Note: Before you dive into the specific brand review, we highly recommend you to read our elaborate Heat Pump Buying Guide in advance, there are several crucial steps you need to take before you even start to think about the brand.
After an independent beginning, The Ruud Company was acquired by Rheem more than 50 years ago. Ruud and Rheem have been known for quality that is better than average and for innovation in efficiency and climate control. Both are now owned buy Japan-based Paloma Industries, a global leader in HVAC equipment manufacturing.
This Ruud heat pump buying guide lists all models, their efficiency and other features. You’ll find Ruud heat pump prices below.
Features and Pros
We mentioned innovation as a hallmark of Ruud. The Ultra UP17 is a three-stage heat pump with low, high and overdrive capacity. In overdrive, the compressor rapidly cycles refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils to maximize heating and air conditioning potential. Overdrive allows the heat pump to capture outside heat fast enough to adequately heat your home in outdoor temperatures well below freezing.
Ruud’s top model, the Ultra UP20 is the brand’s first variable-capacity heat pump. The inverter-driven technology eliminates heating and cooling fluctuations to deliver precise temperature balance and maximum humidity control for optimal indoor comfort.
The Ultra Series models are smart heat pumps. Equipped with WiFi-enabled EcoNet technology, they can be monitored and controlled via the wall control and app on your devices. EcoNet works with Amazon Alexa and Nest devices too.
Ruud has developed its own smart home system called EcoNet. It includes a thermostat control for the wall, a WiFi kit and the EcoNet app for use on smart devices. The system works with Alexa devices and come Nest products.
Another new feature to Ruud heat pumps is the 10-year unit replacement warranty on Ultra Series models. This was done to keep pace with Heil and other ICP brands (Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Tempstar and others) and with Amana, brands that also offer complete condensing unit replacement on the compressor.
Ruud Ultra Series cabinet design allows fast access to internal components for cleaning, maintenance and repairs. This can help keep costs low for maintaining your Ruud heat pump. If repairs are required, Ruud parts are readily available across the country, so system downtime is minimized.
Most Ruud heat pumps are dual fuel models that can be paired in a split system with a gas furnace. This is done in very cold climates. The gas furnace is used when temperatures are below freezing.
Ruud Heat Pump Cons
This is one of the few brands we have little to criticize. Ruud has made efficiency, performance and warranty changes recently that have improved it as a brand.
Ruud is a respected heat pump brand. Its units should last 15-20 years when properly installed and maintained. Our recommendation is to choose the installer wisely, because faulty installation results in poor efficiency, performance and longevity.
If you’d like to get free, no-obligation estimates from licensed, insured and experienced installers where you live, take a minute to fill out the Free Local Quotes form or call the number on this page.
Model Analisis Guide
| Model | SEER | HSPF | Compressor | Communicating | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra UP20 | 20 | 11 | Variable | No | Energy Star/10-year unit replacement |
| Achiever UP17 | 18.5 | 8.5 | 3-stage | No | Energy Star/10-year unit replacement |
| Achiever RP16 | 16 | 9 | 2-stage | No | Energy Star |
| Achiever RP15 | 16 | 9 | Single-stage | No | Energy Star |
| Achiever RP14 | 15 | 9 | Single-stage | No | |
| Achiever RP14-F | 14.5 | 8.5 | Single-stage | No |
Quick Take-Aways for Models
When you’re looking for the most cost-effective heating, the strategy is to find the balance between furnace cost and energy costs. Let’s use the zone map to identify efficiency levels for each that strike that balance:
Zone | Suggested SEER and HPSF | Cost-effective Models |
| Zones 1 & 2 (hot) | 18-19 SEER/9.5-10 HSPF | UP17 |
| Zone 3 & 4 (moderate) | 14-15 SEER/8.5 HSPF | RP15 |
| Zone 5 (cool) | 15-17 SEER/8.5-9.5 HSPF | RP16, RP15 |
| Zone 6 (cold) | (18 SEER/9.5 HSPF) or (AC + Furnace) | Ultra UP20 or (AC + Furnace) |
| Zone 7 (very cold) | (18 SEER/9.5 HSPF) or (AC + Furnace) | AC + Furnace |
| Plan to move in the next few years | 13-14 SEER/8 HSPF | RP14-F |
Note: In Zones 6 and 7, the coldest zones, a system with an efficient gas furnace and small central air conditioner is also a good option.
Extracted Tags from Customer & Contractor Reviews
Highly Durable
After going the customer reviews, most of them were quite impressed by the Ruud heat pumps. Even customers who had installed the economy class heat pumps were quite by the durability of the units. Some customers, who had tested the efficiency of the heat pumps, claimed it had not changed. Other heat pumps such as Trane or Carrier tend to lose a huge percentage of efficiency after about fifteen years of use.
Refrigerant Leaking
Quite a number of customers complained about the Freon leaking from their heat pumps. This Freon leak appears after about three years of use according to customer feedback. The problem was easily identifiable; replacement of the faulty part would usually work quite efficiently. Consequently, the cause of the Freon leak is most likely normal wear and tear than a particular problem with the heat pumps.
The Warranty Does Not Cover Freon Replacement or Labor Costs
After going through a number of customer reviews, it came out clearly that labor was not part of the warranty. As a result, it could at times become very costly to repair the unit. This is especially so as the unit ages and requires more parts replaced. Although the company would provide for replacement of damaged parts, Freon is not offered. Customers have to purchase the Freon themselves or have the unit refilled at a cost to them.
Low Price
Compared to Trane, Carrier and Lennox, Ruud has a relatively low price. A decent number of contractors recommend Ruud as the first choice for their customers.
Ruud Heat Pump Prices By Model
In order to offer an objective and equal comparison, we set the baseline below:
Each model includes: 3-ton outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 CFM air handler, programmable heat pump thermostat.
Models | System Only | System Installed |
| Prestige Series: UP20 | $2,220 | $6,250 |
| Classic Plus Series: RP17 | $1,935 | $5,640 |
| Go Classic Series: RP15 | $1,870 | $5,530 |
| Classic Series: RP14 | $1,535 | $5,335 |
| Classic Series: RP14-F | $1,220 | $4,950 |
Ruud Heat Pump Prices By Size
Before installing your heat pump, 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 heat pump unit ranging from 1.5-ton to 5-ton.
Each Unit includes: Ruud 3-ton outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 CFM air handler, programmable heat pump thermostat.
Heat Pump Size | Home Size | System Only | System Installed |
| 1.5 ton | 600-1000 sf | $1,370 | $4,510 |
| 2 ton | 1001-1300 sf | $1,540 | $4,825 |
| 2.5 ton | 1301-1600 sf | $1,770 | $5,090 |
| 3 ton | 1601-1900 sf | $1,940 | $5,650 |
| 3.5 ton | 1901-2200 sf | $2,220 | $5,950 |
| 4 ton | 2201-2600 sf | $2,630 | $6,250 |
| 5 ton | 2601-3200 sf | $3,150 | $6,940 |
Customer Shared Prices and Details
Price | Brand & Model & Size | Home Location | Home Size |
| $4,000 | Ruud Ultra 2 Stage | Cumming, GA | 2800 sqft |
| I installed this 3-ton unit after my old Trane system became too inefficient. The contractor conducted and size calculation and did a ductwork replacement. Since the ductwork was replaced, my house has become quieter. I only noticed after turning on the new heat pump, my old Trane was quite loud and I had gotten used to living in a noisy house. | |||
| $4,750 | Ruud Value 15PJL | Hendersonville, NC | 1900 sqft |
| This is actually the first time I have installed a heat pump. The unit runs efficiently, it has helped me to reduce my electricity bill almost by half. I knew the contractor would be crucial to a quality installation. Therefore, I did my research and found a good quality installation company. It has been three years and the unit is still running smoothly. | |||
| $4,550 | Ruud Value 13PJL | Kansas City, MO | 2200 sqft |
| Despite this unit having one of the lowest SEER ratings of any Ruud heat pump, it is quite impressive. My electricity bill has dropped drastically, which I attribute solely to the installation of this heat pump. Make sure that a contractor does not install an oversized unit in your home. You will end up paying more than you should. Always do your own calculations to confirm their figures. | |||
| $6,800 | Ruud Ultra UPQL-JEZ | Harrisburg, PA | 3000 sqft |
| Had this unit installed as a replacement after my Goodman completely broke down. Two years and it is working great. With the amount of savings I have made on the electricity bill, I would definitely purchase another Ruud. | |||
| $4,500 | Ruud Value 13PJL | Douglass, KS | 2000 sqft |
| This is a well-priced unit. I do not think there is any other heat manufacturer who offers so much value for each purchase. The unit works exceptionally well four years after installation. By the time I replace it, I estimate I will have recovered my entire investment. I would definitely recommend a Ruud over any other brand. | |||
| $7,300 | Ruud Achiever UPNL-AZ | Landrum, SC | 3200 sqft |
| I had my 4-ton unit installed some time back. Since installation, I can attest that my bill has gone down. The true test of quality lies in a heat pump’s ability to bring costs down. While some brands are super quiet, the kind of savings one makes are hardly worth it. It has been four years now and my Ruud continues to operate smoothly. | |||
How to Get the Best Ruud Heat Pump Prices?
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for heat pump 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 your 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.
Feel free to ask any question by leaving a comment, we will answer any question with actionable tips.
You need to add the wattage to your page. Some of us want to know how much wattage they use.
Thanks so much for the suggestion, I will consider to add it later.