Tank Water Heater

Bought this because it was energy efficient and had a rebate option from Questar gas. We have had many repairs, all relating to the electronics. We have pretty much replaced all the main parts now, and as we fix one thing the next part fails. Warning, if you buy this you cannot return it to Home Depot, and you have to contact the manufacturer for all repairs. Initially it would not fire up. After working with Rheem and doing a lot of diagnostic at home they send a new burner module with a new thermocouple. Still would not stay lit. Cleaned the thermocouple and it worked for a couple months. Then one day it quit again. After rebooting 3 times it stayed on--for a couple weeks. Called the plumber and he advised we replace the gas control module. Called Rheem and they shipped it. Plumber installed it, but now there is a new error that blames the vapor sensor. No one in Salt Lake or the Wasatch front carries the part so we are currently waiting for Rheem to overnight it. Their tech support has been professional, and I believe that the cheaper model without all the electronics would work fine. But I can't recommend this model.

Not a drop-in replacement for previous models of Rheem water heaters with same specs. Height/Dimension difference required flue adjustment. Not a big deal, so gave an “average” review. Too many 5 star reviews out there. The purchase, ease of installation, and price did not blow me away, so not 4 or 5 stars. I would be open to upgrading my review if the cost savings (efficiency) improved significantly. I would have preferred tankless, but the cost difference is massive, with relatively little return on investment in the near term (5-10 years). If I was planning to live in this home for longer, two tankless (on demand) heaters in series would have been my preference. Probably would have bought Rheem tankless too. Be very careful transporting the units as they are glass lined and have sensitive (glass) earthquake sensors that can get damaged. When possible, transport standing up. The dad thing is there is no way of telling how careful they have bee delivered to and stocked at home stores, so prepare to get a dud.

Great unit, easy to install. A little larger in diameter than my previous unit of the same volume.Just connected it, plugged it in and turned it on. I love the electric egnition.

So far so good just installed this performance platinum looks good it was quick to get us hot water and it’s a great replacement only took 20 minutes to install I will follow up as the time goes on.

Just installed this over the weekend and it was easy to install as far as connecting everything. The only hard part was getting it onto the platform. This sucker is heavy. Good thing the wife and I do deadlifts and squats LOL. We literally deadlifted (using our legs) and heaved it on over the pan and onto the platform. A lot of praying and wishing to the universe and we got it up. The connections were solid and the igniting of the pilot light was fast. Water is super hot and the unit is quiet. This water heater is definitely more sturdier than my old Whirlpool one. There was a little hiccup regarding which Econet worked with this model and I was a little bummed to find out that the current Econet that was meant for this particular model water heater was not compatible. Originally I had a review with 3 stars because of that issue, but within a day I was contacted by Jennifer from Rheem. Jennifer quickly got all my information to see what was the issue and to see if there was a remedy for it. Come to find out, there is a working Econet model that was in development. Within a couple of days I got my hands on the correct Econet model and installed it within 10 minutes. Very easy to install and pair up to my wifi. The correct part number is EEWRA631GWH. Thanks so much Rheem and also a big thank you to Jennifer at Rheem for staying on top of my issue!

Purchased from Home Depot and installed this water heater in Utah. Right off the bat, there was an issue with the pilot light not staying on. Rheem's customer service was fantastic, they sent us priority mailed a new pilot light assembly. My plumber installed it, but that did not fix the issue. Rheem then priority mailed us a new control unit that goes in the front. Again, my plumber installed it, and that didn't fix the issue. After over 10 days of being without of water, Rheem allowed my plumber and I to return the unit back to Home Depot for a new, replacement water heater. The new water heater had no issue and worked the bat (and saved my marriage). Rheem is having issues with this model (see the other complaints). Their customer service is very good, their reimbursement for my plumber was slow (~4 weeks), but they were fair and they did reimbursed me for all the additional plumber labor costs. I would stay away from this product until Rheem can figures out and can correct this issue. I'm not sure if the issue is because of the Ultra Low NOx and I live in Utah which is at 4,000 feet elevation or this is an internal quality control issue. If you do install this product, and it doesn't work right off the start, I would recommend to immediately return the unit to Home Depot for a new unit (50/50 the next one will work). In my case, Rheem's replacement parts (pilot assembly and control unit) did not resolve the issue.

Review of XG40T12DU38U1 with power damper. Before buying this heater I also reviewed tankless and hybrids. Based on cost, efficiency and design life I think this one offers the most value. Installation was straight forward. I first installed a dedicated receptacle as I don't want to give up any in the garage. I built a lower stand to accommodate the higher height of the flue damper and water connections (a stand is not required but I need one for my dryer vent). My water supply does not have a backflow preventer and no expansion tank is required. The tank diameter is about 19.75". If you plan on setting it in a drip pan, a 25" diameter will fit the tank and gas control shield. This model also has a sensor which will shut down the heater if it senses a flammable vapor. It is set very low in the tank and cannot be blocked or allowed to get wet. The damper on this model is normally closed. Upon calling for heat, it is opened electronically. All controls are 24 vac. In the event of a power outage, the system will automatically reset once power is restored. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $189 and 173 therms. Overall, it's an efficient, quiet, simple design with modern controls and it fired right up with no problem. Very pleased so far.

Easy to install ...and I've had to install a bunch of these over the years with the terrible water we have around here. Love the self starting pilot. Just hope it lasts!

I bought this in April. Great water heater, silent and efficient. Smaller than my old 6 year model and has been working well. It does seem to be using less gas with the powered damper. However, only 4 star as one of the reasons I bought this model was to use with the wifi econet module it is supposed to be compatible with. Rheem seemed to know nothing of this issue when I first called. I (like another reviewer) tried two different modules. They told me to call another department. After many calls, them sending a tech out, they finally admitted it is a known issue with the ones sold in CA. They say working on a resolution with no time frame.... So, if buying for the wifi capability, don't. Buy the module with it already built in. Had I know this was an issue I would have done that.

Wanted the 40000 btu but claim was out of stock after 3 weeks of waiting for delivery, overall happy with Rheem purchased.