Ruud
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U98MV Endeavor Prestige® Gas Furnace with 98% AFUE efficiency and variable-speed blower
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UA19AY Air Conditioner using EcoNet® technology and up to 19 SEER2 performance
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UP19AY Heat Pump with inverter-driven compressor for year-round efficiency
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EcoNet® Smart Thermostat integration for remote monitoring and control
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Built-in diagnostic service alerts for faster maintenance
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Solid mid-to-premium positioning with competitive warranty support
Carrier
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Over 100 years of HVAC innovation with strong U.S. market presence
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Premium Infinity® series known for variable-speed precision and high efficiency
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Broad product range across furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps
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Excellent humidity and temperature control in variable climates
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Reliable build quality with corrosion-resistant components
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Industry-recognized for quiet operation and advanced connectivity
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Carrier HVAC
Founded in 1902 by Willis Carrier - the man credited with inventing modern air conditioning - Carrier is one of the most recognized HVAC names worldwide. In my years working with residential ducted systems, Carrier has consistently delivered a balance of innovation, comfort, and durability. The Infinity® series is their flagship line, offering top-tier performance with advanced control systems, variable-speed technology, and strong energy efficiency.
For this review, I’m focusing on three standout products that represent Carrier’s engineering strengths in each major residential ducted category:
- Infinity® 98 Gas Furnace with Greenspeed® Intelligence (59MN7) – Carrier’s most advanced furnace for precise heating.
- Infinity® 26 Air Conditioner (24VNA6) – a flagship AC designed for superior cooling and humidity control.
- Infinity® 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed® Intelligence (25VNA4) – a versatile year-round option for both heating and cooling.
These units are selected not just for their place at the top of the spec sheet, but because they’ve proven themselves in actual homes, backed by both my field experience and consistent customer feedback.
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.
