Trane AC Review: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

Published by 
AllThingsHVAC
Last updated: 
April 3, 2024

Trane AC Guide: Comparing Trane to Other Brands

This Trane AC guide provides information you can use to compare Trane to other brands you're considering and select the right unit for your home. We provide an overview of the Trane AC lineup including some of the top models and the pros and cons of Trane air conditioners.

Trane Brand Overview

James Trane began his company in Lacrosse, Wisconsin in 1885, and Trane has grown to be a household name with global reach in residential and commercial HVAC. The brand is currently owned by mega-corporation Ingersoll Rand. Trane AC units are considered among the most dependable available, and with that reliability comes a higher-than-average price tag. Ingersoll Rand also makes American Standard HVAC components, and they are identical to Trane models in all but the name.

Trane makes central air conditioners with three levels of performance: single-stage, two-stage, and variable-capacity cooling. The efficiency and price increase as the performance level rises. See the specifications below for details.

Trane AC Technical Specifications

The Trane air conditioner lineup gives you options for price, efficiency, and performance to fit your cooling requirements. SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency rating, is a measurement like gas mileage that shows cooling capacity per energy used.

Single-Stage ACs

  • Run at 100% capacity when on, so they are loud and sometimes cool past the thermostat set point, producing temperature fluctuations of 1-2 degrees
  • Top models: XB300 (13 SEER), XB13 (14.5 SEER), XR16 (17 SEER - one of the most efficient single-stage ACs available)

Two-Stage ACs

  • Run on low capacity to maintain cooling quietly and switch to high only when necessary to meet demand
  • Top models: XR17 (18 SEER), XL18i (18 SEER), XL20i (20 SEER)

Variable-Speed ACs

  • Equipped with compressors that speed up or slow down to maintain precise indoor temperature
  • Top models: XV18 (18 SEER), XV20i (21 SEER)

Pros and Cons of Trane Air Conditioners

Here are the top reasons from our research that Trane is a leading AC brand and a few cautions to keep in mind as you consider and compare Trane central air conditioners.

Trane AC Pros

  • Excellent track record of quality and reliability, with units lasting 20+ years with proper maintenance
  • Models available with efficiency levels to suit cooling demands of various climates
  • Most models come in sizes from 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) to 5 tons (60,000 BTU) for proper sizing
  • Many energy companies offer rebates for installing efficient Trane ACs
  • Highly rated Climatuff ® compressor used on XB/XR/Xli Series for durability
  • Large network of factory-trained installers and technicians for installation and service
  • All models use eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant
  • Complementary Trane products like furnaces, air filtration, and ventilation available for complete HVAC solutions

Trane AC Cons

  • Shorter warranties and unit-replacement coverage compared to brands like Maytag, Tappan, Westinghouse, Goodman, Amana, Heil and Tempstar
  • Higher than average prices, partly due to higher advertising spend
  • 13-15 SEER models are cost-effective for light use but produce high energy bills in hot climates
  • High-efficiency models save energy but extra cost may not be recouped in cooler climates over AC lifespan
  • Technicians often use universal rather than OEM parts for repairs unless requested
  • Pricing only available through dealer estimates, no direct sales
  • Most efficient 21 SEER XL20i model is less efficient than top models from Lennox, Maytag, and Amana

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Trane AC

According to HVAC experts, it is vital that the unit is sized properly for your home, as being too large is no better than not being large enough. Therefore, asking your contractor to perform testing to determine the right size will ensure an air conditioner that runs as efficiently and durably as it should.

From our research, we recommend fitting the efficiency level of the Trane AC you choose to your climate for the most cost-effective operation. If your summers are long and hot, then paying more for a high-efficiency unit will produce long-term cost savings. On the other hand, in cool climates or where the AC won't be used heavily, a less efficient/less costly unit makes sense. Of course, if you want the climate and comfort control a two-stage or modulating air conditioner provides, you'll have to consider "better" and "best" Trane AC models regardless of your climate.

Has this Trane AC guide been helpful to you as you consider your central air conditioner purchase? If it has, consider posting it to Facebook or other social media where your friends and followers will appreciate the help in selecting the right Trane AC for their homes too.

References

  1. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/hvac-basics/who-makes-trane/
  2. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  3. https://www.pickhvac.com/faq/is-american-standard-the-same-as-trane/
  4. https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/air_conditioning_central/central_air_conditioners_key_product_criteria
  5. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/hvac-basics/what-is-a-single-stage-air-conditioner/
  6. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/products/air-conditioners/
  7. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/hvac-basics/what-is-a-two-stage-air-conditioner/
  8. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/hvac-basics/what-is-a-variable-speed-air-conditioner/
  9. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  10. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/hvac-basics/what-size-central-air-conditioner-do-i-need/
  11. https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder
  12. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/hvac-basics/what-is-a-climatuff-compressor/
  13. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/locate-a-dealer/
  14. https://www.epa.gov/mvac/refrigerant-transition-environmental-impacts
  15. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  16. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  17. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  18. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  19. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  20. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/trane/
  21. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/best/
  22. https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/air_conditioning_central/properly_sized_equipment
  23. https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/air_conditioning_central/properly_sized_equipment

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