Bradford White RG1PV40S6N19 (40 gal) vs RG1PV50S6N19 (50 gal)

The two tanks share their 40,000 BTU/h input, so recovery is effectively the same: 43 US gal/h (163 L/h) at a 90 °F (50 °C) rise on the RG1PV40S6N19 against 44 US gal/h (167 L/h) on the RG1PV50S6N19. Almost all of the 50-gallon model's extra delivery comes from storage, a first-hour rating of 78 US gallons (295 L) against 75 US gallons (284 L). That three-gallon difference is roughly one short draw, so if the 40-gallon tank already covers the peak hour, the 50-gallon buys only headroom.

The physical difference is the practical constraint in a power-vent replacement. The 40-gallon unit uses a 20 in (508 mm) jacket and stands 46 1/2 in (1181 mm) to the top of the heater, shipping at 140 lb (64 kg); the 50-gallon short form widens to a 22 in (559 mm) jacket at 48 3/16 in (1224 mm) and 166 lb (75 kg). Where a tank must pass through a narrow door or sit in a tight closet, that width and weight decide the choice before the first-hour arithmetic does.

Venting and connections are common to both: 2 in, 3 in or 4 in PVC, ABS, CPVC or polypropylene under positive pressure, with maximum equivalent lengths of 50 ft in 2 in, 120 ft in 3 in and 200 ft in 4 in, a 1/2 in gas connection, 3/4 in NPT water connections with dielectric waterways and heat traps, and a factory-installed T&P relief valve. Both need a 120 VAC, 3.1 A supply for the AquaVENT blower and the ICON System control, so neither provides hot water during a power outage.

Efficiency is close and both sit below ENERGY STAR: UEF 0.68 for the 40-gallon and 0.69 for the 50-gallon on Canadian spec sheet C1261, under the medium-draw test. Both are first-generation RG1PV models, one step behind the current RG2PV generation's UEF 0.72, and both are Defender Safety System tanks with flammable-vapour-ignition resistance. Anode inspection every two years applies to both, and the warranty excludes labour and anode consumption. Whether CANRO supplies a given model for a job is confirmed at consultation.