Ruud Tankless Water Heaters
Review and Buying Tips

A review of the Ruud tankless water heaters with the condensing and non-condensing technology. Explore features, benefits, and differences. Check out the most efficient and eco-friendly models.

Ruud tankless water heaters are designed with condensing and conventional tankless technology, utilizing natural or propane gas, and can be installed indoors or outdoors. All tankless models heat water on demand and do not utilize the storage water tank as the conventional tank-type models.

Tankless heaters are equipped with one or two heat exchangers where cold water is heated when passing through, so you get hot water continuously and never run out. This innovative approach saves time, energy, and money.

Indoor models, which are using a direct venting system, are made for indoor installations and cannot be used outside without the conversion kit, and the outdoor models, which are ventless, cannot be used inside. Outdoor models are mostly installed on the outside wall or in the recess box for protection, which is an accessory that can be bought from Ruud.

The standard features found on all Ruud tankless models are the high efficient operation, an Exclusive Guardian overheat film wrap that protects the heat exchanger from extreme temperatures, and freeze protection for use in cold weather. Each model is EcoNet enabled, so users can connect it to EcoNet mobile app through Wi-Fi to monitor and control it remotely.

Tankless models are small, compact, and lightweight and are mostly installed on the wall. They come with advanced electronics, which allow accurate temperature controls, monitoring, and self-diagnostics.

Ruud designs tankless heaters so they can provide enough hot water for homes with one or multiple baths, even demanding homes with hot tubs, Jacuzzi, and oversized luxury bathrooms. The manufacturer also provides accessories such as link cables and controllers to connect two or more units into one system to be used in high demanding applications.

Due to the lower activation rate, Ruud tankless can be easily used in homes with low-flow faucets.

Condensing models (ultra-high efficiency)

Ruud condensing water heaters are designed to use the latent energy from the flue gases to increase the incoming water temperature, which results in an ultra-high efficiency of over 90% (0.93-0.94 UEF). All condensing models are Energy Star approved, providing the highest savings, and homeowners can take advantage of the government grants and utility rebates (where applicable).

These tankless models are also environmentally friendly as they meet ultra-low NOx emission rules, making them suitable for installation in states with strict emission rules.

There are several sizes available that can be used in residential applications, while some can be used in commercial too:

• RUTGH-RH11 series
• RUTGH-RH10 series
• RUTGH-95 series
• RUTGH-90 series
• RUTGH-84 series

All tankless and condensing water heaters use advanced features, including intelligent electronic control and a self-diagnostic system for convenient temperature monitoring and easier troubleshooting. With every unit, the remote control is provided or has a control panel built-in, so you can conveniently monitor the real-time temperature of the outgoing hot water and check the error codes when the problem occurs.

Ruud condensing tankless water heaters with recirculation - RUTGH-RH series

The RUTGH-RH series is the most advanced series of all tankless, and homeowners can choose between two sizes: RUTGH-RH11 and RUTGH-RH10. These tankless heaters are equipped with the same features, and the difference is in how much power and water flow they can generate. Both models are factory built for indoor use, using a direct venting system, or outdoor installation when installing an appropriate conversion kit.

What makes the RUTGH-RH series favorite among homeowners is the built-in recirculation system and programmable time-based activation that ensures faster hot water delivery and scheduling, providing greater savings in energy and water.

If you are looking for the best and most powerful model from Ruud, our recommendation is to get a RUTGH-RH11 model.

Ruud RUTGH-RH11 is equipped with a strong and eco-friendly gas burner and modulating gas valve generating power between 18,000 BTU and high 199,000 BTU and delivering up to 11 GPM of hot water. This ensures plenty of hot water for large homes with up to 4 bathrooms/showers.

As opposed to other tankless models, both RUTGH-RH11 and RUTGH-RH10 are equipped with two stainless steel heat exchangers and include a large digital display built into the front panel.

Ruud condensing tankless water heaters - RUTGH-95, RUTGH-90, and RUTGH-84 series

This group of tankless and condensing water heaters includes three sizes or models with three different water flow rates: 9.5, 9.0, and 8.4 GPM. One of the main differences is that this group doesn't include a recirculation system but is recirculation pump kit-ready.

Ruud RUTGH-95DV is the largest model in this category, designed to deliver up to 9.5 GPM of hot water using a gas burner with a power of 199,000 BTU. Other models have less power so that they can generate less water flow.

These direct vent models utilize a two-pipe vent system with the standard and low-cost PVC, while the venting pipes are not needed on the outdoor models, as they are ventless.

A maximum water flow of 9.5 gallons per minute (at 35 F temp. rise) supplies enough hot water to 3 bathrooms working at the same time. The modulating gas valve and gas burner will make the water heater work in the range from 11,000 to 199,000 BTU, and the temperature range it can achieve is between 85 F and 140 F (or 185 F for commercial models).

The modulation and the hot start programming are what make the Ruud tankless water heaters work with the constant temperature output and reduced "hot water sandwich" effect for the increased comfort. For homes and families with a high demand for hot water, Ruud provides an EZ-link cable that connects two identical models to work as one, and with the special manifold control board, it can connect up to 20 units.

Non-condensing models (mid-efficiency series)

Ruud tankless water heaters that are equipped with only one heat exchanger and produce hot water with lower energy efficiency than the above condensing models are known as non-condensing or mid-efficiency (RUTG series).

Homeowners have options to get three sizes, depending on the water flow rate: 9.5 GPM, 8.4 GPM, and 7.0 GPM. The largest models are recommended for homes with up to 3 baths, while the smallest one for simultaneous use of up to 2 showers. For high demanding applications, similar models can be linked into one system.

All three non-condensing water heaters come with a lower energy efficiency of 82% and use ultra-low NOx burners, making them environmentally friendly.

Non-condensing models are also very safe to use and reliable. The Guardian overheat film wrap protects the unit from dangerous temperature levels, while freeze protection keeps it operational even during sub-zero temperatures. The Hot Start Programming system makes the system always ready to deliver hot water, reducing cold water rushes when showering.

As opposed to the above condensing models, RUTG models are using a coaxial venting system (pipe inside the pipe), which is made of stainless steel.

Summary

The tankless technology is ideal for whole-house applications in residential and commercial applications, for small and large new and retrofitted homes, also cottages, apartments, and offices with one fixture. Every Ruud tankless water heater is wall-hanging, which saves on the floor space, and its flexible installation allows mounting almost anywhere.

Ruud tankless water heaters, with the tank-less and condensing technology, provide significant energy savings, enhanced comfort level, and convenience, reliable operation, and long-lasting life. The warranty is an industry-standard - 12 years on the heat exchanger and five on other components.

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