Ruud Achiever Series – R96T Review
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AFUE:Up to 96%
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ENERGY STAR ®:Yes
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Burner Type:Dual Stage
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Blower Type:Variable Speed
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Warranty Score:
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Overall Grade:
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Price:$4,335 - $5,170
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BTU Output:41,000 - 109,000
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Warranty Grade: It can be difficult to know which brands and models offer the best warranty coverage, particularly because a lot of the key details are hidden in dense warranty documents filled with hard to understand legalese. Thankfully for you, we’ve carefully studied them and created this grading system to account for things like the length AND quality of their guarantee, coverage restrictions and more!
Overall Grade: This grade weighs key factors like efficiency, ENERGY STAR certification, comfort, noise level (for A/Cs), our warranty grade, and more.
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The Ruud Achiever Plus Series R96T is a two-stage furnace with an AFUE of 96%. The R96T is ENERGY STAR ® certified, and it has a lot of the features of the top Ruud models. The two-stage function allows you to operate that unit mainly on the lower stage, which will save on energy and cost while heating your home to your desired temperature. However, should there be a dip in temperature or the need for a significant heating change, you’ll be able to run the unit on the higher stage to use the R96T at full capacity for that extra boost.
In a Nutshell
Average Price (installed): $4,335 - $5,170
Top Features
- AFUE: up to 96%
- BTU input: 42,000 - 112,000
- BTU output: 41,000 - 109,000
- ENERGY STAR certified
- PlusOneⓇ Water Management System
The Bottom Line
The R96T is energy-efficient and eco-friendly. It has a wealth of features that let you as a homeowner have more control over your furnace. For maintenance, you have options like the blocked drain sensor that helps you keep your furnace in working order. If you’re considering something that has good value and is reliable to last a long time, the R96T is a safe choice.
In-Depth Review
Ruud Achiever Plus Series R96T
- Two-stage, constant-torque ECM
- Removable heat exchanger
- LED display for diagnosing issues
Other Key Features
- PlusOneⓇ Ignition System
- Compact cabinet design
Energy and Heat Efficiency
The constant-torque ECM motor makes the R96T an energy-efficient unit since it is programmed to maintain optimal airflow based on the motor’s speed and torque. By not wasting energy running at a single speed, especially a high speed when it’s not necessary, the unit is eco-friendly and can save costs on your gas bill.
The R96T has a diagnostic LED display that will show a 7-segment code so you or your technician can have a place to start when trying to pinpoint the cause of any issue with your furnace. The PlusOneⓇ Water Management System has a drain sensor to let you know if it becomes clogged, for easy access when you need to clean it out and to avoid water damage and costly repairs. The PlusOneⓇ Ignition System uses a Direct Ignition System so that there are few parts to break or need repair and is reliable since it is a simple mechanism.
Quiet Running
The constant-torque ECM means that air is moved efficiently and when it’s moved efficiently, the noise associated with fan and airflow is reduced since it doesn’t need to work as hard to push air through your ductwork. It works effectively through different temperatures since it operates by the mass of air and not the volume.
Warranty Information
Ruud has a lifetime limited warranty for the heat exchanger. However, the heat exchanger is meant to be a durable unit that should last a long time. It’s constructed out of aluminized steel and stainless steel to be highly resistant to corrosion and be able to withstand the pressures from the high heat that it’s routinely under. It’s easily removable to have quick access to it if the heat exchanger should require repair or replacement. The R96T comes with a 10-year limited warranty on parts, though it’s conditional on registration.
Comparable Models by Ruud
Model Comparison by Lower Price - Ruud Achiever Plus Series R96T versus Ruud Achiever Plus Series R92T
The R92T, despite having an AFUE of only 92%, is ENERGY STAR certified like the R96T. They both use a constant torque ECM to circulate heat through your home. The warranties cover the heat exchanger and parts. However, the R92T is a single-stage furnace, so though it is efficient, it isn’t as efficient at the R96T at heating your home. In order to keep your furnace running well, there is a diagnostic panel and a water management system on both units.
Model Comparison by Features - Ruud Achiever Plus Series R96T versus Ruud Achiever Plus Series R96P
The R96P is a similar model, considering that they are both two-stage furnaces that have an AFUE rating of 96%. They have warranties covering parts and the heat exchanger, which is removable for servicing or replacement. They run quietly and efficiently and are both reliable when it comes to operation. Diagnostics panels and the water management system make sure that these units are working correctly. The R96T however is ENERGY STAR certified and uses a constant torque ECM rather than modulating as the R96P does.
Model Comparison by Premium Tier - Ruud Achiever Plus Series R96T versus Ruud Ultra Series U96V
The U96V is an energy efficient model, and shares the ENERGY STAR certification with the R96T. Both have the same AFUE rating of 96% and are two-stage furnaces that operate on the lower level and move up to the higher level to respond to dramatic changes in temperature. They both have the same warranties, covering parts and the heat exchanger. However the U96V has a variable speed motor and runs quieter because of it, only using the speed necessary to heat your home.