Ruud Ultra® Series – U98V Review

The Ruud Ultra Series U98V is a variable-speed, modulating furnace that has an AFUE of 98% and is ENERGY STAR ® certified, making it one of the more efficient models available on the market. The features designed with this unit help to boost overall efficiency to keep your energy bills low.

In a Nutshell

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

Top Features

• AFUE: up to 98.7%
• BTU input: 56,000 - 112,000
• BTU output: 55,000 - 110,000
• ENERGY STAR certified
• Removable heat exchanger

The Bottom Line

The Ruud U98V is a very efficient furnace, so if you’re shopping for something that will save you more on bills in the long run, this is an ideal candidate. It is versatile since it can perform as a modulating, two-stage or one-stage furnace based on the thermostat that you hook up to it. This model is well constructed and reliable, made of steel for durability. 

In-Depth Review

• Ruud Ultra Series U98V
• Modulating, variable speed ECM
• EcoNetⓇ enabled
• Noise reducing features

Other Key Features

• PlusOneⓇ Energy Efficiency
• Humidity control

Energy and Heat Efficiency

The variable-speed blower motor is energy-efficient since it uses incremental circulation to heat your home accurately. It also has quieter operation since it avoids the on/off of single-speed blowers that can create a lot of noise when starting up; the variable-speeds allow it to run as slow or as fast as necessary. The motor also has additional humidity control so it can help maintain a comfortable atmosphere in your home.

The U98V features a modulating function for the burner, so you’re able to use precision heating to keep your home at the desired temperature without wasting energy. That makes this unit eco-friendly and less costly for your bills. The modulating function works when paired with the EcoNetⓇ Control Center thermostat. It allows you to run your unit anywhere between 40% to 100% capacity. However, if you don’t opt for the EcoNetⓇ Control Center, you can also run the unit as a multistage furnace that can operate at 40%, 65% or 100%. The two-stage function lets the furnace run at either 40% or 100% of full capacity. Though neither option is as efficient as the modulating function, the U98V is versatile enough to compensate.

Quiet Running

Noise is a factor that most homeowners don’t want to deal with. The U98V has tight door seals, rubber grommets and a twist-lock in the blower shelf to make sure you don’t have to hear any unnecessary noise from the performance of your unit. Fan noise is also cut to a minimum since the blower can operate at different speeds, rather than only ‘off’ or ‘full force’.

Warranty Information

Ruud offers an industry-standard warranty for the heat exchanger for a lifetime and parts covered for 10 years. They also have a lifetime unit replacement warranty, however only under certain conditions will Ruud actually be able to replace the entire unit.

Comparable Models by Ruud

Model Comparison by Lower Price - Ruud Ultra Series U98V versus Ruud Ultra Series U96V

The U96V is part of the same line and has a lot of similar features. Both units operate quietly and are efficient. They’ve got a diagnostics panel, a water management system and a removable heat exchanger. However, the U96V is not as efficient with an AFUE rating of 96% and is without the entire unit replacement warranty, though it does have the heat exchanger and parts warranty. It is also a two-stage furnace, meaning it doesn’t have the same modulating capability to respond as precisely to your heating needs.

Model Comparison by Features - Ruud Ultra Series U98V versus Ruud Ultra Series U97V

The U97V is a model just below the U98V, and they are both modulating, variable-speed furnaces that are ENERGY STAR certified and efficient. The U97V has a slightly lower AFUE rating of 97%. However, it is just as quiet as the U98V and has the same warranties, including one for the replacement of the entire unit if need be, and a lot of similar features like the EcoNetⓇ and the diagnostics panel.