Ruud model numbers start with a U and then follow the Rheem key position for position, because Ruud equipment is Rheem equipment with a different badge. Here is the full breakdown for furnaces and outdoor units. This guide decodes Ruud furnace and air-conditioner model numbers position by position, using the key Ruud prints on its own product data sheets.
Ruud and Rheem are the same company. Swap the leading U for an R and every table below applies to Rheem too; see the Rheem model number guide.
Where to Find the Ruud Model Number
On a furnace, the rating plate is inside the front door or on the side of the cabinet, usually a foil or paper label with the model (M/N) and serial (S/N) side by side. On an outdoor AC or heat pump it is on the side of the condenser near the refrigerant line connections. Copy the model number exactly as printed, including dashes: the position of each character is what carries the meaning.
Ruud Furnace Model Number Format
A typical Ruud furnace model number looks like: U96VA0702317MSA. Use the table to split it up:
| Position | Characters | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | U | U = Ruud; R = Rheem | U |
| AFUE series | 96 | 80, 90, 92, 95, 96, 97 = nominal AFUE | 96% AFUE |
| Motor | V | V = variable-speed; T = constant-torque (X-13); P = PSC premium; S = PSC standard | V (variable-speed) |
| Major revision | A | A = first design; B = second design | A |
| Heating input | 070 | 040 = 42,000; 060 = 56,000; 070 = 70,000; 085 = 84,000; 100 = 98,000; 115 = 112,000 BTU/h (80% units: 050, 075, 100, 125, 150) | 70,000 BTU/h |
| Stages | 2 | 1 = single-stage; 2 = two-stage; M = modulating | 2 (two-stage) |
| Airflow | 3 | 3 = up to 3 tons; 4 = 2.5 to 4 tons; 5 = 3.5 to 5 tons of cooling | Up to 3 tons |
| Cabinet width | 17 | 14 = 14 in.; 17 = 17.5 in.; 21 = 21 in.; 24 = 24.5 in. | 17.5 in. wide |
| Configuration | M | M = multi-position; D = downflow; Z = downflow zero-clearance | M |
| NOx | S | S = standard; X = low NOx | S |
| Minor revision | A | A = first design | A |
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Common Ruud Furnace Families
The first few characters identify the family, and the family tells you the tier, staging and blower before you read a single digit of capacity.
| Model prefix | Family | Stages | Blower | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U98V | Ultra 98 | Modulating | Variable-speed | 98% AFUE |
| U97V | Ultra 97 | Modulating | Variable-speed | 97% AFUE |
| U96V | Achiever Plus / Ultra 96 | Two-stage | Variable-speed | 96% AFUE |
| U96T | Achiever 96 | Single- or two-stage | Constant-torque | 96% AFUE |
| U95T / U92T | Achiever 95 / 92 | Single-stage | Constant-torque | 92-95% AFUE |
| U802V / U801T / U801S | Achiever 80 families | Two- or single-stage | Varies | 80% AFUE |
Ruud AC and Heat Pump Model Numbers
Outdoor units use a different string. A typical Ruud air conditioner model number looks like: UA1636AJ1NA.
| Position | Characters | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | U | U = Ruud; R = Rheem | U |
| Product category | A | A = air conditioner; P = heat pump | A (AC) |
| SEER | 16 | 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 = nominal SEER | 16 SEER |
| Cooling capacity | 36 | 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60 = thousands of BTU/h | 36,000 BTU/h = 3 tons |
| Major series | A | A = first design; B = second design | A |
| Voltage | J | J = 208/230 V single-phase; C = 208/230 V three-phase; D = 460 V three-phase | 208/230-1 |
| Type | 1 | 1 = single-stage; 2 = two-stage; V = inverter (variable) | 1 |
| Controls | N | N = non-communicating; C = communicating (EcoNet) | N |
| Minor series | A | A = first design; B = second design | A |
Ruud Tonnage by Model Number
Every Ruud outdoor unit carries its cooling capacity as a two- or three-digit BTU code. Divide by 12 to get tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h). Furnace numbers carry the gas input instead, so a "080" on a furnace means 80,000 BTU/h of heating, not 80,000 BTU/h of cooling.
| Model code | Size | Cooling capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 018 | 1.5 ton | 18,000 BTU/h |
| 024 | 2 ton | 24,000 BTU/h |
| 030 | 2.5 ton | 30,000 BTU/h |
| 036 | 3 ton | 36,000 BTU/h |
| 042 | 3.5 ton | 42,000 BTU/h |
| 048 | 4 ton | 48,000 BTU/h |
| 060 | 5 ton | 60,000 BTU/h |
Common Ruud outdoor families and where they sit:
| Model prefix | Family | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| UA13 / UA14 / UA16 | Achiever | 13-16 SEER |
| UA17 / UA20 | Achiever Plus / Ultra | 17-20 SEER |
| UP14 / UP16 | Achiever heat pumps | 14-16 SEER |
| UP17 / UP20 | Ultra heat pumps | 17-20 SEER |
What the Ruud Model Number Does Not Tell You
The model number says nothing about the unit's age. That is in the serial number, and Ruud has changed its serial date format more than once. Use the Ruud serial number lookup to turn a serial into a manufacture date, or the HVAC serial number decoder hub for any other brand. The model number also does not tell you whether the unit was installed and charged correctly, which matters as much as the SEER digit for what it actually costs to run.
Decoded Your Ruud? Here Is What to Do With It
If the unit is under 10 years old and the model number shows a mid- or high-efficiency family, it is usually worth repairing. If the serial dates it past 12 to 15 years for an AC or 15 to 20 years for a furnace, the capacity and cabinet width you just decoded are exactly what you need to size a replacement. A new system at the same tonnage and input will drop straight into the same duct and gas connections.
Related: Goodman vs Ruud AC comparison · how to read any furnace data label · Goodman model number decoder.
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