Bradford White 40-Gallon Gas Atmospheric Water Heater
Bradford White 40-Gallon Gas Atmospheric Water Heater Review
The Bradford White 40-Gallon Gas Atmospheric (specifically the RG240T6N base model) is one of Bradford White's most-installed residential gas water heaters. Wholesale-only distribution — plumber-installed product.
Specs: 40,000 BTU input, UEF 0.62, 73-gallon FHR, 6-year tank and parts warranty. Atmospheric vent through B-vent. ICON intelligent gas control system (thermopile-powered, runs through power outages). Vitraglas tank lining. Magnesium anode rod.
Two defining engineering features distinguish Bradford White 40-gallon from retail-channel competitors:
- Vitraglas lining: Bradford White's proprietary glass-lining process produces a more uniform porcelain coating than industry-standard alternatives. The tank fails by lining breakdown allowing rust through — better lining means longer life.
- ICON gas control: the thermopile-powered control board does not require external electricity. When the power goes out, your hot water keeps coming. Rheem's equivalent (Performance Platinum's electronic gas control) requires a 120V outlet near the unit and stops on power loss.
About $1,750-$2,200 plumber-installed. DIY installs void the warranty — Bradford White actively enforces this. The right buyer is a homeowner who specifically wants what the trade installs in their own homes and accepts the plumber-installed pricing.