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Ruud

Ruud Ultra Series Condensing Tankless 160 Water Heater

Model RU160DVN
4.3/5 from 140 ratings
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Btu
160000
Venting
PVC Direct Vent
Fuel Type
Natural Gas
Tank Type
Tankless
Capacity Gpm
9
Energy Factor
0.93

Ruud Ultra Series Condensing Tankless 160 Water Heater Review

The Ruud Ultra Series Condensing Tankless 160 is Rheem's plumber-channel 160K BTU condensing tankless. Sized between the Ultra 180 and smaller Ultra units.

Specs: 160,000 BTU natural gas input, UEF 0.93 condensing, 7.2 GPM at a 35°F rise, stainless steel heat exchanger. PVC condensing venting. 12-year warranty on heat exchanger.

The Ultra Series 160 is right-sized for 2-bath warm-climate homes with sequential demand. Equivalent to Rheem RTGH-72DVLN at Home Depot, with Ruud branding for plumber-channel distribution.

About $1,700 plumber-channel pricing, $3,100 plumber-installed including PVC venting. Right buyer: 2-bath primary residence wanting tankless capacity through plumber relationship at moderate capacity.

Pros
  • On-demand operation at 9 GPM — no standby heat loss; unlimited hot water if demand is within flow-rate capacity
  • Strong UEF 0.93 efficiency — approximately 20% lower annual operating cost vs 0.62 standard
  • 12-year warranty — above-average protection; most competitors offer 6
  • High 9 GPM output — serves 3+ simultaneous hot-water fixtures in most US climates
Cons
  • Requires dedicated 160K BTU gas supply line — undersized gas piping is the leading cause of flow-rate shortfalls

Full Specifications

Brand
Ruud
Model Number
RU160DVN
Btu
160000
Venting
PVC Direct Vent
Fuel Type
Natural Gas
Tank Type
Tankless
Capacity Gpm
9
Energy Factor
0.93
Warranty Years
12

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