Bradford White Power Vent 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater

The Bradford White Power Vent 50-Gallon Gas is Bradford White's power-vented residential gas tank. Power-venting uses an integrated fan to push exhaust horizontally through PVC piping out a side wall, eliminating the need for a chimney.

Specs: 50 gallons stored, 50,000 BTU input (slightly higher than the 40K BTU atmospheric Bradford White 50-gal), UEF 0.67, 95-gallon FHR, 6-year tank and parts warranty. Power-vent fan adds ~50W to operating energy consumption. ICON intelligent gas control (thermopile-powered — operates through power outages).

The power-vent configuration is right when atmospheric venting isn't practical — basement conversions without chimney access, additions where chimney would be costly, or homes where existing chimney is failing. The horizontal PVC venting routes through a side wall, requiring 2"-4" diameter penetration but no chimney structure.

Bradford White's combination of power-vent + ICON gas control is unusual in the residential market. Power-vent fans typically require 120V power; the ICON thermopile control means the unit's combustion side runs without power but the fan does need household electricity. During power outages, the fan stops and combustion ceases.

About $2,300 plumber-installed including venting hardware. Right buyer: power-vent install scenario specifically wanting Bradford White's heavier construction.