Ruud Ultra Series – U97V Review

The Ruud Ultra Series U97V is a variable-speed, modulating furnace that is ENERGY STAR ® certified. It has a 97% AFUE rating, to ensure that it runs efficiently with less wasted energy and gas. The U97V comes with a few features that make smooth operation a priority.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (installed): $5,170 - $6,000

Top Features

• AFUE: up to 97%
• BTU input: 56,000 - 112,000
• BTU output: 55,000 - 110,000
• ENERGY STAR certified
• EcoNetⓇ enabled

The Bottom Line

The U97V can run as a single-stage, two-stage or modulating burner, making it a very versatile furnace to suit your needs. It’s adjustable and efficient so you can be precise in the way that you heat your home. Some features also enable to as a homeowner to troubleshoot and pinpoint issues with your furnace when it comes to maintaining your unit to last a long time.

In-Depth Review

• Ruud Ultra Series U97V
• Modulating, variable speed ECM
• Removable heat exchanger
• PlusOneⓇ Water Management System

Other Key Features

• EcoNetⓇ Control Centre
• PlusOneⓇ Diagnostics

Energy and Heat Efficiency

The modulating operation, when paired with the EcoNetⓇ Control Centre, can cut back on energy costs and run at its most optimal level, providing precision heating without wasted energy. 

This pairing lets the unit run from anywhere to 40% to 100% capacity. If not used with the modulating thermostat, you can still run the U97V as either a multistage, so it can operate at 40%, 65%, and 100% capacity or as a two-stage where it can run at 40% and 100%, which are both less efficient styles than the modulating operation. The blower also helps control the humidity and contributes to energy savings by matching your heating by not using more energy than necessary.

The PlusOneⓇ Diagnostics features a 7-digit LED in order for you or your technician to troubleshoot any issues that you may run into with your furnace’s operation. For easy access, you can get into the compartment without a tool, since it’s held closed with quarter turn door fasteners.

Quiet Running

Operational noise is dampened by the tight door seals and rubber grommets in the blower shelf. Additionally, the variable speed blower contributes to quieter operation, since the function will not necessarily be on and off, which can cause a lot of sounds when starting and stopping, but rather incremental adjustments to provide the right amount of circulating heat. 

Warranty Information

The warranty covers the heat exchanger for a lifetime and conditional parts for 10 years, should they fail under normal wear. There is also a warranty for the unit, so if the whole furnace should need replacing, you are covered for a lifetime as well with certain conditions. The heat exchanger is easily removable if you need it to be serviced or replaced. However, it is made of aluminized steel to be resistant to corrosion and withstand the pressure of being under constant heat.

Comparable Models by Ruud

Model Comparison by Lower Price - Ruud Ultra Series U97V versus Achiever Plus Series R96T

The R96T is part of a different line by Ruud, but still shares a few features with the U97V. Though the R96T is a two-stage furnace, it is still very efficient at 96% AFUE, just a little less than the U97V. Both furnaces have a diagnostic panel, a water management system and a removable heat exchanger. The warranties are also very similar, with the R96T being covered for heat exchanger and parts, while the U97V is also covered for the entire unit replacement.

Model Comparison by Features - Ruud Ultra Series U97V versus Ruud Ultra Series U96V

Though the U96V is a step below the U97V, they have a lot of similarities. The U96V is a two-stage furnace while the U97V is a modulating one, more capable of regulating temperature at different capacities. The main difference is that he U96V has a slightly lower AFUE rating. However, both models have a diagnostics panel, a water management system and a removable heat exchanger. They can also use EcoNetⓇ to help manage the home environment.

Model Comparison by Premium Tier - Ruud Ultra Series U97V versus Ruud Ultra Series U98V

The U98V is the top tier of the Ruud Ultra Series line. It has an AFUE of 98% in comparison with the U97V’s AFUE of 97%, making it just that much more efficient. Both units have modulating heaters that can run at different capacities to ensure no more energy than needed is used in heating your home. The U97V and the U98V have removable heat exchangers and similar warranties to replace the unit if it fails. The U98V has the PlusOneⓇ Energy Efficiency System, while the U97V does not.