The average cost of Ruud furnaces installed in the U.S. is between 2,500 and 7,800 dollars. The precise cost is determined by such factors as the BTU heating capacity of the furnace, its efficiency rating (AFUE), stage (single stage vs. two-stage or modulating), and the model or series. The total cost is also influenced by the complexity of installation and labour rates. Generally, a mid-range Ruud furnace installation will cost you about $4,500.
We have divided Ruud furnace prices by size (BTU), type of stage, product series, and popular models below, and how the cost of installation labor and material add to the total price.
Ruud Furnace Cost by BTU Size (Heating Capacity)
The amount of heat a furnace produces is in BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. The typical residential sizes are approximately 40,000 to 100,000+ BTU. Ruud furnaces come in a range of BTU production to suit the size and climate of different homes.
In most cases, the more BTU furnaces are more expensive since they are bigger and produce more heat. The table below indicates average prices of Ruud (gas) furnaces 60,000 to 100,000 BTU capacity with the equipment-only price and the total installed price with labor.
| Furnace Size (BTU) | Equipment-Only Price | Total Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 60,000 BTU | $700 – $1,900 | $1,900 – $4,900 |
| 70,000 BTU | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 80,000 BTU | $900 – $2,200 | $2,100 – $5,200 |
| 90,000 BTU | $1,000 – $2,400 | $2,200 – $5,400 |
| 100,000 BTU | $1,100 – $2,500 | $2,300 – $5,500 |
Note: These price ranges are approximate national averages for standard efficiency and high-efficiency gas furnaces combined. Actual prices for Ruud units can vary; higher-efficiency models at a given BTU may be at the upper end of the range.
As indicated above, a 60,000 BTU Ruud furnace (used in smaller houses) may cost approximately 1,900-4,900 installed and a 100,000 BTU unit (in larger houses) may cost about 2,300-5,500 installed. The actual cost of the equipment (furnace unit) usually comprises about half of the total cost with the remaining part being the cost of installation labor and materials. Contractors will take into consideration the square footage of the home, the insulation and the climate to determine the proper BTU output of the furnace, buying the right size will not only make sure you are not paying extra money on capacity you do not need but also will not oversize the furnace and overwork it.
Ruud Furnace Price by Stage Type (Single-Stage, Two-Stage, Modulating)
The stage of a furnace is the way the burner and gas valve functions. Ruud sells furnaces in three primary models: single-stage, two-stage, and modulating (variable). This impacts on comfort and efficiency and also cost.
As a rule, the cheapest furnaces are single-stage, and the most expensive are modulating (with more complicated technology). The table below shows the comparison of the costs of Ruud furnaces by the type of stage, as well as their common characteristics:
| Stage Type | Features | Typical AFUE Range | Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Stage | One heating output level (always full power). Basic blower motor. | 80% – 95% AFUE | $2,500 – $4,300 |
| Two-Stage | High and low heat settings for better comfort. Often has ECM blower. | 80% – 96% AFUE | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Modulating (Variable) | Continuously adjusts output to match demand. Variable-speed blower, advanced controls (e.g. Ruud EcoNet). | 90% – 98% AFUE | $5,000 – $7,5 00 |
Single-stage Ruud furnaces (primarily in the Achiever series) run at full capacity when they are running. They are less complex and hence are the cheapest. Most single-stage models are low-end 80 percent AFUE models, but Ruud also sells single-stage high-efficiency models up to 95 percent AFUE. In the best conditions, a simple 80 percent single-stage Ruud furnace can be installed at a cost of about 2,500-3,000 dollars. Single-stage units are affordable and can lead to minor temperature fluctuations because they are either on or off.
Two-stage furnaces such as those in the Achiever Plus lineup of Ruud have a low-fire and high-fire mode. This enables the furnace to operate in a low and quiet mode most of the days and only go into high during very cold days. The two-stage design offers a more uniform heat and better efficiency, usually in the mid-90 percent AFUE range on high-efficiency models. The added technology typically adds a few hundred to a thousand dollars to the price of two-stage Ruud furnaces as compared to similar single-stage furnaces. As an example, an 80% AFUE two-stage Ruud furnace (70k-80k BTU) may cost ~$3,500-4,000 installed, and a similar single-stage model may be ~$3,000.
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The best furnaces offered by Ruud are modulating furnaces (mainly of the Ultra series). These units constantly make small changes in the heat output, and frequently change the speed of the flame and blower to keep the indoor temperature very steady. They can reach 95-98 percent AFUE ratings and contain such features as Ruud EcoNet smart thermostat system to provide the best control. Modulating furnaces are the most expensive to purchase due to the complexity and comfort advantages. An upscale Ruud modulating furnace will cost approximately between 5,000 to 7,500 dollars installed on a high capacity, 98 percent AFUE furnace. These models are the most efficient and comfortable and are chosen by many homeowners in case the budget is not a problem.
Ruud Furnace Price by Series (Achiever, Achiever Plus, Ultra)
Ruud furnaces are divided into three major series, which include the Achiever Series (basic), the Achiever Plus Series (mid), and the Ultra Series (top). The series have varying degrees of efficiency, features and prices. The knowledge of these series can be used to explain why certain models are more expensive than others:
| Ruud Series | Efficiency (AFUE) | Average Installed Cost | Features Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achiever Series (Basic) | 80% – 92% | $2,500 – $4,500 | Entry-level: single-stage models, standard features |
| Achiever Plus Series (Better) | 80% – 96% | $3,100 – $5,500 | Mid-range: single or two-stage, ECM blowers, some Energy Star |
| Ultra Series (Best) | 80% – 98% | $3,700 – $7,800 | Premium: two-stage or modulating, high efficiency, advanced features (EcoNet) |
The Achiever Series is the least expensive furnace of Ruud. These models are less frilly but well performing. Achiever units start at 80 percent AFUE furnaces (best suited to milder climates or less initial cost) and go up to about 92 percent AFUE. They are usually single-stage and with standard blower motors. The average cost of an Achiever furnace is between 2,500 and 4,500 dollars installed. The Achiever series is usually attractive to homeowners with a low budget or homeowners who are replacing a simple 80 percent furnace due to its low cost. This series is however less energy efficient and less comfortable than the higher tiers.
Achiever Plus Series is the middle-range models of Ruud. These furnaces are more efficient (many are 90%+ AFUE and Energy Star rated) and frequently have two-stage heating or even more sophisticated blower motors (e.g. multi-speed or constant torque ECM motors) to provide more comfort. Some 80 percent AFUE models remain in the Achiever Plus line, however, with extra features or performance improvements over the base line. The Achiever Plus furnaces installed costs are usually between approximately 3100 and 5500 or so depending on the model. This line is a compromise between price and performance and provides homeowners with increased efficiency and reduced noise at a lower cost than the Ultra series.
The Ultra Series is the highest line of furnaces produced by Ruud (equivalent to the premium line of other brands). The most efficient (up to 9798 AFUE on condensing models) and most feature-rich are ultra series furnaces. A large number of Ultra models are EcoNet 180 enabled, which allows them to be connected to the Ruud smart thermostat/control system to provide optimum performance and maintenance reminders. They are usually modulating or two-stage burners with variable-speed blowers which produce very even temperatures and are very quiet. These top-of-the-line features make Ultra series units a high-end product: the average cost of a new Ruud Ultra furnace is approximately $3,700 to $7,800 installed.
Ultra model is a reasonable choice of homeowners who value energy efficiency and comfort and are ready to spend more at the beginning. To take an extreme example, a high-capacity Ultra furnace with a rating of about 98 percent AFUE may be at the high end of that range, but an 80 percent AFUE Ultra (such as a model that is optimized to work in warmer climates but has advanced airflow capabilities) may be at the low end of the $3,000s installed.
Ruud Furnace Prices by Model (Popular Models)
Ruud has many models of furnace in each series and each model has its features and efficiencies. The table below shows some of the most popular models of Ruud furnaces, their efficiency, the type of stage, and some of the main features of the model, as well as an estimate of the total cost of the installation of each of them. These prices presuppose the average conditions of installation in the U.S. and comprise the unit cost and the average installation labor:
| Furnace Model | AFUE Efficiency | Type | Key Features | Installed Cost (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruud Ultra U98V | 98% AFUE | Modulating | Modulating burner, variable-speed blower, EcoNet enabled | $5,300 – $6,400 |
| Ruud Ultra U96V | 96% AFUE | Two-Stage | Two-stage burner, variable-speed ECM blower, high efficiency | $4,800 – $5,700 |
| Ruud Achiever Plus R96T | 96% AFUE | Two-Stage | Two-stage gas valve, ECM blower motor, Energy Star certified | $4,700 – $5,500 |
| Ruud Achiever Plus R802T | 80% AFUE | Two-Stage | Two-stage heating, constant torque blower, 80% efficient (for low heating-load climates) | $3,300 – $4,100 |
| Ruud Achiever R95P | 95% AFUE | Single-Stage | Single-stage burner, standard blower, high efficiency at budget price | $3,500 – $4,300 |
| Ruud Achiever R801S | 80% AFUE | Single-Stage | Single-stage burner, 80% efficient, basic reliable furnace | $2,500 – $3,800 |
Note: Installed cost ranges above are approximate. Actual prices can vary based on furnace size (BTU), local labor rates, and installation specifics. Data compiled from national estimates.
Let’s briefly look at what each of these models offers:
- Ruud Ultra U98V: It is an ultra series furnace with the highest AFUE of 98 percent. It has a modulating gas valve that allows adjusting the heat output in small steps, and a variable-speed blower motor. The U98V is EcoNet TM enabled and can be integrated with smart control. This furnace is very efficient and comfortable and the average cost of installing it in most homes is approximately 5,000-6,000+ because of the high technology.
- Ruud Ultra U96V: An Ultra series high-efficiency (96% AFUE) model. The U96V is normally two-stage burner with a variable-speed ECM fan motor. It is a bit less efficient than the U98V but it still provides energy savings and quiet, two-stage comfort. The installed price is slightly cheaper, usually around the mid-$5,000.
- Ruud Achiever Plus R96T: It is a well known two-stage, 96 percent AFUE furnace in the middle-range Achiever Plus line. It is very efficient and at an average cost. It is more sophisticated than entry-level models because of the two-stage operation and ECM blower. This model is a good value as a high-efficiency two-stage furnace with an installed cost of between $4,700 and $5,500 to homeowners.
- Ruud Achiever Plus R802T: A two-stage heating, 80 percent AFUE furnace, in the Achiever Plus line. It is a perfect model to be used in warmer climates where high efficiency is not a major concern, but the two-stage operation will provide a greater level of comfort. It has a constant-torque ECM blower, and operates more smoothly and quietly than a single-stage 80 percent unit. It is a cost-effective option with an average cost of installation of about 3,000-4,000 dollars.
- Ruud Achiever R95P: A basic Achiever furnace with 95 percent AFUE and one stage. The P normally refers to a one-stage model. Although it is in the basic series, its 95 percent efficiency can be Energy Star in certain situations and saves a lot of fuel compared to an old 80 percent unit. The model has a fantastic combination of high efficiency and a simpler single-stage design, making it relatively affordable, with an average price of installation of about $3,500 to 4,300.
- Ruud Achiever R801S: A low-end 80 percent AFUE single-stage furnace that is very affordable. It is a no-nonsense, dependable unit that can be used in an environment where efficiency is not as important. It will turn on/off at 100 percent. It is one of the cheapest with its simple features with an average price of around 2,500 to 3,800 dollars installed, which makes it a cost effective option to replace old 80 percent furnaces.
Ruud Furnace Installation Cost Breakdown (Labor & Materials)
When planning to purchase a new Ruud furnace, one should realize what percentage of the overall cost is spent on the actual equipment and what percentage is spent on the labor and other materials involved in the installation. The average cost of the unit (equipment) is approximately between $850 and $4,100 on a Ruud gas furnace and the professional installation labor costs an additional amount of approximately between $1,600 and $3,700. That is, the furnace device is about 40-60 percent of the total installed cost and the rest is the labor and any other material or service.
Labor Costs: The installation of a furnace is usually a work of licensed HVAC specialists. The labor costs entail the process of removing the old furnace, altering or joining gas pipes and electric wires, installing the new furnace, joining it to ductwork, venting, and testing the system. The national average cost of furnace replacement is about 1,600-3,700 dollars in labor costs. Labor cost can creep up to the high end when the install is complex e.g. when the new furnace is a different size and the supply plenum or the return duct needs to be modified, or when the attic/crawlspace is tight and makes the work more difficult. The installation of furnaces typically requires one day (5-10+ hours of labor, depending on the complexity).
Materials and Extras: Besides the core unit, there can be costs of materials such as sheet metal plenums or transitions, new vent piping (particularly of high-efficiency condensing furnaces which require PVC vents), condensation drain materials, or gas line extensions. In the case of upgrading an 80% AFUE (that vents into a chimney) to a 95%+ AFUE Ruud furnace, the installer will have to install PVC intake and exhaust pipes out the side of the house to vent. This increases cost of materials and time. Additional costs that may be incurred are a new thermostat (smart thermostats can cost 150-300 dollars plus install, but many EcoNet furnaces require or recommend one), HVAC permits and inspections (varies by city/county, sometimes 50-200 dollars), and disposal fees of the old furnace.
It is also important to mention that installation cost may be different in different regions. Labor rates will be more in regions where the cost of living is high or the number of qualified contractors is low. In areas that are more competitive or cheaper to live, you may receive a better price on installation. Ask to receive a detailed quote separating equipment vs. labor vs. additional materials. In the case of a Ruud furnace, the quotes will be more or less in the ranges above, e.g. a quote may indicate $2,000 as the price of the furnace and $2,000 as the price of installation, making the total price of the furnace and installation to be $4,000. In case of any major additional work (such as new duct runs, asbestos removal, etc.), they will be additional line items.
Knowing the BTU sizing, furnace stages, product series of Ruud and the features of each model, one will be able to make a better decision and plan the budget to buy a new furnace. Ruud provides choices between low-cost basic models and high-tech ultra-efficient systems and the cost of installation is proportional to the complexity. When comparing the prices of Ruud furnaces and the cost of installation, homeowners ought to look at the initial cost and the savings in energy costs in the long run.
How to Get the Best HVAC Prices
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for a lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest rebates as we talked above.
- 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.
Lastly, 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.
