Power Vent Reliance heaters use a built-in fan to push exhaust through PVC sidewall venting instead of relying on a chimney. For homes without an existing B-vent chimney, this is the path to a gas water heater without major construction.
The lineup
- 6-40-PVRT 40-gallon
- 6-50-PVRT 50-gallon — volume Power Vent pick
Specs
| Model | Gallons | BTU | FHR | UEF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-40-PVRT | 40 | 50,000 | 72 | 0.67 |
| 6-50-PVRT | 50 | 50,000 | 87 | 0.67 |
When Power Vent is the right answer
- No existing chimney (most common: 1980s-2000s tract homes)
- Existing chimney is condemned or doesn\'t meet code
- Want to reclaim chimney space (interior remodel)
- Converting from electric to gas without a new chimney
Install requirements
- 120V dedicated outlet within 6 ft for blower motor
- PVC venting: 2" or 3" Schedule 40 PVC; equivalent length 40-60 ft max
- Sidewall termination: 12" above grade; 12" from windows and inlets
- Slope: ¼" per foot back toward unit for condensate drainage
- Condensate trap: required at low point in PVC run
- Standard atmospheric gas line — ½" usually adequate; ¾" if long run from meter
Power Vent vs Direct Vent vs atmospheric
- Atmospheric: needs chimney; cheapest unit, simplest install (if chimney exists)
- Power Vent (6-PVRT): uses indoor air for combustion + fan-assisted exhaust through sidewall
- Direct Vent: two-pipe sealed-combustion system; pulls outdoor air and exhausts to outdoor; doesn\'t deplete indoor air. More expensive but suitable for very tight homes
Reliance doesn\'t offer a residential Direct Vent unit at hardware-channel distribution. For Direct Vent, cross-shop to State, AO Smith Signature, or Bradford White.
Common Power Vent issues
- Fan won\'t start: 120V outlet → blower motor capacitor → motor → control board
- 5 LED flashes: draft/vacuum switch fault — check vent termination for snow, leaves, nests
- Excess condensate dripping: normal in long PVC runs; verify the condensate trap is primed
- Noise: blower bearings dry out after 5-7 years; replacement blower kit available
Pricing
- 6-40-PVRT: $1,049-1,299
- 6-50-PVRT: $1,149-1,399
- Install cost (PVC routing through wall): add $300-600
Bottom line
Reliance 6-PVRT is the budget-channel Power Vent — same as State Power Vent and AO Smith Power Vent equivalent. For homes without chimneys, this is the gas-tank path of least resistance. 50-gallon is the volume pick; 40-gallon for smaller demand.