Ruud Air Conditioner Reviews and Prices 2023

ruud air conditioner buying guide

Note: If you’re just beginning your research into central ac units, then our Central AC Ultimate Guide is the best place to start. Also, our AC Sizing Calculator can help you find a relatively accurate size quickly. Many issues are caused by an oversized or undersized AC.

If you are considering buying a central air conditioner, there are some factors that you need to consider. Like any other manufacturer, Ruud has a broad range of central air conditioning units with each unit suited to nearly each situation. As a way to keep up with their competitors, Ruud strives to produce ACs that are highly efficient and operate at low electric bills. Ruud has been in existence for quite some time and has gained popularity among consumers. Ruud has in the market three series of ACs with different levels of efficiency. However, all central air conditioners offered by Ruud are well built and durable as well as affordable to the consumer. The top list AC in the Ruud market is the Ultra Series, the Achiever Series and also the Value Series.

Ruud Unique Features

Ruud Air Conditioner Compressors

The compressor of an AC is among the most expensive parts of any air conditioner. All conditioners from Ruud have scroll compressors. These compressors are the most durable and highly reliable in the market. A scroll compressor engages a smaller amount of friction as compared to a conventional compressor thus increasing their consistency and naturally makes for a more silent unit.

Price

Ruud air conditioners are among the most affordable ACs in the HVAC market. The quality of a unit matters to a consumer and this at many times is related to price. Ruud not only offers quality but also affordability.

Model Analysis and Recommend

SeriesModelSEERCompressorEcoNet™
ULTRARA2020VariableYes
ACHIEVER PlusRA1717Two-StageYes
ACHIEVERRA1616Two-StageNo
ACHIEVERRA1416Single-StageNo
ACHIEVERRA14**W16Single-StageNo
ACHIEVERRA1313-15.5Single-StageNo

Best Cost-Effective Ruud Models For You

As we have discussed in our central air conditioner guide, the SEER is the most important parameter deciding the initial equipment cost and future energy savings.

Higher SEER Models can not always pay your money back. We developed a SEER Savings Calculator to help find a better balance between equipment cost and electricity cost. This tool can automatically load your local power rate and yearly cooling hours when using Chrome explorer. You can also adjust these inputs manually to get a more accurate result.

Contractor Feedback From Private Interview

More efficient and reliable units are expected from Ruud to keep up with their competitors in the market. Although the units are rather affordable, there is still room for improvement regarding a higher SEER energy rating. Ruud air conditioners are available in the online market, and all you have to do is to make an order of the same and then have a contractor install it. Some consumers are also buying them directly from contractors. Most Ruud central ACs draw positive feedback, although it is being overtaken by other models about ultimate effectiveness with its 18 SEER rating.           –Sales Manager For Rehut Comfort

Being an already established brand in the market, Ruud offers a wide variety of air conditioners with different specifications. Ruud works to provide maximum efficiency, comfort, and style. The feedback from consumers is mostly neutral; the majority of the negative issues from Ruud products users are as a result of poor installation. As long as a qualified HVAC technician does the installation, the unit will serve you long enough.              –Josh

Ruud has a long way to go to catch up with its close competitors. The company needs to manufacture better air conditioners regarding efficiency and prices as well. The majority of the feedback from Ruud consumers is neutral and adverse. This has to be changed to positive feedback and reviews by making more efficient and better performing units. Otherwise, the company may lose the not so big customers base that they have currently.             –Ruud Dealers From LA

–Sales Manager For Rehut Comfort

Ruud Air Conditioner Prices By Model

In order to offer an objective and equal comparison, we set the baseline below:

Each model includes: 2.5 ton outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 cfm air handler, programmable air conditioner thermostat.

ModelsSystem OnlySystem 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

See costs in your areaEnter Your Zip Code

Ruud Air Conditioner Prices By Size

Before installing your air conditioner, an HVAC contractor needs to size your system by “Manual J” calculation. This will take into accounts factors like where you live, how much insulation you have, windows types and directions, and everything else. Then you will get a right-sized central air conditioner ranging from 1.5-ton to 5-ton.

Each Unit includes: Ruud 2.5-ton 16 SEER outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 cfm air handler, programmable thermostat.

AC Unit SizeHome SizeSystem OnlySystem Installed
1.5 ton600 - 1000 sf$1,070$3,180
2 ton1001 - 1300 sf$1,240$3,360
2.5 ton1301 - 1600 sf$1,320$3,650
3 ton1601 - 1900 sf$1,540$3,910
3.5 ton1901 - 2200 sf$1,690$4,350
4 ton2201 - 2600 sf$1,850$4,500
5 ton2601 - 3200 sf$2,450$5,490

The “Home Size” column is a very rough estimate. The warmer your climate is, the bigger the AC must be relative to house size. You can use our AC Sizing Calculator to get a suitable size in a minute.

Submitted Prices and Reviews by Readers

We will not edit any words from submitted feedback information. We will update this table every 3-6 months and you may not see your submitted review immediately. Only fake and unreasonable submitted information will be filtered.

How to Get the Best Ruud Air Conditioner Prices?

  • Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for air conditioner project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
  • Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates.
  • Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.

At last, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: homeowners tactics when negotiating with HVAC dealer to get the final best price.

Written by

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications.

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9 thoughts on “Ruud Air Conditioner Reviews and Prices 2023”

  1. I need a visit and a repair to my AC at 22093 Majestic Woods Way, Boca Raton, FL 33428. My unit is 1484 sq ft. What is the best AC (best price) if I need to have it replaced.
    Regards,
    Danilo Meira

    Reply
  2. If anyone is in doubt about purchasing a Ruud, read on….
    I had a home built in 1998 and had a Ruud central AC 5 ton unit
    installed. I sold the home in 2015 and the Ruud was still working
    perfectly. Impressive, right? Well, even more impressive is the fact
    that NOT ONCE did it ever get serviced!! Not one maintenance call…
    nothing!! The only problem I ever had was it froze up twice in those 17
    years and that was because of algae buildup that was easily fixed by
    blowing out the line with a hose.
    I am a believer and am getting a quote now for another Ruud AC for the
    house I just moved into. Ruud is simply the best!

    Reply
  3. I need the inside unit and the outside unit. I have been advised that there is no good sense in trying to fix the one I have and that I should buy another one. The outside unit is a Goodman and the inside unit is a Rheem 4 ton. I did some research online and I decided on Rheem. How does Ruud compare to Rheem?

    Howard

    Reply
  4. I need to replace my 15 year old 8 seer outside unit. Was told I need to replace my inside unit ( gas furnace- propane ) Ruud Achiever 90 plus as it is near the end of its lifespan which I was told is 15- 20 years. Both units are Ruud and 15 years old. Never had any problems out of the furnace. Would this be correct?

    Reply
  5. Just had both compressor and air handler replaced with a RUUD system at a very good price here in S. Florida. We did our homework reviews and chose installer who had many (50+) high marks locally, BBB and on Angie’s list from where we contacted them. Company had no complaints in any areas. Installation crew was very knowledgeable and professional. Work done neatly and included original duct work cleaned and sanitized. However, I will come back in 6 months with an update.

    Reply
  6. I loved my RUUD system however the compressor went after several years.

    It was replaced a week and a half ago and since then the new compressor has not only blown its circuit breaker it has also blown the 200 amp main breaker several times. In addition, the air contactor was shorted out and replaced (the second one melted), and the 70-started capacitor has been destroyed. I have been informed that the new compressor now is damaged and will need to be replaced. Does anyone know why my RUUD compressor would have done this? My air company can not seem to figure out why there is a problem. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

    Reply

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