Ruud Hot Water Heaters 
Review and Buying Tips

Explore electric, gas-powered, tank, and tankless Ruud hot water heaters to buy high-efficiency, condensing, and hybrid models and save energy, money, and time. Find out more about Energy Star qualified products that can improve your energy savings, protect the environment, and see the differences between standard and high-efficiency models.

Ruud/Rheem manufacturer is the North American leader in the water heating industry for residential and commercial applications. Ruud has been designing and producing water heaters for over 100 years. It started with the first automatic water heater, and today the company offers a variety of tank and tankless heaters, including models with condensing and hybrid technology.

Ruud hot water heaters for home use

The core of Ruud hot water heaters includes gas- and electric-powered tank-type appliances, but the company also offers solar, high efficient, and hybrid models.

If you are looking for a water heater that will save you the most money, look for the ultra-efficient and Energy Star compliant models, such as condensing and hybrid models, as they help you save 40% or more on your utility bill.

Ruud gas models with ultra-low NOx gas emissions are environmentally friendly, making them suitable for regions with strict emission rules.

Homeowners have options to buy water heaters from the following groups:

• Ruud gas-powered tank-type
• Ruud electric-powered tank-type
• Ruud hybrid
• Ruud tankless
• Solar

Ruud gas-powered tank water heaters

Ruud gas water heaters are designed in sizes from 28 to approximately 100 gallons, all using propane and natural gas for either point of use or whole house water heating. Based on how products of combustion are removed, homeowners have options to buy direct, power, power direct, and atmospheric vented systems, including tanks with the standard capacity and for heavy-duty use.

Ruud also manufactures high-efficient condensing models and models with the powered damper, all having higher energy factors and reduced energy losses.

These models are Energy Star approved and qualified for state and utility rebates (where applicable).

For example, the High-Efficiency Condensing Power Direct Vent model from the Professional Ultra series is one of the most wanted models. It comes with the highest efficiency of 0.83 (UEF), with a recovery rate of up to 48.5 GPH and a first-hour rating of up to 87 gallons.

It utilizes premium features such as the helical-type condensing heat exchanger for effective heat transfer, power direct venting for flexible installation, dual anode rods for corrosion protection, and a self-diagnostic system for simpler installation and troubleshooting.

Other Energy Star-approved models, such as the Powered Damper models, with the low and ultra-low NOx gas emission, have lower efficiency of up to 0.70. However, there is still a high first-hour rating and recovery rate, making them great for families with increased demand for hot water. These models are also EcoNet compliant, providing users with a Wi-Fi connection, remote control, and monitoring.

Most gas-powered Ruud hot water heaters have the Guardian System, a system that incorporates the FVIR protection for additional safety.

Standard-type gas heaters include basic features such as the pilot light and a simple gas valve. In contrast, more advanced heaters come with the fan-assisted venting system, eco gas burners, hot surface ignition, self-cleaning system, and gas valves with the electronic control and self-diagnostic system.

Ruud electric tank water heaters

Ruud electric-powered water heaters are designed as the conventional tank-type, and they come in different capacities and more or less advanced features. Some are built as the economy, for budget-oriented families, some tough for professionals and demanding homes.

Most electric units are made for whole-house water heating, while several models are used for point-of-use applications and particular use. Moreover, the selection is excellent; from a small, 2.5 gallons to large a 120 gallons to provide enough hot water to homes with multiple bathrooms.

The best electric model comes from the Professional Ultra series that features LeakGuard and LeakSense systems to protect the household from water leaks, an EcoNet Wi-Fi system for remote control and monitoring, and diagnostics for simple troubleshooting.

Ruud electric, as gas models, also feature a self-cleaning system and high efficient water heating, but none are Energy Star compliant.

The only electric model that is designed with ultra-efficiency and is Energy Star approved is the hybrid type.

Ruud hybrid water heaters

Ruud hybrid water heaters can heat water with the ultra-high-energy factor that is up to four times higher than the efficiency found on the standard type, saving you up to $480 per year in energy costs.

Ruud hybrid water heaters have many standard components as the typical electric type, with an addition of the heat pump located on top of the unit. They have the same footprint as the common electric type, and the installation is as easy. But, they are more advanced.

Combined operation between electric heating elements and heat pump technology makes these hybrids ultra-efficient and high performers, delivering hot water faster than the other type.

Hybrids are equipped with an advanced control panel to control and monitor settings/status, choose one of five operating modes, and engage one or both systems to heat water with the lower or higher efficiency – depending on the demand.

They include superior features such as stainless steel heating elements with dry-fire protection, premium anode rods, EcoNet, LeakGuard, and LeakSense systems.

Ruud tankless gas-powered water heaters

As opposed to the tank type, Ruud hot water heaters are designed with tankless technology where water is heated on-demand with an endless supply of hot water. Ruud offers several types and sizes, heating water using natural gas or propane and installed indoors or outdoors.

Tankless units are compact and small, installed on the wall, saving you precious floor space. Indoor units are direct vented, while the outdoor models are vent-less and using the electric blower.

Ruud tankless water heaters are also ultra-efficient and Energy Star compliant, using the condensing technology for increased efficiency of over 90%. Built-in intelligent features help users easy monitoring and convenient troubleshooting. To see how powerful and efficient Ruud tankless water heaters are, check out our detailed review.

Ruud solar

Ruud solar water heaters use free solar energy to save on energy, water heating costs and help protect the environment. These solar heaters come in two configurations, both found as closed-loop passive systems that don't require pumps or controllers.

Ruud also offers solar water tanks that incorporate electric heating elements and heat exchangers for direct and indirect water heating.

About

Ruud Company was founded by Edwin Ruud, who developed the first automatic, tank-type, gas-powered water heater over a hundred years ago. In 1959, the Rheem Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of Paloma Industries, bought the Ruud Company, but the water heaters are still produced and sold under the Ruud brand name.

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