Rheem Performance Plus 40-Gallon Gas Water Heater

The Rheem Performance Plus 40-Gallon Gas Water Heater (XG40T09HE40U0) is the mid-tier 40-gallon gas tank in Rheem's residential lineup — the smart middle ground between the value-tier Performance and the premium Performance Platinum. 75 GPH first-hour delivery, 9-year warranty (vs 6 on Performance, 12 on Platinum), 0.69 UEF, 40,000 BTU. No WiFi feature. About $699–$799 retail.

Headline specifications

• Capacity: 40 gallons
• Fuel: Natural gas, atmospheric vent
• BTU input: 38,000 BTU/h
• First Hour Delivery: 75 GPH
• Recovery: 38 GPH at 90°F rise
• Energy Factor (UEF): 0.69
• Warranty: 9-year tank and parts
• Anode rod: magnesium, replaceable
• Dimensions: 60" H × 20" diameter

Who this model is for

The Performance Plus 40G is sized for 2–3 person households with typical hot-water demand and atmospheric-vent installations. Same physical footprint as the Performance Platinum 40G, same recovery rate, same burner. What's missing vs the Platinum: 3 years of warranty (9 vs 12), EcoNet WiFi integration, and leak detection.

The right buyer is one who values the 9-year warranty (longer than budget alternatives) but doesn't want to pay for smart-home features. Many landlords, property managers, and homeowners with a "set and forget" philosophy choose Performance Plus exactly for this reason — solid warranty, no WiFi to fail or get hacked, lower price.

Where it beats the alternatives

Vs Performance Platinum 40G ($949): $250 cheaper. Same burner, same FHD, same install. You lose 3 years of warranty and EcoNet WiFi. For buyers who don't want WiFi, the math favors Performance Plus.

Vs Rheem Performance 40G ($549): Performance Plus adds 3 years of warranty (9 vs 6) for $150–$250 more. The warranty extension is worth it for buyers in the home long enough to use it.

Vs AO Smith Signature Premier 40G ($849): equivalent warranty (both 9-year), equivalent specs. Pricing comparable. Choice often comes down to retailer availability (Home Depot vs Lowe's).

Vs Richmond Essential 40G ($549): Richmond is Rheem's Home Depot value brand — 6-year warranty, ~$200 cheaper. Performance Plus has the warranty advantage and slightly more refined controls.

Where it falls short

Same atmospheric-vent constraints as all Rheem 40G atmospheric models. Can't be used in closet installs or manufactured-home installs requiring power vent.

0.69 UEF is class-typical for atmospheric — running cost $200–$280/year for typical 2–3 person households. Heat pump alternatives cut that by 70%+.

No WiFi, no leak detection, no anomaly alerting. For buyers who would use those features, Performance Platinum is the upgrade.

Install considerations

20" diameter and 60" height — standard 40G footprint. Existing atmospheric flue inspection required.

1/2" gas line at typical residential runs. Install cost: $350–$700 like-for-like.

Maintenance

• Annual flush — see our flushing guide
• Anode rod check at year 3–4, replace at year 5
• T&P valve test annually

Bottom line

The Rheem Performance Plus 40-Gallon Gas is the no-frills mid-tier pick — 9-year warranty for $250 less than the Platinum. Right pick for 2–3 person households that don't want WiFi integration. For buyers who do want WiFi and the longer warranty, step up to the Platinum. For tighter budgets, the Performance 40G saves another $150 with a 6-year warranty. Click through to Amazon or visit Home Depot for live pricing.