Ruud Gas Water Heaters 
Review and Buying Tips

A review of Ruud gas water heaters using the tankless and storage tank-type design, including high efficiency, condensing, low NOx, direct, atmospheric, and power vented models. Explore the main features and benefits.

Features and benefits

All the Ruud gas water heaters reviewed here are designed for the whole-house hot water supply in residential and light commercial applications, either small or large. Some models are designed to use natural gas, while others, liquid propane, or change the type using the conversion kit.

Most gas water heaters are equipped with the conventional tank-type technology for a reliable, old-fashion way of water heating, allowing Ruud to provide energy efficiency from 0.6 to 0.7, or even higher. Those models with the tankless design have a higher energy efficiency of over 0.8, ensuring greater savings.

There are also ultra-efficient condensing water heaters found in both tank-type and tankless categories. This technology allows much higher energy factors of over 0.9 for additional energy savings and environmental protection.

Other advanced features found in some Ruud gas-powered tank-type models are:

The EverKleen Self Cleaning System reduces the risk of sediment and limescale buildup at the bottom of the tank and surrounding elements. Cold water enters the tank through the specially designed dip tube, which creates a turbulent flow reducing the risk of deposits while increasing efficiency.

The Guardian FVIR System uses the air-fuel shut-off device and flame arrestor plate to protect the unit in the presence of flammable vapor accumulation. It reduces the time for maintenance by eliminating the need for filters.

A porcelain enamel tank lining is used to protect the metal tank from corrosion and make it durable.

A low NOx gas burner comes with a low nitrous oxide emission that meets 40ng/J NOx requirements making the gas burner eco-friendly.

The standard warranty period on tank-type heaters is 6 years, but there are models where the extended warranty is available for up to 12 years. Tankless models have a more extended warranty of 12 years.

Some models feature flexible venting options using PVC, ABS, or CPVC with lengths of over 100 feet and vertical and horizontal termination.

Most models are equipped with the pilot light and electric ignition, while better models have durable silicon nitride hot surface ignition.

Tank-type

Ruud gas water heaters with the storage tanks are grouped into several categories:

• Professional Ultra series
• Professional Achiever Plus series
• Professional Achiever series
• Pacemaker

Professional Ultra series

Ruud gas water heaters from the Professional Ultra series are available as the High Efficiency Condensing with the power direct venting and Powered Damper. Models from these two groups, including units with tank capacities of 38, 48, and 50 gallons, come with the highest energy efficiency and Energy Star rating.

High-efficiency Condensing water heaters use power direct venting for exhaust gas transfer. These are equipped with superior features, including the self-diagnostic system, eco-friendly gas burner, dual anode rod, submerged coil type heat exchanger, durable silicon nitride igniter other high-quality elements. Thanks to the innovative engineering, gas water heaters from the condensing group are the greatest performers, delivering hot water with a high first-hour rating of up to 87 gallons, recovery rate up to 48.5 GPH, an efficiency of up to 0.83, and long venting lengths using PVC, ABS or CPVC.

Powered Damper models have slightly lower first-hour rating and recovery rate, including the energy factor of up to 0.70. There are two sizes available of 38 and 50 gallons. The main features that should be mentioned are the 24-volt powered flue damper to enhance the heat transfer, its ability to connect to the EcoNet WiFi technology for intelligent control/monitoring and use in potable water and space heating. And with the premium anode rod, Powered Damper water heaters come with the efficiency of 12 years.

Professional Achiever Plus series

The Professional Achiever Plus series is the most extensive group that consists of several types and sizes. The series includes water heaters with the atmospheric vent, power direct vent, power vent, induced draft, and powered damper models, all designed for regular and heavy-duty use. The ultra-low NOx gas emission is required. Homeowners can buy models with capacities from 29 gallons to 98 gallons, including low efficient models with the energy factor of 0.58 to 0.70 and ultra-high first-hour rating of up to 93 gallons.

Professional Achiever series

In the Professional Achiever series, homeowners can select a water heater with every venting option available and in sizes from 29 gallons to 98 gallons. Only power direct vent models with the induced draft can heat water with an efficiency of up to 0.69, making them Energy Star compliant. Other models with UEF between 0.50 and 0.66 are low efficient.

How to choose the right gas water heater size

Use this article to learn more about the size of a tank-type water heater. In short, this is how you should size your water heater:

A household with two people or less - uses 40-gal for regular and 50-gallon for high-demand applications.

A household with three to four people - uses a 50-gallon water heater.

A household with five or more people - uses a 60-gal for regular demand and a 75-gallon gas water heater for high demand.

Tankless water heaters

Ruud gas water heaters with tankless technology are the perfect solution for your home, either small or large, as they provide hot water on demand, in endless and continuous supply for one or more fixtures. Ruud tankless are energy-efficient, smart, small, and wall-mounted, and are very durable. To find out more, use this article to learn more about Ruud tankless water heaters.

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