It was a scorching hot summer when I first installed a Ruud water heater for a client. Their old unit had broken down right in the middle of a heatwave, and they needed a reliable, efficient replacement—fast. I suggested a Ruud, and it didn’t disappoint. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of Ruud installations, so let me walk you through the good, the bad, and whether you should invest in one.
My First Encounter with Ruud Water Heaters
The first time I installed a Ruud water heater, I was skeptical. I had heard about their reliability, but I wasn’t fully convinced. That all changed after I set up a Ruud Professional Ultra Series gas water heater for a family of five. Not only was it easy to install, but the family raved about how quickly it heated water and how much they saved on their utility bills in the months that followed.
From that point on, I knew Ruud had a solid place in the market.
What Makes Ruud Water Heaters Stand Out?
1. Wide Range of Options
Ruud offers a variety of models, from traditional tank water heaters to high-efficiency tankless systems. Whether you need gas, electric, or even hybrid models, there’s a Ruud for just about every home or commercial need.
- Gas water heaters: Perfect for homes with access to natural gas. Their Professional Ultra Series is top-of-the-line with quick recovery times and high energy efficiency.
- Electric water heaters: Ideal for homes without gas access. Models like the Ruud Gladiator are known for their durability and quick heating times.
- Tankless water heaters: These offer endless hot water and significant energy savings over time. Ruud’s Ultra Series Condensing Tankless is one of the top performers in this category.
- Hybrid heat pump water heaters: If you’re looking for maximum energy savings, the Ruud Ultra Hybrid is a standout with impressive efficiency ratings.
2. Durability and Build Quality
Ruud water heaters are known for being built to last. Many of their models feature stainless steel tanks or glass-lined interiors, which help resist corrosion and extend the heater’s lifespan. On average, I’ve seen these heaters last 12–15 years when properly maintained, which is solid for a water heater.
3. Energy Efficiency
Ruud excels when it comes to energy-efficient models. Whether you choose their gas, electric, or hybrid systems, they offer Energy Star-certified options that reduce your energy bills significantly. For example, their Ultra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump water heater is one of the most energy-efficient models on the market today, using up to 73% less energy than traditional electric water heaters.
Popular Ruud Water Heater Models
1. Ruud Professional Ultra Series Gas Water Heater
Type: Gas-powered, storage tank
Best For: Families needing a reliable, cost-efficient unit
Pros:
- Fast recovery times, meaning you’ll have hot water almost immediately after usage
- Self-cleaning feature reduces sediment buildup, improving longevity
Cons: - Slightly more expensive upfront
My experience: Installed several of these in larger homes, and the fast recovery rate was a game changer for households with multiple bathrooms.
2. Ruud Gladiator Electric Water Heater
Type: Electric, storage tank
Best For: Homes without access to natural gas
Pros:
- Built-in WiFi and leak detection system
- Durable construction with longer warranties than most competitors
Cons: - A bit slower to heat up compared to gas models
My experience: I’ve installed this for clients who appreciate the peace of mind that comes with the WiFi alerts and leak detection—very helpful for avoiding water damage.
3. Ruud Ultra Series Condensing Tankless Water Heater
Type: Gas-powered, tankless
Best For: Homes or businesses with high water demands and a focus on energy savings
Pros:
- Endless hot water supply
- Extremely high energy efficiency (up to 96% efficiency)
- Compact design to save space
Cons: - Higher upfront cost
My experience: Installed this model in a restaurant. The owners loved how it saved space in the kitchen while providing a continuous supply of hot water during peak hours. Keep in mind that regular descaling is necessary, especially in hard water areas.
4. Ruud Ultra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
Type: Electric, hybrid
Best For: Homeowners looking to minimize their energy bills
Pros:
- Energy Star-certified, one of the most efficient models available
- Uses ambient air to heat water, reducing electricity usage
Cons: - Slower recovery time, not ideal for very large households
My experience: I installed one of these in a home where the homeowners were very conscious about reducing their carbon footprint. They saw a noticeable drop in their energy bills almost immediately.
Pros and Cons of Ruud Water Heaters
Pros
- Reliability: In my experience, Ruud water heaters are less likely to break down than many other brands. You’re buying peace of mind.
- Good Warranty: Most Ruud models come with solid warranties, typically ranging from 6 to 12 years, depending on the model. I’ve had customers save hundreds on repairs thanks to these warranties.
- Energy Efficient: If saving on energy bills is a priority, Ruud’s hybrid and tankless models are some of the best in the business.
- Innovative Features: Many models include smart technology like WiFi connectivity and leak detection, which can alert you to issues before they cause major damage.
Cons
- Pricey Models: Ruud is not the cheapest brand on the market. High-efficiency and hybrid models can be a significant investment.
- Installation Costs: With certain models—particularly the hybrid or tankless ones—you may need to upgrade your home’s plumbing or electrical system, which can add to the installation cost.
- Complex Maintenance: Some of their more advanced models (like the tankless or hybrid ones) require regular maintenance, such as descaling or cleaning filters. This isn’t something you can neglect if you want the heater to last.
Common Ruud Water Heater Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
While Ruud water heaters are reliable, like any appliance, they’re not immune to issues. Here are a few common problems I’ve seen over the years:
- Sediment Buildup: Especially with their tank models, sediment can collect at the bottom over time, leading to poor performance.
- Prevention Tip: Use the self-cleaning models or schedule regular tank flushes every 6 months to a year.
- Slow Heating in Electric Models: Some electric units can take a while to heat up, especially in cold climates.
- Prevention Tip: Ensure the heater is properly sized for your home’s needs. Sometimes a bigger unit can fix this problem.
- Leak Detection Sensitivity: The WiFi-enabled models with leak detection can sometimes send false alarms.
- Prevention Tip: Regularly check connections and replace seals as needed to prevent leaks from happening in the first place.
Is a Ruud Water Heater Worth It?
In my experience, Ruud water heaters are a great choice if you want a durable, energy-efficient unit with modern features like WiFi and leak detection. They may come with a higher price tag, but the reliability and peace of mind they offer make them worth the investment.
If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term or want to save money on your energy bills, Ruud’s hybrid and tankless models are particularly great choices. Just make sure to account for the higher installation and maintenance costs—those are factors you don’t want to overlook.
For most households, the Ruud Gladiator or Professional Ultra Series gas models will provide excellent performance and longevity without breaking the bank.