Ruud was founded by Edwin Ruud, a mechanical engineer who was a Norwegian immigrant. He changed everyday life for people when he invented the automatic storage tank gas-fired water heater while working for George Westinghouse in Pittsburgh in the 1880s. Production of the water heater began in 1889, after which he bought the rights to produce his invention, leading to the formation of his company in 1897. Ruud grew his company and acquired a large manufacturing facility when he merged with water heater manufacturer Humphrey Company located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1954, he moved operations from Pittsburgh to Kalamazoo, making Kalamazoo the new headquarters. In the following years, Ruud continued to make industry breakthroughs, making him a pioneer in both residential and commercial water heating products.
Ruud was acquired by Rheem Manufacturing in 1959, and Rheem was later bought by a Japanese water heater manufacturer, Paloma Industries, in 1988. Currently, the Ruud brand is manufactured by Rheem Manufacturing. Ruud has accumulated many awards such as the Consumer Report Most Reliable Brand (Water Heating), the ComfortTech Innovation Award for the Super Quite 80 (HVAC), and the ComfortTech Innovation Award for the Modulating 90 Plus (HVAC).
Ruud is ranked among the top 10 HVAC brands by Modernize, an online website that helps homeowners find a local contractor to help with any HVAC or plumbing problems they are experiencing. Williams Comfort Air services all models of Ruud products, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters, hybrid water heaters, tankless water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers, and heat pumps for residential, commercial, and new construction projects.
Thousands of contractors throughout America feature Ruud HVAC and plumbing equipment. Williams Comfort Air will service and repair all models of Ruud products… regardless of time, day, or weather.
Max is an important part of our team. He is more than just a cartoon character. Max represents our commitment to quality work, craftsmanship, pride, and our passion to serve our clients and community. We celebrate this mentality through Max because these are the values that drive us to be the area’s most complete and comprehensive home service company. So, now when you see Max, you’ll know the story behind the man with the mustache!