Trane Air Conditioner Review & Buying Guide

Your complete Trane air conditioner buying guide, including top models, prices, SEER ratings, features, warranty info, and more.

This Trane brand review will cover all the basics, including a breakdown of Trane’s air conditioner models and tiers, information about their features and warranties, the brand’s strengths and weaknesses, and more.

Plus, the review will also tell you what real Canadian consumers and HVAC dealers say about Trane air conditioners.

Get your free quote quickly & easily!

---

Article Contents

• The Bottom Line
• Trane Customer Reviews
• Trane Air Conditioner Model Series Overview
  • Good – XR Series
  • Better – XL Series
  • Best – XV Series
• Model Breakdown and Comparison
  • XV20i TruComfort
  • XV18 TruComfort
  • XL18i
  • XL16i
  • XR17
  • XR16
  • XR16 Low Profile
  • XR14
  • XR13
  • Trane’s Quietest and Noisiest Air Conditioners
• Exclusive Features
  • Trane CleanEffects
  • ComfortLink™ II
  • Spine Fin Coil
  • Climatuff Compressor
  • TruComfort
• Warranty Analysis
• Is a Trane Air Conditioner Right for Me?
• Trane Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats
• About the Company
• Trane FAQs

Getting a new air conditioner can make your family more comfortable through the summer months and reduce your energy costs, but it’s important to get the right cooling system for your needs. There are a lot of considerations to make when buying an air conditioner, and one of the most important is which brand to buy.

If you’re considering a Trane cooling system, here’s what you need to know about the models they have, the exclusive features and technologies they offer, and more.

Also Read: The Best Central Air Conditioners for Canadians

The Bottom Line

A Trane air conditioner will typically come with a higher price tag than most other brands, but it will also come with a high efficiency rating, a long lifespan, an excellent reputation, and some great features that ensure your cooling system operates at peak performance.

Trane has more basic single-stage as well as two-stage and variable-speed models that are powerful enough to keep any home at the ideal temperature, so you're sure to find something that suits your needs.

While Trane air conditioners will cost more than many other cooling systems on the market, they will perform reliably for many years, they're backed by a great warranty and the well-known Trane name, and they’ll reduce your summertime cooling bills.

Trane Customer Reviews

 

➤ Get the BEST Prices on Trane air conditioners: Fill out a free quote request here

---

Trane Air Conditioner Model Series Overview

 

Good – XR Series

Trane’s most affordable systems are their entry-level models, the XR series air conditioners, and there are air conditioners with single- and two-stage compressors in this tier. The models in this line have SEER ratings between 14.5 and 18, and most have ENERGY STAR certification. There’s also a compact model available for smaller homes and places with space limitations.

Like other Trane products, these cooling units are designed for durability and efficiency. They have corrosion-resistant components to withstand the elements, noise-reducing features, and Trane CleanEffects compatibility.

They’re also equipped with the brand’s proprietary Climatuff compressors and Spine Fin coils, and they're built with high-quality materials so you get the longest life possible from your air conditioner.

These models have a slightly shorter warranty than the mid-range and premium-tier units, but the warranty is still better than some other brands because there are separate parts and compressor warranties.

Better – XL Series

Trane’s mid-range units are the XL series, which are single- or two-stage air conditioners that all have SEER ratings of 18. Every unit in this series has ENERGY STAR certification, so you can rest assured that you’ll spend less cooling your house every month.

Plus, there's a good chance the models will be eligible for rebates and tax credits that could help reduce the cost.

These models are all equipped with Trane’s long-lasting materials and proprietary components, including corrosion-resistant fasteners, Climatuff compressors, and Spine Fin coils, as well as noise-reducing features.

The air conditioners in the XL series can also be combined with Trane’s advanced CleanEffects filtration system.

The XL models are backed by Trane’s premium warranty as well, which includes a longer compressor warranty that goes above and beyond what's standard for the industry.

Best – XV Series

The premium-tier air conditioners in the Trane line are the XV series, which are ENERGY STAR air conditioners with variable-speed compressors and SEER ratings between 18 and 22.

These models are also equipped with TruComfort technology that makes automatic adjustments to the cooling output for extremely precise and efficient cooling.

They also have the same proprietary components as the other models, corrosion-resistant components, Trane’s premium warranty, and noise-reducing features. In fact, the XV air conditioners are among the quietest on the market. Like Trane’s other models, these units can be paired with the CleanEffects air filtration system.

Finally, the top-of-the-line model has the ComfortLink II communicating technology that can further improve efficiency and performance, and it has additional features and components for lasting and reliable operation.

---

Model Breakdown and Comparison

What are Warranty and Overall Grades? These grades are calculated using FurnacePrices.ca's own proprietary algorithm which weighs a range of criteria to generate an easy-to-compare score.

Warranty Grades take into account several warranty terms & exclusions found in the fine print to make it easier for ordinary homeowners to compare warranty coverage without having to tediously dig through dense warranty documents.

Overall Grades weigh general factors like efficiency and features, as well as the warranty grade. Note that a model with a low grade is not necessarily a bad choice (more affordable models will usually always score lower). The grades are meant more to make it easier to compare the relative strength of different models. A high end model will score better but also cost a lot more and not necessarily be the ideal option for everyone, just like a sports car will score higher than a minivan in many aspects but isn't necessarily the ideal choice for the average family (despite what your significant other may try to argue!)

---

 

XV20i TruComfort

Read Full Trane XV20i TruComfort Review

The top-of-the-line model in Trane’s offering is the XV20i TruComfort, an ultra-high-efficiency variable-speed air conditioner that will always keep your home at the temperature you want. It’s specifically designed for quiet operation and durability, and it has TruComfort technology, ComfortLink II communication system, and CleanEffects air filtration system compatibility. Although this is a high-performing premium air conditioner, it’s probably going to be too powerful for most Canadians. The ultra-high SEER will come with an ultra-high price tag, but you won’t see a vast improvement in energy savings because of Canada’s milder summers. Air conditioners like this are for hotter climates with longer summers, and a Trane model with a SEER between 16 and 18 will likely provide more bang for your buck in the long run.

• Compressor: Variable-speed
• SEER: Up to 22
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 55
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Homeowners in hotter climates with long heat waves and high humidity who want a powerful and highly efficient premium air conditioner with a lot of bells and whistles. In Canada, you might not need an air conditioner this powerful unless you live in a very large home or a very warm part of the country. This ultra-high SEER air conditioner is going to be very pricey, but in the right home and the right climate it will produce excellent energy savings and consistent temperatures.

 

XV18 TruComfort

Read Full Trane XV18 TruComfort Review

This is a premium Trane air conditioner that’s almost as advanced as the XV20i. The XV18 is a variable-speed air conditioner with TruComfort technology, Trane’s proprietary compressor and coil, a high-efficiency SEER of 18, ENERGY STAR certification, additional features to reduce noise, design elements that protect from corrosion and damage, an excellent warranty, and more. The only thing the XV18 is lacking compared to the top-of-the-line model is the communicating control board. Even though the XV18 has a lower SEER of 18, it’s still going to save you plenty on summer cooling bills, and it’s going to provide better value because the SEER is in the ideal range for Canada.

• Compressor: Variable-speed
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 55
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Canadian homeowners who are looking for a premium high-efficiency A/C from a premium brand, and who have a very healthy budget for an air conditioner upgrade. The XV18 is equipped with some high-end features and design elements, has a precise and efficient variable-speed compressor, has a SEER that’s ideal for Canadian summers, and will cost a lot less to operate than an older model or mid-efficiency system.

 

XL18i

Read Full Trane XL18i Review

The top model in Trane’s mid-tier series is the XL18i, a two-stage air conditioner that’s highly efficient, designed to resist the elements and corrosion, and built to see your home through many cooling seasons. This model is compatible with the CleanEffects system, but not the TruComfort technology or ComfortLink II system. However, it does have a lot of desirable features, including a more durable Climatuff compressor, an all-aluminum outdoor coil, a variable-speed fan motor, compressor sound insulators, and more. It’s also backed by Trane’s premium warranty. Plus, the high-efficiency SEER and ENERGY STAR certification mean the XL18i is more likely to qualify for rebates, tax credits, and other cost-saving promotions.

• Compressor: Two-Stage
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 73
• Tier: Mid
• Ideal for: Consumers who want a high-performing, high-efficiency air conditioner with excellent design features like two-stage compressors and variable-speed fan motors. You will need a healthy budget to afford this model, but it will be cost-saving in the long run, could qualify for rebates, and will efficiently provide a home of any size with a consistent flow of cool air.

 

XL16i

Read Full Trane XL16i Review

The XL16i is a high-efficiency single-stage air conditioner with ENERGY STAR certification and a variable-speed fan that works to keep your home comfortable at all times. The special design also means your home will be cool and quiet throughout the summer, and you can pair this cooling system with Trane’s CleanEffects for improved air quality. Even though it only offers single-stage operation, the XL16i still achieves an impressive SEER of 18 that’s ideal for Canadian summers. This model will also be better equipped to cool larger spaces compared to a mid-efficiency model, and it’s going to save you a lot more on energy bills. Plus, it could qualify for rebates. Beyond that, the XL16i also has all the features that make Trane stand out, including their proprietary compressor and coil, corrosion- and weather-resistant components, and a good warranty.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 69
• Tier: Mid
• Ideal for: Canadians with a decent budget for an air conditioner upgrade who want something that’s highly efficient but not too fancy. The XL16i only has a single-stage compressor, but it has an 18 SEER that qualifies it for ENERGY STAR and makes it great for Canada. This model will reduce your energy bills drastically compared to an older model, and high-efficiency rebates could make it more affordable if you're trying to save money.

 

XR17

Read Full Trane XR17 Review

The most advanced model in Trane’s entry-level series is the XR17, which is still a high-quality and high-efficiency two-stage air conditioner that will lower your energy bills and keep your home’s temperature perfect. It has a SEER rating of 18 and ENERGY STAR certification, and it has been engineered for quiet and lasting performance. Not only will this air conditioner perform well in larger homes, but it will also deliver a more consistent temperature around the house. It has the same standard features as other Trane air conditioners, including the Climatuff compressor, Spine Fin coil, and several corrosion-resistant components. Thanks to the high-efficiency SEER, ENERGY STAR, and two-stage compressor, this air conditioner could qualify for rebates that make it a more affordable option.

• Compressor: Two-stage
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 74
• Tier: Low
• Ideal for: Homeowners with a healthy budget for a new air conditioner who don’t necessarily want a premium model, but who still want a high-performing air conditioner. The XR17 has two-stage operation and a high-efficiency SEER, and it promises reliable and energy-saving operation for many years. It comes standard with some special design features for improved performance, and it’s sure to cut cooling bills while providing a more consistent temperature throughout the house.

 

XR16

Read Full Trane XR16 Review

The XR16 has a high-efficiency SEER rating of 17 and is equipped with a single-stage compressor. Like other Trane air conditioners, the XR16 is outfitted with the patented Climatuff compressor and Spine Fin outdoor coil, both of which promise better efficiency, durability, and performance than standard alternatives. As such, the XR16 has an impressive SEER for a single-stage air conditioner, so it promises excellent energy savings and is well-equipped to cool homes in Canada. It could also qualify for high-efficiency rebates, and the good warranty could save you money on repair bills over the years. The XR16 has an upgraded fan, corrosion-resistant components, and some models have a sound insulator for quieter operation.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 71
• Tier: Low
• Ideal for: People who want a premium Trane air conditioner but don’t need the most advanced model out there. The XR16 will be more affordable than many other Trane air conditioners because it’s entry level and has a single-stage compressor, but it is still highly efficient, has ENERGY STAR certification, and will deliver reliable cooling while cutting summer energy bills.

 

XR16 Low Profile

Read Full Trane XR16 Low Profile Review

The XR16 Low Profile is Trane’s version of a compact air conditioner, and it has a small footprint that makes it perfect for houses where space is at a minimum. It’s also one of the few compact air conditioners on the market that has a high-efficiency SEER and ENERGY STAR certification, so it will save you money and could qualify for most rebates. This model has all the same benefits and features as other Trane air conditioners, including the Climatuff compressor, corrosion-resistant components, a good warranty, and more, so you don’t have to sacrifice performance or efficiency to get an air conditioner that fits your home.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tier: Low
• Ideal for: Homeowners who have space constraints and still want a high-efficiency air conditioner that will provide reliable, efficient, and cost-effective cooling. This is a compact model that’s perfect for small homes, cottages, and condos, and it even fits under decks. Despite its small footprint, this A/C still offers the same benefits and proprietary components as other Trane models.

 

XR14

Read Full Trane XR14 Review

Trane advertises the XR14 as their best value air conditioner, and that’s because it’s their most affordable model with a high-efficiency SEER and ENERGY STAR certification. It’s a single-stage model, but the high SEER means it will be better equipped to cool a larger variety of homes, and it’s still going to save you plenty on energy bills. Like all Trane models, the XR14 has the brand’s proprietary compressor and coil, components that are designed to withstand the elements, rust- and corrosion-resistant features, and a good warranty. Along with cutting summer cooling bills, the XR14 could also qualify for high-efficiency rebates that cut the purchase price.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 16
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 72
• Tier: Low
• Ideal for: Canadians who want the Trane name without having to spend an arm and a leg on a high-efficiency air conditioner. The XR14 is a entry-level, single-stage model, but it has a high-efficiency SEER that’s perfect for Canadian summers, it comes standard with all of Trane’s proprietary components, and it has been built to last.

 

XR13

Read Full Trane XR13 Review

This is Trane’s least advanced air conditioner, with a single-stage compressor and mid-efficiency SEER of 14.5. It will cost less to buy, but there are some things to know before purchasing an air conditioner like this. For starters, it won’t save you as much on energy bills as a high-efficiency unit, and it might not qualify for the same rebates. It will also perform better in a home with lower cooling demands. Nonetheless, if this air conditioner is suitable for your home, then it will perform reliably and will still save you money compared to a standard-efficiency air conditioner. It also comes backed by a decent warranty, and it’s equipped with Trane’s proprietary compressor and coil.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 75
• Tier: Low
• Ideal for: Canadians who live in parts of the country that don’t experience long heat waves or periods of high humidity, or homes and spaces with lower cooling demands, such as small houses or cottages. This unit could be great for homeowners with a smaller budget, but the mid-efficiency SEER and single-stage compressor won’t produce the same energy savings as a high-efficiency air conditioner.

---

Get FREE Quotes from Certified Local Contractors!

Get an estimate now »

---

Trane’s Quietest and Noisiest Air Conditioners

Have you ever been sitting outside on a peaceful summer day only to be jarred by the sound of your (or a neighbour’s) air conditioner kicking on?

Well, it seems that most air conditioner manufacturers have experienced the same thing because they’ve been taking steps to make their models quieter and less disruptive.

Trane has introduced a few components to reduce noise, including quiet-running fans with a blade-down design, their Climatuff Compressor that’s designed for quiet operation, and compressor sound insulators.

Beyond that, variable-speed compressors like the ones found in their premium-tier models are naturally quieter than single-stage ones.

Trane has had great success with their noise-reduction efforts, and their premium air conditioners are among the quietest available right now. Here's a list of their quietest models:

• XV20i TruComfort: As low as 55
• XV18 TruComfort: As low as 55
• XL16i: As low as 69

To give you an idea of what that means, the sound of normal rainfall is around 50 decibels, and the sound of a normal conversation is around 60.

By comparison, their basic entry-level XR13 has a decibel rating of 75, making it the noisiest air conditioner they make.

---

Exclusive Features from Trane

 

Trane CleanEffects

How Trane describes it: An air cleaner that makes your home environment cleaner and healthier. Thanks to the revolutionary technology, this air cleaner is more effective than standard filters and HEPA filters.

What it is in plain language: CleanEffects is a whole-home electronic air cleaner that attaches to your HVAC system and uses Trane’s patented technology to remove up to 99.98 percent of pollutants, dust, smoke, pet dander, mildew, viruses and bacteria, allergens, and other particles from the air.

It uses a prefilter to remove particles, and then it also uses an electrically charged medium to trap and eliminate things like pollen, pathogens, and other contaminants.

Is it more than just hype? CleanEffects has gone through independent testing and has been proven to be a very effective whole-home air cleaner. It’s also unique to Trane because they're the only brand that uses this particular system.

That being said, whole-home electronic air cleaners in general are by no means unique to Trane. Just about every HVAC manufacturer has their own versions of an air cleaner, including other patented ones like American Standard’s AccuClean™ Whole-Home Air Cleaner.

ComfortLink™ II

How Trane describes it: An advanced communication system that powers the compressor, controls communication between components, and optimizes efficiency and performance.

What it is in plain language: ComfortLink II is a control board, meaning it’s the electronic brain of the air conditioner that controls the components and the cooling cycles.

The thing that’s special about ComfortLink II is that it’s a communicating control board that can let components talk to each other and to a smart thermostat. It works similarly to the way that Bluetooth lets you connect different devices.

Is it more than just hype? Communicating technology can improve the performance and efficiency of an air conditioner because it enables the air conditioner to send data to the thermostat, and the thermostat can then initiate changes to the temperature settings as needed to ensure your home is at the ideal comfort level.

Similarly, communicating components are beneficial because they ensure that all parts of the air conditioner are working optimally and in sync to deliver the cooling output you want.

However, you should know that communicating systems can be difficult, and if one component stops working, then it can impact the entire system.

While ComfortLink II isn't just hype, there are some things to know. For one, Trane isn't the only brand with communicating air conditioners. Many of the top brands have similar tech, including Goodman, Amana, and American Standard.

Moreover, if you want to get the most from this system, then you'll need to buy the ComfortLink II smart thermostat and use that as the control for your air conditioner.

Spine Fin Coil

How Trane describes it: An all-aluminum outdoor coil that’s made with the patented Spine Fin™ design. Thanks to the material and design, it offers better heat exchanging properties and is more corrosion-resistant than traditional coils.

What it is in plain language: The coil is the part of an air conditioner that transfers heat from the air to the refrigerant and vice versa.

What makes the Spine Fin special is that it’s all-aluminum, and Trane says that makes it more corrosion-resistant than coils made with copper and aluminum.

The Spine Fin also has more surface area compared to a standard coil, and that means it has better heat transfer, which directly impacts efficiency.

Is it more than just hype? The coil is one of the most important components of an air conditioner, and its efficiency will impact the overall efficiency of the A/C. The Spine Fin coil is part of the reason that many of Trane’s air conditioners have high-efficiency SEERs.

Just be aware that the Spine Fin coil isn't unique to Trane because their sister brand, American Standard, also uses this component.

Another thing about this component is that it can be difficult to clean, and that can increase maintenance time and labour costs.

Furthermore, plenty of other HVAC brands have their own proprietary coil designs, including Lennox, Armstrong, and Napoleon.

Climatuff Compressor

How Trane describes it: The heart of Trane’s air conditioners, the Climatuff compressor promises superior durability, efficiency, and quiet operation.

What it is in plain language: The compressor is the part of an air conditioner that changes the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant so that it can transfer heat and cool your home. It also pumps the refrigerant through the system.

The Climatuff is a proprietary compressor that Trane uses in all of its air conditioners and heat pumps. It has been specifically designed for quiet, efficiency, and durability.

Is it more than just hype? The compressor is another of the most important components in an air conditioner, and Trane’s Climatuff does deliver when it comes to reliability and efficiency.

It’s another part of the equation that explains why so many of their air conditioners—even the single-stage ones—have high-efficiency SEERS.

Trane isn't the only brand to use a special compressor, but they are one of the few that uses their own proprietary design. Numerous other brands out there use Ultratech™ scroll compressors from Copeland, including Rheem, Daikin, and Goodman, and it’s one of the most popular compressors available.

Trane’s Climatuff compressor has proven itself to be just as capable as Copeland’s Ultratech. One thing to know, however, is that replacing a Climatuff compressor is a lot more expensive than replacing a traditional one. Luckily, that’s where Trane’s good warranty might come in handy.

TruComfort

How Trane describes it: Next-level variable-speed technology that intuitively adjusts cooling stages so that the system works like it’s on cruise control. With 750 stages of comfort, TruComfort can deliver maximum efficiency and the ultimate in climate control.

What it is in plain language: TruComfort really just refers to the function of the variable-speed compressor that Trane uses in their premium-tier air conditioners.

The compressor can make tiny adjustments to the cooling output in increments as small as one-tenth of 1 percent, and it can operate between 30 and 100 percent capacity. That’s why Trane says it has 750 stages of operation, and they call this TruComfort.

Is it more than just hype? Variable-speed compressors really are the superior style because they can automatically make incremental adjustments to the cooling, and that means they can operate for longer periods at lower speeds.

This reduces energy costs, improves humidity management and temperature control, eliminates hot/cold spots, and reduces noise.

That being said, TruComfort is really just Trane giving a fancy name to the variable-speed technology that every HVAC manufacturer has adopted.

---

Warranty Analysis

 

The warranty terms

Trane offers a parts warranty for all of their air conditioners that covers functional parts and the coil, plus a separate compressor warranty. Here are the details of the warranty coverage:

• All models come with a 10-year parts warranty
• XR models have a 10-year compressor warranty
• XV and XL models have a 12-year compressor warranty

 

Registration is required

Trane encourages customers to register new air conditioners by offering longer registered warranty terms, which is the coverage mentioned above.

Once you install a new Trane unit, you'll have 60 days to register it with the company. Should you fail to register, then the air conditioner will only be covered by a five-year parts warranty. You'll lose five years of coverage for parts and the coil, and you'll lose the separate compressor warranty completely if you don’t register.

Registration is simple, and it only takes a few moments, so we definitely recommend extending your coverage through registration.

You can complete the process by phone or online. Trane will ask you for information like:

• Your name and address
• The serial and model number of the air conditioner
• The installation date
• The name of the dealer who installed the system

 

Conditions and restrictions

Warranty coverage is important because it can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair bills. You will still have to pay for labour, but having Trane cover the cost of replacement parts will drastically reduce what you pay out of pocket.

However, there are things you can do to void your warranty and things you'll have to do to keep your coverage valid. This is true of every HVAC warranty, no matter what brand you choose, so here’s a list of common terms and conditions:

• You'll have to hire a licensed HVAC professional to install the unit
• You must live in the home where the air conditioner is installed
• If you move, then the new owner might lose some or all of the warranty coverage
• You'll have to hire an HVAC pro to perform annual maintenance
• When repairs are required, you'll have to use manufacturer-approved parts
• Read the owner’s manual and use the air conditioner according to the instructions
• Take care of repairs promptly

 

How the Trane warranty measures up to the competition

Trane’s warranty is better than many others for two reasons.

First, they offer separate warranties for parts and compressors. Second, the compressor warranty for their mid-range and premium models is 12 years, which is longer than the standard 10 years that lots of manufacturers offer.

Even many mid-range and premium brands only offer 10-year parts warranties, and that includes Armstrong, Tempstar, Payne, Heil, Rheem, and Carrier (with one exception).

On the other hand, there are plenty of economy and mid-range brands that offer warranty coverage that’s similar to or even more generous than Trane’s. For example:

• American Standard also offers 12-year compressor warranties on top of separate parts and coil warranties
• Goodman and York both offer lifetime compressor warranties
• Goodman also has 10-year unit replacement warranties
• Amana offers lifetime unit replacement warranties
• Daikin has 12-year parts and 12-year unit replacement warranties

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase a Trane air conditioner. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.

---

Is a Trane Air Conditioner Right for Me?

 

Do you have a big enough budget?

Trane is one of the most expensive air conditioner companies out there, rivalled only by other premium brands like Carrier and Lennox. On average, it can cost anywhere between $3,500 and $7,500 or more to buy and install a Trane air conditioner in Canada.

While Trane air conditioners are high-quality, high-efficiency, high-end units with some great features, the price can be prohibitive for a lot of homeowners, especially if you want a mid-range or premium model.

When you're working with a smaller budget, there are plenty of other brands you can check out. They include entry-level brands like York, Goodman, and KeepRite, as well as mid-range brands like Daikin, Napoleon, and Amana.

Many of the manufacturers in these tiers make quality air conditioners with great efficiency ratings, excellent warranties, and even some novel features.

Will you be there long enough to enjoy it?

Investing in a high-quality, high-efficiency air conditioner can be worthwhile because you'll make some money back over the years through continued energy savings. You can also save money on an air conditioner through warranty claims where you’d otherwise have to pay for the repairs yourself.

However, both of these examples are long-term returns on investment, and you won’t be able to take advantage of them if you're not staying in the same house for long. That’s why if you plan to move, then you're probably better off going with a more affordable air conditioner from an economy or mid-range brand.

Fancy HVAC equipment won’t increase the value of your home, so if you plan to move in the near future and won’t get the long-term financial reward that a great air conditioner can bring, then you might want to consider a different brand, or at least one of Trane’s more affordable entry-level models.

Does Trane have the SEER rating you want?

Trane makes air conditioners with SEERs ranging from 14.5 to 22. More importantly, they have an excellent selection of high-efficiency models with SEERs between 16 and 18, which is generally considered the ideal range for an air conditioner in Canada.

Anything below that won’t be efficient enough for most homes, and anything above that won’t produce energy savings above and beyond what a 16- to 18-SEER model could, so the cost won’t be justified.

Along with having one of the biggest selections of air conditioners with efficiency ratings that are perfect for Canada, Trane also has many models with ENERGY STAR certification, and that’s going to matter if you want to qualify for rebates.

Most rebates stipulate that the unit has to be high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR certified, so while you might spend a bit more to get a model that fits the bill, you could end up saving yourself up to $1,000 or more through rebates.

Does Trane have your dream features?

Trane has a lot of proprietary components and some novel features and technologies, including their special compressors and coils, TruComfort, and their communicating control board.

If you like tech and want an air conditioner that has some extra bells and whistles, then Trane is definitely a brand you should check out.

At the same time, there are other features available from different brands that might interest you as well, and it’s good to know what they are in case Trane doesn’t have what you're looking for.

Here are some examples of other features that you might want to look into:

• Daikin, Carrier, KeepRite, Lennox, and Goodman all offer inverter technology with their variable-speed air conditioners
• Amana, Goodman, and Daikin have models with built-in self-diagnostics
• Coleman, Luxaire, and York have a feature that lets you customize the A/C settings to your climate
• Coleman and Luxaire have models with built-in touchscreen monitors
• Rheem, Ruud, and York have special features that make installation and maintenance faster

 

Are you concerned with warranty coverage?

As we mentioned earlier, warranty coverage is important because it can save you a lot of money, but not everybody cares about it, or not everybody is willing to abide by the terms and conditions.

If warranty coverage is important to you, then Trane is a good brand because they do offer a better warranty than some. Conversely, there are other brands that offer even better coverage, including things like lifetime compressor warranties and unit replacement warranties.

Regardless of the brand you go with, you will have to be willing to pay for professional installation and annual maintenance if you want to keep your warranty valid, so keep that in mind when you're shopping around and budgeting.

What's more important than brand?

When it’s time to buy a new air conditioner, the first question you probably ask is “what brand should I buy?”

While brand can be important for some reasons—such as how easy it is to get replacement parts—the truth is that the name on the outside of the cabinet isn't as important as a lot of other things.

Only a handful of manufacturers are responsible for most of the air conditioner brands out there, in the same way that the same parent company makes both Trane and American Standard air conditioners.

As a result, it’s more important to find an air conditioner in your budget, that’s the right size, that’s got a high-efficiency rating, that has the features you want, and that has the noise performance you need. And at the top of the list: it’s more important to find a contractor that’s licensed, insured, trained, and certified.

There are many reasons you should work with a professional and reputable HVAC contractor, including that they’ll be able to:

• Suggest possible brands and models that will work with your current system
• Do a load calculation and size your air conditioner
• Install the air conditioner properly, without damaging it or voiding the warranty
• Make sure the A/C is working at peak efficiency
• Help with registration and rebate applications
• Source manufacturer-approved parts when necessary
• Be available for repairs, annual maintenance, and emergency service down the road
• Install and integrate HVAC add-ons like thermostats and air cleaners

---

Trane Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats

 

Thermostats and Controls

Trane makes thermostats and controls that are designed to work with their heating and cooling systems, including smart and programmable thermostats, communicating thermostats, and zoning systems.

For example, they have ComfortLink™ II smart thermostats that work with their top-of-the-line air conditioner to give you full access to their communicating technology and zoning capabilities. They also have other smart thermostats with features like real-time diagnostics, remote access to system settings, maintenance reminders, and humidity sensors.

They also have more basic programmable thermostats that can let you set schedules for the week to save money when you're away and optimize comfort when you're home.

Although Trane has their own devices, you don’t necessarily have to use a Trane thermostat with a Trane air conditioner. There are alternatives like Nest and ecobee that are designed to be compatible with most HVAC systems.

Filters

Along with the powerful whole-home CleanEffects electronic air cleaner, Trane also makes more basic filtration devices that remove things like dust, pollen, dander, and other everyday contaminants from the air. These are good for people who want cleaner air but don’t necessarily need the full power of their CleanEffects system.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Moisture problems in the home, whether you have too much or too little, can damage furniture and structures, cause discomfort, create mold problems, and make your furnace and air conditioner work harder than they have to.

Humid or dry air can have a number of causes, including ventilation issues, construction problems, leaks, climate, and more.

No matter the cause, if your home struggles with too much or too little moisture in the air, then Trane has devices that can help. They have whole-home steam, power, and bypass humidifiers that can add moisture to the air, as well as ventilating and whole-home dehumidifiers that can remove moisture.

Ventilation Systems

When moisture problems in the house are caused by a lack of ventilation, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and inline ventilators like the ones Trane makes can both eliminate the moisture problem and increase ventilation.

These devices bring in a constant supply of fresh air while removing stale air from the home, and they transfer both heat and moisture between the two air supplies to balance humidity levels in the entire house. Plus, they don’t put too much additional strain on your heating and cooling systems.

---

About the Company

Trane’s history goes back to 1885, when the company got its start designing a low-pressure heating system. By the mid 1930s they had expanded into the air conditioning business as well, and today they are a household name in the HVAC industry.

In 2008, Trane was acquired by Ingersoll Rand, but they still have the same focus on manufacturing quality products, on energy efficiency, and on designing reliable and long-lasting heating and cooling systems for North American homes.

Eager to learn more about Trane air conditioners? Fill out an online quote request, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.

---

Trane FAQs

 

Are Trane air conditioners good?

Trane has one of the strongest reputations in the HVAC industry for making durable, reliable, efficient, and long-lasting air conditioners. They use durable materials and high-performing proprietary components, and they test all of their systems to ensure that they can survive even the harshest conditions.

Which Trane air conditioner is best?

That really depends on your budget and what you're looking for. In Canada, the best Trane air conditioners are going to be ones with SEER ratings between 16 and 18.

Trane says their best-value air conditioner is the XR14, a more affordable single-stage model with a SEER of 16 and ENERGY STAR. This model will be powerful and efficient enough to cost-effectively cool many homes in Canada, and it won’t cost as much as their other models.

What's the average life of a Trane air conditioner?

Trane air conditioners last an average of 15 to 20 years. The warranty coverage they provide tells you they expect their A/Cs to perform reliably and efficiently for 10 to 12 years, but you can get the longest life from any air conditioner by installing it professionally, taking care of annual maintenance, getting repairs done promptly, and using the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.