Canada-wide water heater information · On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC
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Comparison
Verdict in brief
These are the same Canadian-built Giant 50 US gallon (189 L) storage tank at the same 62,000 BTU/h input on natural gas or propane, with the same 3/4 in side taps, 6-year tank and parts warranty and 2 in, 3 in or 4 in ULC S636 venting up to 180 equivalent feet. The only real difference is where combustion air comes from. The power-vent UG50-62 draws air from inside the home and uses a flammable-vapour sensor; the power-direct-vent version draws outdoor air through a sealed combustion chamber, so it suits a closet or sealed mechanical room where inside air cannot be used.
Published manufacturer figures with units. Storage and flow figures are different measures and are shown on their own rows; blanks mean not applicable or not published.
| Specification | Giant UG50-62 power-ventGas storage tank | Giant UG50-62 power-direct-ventGas storage tank |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | 50 US gal (189 L) | 50 US gal (189 L) |
| Input, natural gas | 62,000 BTU/h | 62,000 BTU/h |
| Type of gas | Natural gas (N) or propane (LP) | Natural gas (N) or propane (LP) |
| Venting | 2 in, 3 in or 4 in ULC S636 PVC, CPVC or polypropylene, horizontal or vertical, up to 180 equivalent feet | 2 in, 3 in or 4 in ULC S636 PVC, CPVC or polypropylene, up to 180 equivalent feet; concentric vent kit available |
| Side taps | 3/4 in side taps for combination applications on 50-62 high-input models | 3/4 in side taps for combination applications on 50-62 high-input models |
| Warranty (Giant published) | 6 years against inner tank leakage; 6 years on component parts, from the date of installation | 6 years against inner tank leakage; 6 years on component parts, from the date of installation |
| Certification | CSA reference published by Giant; EnerGuide referenced on the same page | CSA reference published by Giant; EnerGuide referenced on the same page |
“—” means not applicable to that system type or not published by the manufacturer. Flow figures are only comparable at the same temperature rise; UEF values are only comparable within the same draw pattern.
The two models share their tank, burner and published figures, so the comparison is about installation conditions rather than capacity. Both are 50 US gallons (189 L) with a 62,000 BTU/h input on natural gas and propane, both list 3/4 in side taps for combination applications, both are listed in 3 in or 4 in venting within the family's 2 in, 3 in or 4 in ULC S636 range up to 180 equivalent feet, and both carry Giant's published 6-year inner-tank and 6-year parts warranty from the date of installation.
The power-vent UG50-62 takes combustion air from inside the home and forces exhaust outside with a motorized blower. Giant lists a 3-position rotatable blower, a flammable-vapour sensor that shuts the unit down, an air-intake snorkel and a TankSaver design. Because it uses indoor air, it is the version to consider when the room has adequate combustion and ventilation air and an exterior wall for the termination, but it is not the answer for a sealed room or a tight closet.
The power-direct-vent UG50-62 takes combustion air from outside through a pipe as well as exhausting outside, through a sealed combustion chamber. Giant states the sealed chamber eliminates the need for a flammable-vapour sensor, and lists zero clearance to combustibles, an ultra-quiet blower and a compact design for tight spaces, with a concentric vent kit available. That makes it the version for a sealed mechanical room, a closet or a longer vent run where inside air cannot be used for combustion.
Neither model changes the fuel decision. Giant lists the UG50-62 for natural gas (N) and propane (LP) with the same 62,000 BTU/h input, and fuel conversion is not a field procedure, so the correct fuel version is ordered. Giant does not publish a first-hour rating, recovery rate, energy factor or dimensions for either model on its Canadian pages, so WaterHeating.ca does not state those figures; sizing is confirmed in a demand assessment. Both need a 120 V supply for the blower, so neither provides hot water during a power outage. The installation manual governs approved vent materials, lengths and clearances, and whether CANRO supplies a given version for a job is confirmed at consultation.
Giant · Gas storage tank
The Giant UG50-62 is a 50 US gallon (189 L) power-vent natural gas or propane storage water heater with a 62,000 BTU/h input, a motorized blower for side-wall venting, 3/4 in side taps and a 6-year tank and parts warranty, made in Canada by Giant.
Giant · Gas storage tank
The Giant UG50-62 power-direct-vent is a 50 US gallon (189 L) sealed-combustion natural gas or propane storage water heater with a 62,000 BTU/h input, outdoor air intake, zero clearance to combustibles and a 6-year tank and parts warranty, made in Canada by Giant.
A power-vent unit draws combustion air from inside the home and forces exhaust outside. A power-direct-vent unit draws combustion air from outside through a pipe as well, using a sealed combustion chamber, so it can be installed in a sealed mechanical room or closet where inside air cannot be used for combustion.
Yes. Giant lists both as 50 US gallon (189 L) models with a 62,000 BTU/h input on natural gas or propane, the same 3/4 in side taps and the same 6-year tank and 6-year parts warranty. The difference is combustion air and the venting arrangement.
Both use 2 in, 3 in or 4 in ULC S636 PVC, CPVC or polypropylene up to 180 equivalent feet, with the high-input UG50-62 listed in 3 in or 4 in. The power-direct-vent version adds an outdoor combustion-air intake and Giant states a concentric vent kit can be used.
A consultation includes a hot-water demand review so capacity is right for your winter, not the brochure's.
On-site service in Metro Vancouver, BC. Call to check availability.
Sources and verification
Facts checked September 21, 2026. Last updated September 21, 2026. Technical reviewer: not yet assigned.