The GE RealMAX Choice 40-gallon short natural gas water heater is a straightforward replacement for a standard tank-style gas water heater. The tank holds a true 40 gallons, and it can deliver up to 78 gallons of hot water in the first hour, which suits a household of about two to four people.

A 38,000 BTU burner heats water back up quickly between showers, loads of laundry and dishes. It is an atmospheric-vent model, so it vents through a standard 2- or 3-inch Type B vent, and it uses standard water and gas connections, which makes swapping out an old tank-style heater simple. The short design stands about 52-1/4 inches tall overall (22 inches in diameter), for spaces where a tall tank will not fit.

GE's SmartShield safety system watches the air around the heater and shuts the unit off if it senses abnormal temperatures, and an LED light reports the status of the gas system to make troubleshooting easier. A magnesium anode rod helps protect the glass-lined tank from corrosion, and the heater is backed by an 8-year limited tank and parts warranty.

Key features:

• 40-gallon true capacity, natural gas

• 38,000 BTU burner for quick recovery

• First-hour rating: 78 gallons

• Uniform Energy Factor (UEF): 0.64

• SmartShield safety system with automatic shutoff; flammable vapor ignition resistant (FVIR) design

• Self-diagnostic LED status light

• Magnesium anode rod and glass-lined tank

• 3/4" top water connections; 2" or 3" Type B vent

• About 52-1/4" tall x 22" diameter; approved for altitudes up to 10,100 ft

• 8-year limited tank and parts warranty; 1-year limited labor

Built in Camden, South Carolina, with 70-90% U.S. content, according to GE.