Ruud Furnaces, a renowned HVAC company, has produced comfortable and smart products for North American homes for decades. They manufacture products with engineering excellence and follow greener practices in all stages of the business cycle.
In this article, we’ll do a complete Ruud Ultra series U96V review. We’ll cover all the good and bad aspects of this furnace in detail so that you can decide if it’s worth buying or not.
Let’s begin the review with a brief note about the Ultra series of Ruud Furnaces.
Ruud Furnaces: Ultra Series
Premium tier furnaces of Ruud come with EcoNet, modulating motor, highest AFUE ratings, extended warranty options, and a bouquet of features that makes your home convenient in all seasons.
The cost of the unit is a bit higher than 'Basic' and 'Middle' tiered products, which is pretty obvious, given their advanced features and ultra-power savings. Ultra-Series of Ruud Furnaces include U98V and U96V models.
Ultra-Series- U96V Overview
Equipped with all the latest and advanced tech features and lasting components, Ultra U96V is a must addition to your home to experience winters in the coziest indoor environment possible.
The U96V comes with premium features such as 96 percent AFUE ratings, Energy Star certification, significant savings on energy bills, consistent heating, etc.
We will explain the specification, price range, warranty options, key features, comparable models for your quick reference and an informed decision.
Furnace Stats
- AFUE: Up to 96 percent
- Energy Star Certified? Yes
- Burner Type: Dual Stage
- Blower Type: Variable Speed
- British Thermal Unit (BTU) input: 42,000 - 112,000
- British Thermal Unit (BTU)output: 41,000 - 109,000
*Warranty Score includes analysis of quality and duration of guarantee options. It also covers restrictions and other terms & conditions.
Price Range Of Ruud U96V
On average, the Ruud Furnaces-Ultra Series: U96V can cost between $5,170 to $6,000 including installation cost.
Ruud Furnaces displays a range of prices for their products because final prices depend upon multiple factors, and it is not feasible to put one price tag for any model.
Final invoice amount deciding factors
- Customer's area of residence, home/building layout
- Installation cost varies according to space, area, and region. It ranges between $500 to $1,000. It is advisable to take different quotes from a couple of suppliers in your area to get the best rate.
- Government and Local authorities change of rules & tax laws.
- You might be eligible for rebates from utility companies for high AFUE ratings and Energy Star certification.
Key Features
PlusOne Ignition System
Ruud offers its proprietary PlusOne Ignition System with premium furnace U96V. This is an advanced direct spark ignition mechanism that ensures hassle-free operation and is highly accessible for servicing. In addition, it provides peace of mind during weather fluctuations especially dreaded bone-chilling winters.
PlusOne Diagnostics Display
PlusOne Diagnostics Display is a trademarked technology of Ruud Furnaces. A seven-segment LED screen provides an in-depth diagnosis of everything going on in the furnace and alerts for any probable malfunction.
Timely information helps in the issue's early resolution and protection from more significant future functional problems. A faster understanding of the unit problem and solution on the first technician's call saves time and money.
PlusOne Water Management System
Ultra-Series of Ruud furnaces are full of patented and trademarked features of Ruud Furnaces. PlusOne Water Management System is another advanced tech feature of U96V for your furnace. The unit has a patented blocked drain sensor, pre-marked condensate hoses, and a self-priming drain trap.
PlusOne Water Management System saves money and time during condensate drain gets clogged with an accurate diagnosis of the problem in the first service call.
EcoNet
EcoNet technology allows remote Wi-Fi enabled the operation to optimize unit efficiency and convenient indoor atmosphere. It is an advanced integrated technology for heating, cooling, and water heating product.
With control in your hand, you can adjust settings on the go and manage heating and cooling according to requirements. Therefore, EcoNet saves substantially on energy bills.
Ultra-Energy Saver
U96V comes with AFUE ratings of 96 percent and Green Star certification, making it energy efficient.
Long-life with Durable Elements
Ruud Ultra U96V comes with a durable pre-painted and steel insulated cabinet with a tight-fit door latch.
An insulated cabinet ensures consistent heat movement in the duct always. The unit allows acceptable minimum air leakage with excellent craftsmanship. The primary heat exchanger is made of aluminum steel, making it resistant to damages.
Multiple-speed ECM Motor
Variable-speed blower motor operates at the required speeds and is configurable according to the weather fluctuations. Innovative ECM makes indoor air comfortable, ensures consistent flow, targets all cold spots, and provides a safe and comfortable Furnace experience.
The Ultra-U96V is an ultimate comfort provider for all seasons with advanced dehumidification and temperature control system.
Noise-free Operation
Trademarked and industry-first technologies ensure almost noise-free operation. You will be impressed to experience its minimum sound during on and off.
Easy Installation
The U96V comes with a 34-inch cabinet that can be easily installed in Upflow, Downflow, and Horizontal positions. In addition, you can easily detach its heat exchanger, made of aluminized steel, and service for a long life span of the unit.
Warranty
Ruud offers user-friendly industry best warranty options, including;
- Limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger
- Ten-year limited warranty on covered machine parts during normal functional conditions
*Installation and shipping charges are not covered under warranty
Comparison Table Of Ruud U96V
Ruud U96V vs Ruud U97V
| Ruud U96V | Ruud U97V |
| AFUE: Up to 96% | AFUE: Up to 97% |
| ENERGY STAR ®: Yes | ENERGY STAR ®: Yes |
| Burner Type: Dual Stage | Burner Type: Modulating |
| Blower Type: Variable Speed | Blower Type: Variable Speed |
| Price: $5,170 - $6,000 | Price: $5,170 - $6,000 |
| Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on parts | Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on parts |
Ruud U96V vs Ruud Achiever Series R96T
| Ruud U96V | Ruud Achiever Series R96T |
| AFUE: Up to 96% | AFUE: Up to 96% |
| ENERGY STAR ®: Yes | ENERGY STAR ®: Yes |
| Burner Type: Dual Stage | Burner Type: Dual Stage |
| Blower Type: Variable Speed | Blower Type: Variable Speed |
| Price: $5,170 - $6,000 | Price: $4,335 - $5,170 |
| Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on parts | Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on parts |
Ruud U96V vs Ruud Achiever Series R92P
| Ruud U96V | Ruud Achiever Series R92P |
| AFUE: Up to 96% | AFUE: Up to 92% |
| ENERGY STAR ®: Yes | ENERGY STAR ®: NO |
| Burner Type: Dual Stage | Burner Type: Single Stage |
| Blower Type: Variable Speed | Blower Type: Single Speed |
| Price: $5,170 - $6,000 | Price: $3,500 - $4,335 |
| Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on parts | A 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on parts |
Related: Also Check Our Ruud Furnace Review and Price Analysis
Conclusion
Ultra U96V delivers the right amount of heated air and speed to provide consistent and comfortable indoor air in all seasons and corners of the home. Its top-notch features such as variable-speed blower motor, high AFUE ratings, Energy Star certification for green practices assure complete comfort at a reasonable price.
We hope our comprehensive analysis of Ultra U96V for your reference helps in browsing the best furnace to beat the weather fluctuations, including harsh winters and extreme humid summers.
