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HVAC

Ruud Furnace Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 3/5

Average Cost: $2,000 - $6,500

Ruud furnaces are among the most affordable options and offer solid warranties, but homeowners have varied opinions about their customer service quality and note that the furnaces can be noisy.

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Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Ruud Furnace Review: Overview

Ruud has been a trusted name in the HVAC industry for over a century, offering reliable and energy-efficient heating solutions at a competitive price. Known for its commitment to durability and advanced technology, Ruud furnaces are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking quality heating with a range of options to fit various budgets. Ruud’s furnaces are designed to provide consistent performance in even the coldest weather, and with their solid warranties and energy-efficient models, they have become a popular option across the U.S. In this Ruud furnace review, we’ll explore the brand’s top models, costs, and why it’s a smart choice for your home.

Ruud logo

Pros and Cons of Ruud Furnaces

Ruud furnaces offer several benefits, but like any brand, they have their downsides. Below is a quick overview to help you determine if a Ruud furnace is the right fit for your home.

  • Pros

    • Durability and Reliability
    • Affordable Pricing
    • Energy Efficiency
  • Cons

    • Limited Advanced Features
    • Noisy Operation
    • Shorter Warranty on Basic Models

Pros

  • Durability and Reliability: Ruud furnaces are known for their long-lasting performance, making them a solid investment for homeowners looking for reliable heating.
  • Affordable Pricing: Ruud offers a variety of furnace models at competitive prices, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget.
  • Energy Efficiency: Ruud furnaces come with high AFUE ratings, with some models reaching up to 96%, providing excellent energy savings over time.

Cons

  • Limited Advanced Features: While Ruud furnaces are efficient, they may lack some of the advanced smart home features that other premium brands offer.
  • Noisy Operation: Some users have reported that Ruud furnaces can be noisier than competitors, especially at higher performance levels.
  • Shorter Warranty on Basic Models: Although Ruud provides excellent warranties on their premium models, the coverage for their basic models may not be as comprehensive.

Types of Ruud Furnaces

Ruud offers a variety of furnace models to meet different home heating needs, from basic single-stage units to more advanced variable-speed models.

  • Single-Stage Furnaces: Basic models like the Ruud Achiever Series R801T are designed to operate at full capacity whenever they’re running. While affordable, these models are less efficient compared to higher-end options.
  • Two-Stage Furnaces: Mid-range models such as the Ruud Achiever Plus Series R802T offer two-stage heating, running at lower power most of the time to save energy, and ramping up to full capacity during colder weather.
  • Variable-Speed Furnaces: High-efficiency models like the Ruud Ultra Series U96V come with variable-speed blowers, allowing the furnace to adjust its heating output continuously for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Cost Ranges for Ruud Furnaces

This Ruud furnace review highlights their affordability while still delivering reliable performance. Below are general cost ranges for Ruud furnaces, including installation:

  • Low-End Models: $2,000 – $3,500. Single-stage units fall within this price range and are perfect for homeowners looking for basic, budget-friendly heating.
  • Mid-Range Models: $3,500 – $5,000. Two-stage models that offer improved efficiency and performance fit in this range.
  • High-End Models: $5,000 – $6,500. Variable-speed and high-efficiency models with advanced features typically fall into this price range.

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Factors Affecting Cost

  • Furnace Size: Larger homes require bigger furnaces, which naturally increases the overall cost.
  • AFUE Rating: Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings (90% and above) typically cost more upfront but provide significant energy savings over time.
  • Installation Complexity: The difficulty of the installation, including ductwork modifications and labor, can raise the total cost.
  • Geographic Location: Local labor rates and regional climate can impact the cost of both the furnace and installation.
  • Optional Add-Ons: Additional features like air purification systems, smart thermostats, or humidifiers can increase the overall project cost.

Benefits of Investing in a Ruud Furnace

Ruud furnaces provide long-lasting performance and energy savings, making them a solid investment for any homeowner. With AFUE ratings of up to 96%, Ruud models can significantly reduce your heating bills, especially in colder climates. The brand is also known for its durable construction and solid warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind. With a variety of models to choose from, Ruud furnaces offer flexibility for different budgets, ensuring that you can find the right balance of affordability and efficiency.

Which Ruud Furnace is Right for My Climate?

Choosing the right Ruud furnace for your home depends on your local climate and heating needs. Our Ruud furnace review notes that the key factor is the AFUE rating, which measures how efficiently the furnace converts fuel into heat. The colder your climate, the higher the AFUE rating you’ll need to ensure efficient heating without excessive energy costs.

  • Zone 1, 2, 3: – 80% AFUE
  • Zone 4: – 90% to 93% AFUE
  • Zone 5: – 93% to 95% + AFUE

 

Climate zone map of the U.S.

For example, if you live in California (Zone 2 or 3), where winters are mild, a furnace with an 80% AFUE rating may be sufficient. For a 2,000-square-foot home, the Ruud Achiever Series R801T is a solid option. It has an 80% AFUE rating and is typically priced at around $2,100 for the unit alone, with installation costs averaging $4,000.

In colder climates, such as Minnesota (Zone 5), you’ll need a furnace with a higher AFUE rating to handle freezing temperatures efficiently. The Ruud Ultra Series U96V, with its 96% AFUE rating, is ideal for these conditions. For a 2,000-square-foot home, the U96V costs around $5,000, with installation bringing the total to $6,500.

When upgrading to a new Ruud furnace, it may be worth considering a package deal that includes replacing your air conditioner at the same time. Ruud offers compatible AC units that can be installed alongside your furnace, providing year-round comfort and potentially saving you money in the long run.

Brand Comparison of Competitors

Ruud competes with several other leading HVAC brands, each offering unique features, price points, and performance levels. Let’s compare Ruud to other top furnace manufacturers to see how it stacks up in terms of value and reliability.

Ruud vs. Goodman

Ruud and Goodman offer similar affordability and reliability, but Ruud is often considered a step up in terms of overall quality. Ruud furnaces tend to have better efficiency ratings and slightly more advanced features, but Goodman is a great option for homeowners focused strictly on budget.

Ruud vs. Trane

While Trane furnaces are known for their durability and premium features, they come with a higher price tag compared to Ruud. Trane is ideal for homeowners seeking top-of-the-line technology and quiet operation, while Ruud provides excellent performance at a lower cost.

Ruud vs. Lennox

Lennox is a top-tier brand known for its ultra-efficient models, but these come at a premium price. Ruud offers a better balance of cost and efficiency for homeowners who want reliable heating without the high cost of Lennox’s top models.

Is a Ruud Furnace Right for Me?

Ruud furnaces are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a balance of affordability, durability, and energy efficiency. With models suited for different climates and budgets, Ruud offers a variety of options, from basic single-stage units to high-efficiency variable-speed systems. If you want reliable performance, long-term energy savings, and solid warranties without breaking the bank, a Ruud furnace may be the perfect solution for your home.

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