So, you’ve decided that it’s time to invest in a new air conditioner. Where should you start looking? One of the most trusted brands in North America is Ruud, which has a long and impressive track record of supplying top-quality heating and cooling appliances.
To provide you with the best possible insight into what it’s like to own a Ruud HVAC system, we introduce the key features of their models and give you an idea of what homeowners think of these air conditioners.
What Homeowners Love About Ruud Air Conditioners
What Homeowners Don’t Like About Ruud Air Conditioners
Are Ruud Air Conditioners Good?
Ruud is one of the most trusted HVAC brands out there, and quality control is important to them. All Ruud air conditioners boast an exceptional SEER rating, with no model scoring below 15.5, which is great when you consider new air conditioning units are required to score 13 or higher.
The company is more than 100 years old and is one of the most trusted suppliers of HVAC systems in North America. (Related: Ruud Furnaces: A Review & Cost Break Down) Their product range is impressive, and they have air conditioners to suit a range of requirements and budgets.
Let’s look at some of the key features of Ruud air conditioners and what homeowners make of them.
Price
Ruud has a reputation as being one of the most trusted brands of air conditioners in the North American market. The following table provides an insight into the price of the current Ruud models to give you an idea of what to expect:
Model | System Only | System Installed |
|---|---|---|
Ultra UA20 | $1,920 | $3,960 |
Achiever Plus UA17 | $1,510 | $3,730 |
Achiever RA16 | $1,260 | $3,680 |
Achiever RA14 | $1,110 | $3,410 |
Achiever RA13 | $1,020 | $3,160 |
Source: Pick HVAC
Home Advisor informs us that the current average price of replacing an HVAC system sits at $7,000 with all costs considered, so you can see that an installed Ruud system represents good value for money.
Tax Breaks
As a direct result of legislation passed in 2018, several of Ruud’s air conditioners are eligible for tax rebates of up to $300. Specifically, the models with a SEER rating of 16 or above are eligible, which includes the UA20, RA17, RA16, and RA14 models. This passes on immediate savings to homeowners upon installation of the system, which is something that is universally popular, to say the least!
SEER Rating
All Ruud air conditioners have a minimum SEER rating of 15.5. SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - is important as it indicates how efficiently an HVAC system operates. Choosing an air conditioning unit that comes with a high SEER rating will save you money on energy bills in the long run.
For instance, air conditioning units with SEER ratings of 16 or above can result in savings of more than $500 a year. Naturally, this is something that homeowners regard as a good thing.
Energy Star Certification
Energy Star Certification is the gold standard for electric appliances that are installed in the home. Several of Ruud’s air conditioning units are Energy Star certified, which means they meet strict energy-efficiency requirements set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
At a time when we all need to do our bit to help the planet in its fight against human-induced climate change, buying appliances for your home that are Energy Star certified is a step in the right direction.
Among Ruud’s HVAC units, those that are Energy Star certified include UA17, RA16, RA14, and RA13, so they’re well worth your consideration if you’re looking for an air conditioning unit that is relatively environmentally friendly.
Impressive Warranty
All Ruud appliances come with ten-year parts and a conditional unit replacement warranty as standard. When you consider what can go wrong with an HVAC system following its installation, this offers homeowners additional peace of mind that they’re in good hands.
On certain models, you can pay to extend the Ruud warranty on your HVAC system, but you will need to enquire with the manufacturer directly to enquire about the process.
Scroll Compressors
The compressor is arguably the most important element of any air conditioning unit. All AC units use a gas refrigerant - R-410A- which is what changes into liquid form when exposed to warm indoor air. Powering this change on Ruud air conditioners are scroll compressors, which provide a much smoother operation than traditional reciprocatory compressors.
They’re also energy-efficient, less likely to break down, and are much more reliable. Scroll compressors also help you save money on your home energy bills, with some variable speed compressors offering homeowners savings of up to 30% when compared to standard-fixed compressors.
Noise Levels
Ruud air conditioners are considered to be moderate in terms of noise levels under normal conditions. The RA14 is Ruud’s quietest model, which typically operates at around 52 decibels, but it can be as low as 40 depending on the conditions.
When you compare this to a brand like Haier - whose models operate around the 25 decibels mark - it’s easy to see why they’re considered moderately loud!
While 52 decibels isn't too loud for all homeowners, it’s not ideal for those looking for a system that is quiet. As such, this counts as a mark against Ruud systems and is one of the potential drawbacks of going with this brand.
Post-installation Issues
While Ruud is a trustworthy and viable company with which to deal when you’re looking to buy a new HVAC system, it’s important to note that multiple customers experience post-installation issues with their system.
The issues are broad, but many of them stem from improper installation and are reported within the first 6-12 months of having the system at their home. As such, make sure you find a trusted and reliable contractor to handle the installation on your behalf.
Our Verdict on Ruud Air Conditioners
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner and want to buy one from a trusted and reliable company, then Ruud is well worth your consideration.
Homeowners love the fact that Ruud models are affordable, energy-efficient, and come with a great warranty, even if they are a little noisier than some models on the market. Also, just be sure to hire the services of a trusted contractor to handle the installation of your Ruud air conditioner, as customers have experienced issues within the first year.
Overall, Ruud air conditioners are popular with homeowners and are a great choice if you’re in the market for a new system.