I like saving money when buying a product AND while using it. Here are two AO Smith 50 gallon gas water heater choices that do both.
The Energy Star Model GPVL-50 is the best overall choice.
However, the ProLine Model XCG-50 is a great choice if power venting isn’t an economical installation option.
Table of Contents
Introducing The AO Smith 50 Gallon Gas Water
An AO Smith ProLine Water Heater burns either LP (propane) or natural gas to heat water. This type of water heater needs both an air source and, has to be vented correctly.
Cold water is fed into the water heater via a dip tube inside the tank. This feeds cold water to the tank’s bottom and hot water is pushed out through the outlet. This arrangement allows for the most hot water to be provided for a specific tank size.
Most gas water heaters have a pilot light to ignite the gas when required. On some models, the pilot light will also generate the power that is needed to activate an electronic gas valve. When cold water flows into the tank, the gas control’s temperature sensor sends a signal to the main gas valve to open. The gas is then able to flow to the burner where the pilot light ignites it.
The air required by the burner is drawn from the room in which the water heater is located, while the exhaust gases are expelled to the outside, either via an atmospheric vented or a power vent.
When the water has reached the required temperature, the main gas valve is closed automatically.
As water will over time corrode the steel tank, the inside of the tank of an AO Smith ProLine Water Heater is lined with glass, while an anode rod is also installed to help in reducing corrosion.
The heater is also equipped with a pressure and temperature relief valve as a safety device. This valve will open if the internal pressure or temperature in the tank exceeds safety limits.
A water heater should be selected to be big enough to provide an adequate supply of hot water while the household’s demand is the highest and when outside temperatures are low.
Why Buy an A.O. Smith Proline Water Heater?
ProLine water heaters by A. O. Smith are both reliable and energy efficient. These residential products are manufactured using the same care and technology as the company’s industry-leading commercial line. All units are thoroughly tested in the firm’s labs to ensure that they will have a long lifetime, and that gives customers peace of mind.
The ProLine series consists of hundreds of different models, ensuring that users and their plumbing contractors can select a unit that will perform best based on the family’s unique hot water requirements.
All water heaters manufactured by A. O. Smith are backed by industry leading parts and tank warranties. Extended warranty protection is also available on selected products.
The ProLine family of water heaters are not available from those big box stores.
A. O. Smith contractors are experts at installing heaters safely to protect you and your family. Just yesterday, a house on the other side of town blew up from a gas leak.
So, hire a local expert to install the water heater. The pros know which techniques should be used for proper venting, in working with electric and gas utilities, and for protecting existing plumbing systems.
Fortunately, the ProLine water heaters are manufactured with commercial-grade components that increases the heater’s reliability and durability.
The firm’s signature glass lining in the tank ensures a strong protective barrier that prevents corrosion. A self-cleaning system reduces mineral and sediment accumulation that could shorten the life of tanks. Anodes with stainless steel cores are designed for long life.
A. O. Smith contractors install water heaters on a daily basis and they strive to do it better than anybody else.
In recent years, water heater technology has changed dramatically. A. O. Smith contractors receive regular training on the latest technology and understand how they can maximize energy savings and water heater efficiency to give you the best savings possible.
A. O. Smith always stands behind their products, and their contractors stand behind their workmanship. They’ll always be available if and when you need them.
Local municipalities and state agencies have building codes and laws that must be followed when installing water heaters. Also, there are rebates for homeowners that use high efficiency (Energy Star) products.
As local professionals, A. O. Smith contractors can give advice on code requirements and regulations. As well as, provide the info you need to receive the government rebates.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two AO Smith ProLine Water Heaters, one of which is power vented, while the other uses an atmospheric vent.
Before we go into the details of the two products, the table below summarizes the main differences between the two models under review:
| Model GPVL-50 | Model XCG-50 | |
| Venting | Power Vent | Standard Vent |
| First Hour Rating | 79 Gallons | 81 Gallons |
| Recovery Rate | 44.7 GPH | 41 GPH |
| Uniform Energy Factor | 0.72 | 0.62 |
| Energy Star Qualified | Yes | No |
| Limited Warranty | 6 Years | 10 Years |
Energy Star AO Smith 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater: ProLine XE Power Vented GPVL-500
The ProLine XE gas water heater uses a power vent and has been engineered to provide easier installation flexibility, while also maximizing energy efficiency.
Featuring a 40,000 BTU gas burner and a 50-gallon tank, the AO Smith ProLine Water Heater model GPVL-50 has recovery rate of 44.7 gallons per hour, while delivering a first hour rating of 79 gallons.
As it boasts a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.72, this water heater is ENERGY STAR rated. It meets Low NOx emission standards and has a 6-year limited warranty.
Manufacturer incentives and government rebate programs provide consumers with cash-backs if they buy energy efficient water heaters. These standards are often tied to the ENERGY STAR program.
As the AO Smith ProLine Water Heater Model GPVL-50 is energy star rated, customers will be eligible for rebates in areas where they apply.
Cash for Appliances is one such program that has been designed to encourage consumers to buy energy efficient appliances. Through this program, consumers who buy CEE or ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can receive cash rebates. Most states offer rebates of between $50 and $250.
This model qualifies for a $400 rebate if it is installed as a replacement for a residential application. Other terms and conditions apply.
- Features an exclusive 3-position rotatable blower outlet which adds flexibility
- Dynaclean II dip tube optimizes inlet water pressure to minimize cold water regions within the tank
- State-of-the-art electronic gas control provides more precise temperature control; LED control light displays operation status information
- Hot-surface igniter is more robust and reliable than standing pilot, and reduces energy consumption
- 2-inch, thick, environmentally-friendly foam insulation reduces the amount of heat loss and contributes to overall energy efficiency
Product Options and Features
CoreGard Anode Rod
Anode rods used by A. O. Smith have a core of stainless steel. This extends the anode rod’s life and allows for tank protection that is superior to standard anode rods and also lasts longer.
Rotatable Blower Outlet
The three-position rotatable blower outlet is exclusive to A. O. Smith water heaters and adds flexibility for easy installations.
Code Required Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
The included ASME rated and CSA certified Temperature and Pressure (T&P) relief valve is also Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed
Brass Drain Valve
• The drain valve features a screwdriver slot with a 1/4 turn action. This permits a complete and fast shut off and for straight-through water drainage.
• The valve has a standard female hose fitting that makes it easy and fast to drain the tank when flushing out sediment.
• The drain valve is manufactured from solid brass and is tamper resistant. The ball valve also enables enhanced flow.
Product Specifications: A.O. Smith ProLine XE Power Vented GPVL-50
| Dimensions & Venting | |
| Rated Storage Volume | 49 gallons |
| Nominal Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Max BTU | 40,000 |
| First Hour Rating: | 79 gallons |
| UEF | 0.72 |
| Power Source | Natural Gas |
| Limited Parts Warranty: | 6 Years |
| Limited Tank Warranty: | 6 Years |
| Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve: | Yes |
| Anode: | Standard Anode |
| Ignition Type: | Electronic |
| Pilot Reset Button: | Yes |
| Water Connection Size: | 3/4″ |
| Water Connection Location: | Top |
| Emissions: | Low NOx |
| ENERGY STAR: | Yes |
| LEED Rating: | 1 |
| FVIR Certified: | Yes |
| Type: | Short |
| Height with Draft Hood: | 60 1/8″ |
| Height: | 50 3/4″ |
| Diameter x Width x Depth | 24 x 24 x 24 inches |
| Vent Type: | Power Vent |
Customer Reviews
This model gets a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 216 reviews, and has 1.3K likes.
There are not many negative customer reviews for the AO Smith ProLine Water Heater, with the two most common complaints being the price that is higher than that of other comparable brands, and the fact that it “only” has a 6 year warranty.
Having personally read thousands of customer reviews from all brands of water heaters, the A.O. Smith heaters will save you money in the long run.
There is one other negative review that notes that the temperature was not controlled as per the temperature setting. Also, one that mentions excess insulation foam protruding from the seams, and the outer burner inspection cover not fitting properly.
Most of the positive customer reviews find the appearance of AO Smith ProLine Water Heater appealing. They also generally find that the units are energy efficient and have lowered their energy bill. Save Money Now Click Here
Customers also generally find that their units provide enough hot water for their specific requirements, and that the water heaters are reliable.
ProLine Model XCG-50 AO Smith 50 Gallon Gas Water Heater
The ProLine 400/401 Series gas water heaters have been designed to cut your gas fuel bills by delivering an economical performance while also providing long-lasting value.
Featuring a 40,000 BTU gas burner and a 50-gallon tank, the AO Smith ProLine Water Heater model XCG-50 has recovery rate of 41 gallons per hour, while delivering a first hour rating of 81 gallons.
As it boasts a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.62, this water heater is not ENERGY STAR rated. It meets Low NOx emission standards and has a 10-year limited tank warranty.
- Blue Diamond glass coating provides superior corrosion resistance to industry-standard glass lining
- Self-powered electronic gas valve uses thermopile to generate power needed to operate the electronic gas control without requiring external power
- Internal microprocessor provides enhanced operating parameters and tighter differentials for precise sensing and faster heating response
- Dynaclean diffuser dip tube helps reduce lime and sediment buildup, maximizes hot water output; made from long-lasting PEX cross-linked polymer
- Meets all current regulations set forth by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA)
Product Options and Features
DynaClean Diffuser Dip Tube
The diffuser dip tube is manufactured from long lasting PEX cross-linked polymer that maximizes hot water output. It also helps in reducing buildup of sediment and lime.
Intelligent Control Logic
An internal microprocessor provides more accurate differentials for faster heating response and exact sensing, while enhancing operating parameters for optimized performance.
As this unit makes use of a thermopile to generate the power required to activate the electronic gas control, it does not require an external power source to do so.
An LED status indicator has been incorporated in the electronic gas control to enable users to monitor service diagnostics and system operation.
CoreGard Anode Rod
Anode rods used by A. O. Smith have a core of stainless steel. This extends the anode rod’s life and allows for tank protection that is superior to standard anode rods and also lasts longer.
Green Choice Gas Burner
The eco-friendly, patented green choice gas burner has been designed to reduce NOx emissions by as much as 33%. It also complies with requirements for Low-NOx emissions of less than 40 ng/J.
Product Specifications: A.O. Smith Model XCG-50
| Dimensions & Venting | |
| Rated Storage Volume | 48 gallons |
| Nominal Capacity | 50 gallons |
| Max BTU | 40,000 |
| First Hour Rating: | 81 gallons |
| UEF | 0.62 |
| Power Source | Natural Gas |
| Limited Parts Warranty: | 10 Years |
| Limited Tank Warranty: | 10 Years |
| Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve: | Yes |
| Anode: | Coregard Sacrificial Anode |
| Ignition Type: | Electronic |
| Pilot Reset Button: | Yes |
| Water Connection Size: | 3/4″ |
| Water Connection Location: | Top |
| Emissions: | Low NOx |
| ENERGY STAR: | No |
| Type: | Tall |
| Height with Draft Hood: | 57 1/4″ |
| Height: | 60 3/4″ |
| Diameter x Width x Depth | 21 x 21 x 21 inches |
| Vent Type: | Standard Vent |
Customer Reviews
This model gets a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 206 reviews, and has 1.3K likes.
It was interesting to note that we did not manage to find a single negative review for this model. Buy One Now Click Here
There was one 1-star review that simply stated that the customer had no previous experience with the brand and could therefore not really review the product. In spite of the 1-star, the customer was happy with the appliance’s appearance, savings on their energy bill, found that it supplied enough hot water, was reliable, and would recommend it to a friends.
What was noticeable in the many positive reviews is that many customers report buying the brand due to their previous models that lasted for anything between 10 and 20 years also being A.O. Smith. This shows that the brand loyalty and reputation is extremely strong.
One customer reported having used a different brand previously and had switched to A.O. Smith due to having experienced problems with the previous brand. There were also a number of customers who had decided on this model based on recommendations from their installation plumbing contractors.
Most of the positive customer reviews find the appearance of AO Smith ProLine Water Heater appealing. They also generally find that the units are energy efficient and have lowered their energy bill.
Customers also find that their units provide enough hot water for their specific requirements, and that the water heaters are reliable.
- Features an exclusive 3-position rotatable blower outlet which adds flexibility
- Dynaclean II dip tube optimizes inlet water pressure to minimize cold water regions within the tank
- State-of-the-art electronic gas control provides more precise temperature control; LED control light displays operation status information
- Hot-surface igniter is more robust and reliable than standing pilot, and reduces energy consumption
- 2-inch, thick, environmentally-friendly foam insulation reduces the amount of heat loss and contributes to overall energy efficiency
- Blue Diamond glass coating provides superior corrosion resistance to industry-standard glass lining
- Self-powered electronic gas valve uses thermopile to generate power needed to operate the electronic gas control without requiring external power
- Internal microprocessor provides enhanced operating parameters and tighter differentials for precise sensing and faster heating response
- Dynaclean diffuser dip tube helps reduce lime and sediment buildup, maximizes hot water output; made from long-lasting PEX cross-linked polymer
- Meets all current regulations set forth by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA)
The 50-Gallon Water A.O. Smith Voltex® hybrid electric heat pump is expensive to purchase, but pays for itself in just two years – read more here.
Another option to consider is the A.O. Smith 75 gallon water heater.
Last update on 2024-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API