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
| Series | Model | SEER | Compressor | EcoNet™ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULTRA | RA20 | 20 | Variable | Yes |
| ACHIEVER Plus | RA17 | 17 | Two-Stage | Yes |
| ACHIEVER | RA16 | 16 | Two-Stage | No |
| ACHIEVER | RA14 | 16 | Single-Stage | No |
| ACHIEVER | RA14**W | 16 | Single-Stage | No |
| ACHIEVER | RA13 | 13-15.5 | Single-Stage | No |
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 ConditionerPrices ByModel
Inordertooffer an objective and equal comparison, we set the baseline below:
Each model includes: 2.5ton outdoor condenser,1300-1400 cfmairhandler, programmable air conditionerthermostat.
| Models | 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 |
See costs in your areaEnter Your Zip Code
Ruud Air ConditionerPrices By Size
Before installing your air conditioner,an HVAC contractorneeds 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 conditionerranging from 1.5-ton to 5-ton.
Each Unit includes: Ruud 2.5-ton 16 SEER outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 cfmairhandler, programmable thermostat.
| AC Unit Size | Home Size | System Only | System Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | 600 - 1000 sf | $1,070 | $3,180 |
| 2 ton | 1001 - 1300 sf | $1,240 | $3,360 |
| 2.5 ton | 1301 - 1600 sf | $1,320 | $3,650 |
| 3 ton | 1601 - 1900 sf | $1,540 | $3,910 |
| 3.5 ton | 1901 - 2200 sf | $1,690 | $4,350 |
| 4 ton | 2201 - 2600 sf | $1,850 | $4,500 |
| 5 ton | 2601 - 3200 sf | $2,450 | $5,490 |
The “Home Size” column is a very rough estimate. The warmer yourclimate 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.
| Brand & Model & SizePriceHome LocationHome Size |
|---|
| Rudd RA14$6,896Naples FL1274 sq ft |
| Includes duct work cleaning, remote access to system operations, and a new thermostat. |
| Ruud U96V$6,500Allegan mi4500 sq ft |
| U96v furnace, ruud 3T, txv cased alum cooling coil, ruud 2.5T RA1630 condensor all assotiated parts & install... |
| Ruud UAPM-AZ 13 SEER$3309Tyler, TX1670 sqft |
| Hurray for Ruud. I’m so happy this turned out great. I was skeptical about replacing my air conditioner because the online reviews gave me the impression that there is nothing really worth the trouble out there. I got this Ruud because a friend of mine reassured me of its excellent services. For 7 months now the unit hasn’t given me any problems. Only had to fix it once and that was covered by the warranty. |
| Ruud 13AJN (4 ton)$3,990 installedPompano Beach, FL1800 sqft |
| The temperatures can really go high in the summer days. You can’t imagine my frustration when my AC broke last summer. For about 2 weeks we had to go without any air conditioning. I was in a rush to get the problem fixed so I got this Ruud but I didn’t know much about the unit. Finally, the problem was solved but then I wasn’t sure the unit would hold up without breaking down. So far so good, haven’t had to do anything except routine maintenance. |
| Ruud UNAL-JEZ$3,790Albany, GA2350 sqft |
| We have had the same ac unit for the last 18 years. After such a long time a replacement is usually a better bargain than repairing. So we went ahead and bought this Ruud. I like how quiet it runs. It functions perfectly and does take much to run so the utility bill is low. This is what good manufacturing is all about. |
| Ruud 16AJL$1,690 Unit OnlyCopperas Cove, TX1700 sqft |
| I took a friend’s advice and bought a Ruud AC to replace my old one. I don’t know what the problem is with mine because it’s only 8 months old and I’m repairing leaks twice a month. I feel frustrated by this; a house with a lousy cooling system is unbearable. |
| Ruud 15 SEER$1980 Unit OnlyPaso Robles, CA2200 sqft |
| I don’t know why I bought this thing; I wish I could have done more research. Now, when mine keeps breaking down due to this problem or the other, is when I find out that Ruud appliances are a rip-off. I’ve read the reviews; it’s all people complaining about a bad air conditioner that they bought from Ruud. Don’t buy this, save yourself the trouble. |
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 neversacrifice 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 dealerto get the final best price.
