Whirlpool Power Vent 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
Whirlpool Power Vent 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater Review
The Whirlpool Power Vent 50-Gallon Natural Gas is a power-vented gas tank in the Whirlpool line sold at Lowe's. Built by A.O. Smith with Whirlpool branding. Functionally equivalent to AO Smith ProMax Power Vent 50-gallon.
Specs: 50 gallons stored, 40,000 BTU input, UEF 0.66, 84-gallon FHR, 6-year tank and parts warranty. Side-wall PVC venting via integrated power-vent fan. Electronic ignition. ENERGY STAR certified.
Power-vent positioning is for installations without chimney access — basements, additions, garage installs where atmospheric venting isn't practical. The horizontal PVC venting adds $200-$500 to install cost over atmospheric but eliminates chimney dependency.
The Whirlpool brand recognition is the primary buying motivation for Lowe's-channel shoppers — assumption that kitchen appliance brand familiarity translates to water heater quality. Engineering is genuinely A.O. Smith.
About $799 at Lowe's, $1,700 installed. Like-for-like power-vent replacement; for cleaner closet installation where chimney access doesn't exist.