Rheem vs. Ruud: Which Is Better?

There is often confusion surrounding the brands Rheem and Ruud. Many people wonder if they are the same company or if there are any significant differences between them. In this article, we will delve into the nuances of these two brands to help you make an informed decision when choosing an HVAC unit.

To begin with, Rheem and Ruud are both brand names under the umbrella of the Rheem Manufacturing Company. Both brands share a strong commitment to innovation, reliability, and efficiency. If you want to gain a better understanding of these brands and their distinctions, read on as we explore their features and help you select excellent HVAC units.

A Family Of HVAC Brands

Many companies opt for consolidation as a marketing and sales strategy, where parent companies absorb multiple brands. Proctor and Gamble, for instance, owns four competing dish soap brands. Similarly, Paloma Industries acquired the Rheem Manufacturing Company and, through this consolidation, also gained ownership of Ruud.

Before Paloma’s acquisition, Rheem Manufacturing Company had already established a prominent name in the HVAC industry. Likewise, Ruud had also made a name for itself before being acquired by Rheem. Both brands are recognized leaders in providing quality and innovative products.

Rheem’s HVAC Systems: A Historical Perspective

Rheem Manufacturing Company was founded in California in 1925. Initially, Rheem was primarily a manufacturer of steel drums, but over the years, they expanded their product range. Interestingly, Rheem and Ruud started manufacturing HVAC products around the same time.

Rheem Manufacturing Company adopted a strategic approach by acquiring Ruud in 1960 and utilizing its Kalamazoo plant to manufacture their entire range of air conditioning and heating units. This specific strategy proved highly profitable for Rheem.

Why Rheem Is Considered The Best AC Brand By Forbes

Rheem earned the distinction of being the top air conditioner brand in 2021, according to Forbes, due to its excellent customer service, quiet operation, and competitive pricing. Rheem has built a century-old reputation for delivering high-quality air conditioners, exceptional customer care, and products that offer good value for money. This is reflected in their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Rheem air conditioning units are renowned for their low noise levels, comparable to those of other top brands and more expensive air conditioners. Some of Rheem’s high-end models even feature the EcoNet app, allowing users to monitor their units remotely using their smartphones. Additionally, Rheem air conditioners are equipped with Copeland variable speed compressors, further enhancing their performance.

Rheem’s Commitment To Quality

Rheem’s top ranking is a result of its unwavering commitment to quality. The company consistently embraces innovation and technological advancements to meet the evolving demands of consumers. This commitment has resulted in smaller, quieter air conditioning units, improved energy efficiency, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Ruud’s Cooling, Heating, And Water Heating Legacy

Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer, made his mark in America over a century ago with the invention of the first automatic water heater. This success laid the foundation for Ruud’s commitment to value and innovation, which eventually led to the development of Ruud air conditioning and heating equipment in 1950. Over time, Ruud expanded and became one of the leading manufacturers of quality cooling, heating, and water heating solutions in North America.

Ruud continuously strives to enhance and refine its product line, introducing significant design and technological advancements. Today, the company employs highly trained workers who are dedicated to delivering excellence and producing high-quality products. Ruud’s unwavering commitment to producing long-lasting, reliable, and energy-efficient equipment remains a constant throughout its history.

Ruud’s Reputation For Quality

Ruud is a frontrunner in the heating, cooling, and water heating solutions industry. The company offers a wide range of products that cater to both commercial and residential needs, including tankless water heaters, solar water heating systems, standard storage-style water heaters, and accessories. Ruud is recognized for consistently meeting and exceeding the industry’s stringent reliability, efficiency, and quality standards. From raw materials to finished products, every aspect undergoes rigorous testing in various government and third-party labs to ensure the highest quality standards are met.

What Ruud Offers

Ruud’s product lineup covers various applications, including newly constructed units, major renovations, simple restorations, replacement of water heating units, commercial and residential housing water heating options, institutional, manufactured, and industrial housing water heating options, commercial hot water and domestic hot water applications, commercial heating and cooling applications, and domestic cooling and heating applications. Whether you require heating or cooling solutions for commercial or residential purposes, Ruud is a reliable and cost-effective brand that won’t disappoint.

Availability Of Ruud Products

Ruud products are readily available, with strategically located accessories and replacement parts across Canada, the USA, and Mexico for quick delivery throughout North America. Additionally, Ruud has international distributors that cater to numerous countries worldwide.

Excellent Customer Service

Ruud places a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service. They prioritize accurate and timely support for customers, ensuring that their queries regarding product information and warranty details are addressed promptly. Contractors and plumbers also rely on Ruud for application support and technical assistance.

Rheem Vs. Ruud: Key Differentiating Factors

Rheem and Ruud are two of the most renowned and recognizable brands in the cooling and heating industry. While they share many similarities, there are certain factors that set them apart. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed choice for your HVAC requirements.

Quality

Both Rheem and Ruud have solid reputations for delivering quality products. To gauge the efficiency of each product, look for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This rating indicates how energy-efficient a product is, with higher SEER ratings signifying greater efficiency. According to the Energy Information Administration, more than half of the total energy consumed in homes is attributed to heating and air conditioning.

Ruud products have SEER ratings ranging from 16 to 19.5, which may seem smaller compared to other home cooling brands, but still offer impressive efficiency. Rheem, on the other hand, offers a similar SEER range, but most of its units employ a double-coil system, making them significantly quieter than other products on the market. Ruud’s coil system varies, resulting in differing noise levels across different models.

Variety

Both Rheem and Ruud offer a wide range of models across their respective product lines. Each unit is comparable in terms of power usage and performance, ensuring that both brands can meet your cooling and heating needs effectively.

Air Conditioning Prices

The prices of Rheem and Ruud units are influenced by various factors, with installation costs being a significant component. Before engaging a professional for installation, it is advisable to seek a free estimation to gain a better understanding of the overall cost, including the unit and installation charges.

Pros And Cons

Here are some key pros and cons associated with Rheem and Ruud:

Rheem Pros:

• Energy Star-rated
• Confirmed high quality
• Steel construction
• Quieter operation compared to other brands

Rheem Cons:

• Limited variety
• Relatively higher price point
• Limited warranty coverage
• Limited SEER options

Ruud Pros:

• Popular in commercial and residential properties
• Confirmed high quality
• Offers a broad range of SEER options
• Energy Star-rated

Ruud Cons:

• Higher price point
• Limited variety
• Bulky units
• Limited SEER options

Seek Professional Advice

While you can conduct measurements, research brands, and make purchase decisions independently, it is always advisable to seek professional guidance. HVAC professionals can assess your home, taking into account factors such as insulation, ceiling height, and sun exposure, to determine the most suitable HVAC units for your specific requirements. Their expertise will ensure that you make an informed choice and avoid potential pitfalls.

Conclusion

When purchasing HVAC units, always prioritize quality and energy efficiency. Opting for a cheaper unit that compromises on quality and efficiency may result in higher long-term costs. Instead, consider investing in one of the top brands available in the market, such as Rheem and Ruud. By carefully evaluating the differences and considering your specific needs, you can select the HVAC units that will provide optimal comfort and value for your home or business.