This Trane heat pump guide is designed to assist you in researching this brand and comparing it to others you’re considering. Performance and technical specifications are detailed below for good, better and best models along with Trane heat pump pros and cons.
Trane is a leading heat pump brand for new and replacement HVAC systems. Like most top competitors, Trane’s lineup includes single-stage, two-stage and modulating heat pumps that get progressively more efficient and more expensive. Trane makes eight heat pump models.
Trane Brand Overview
Trane has grown to be a global leader in residential and commercial HVAC systems, a steady climb from its launch by James Trane in Lacrosse, WI in 1885. Today, the Ingersoll-Rand Corporation owns Trane and nearly identical brand American Standard. The best Trane heat pumps are in the top ten in both customer satisfaction and cost. If you’re looking for a budget heat pump, see our Goodman Heat Pump Review for comparison.
Trane Heat Pump Technical Specifications
You’ve got options to fit your climate, budget and how you’ll use the heat pump. The term SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) refers to cooling while HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) refers to heating. The higher the numbers, the more efficiently the unit uses electricity to heat and cool.
- Single-stage heat pumps are the most basic and affordable, and they run at 100% capacity (and noise level) resulting in slight overheating and cooling that produces temperature fluctuations;
- The most efficient single-stage Trane heat pump is the Trane XR16 with 17 SEER/9.6 HSPF ratings;
- Two-stage models run at about 65% capacity (and noise) most of the time to produce quieter, more balanced temperatures, and they run at 100% capacity when you call for more heat/cooling at the thermostat or outside temperatures change quickly;
- The best two-stage Trane heat pump is the Trane XL18i with 18 SEER/9.5 HSPF efficiency;
- The two Trane heat pumps with variable-speed technology, called modulating and variable-capacity by other brands, adjust from about 40% to 100% capacity (and noise) and run at the lowest capacity required to optimize temperature balance and indoor comfort;
- Trane’s most efficient heat pump is the variable-speed XV20i with 20 SEER/10 HSPF efficiency.
Pros and Cons of Trane Heat Pumps
Trane heat pumps offer the advantages and disadvantages listed here.
Trane Heat Pump Pros
- Trane heat pumps are durable, and most will last 15-20+ years when properly maintained, and the Climatuff ® compressor used on all models is one of the most reliable in the industry;
- Eight Trane models are offered at various price/efficiency levels to give you options to suit your heating, cooling and performance requirements;
- Trane makes most heat pumps in capacities from 1.5 tons / 18,000 BTU to 5 ton tons / 60,000 BTU to provide a model properly sized to your home;
- Trane Earthwise hybrid heat systems use both a heat pump and a gas furnace, an ideal combination for homes in very cold climates;
- Trane Comfort-R technology does a superior job dehumidifying a home during air conditioner cycles;
- Complete split systems and package units are made by Trane for coordinated heating and cooling, air quality control and HRV/ERV home ventilation;
- Trane has a nationwide network of certified technicians for installation, maintenance and repair, and parts are readily available – however, you should ask for Trane OEM parts to avoid universal parts being installed;
- All Trane heat pump models are Energy Star rated, and rebates are offered by many energy companies across the US when you install one of Trane’s more efficient models;
- Both standard and Wi-Fi connected thermostats are available from Trane to coordinate system performance, and the Wi-Fi models can be controlled from a smartphone using the Trane app;
- Financing from Trane is available to qualified customers.
Trane Heat Pump Cons
- Trane’s most efficient heat pump, the XV20i with 20 SEER /10 HSPF efficiency is not as efficient as top competitors like the Carrier Infinity 20 and Bryant Evolution 280A (20.5 SEER/13 HSPF) and the Lennox XP25 (23.5 SEER / 10.2 HSPF).
- Trane heat pumps cost more than brands including Goodman, Amana, Aire-Flo and Payne, and part of the higher cost is better quality, though part of it is Trane’s large advertising budget
- While Trane warranties on the best models are average for the industry and comparable to those from Lennox and Carrier, Goodman, Amana, Heil, Maytag, Tappan and Tempstar are among brands that have longer warranties and those that include entire product replacement
- Trane heat pumps cost more than Trane furnaces, though the extra cost will be recouped over time through lower energy bills
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Trane Heat Pump
Your climate matters. In hot climates, it makes sense to pay more upfront for a model with a high SEER rating for efficient, environmentally friendly cooling. Your energy costs in the long-term will be much lower, for example, with the 20-SEER XV20i than with the 16 SEER XR15. The longer you intend to live in your current home, the better your savings will be. If you plan to move, having a high-efficiency system in place will be a strong selling point.
If your winters are very cold, installing a gas furnace instead of a heat pump or choosing a hybrid heat system with heat pump and furnace are better choices than a heat pump alone. The reason is that heat pumps lose effectiveness in freezing weather, and you must rely on the unit’s electrical heating – like space heating—which produces high energy costs. The cheapest way to heat your home in cold climates is a hybrid system, though the cost for the system is higher, and the payback time is 8-12 years.
Summing Up
Once you’ve selected the Trane heat pump right for your climate, make sure it is sized properly. Installing a unit with too much or too little capacity creates a range of problems from insufficient heating and cooling to temperature fluctuations to premature mechanical failure. Ask your contractor to do a load test to see what size heat pump you need.
Has this Trane heat pump guide helped you understand your options and decide? If so, your friends might find it useful too. We encourage you to pass it along to be of help to others weighing their heating and cooling options.