AO Smith ProLine XR Power Vent 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater
AO Smith ProLine XR Power Vent 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater Review
The AO Smith ProLine XR Power Vent 50-Gallon Gas is A.O. Smith's premium-tier power-vented gas tank. The "XR" designation reflects the extended-warranty premium variant in the ProLine power-vent line.
Specs: 50 gallons stored, 50,000 BTU input (higher than standard 40K BTU in entry-tier units), UEF 0.68 (higher than standard atmospheric or basic power-vent due to better combustion control), 90-gallon FHR, 10-year tank and 10-year parts warranty. Side-wall PVC power-vent venting.
The ProLine XR positioning sits between standard ProLine power-vent and the Vertex condensing line. Higher BTU output and longer warranty than standard ProLine; less efficient than Vertex condensing (UEF 0.68 vs 0.86). Right answer for installs needing power-vent capability with extended warranty.
About $1,000 unit, $1,900 installed including venting. The 50,000 BTU burner produces faster recovery than typical 40K BTU power-vent units — about 45 gph at 90°F rise versus 37 gph for 40K BTU. Right for 3-4 person households where the additional recovery matters.
Right buyer: install scenario requiring power-vent (no chimney access), wanting longer warranty than basic power-vent options.