Ruud air conditioners are made by Rheem Manufacturing Company, which acquired the Ruud brand in 1959 and has built Ruud systems in its own American factories ever since.
Ruud is essentially the same product as Rheem under a different name, targeting slightly different distribution channels at a comparable or modestly lower price point.
Rheem Manufacturing is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is owned by Paloma Industries, a privately held Japanese manufacturer of gas appliances.
Knowing that Rheem builds Ruud in the same Arkansas facilities as its own branded systems helps explain how Ruud offers near-identical reliability at a slightly different price.
This article covers who makes Ruud air conditioners, where they are produced, who owns the brand, its history, how it compares to a rival, and whether the systems are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Ruud Air Conditioners?
Ruud air conditioners are made by Ruud, which operates as a brand of Rheem Manufacturing Company.
Rheem manufactures Ruud and Rheem products in the same facilities, using identical designs, components, and quality control processes.
The primary distinction between the two brands lies in their distribution networks: Rheem products flow through national and regional wholesale distributors, while Ruud targets independent dealers and a slightly different market segment.
This dual-brand strategy allows Rheem Manufacturing to cover more market territory and increase overall sales without having its two brands compete directly at the same dealers.
Both Ruud and Rheem HVAC units were recognized by Consumer Reports for having the fewest percentage of units requiring repair among all major HVAC brands in 2009, as noted in Rheem’s company history.
Where Are Ruud Air Conditioners Made?
Ruud air conditioners are made primarily at Rheem’s large manufacturing complex in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which is Rheem’s main HVAC production hub for North America.
Rheem also operates additional facilities in Montgomery, Alabama, and other locations across the southern United States that support Ruud production.
While final assembly takes place in North America, some components including compressors, coils, and control boards may be sourced internationally, which is standard practice across the HVAC industry.
In March 2025, Rheem was named to Newsweek’s list of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America, reflecting its strong domestic manufacturing reputation.
Who Owns Ruud Air Conditioners?
Ruud is owned by Rheem Manufacturing Company, which itself is owned by Paloma Industries of Nagoya, Japan.
Rheem acquired the Ruud Manufacturing Company in 1959, integrating Ruud’s water heating expertise and distribution network into its growing HVAC and water heating business.
Paloma Industries acquired Rheem Manufacturing in 1988, providing the company with the backing of a major international manufacturer while allowing it to continue operating independently from Atlanta.
In 2025, Rheem celebrated its 100th anniversary, reflecting its long history as a cornerstone of American HVAC manufacturing, as confirmed on Rheem’s official about page.
What Is the History of Ruud?
Ruud traces its origins to Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian-born mechanical engineer who invented the automatic storage tank gas-fired water heater while working for George Westinghouse in Pittsburgh in the 1880s.
Edwin Ruud founded his own company in 1897 after buying the rights to his invention, growing it into a pioneering force in both residential and commercial water heating.
Rheem Manufacturing acquired Ruud in 1959, eventually expanding the Ruud brand into furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps alongside its long-established water heating products.
Today Ruud remains one of the most recognized names in both HVAC and water heating in the United States.
Ruud Air Conditioners vs Rheem Air Conditioners: How Do They Compare?
Ruud and Rheem are made in the same factory with identical components, so the technical performance of equivalent models is the same.
Rheem tends to be priced slightly higher and is marketed through a different network of distributors and retailers, while Ruud targets independent HVAC dealers and is often priced a bit lower.
Both carry the same core warranties and use the same scroll compressors and coil designs across comparable model tiers.
The right choice between the two often comes down to which brand your local HVAC contractor prefers and the pricing they can offer.
Are Ruud Air Conditioners Any Good?
Ruud air conditioners are consistently ranked among the most reliable residential HVAC systems in independent surveys.
The brand earns praise for its scroll compressors, which last longer than standard compressors, and for its straightforward engineering that makes systems easy to service and repair.
Modernize, a leading home services research platform, ranks Ruud among the top 10 HVAC brands nationally.
Warranties run 5 to 10 years depending on the model and registration, with the scroll compressor typically covered for the full 10-year term on most models.
For homeowners who want a proven, well-built HVAC system at a moderate price from a manufacturer with a century of American production history, Ruud is a clear recommendation.
For more on related Rheem brands, see Where Are Rheem Water Heaters Made and Who Makes American Standard Air Conditioners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruud Air Conditioners
Who makes Ruud air conditioners?
Ruud air conditioners are made by Rheem Manufacturing Company, which acquired the Ruud brand in 1959. Rheem is owned by Paloma Industries of Japan and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Is Ruud the same as Rheem?
Yes, Ruud and Rheem are made in the same factories with identical components and designs. The brands differ primarily in their distribution channels and target market segments, not in product quality.
Where are Ruud air conditioners made?
Ruud air conditioners are made primarily at Rheem’s Fort Smith, Arkansas manufacturing complex, with additional production at Rheem’s Alabama and other US facilities.
Are Ruud air conditioners reliable?
Yes, Ruud is recognized as one of the most reliable HVAC brands in the United States. Consumer Reports has ranked Ruud and Rheem among the brands with the fewest units requiring repair.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.