Rheem and Ruud are sister brands owned by Paloma Industries, and their product lineups are identical but separately branded. They’re considered middle of the pack by HVAC pros in terms of quality and dependability. Ruud and Rheem air handlers work with any brand components including thermostats when they’re properly matched in performance. However, they are mostly paired with Rheem/Ruud heat pumps, air conditioners and tankless water heaters (hydronic systems).
Introduction to Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters
The brands make standard air handlers with coil and blower, compact units and hydronic air handlers with water-to-air heat coils. Rheem and Ruud have more models than the other top brands we have completed guides for:
- Trane
- Carrier
- Lennox
- Goodman
This table is an overview of the 13 models offered by Rheem and Ruud and their features. We’ve completed features tables and price tables (see below) for all the brands we’ve reviewed.
| Model | Blower Speed | Capacity/BTUH | Coil | Communicating | Recommended Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHMV | Variable | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | Yes | EcoNet & 500 Series |
| RH2T | Two | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | Yes | EcoNet & 500 Series |
| RH2V | Two | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | No | 300 & 400 Series |
| RH1V | Single | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RH1T | Single | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RBHP | Single | 18,000-60,000 | Copper/aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RH1P | Single | 18,000-60,000 | All-aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| Compact Models | |||||
| RF1T | Single | 18,000-36,000 | All-aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RF1P | Single | 18,000-36,000 | All-aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RHBL | Single | 18,000-36,000 | Copper/aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RHAL | Single | 18,000-36,000 | Copper/aluminum | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| Hydronic Models | |||||
| RW1T | ECM/PSC | 40,000-100,000 | Hydronic | No | 200 & 300 Series |
| RW1P | ECM/PSC | 40,000-100,000 | Hydronic | No | 200 & 300 Series |
Notes:
1). Rheem & Ruud communicating systems: It’s important that you match communicating equipment with a communicating control, either the 500 Series or the EcoNet thermostats for Rheem and Ruud. The controls are wired differently than non-communicating controls. For example, in a communicating system, indoor and outdoor temperature sensors determine whether heating or cooling is needed, and the signal is sent via a single wire. Non-communicating systems have separate wires for heating and cooling modes.
2). System options: Electric resistance heat kits/strips are available as factory or field-installed options and range in capacities from about 5kW to 30kW
3). Hydronic air handlers: Models RW1T and RW1P can be ordered with ECM energy-saving or PSC standard-operation blowers. For cooling, a separate indoor evaporator coil must be added.
Rheem & Ruud Air Handlers Features Analysis
The Rheem/Ruud hydronic air handlers contain a hot-water coil that circulates water between the air handler and a tankless water heater. The heated water passes through the coil and is transferred into the air being circulated through ductwork by the blower motor.
The communicating air handlers can be controlled by the Rheem/Ruud EcoNet thermostat that is capable of remotely controlling HVAC temperatures, both heating and cooling, and temperature in the water heater. The mobile EcoNet app allows you to control these systems from smartphones and tablets.
Compact air handlers are equipped with wall-hanging brackets for installation where floor space is limited.
Rheem & Ruud Air Handler Prices
These air handlers cost less than comparable models from Carrier, Lennox and Trane, the premium brands on the market. Rheem and Ruud air handler prices are competitive with brands like Amana, Armstrong, Heil and Maytag. With 10-year warranties on most air handlers, Ruud and Rheem are considered an average value for the money.
|
Rheem/Ruud Models
|
Total Cost with Installation
|
| RHMV |
$1,635-$2,185
|
| RH2V |
$1,535-$2,000
|
| RH1V |
$1,400-$1,875
|
| RH2T |
$1,485-$2,000
|
| RH1T |
$895-$1,235
|
| RBHP |
$875-$1,225
|
| RH1P | $650-$995 |
| Compact RF1T | $735-$985 |
| Compact RF1P | $650-$$815 |
| Compact RHBL | $715-$885 |
| Compact RHAL | $700-$865 |
| Hydronic RW1T | $1,375-$1,635 |
| Hydronic RW1P | $1,295-$1,600 |
Note: The Above cost is based on 3 ton air handler unit.
The Ruud and Rheem air handler prices in this table are for the unit only. Installation costs are extra. Expect estimates of $1,150-$2,000 depending on the size of the unit, the length of refrigerant lines, whether the air handler fits the existing ductwork and how complex the installation is. Installation in zoned systems might cost slightly more.
How to Get the Best Rheem/Ruud Prices
Making it your top priority to get the lowest price on installation could lead to problems. Cheap contractors often cut corners or don’t size the unit properly, and these issues lead to mechanical failure and a house that isn’t as comfortable as it should be.
Firstly, When you looking for the best deals for air handler, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC 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 for you local contractor, 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.
Other resources from PickHVAC you might find helpful:
- Rheem Heat Pump Buying Guide – Rheem heat pumps are a good match for Rheem/Ruud air handlers
- Air Handler/Fan Coil Cost and Buying Guide – A good introduction to air handlers, aka fan coils, including a list of top brands and average prices for each
