Rheem
-
Prestige® Series lineup with variable-speed and high-efficiency design
-
EcoNet® Smart Thermostat integration across furnace, AC, and heat pump
-
Copeland™ variable-speed scroll compressors for steady comfort
-
Composite base pans and optimized sound-dampening for quiet performance
-
High-efficiency heat exchangers and coil designs extending service life
-
Tiered product range (Value, Classic, Prestige) to suit different budgets
Ruud
-
U98MV Endeavor Prestige® Gas Furnace with 98% AFUE efficiency and variable-speed blower
-
UA19AY Air Conditioner using EcoNet® technology and up to 19 SEER2 performance
-
UP19AY Heat Pump with inverter-driven compressor for year-round efficiency
-
EcoNet® Smart Thermostat integration for remote monitoring and control
-
Built-in diagnostic service alerts for faster maintenance
-
Solid mid-to-premium positioning with competitive warranty support
Similar Comparison
View All
Rheem HVAC
Rheem has earned a reputation as one of the most balanced HVAC brands – not only offering premium features but also focusing on practical reliability and wide product availability. For this review, I’m looking at three key products that represent the core of Rheem’s residential lineup: the Prestige® Series R98V Furnace for heating, the Prestige® Series RA19 Air Conditioner for cooling, and the Prestige® Series RP19 Heat Pump for year-round performance. These models represent Rheem’s higher-end offerings but are still accessible to homeowners who want advanced comfort without straying into ultra-luxury pricing. Over the years, I’ve tested multiple Rheem installs, and I’ve also heard consistent feedback from contractors and homeowners alike – their systems are seen as well-rounded, efficient, and dependable. With that said, let’s break down their performance across the eleven critical aspects
.
Ruud HVAC
When discussing reliable American HVAC brands, Ruud often comes up as a sibling to Rheem—both share engineering roots but maintain their own dealer networks and product branding. For homeowners, Ruud positions itself as the “no-nonsense comfort” option: systems that aren’t overloaded with gimmicks, yet deliver consistent heating and cooling performance.
In this review, I’ll focus on the U98MV Endeavor Line Prestige® Gas Furnace, the UA19AY Air Conditioner, and the UP19AY Heat Pump. These three models represent Ruud’s top-tier offerings, combining efficiency, durability, and smart connectivity. If you’re wondering how Ruud stacks up against its better-known rivals like Lennox or Carrier, keep reading—there are strengths here worth noticing, along with a few areas where Ruud takes a more conservative approach.
