Trane XL18i Review

The XL18i is a model in Trane’s mid-range line, so it has some excellent features and specifications, including a high-efficiency SEER, easy installation, and guaranteed performance.

This model has also been tested extensively for durability, and Trane backs the XL18i with a great warranty should anything go wrong with the compressor or any internal components.

In case you want to know more about the XL18i, this model review will tell you everything. It will cover pricing, key features and components, efficiency details, warranty coverage, and more. Plus, it will compare the XL18i to three other Trane models so you can see where it stands in terms of tier, price, and features.

About the Trane XL18i

Average Price (with installation): $4500 - $6000

Top Features

• Easy installation could translate to lower installation fees
• High-efficiency rating means lower energy bills
• ENERGY STAR® certification may make it eligible for certain rebates and promotions
• More advanced two-stage compressor
• Many features that improve performance and guarantee temperature maintenance and humidity control
• Can be paired with the Trane CleanEffects filter system for improved indoor air quality
• Equipped with an efficient and quiet variable-speed fan motor
• Powered by Trane’s durable Climatuff™ compressor

The Bottom Line

As a premium offering from Trane, the XL18i has some winning features that any homeowner will love, including a great efficiency rating and efficient two-stage compressor that will make your home more comfortable during the summer months.

It offers better temperature control, better humidity management, higher efficiency, and quieter operation than a cooling system with a standard one-stage compressor.

Plus, this air conditioner is well-equipped to cool just about any home in Canada, and it will be cheaper to operate than an older cooling system.

Because Trane is a premium brand and this is a mid-range model, you should expect to pay more than you would for a comparable model from an economy or mid-range brand. However, it has high rebate eligibility, and that could help to offset some of the cost.

In Depth Review

Trane XL18i Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Two-Stage
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 73
• Tonnage: 2 to 5 tonnes
• Cooling capacity: 24,000 to 60,000 Btus

Features Overview

The XL18i has been made to last through many summers, and that’s thanks in part to its many weather- and corrosion-resistant features, such as a WeatherGuard II top, WeatherGuard fasteners, rust-proof DuraTuff base pan, and the protective powder paint finish.

Every Trane air conditioner comes equipped with one of their proprietary Climatuff compressors, which are longer lasting, quieter, and more efficient than standard compressors.

Finally, the XL18i has a unique all-aluminum coil and a blade-down fan style, and both of these features increase airflow and improve the system’s overall performance.

Other Key Features

• Spine Fin coil resists leaks and corrosion
• Galvanized louvered panels to protect the unit
• Sound-reducing features like a compressor sound insulator
• Easy installation thanks to the two-wire connection design
• Materials for all components are tested again and again for long-lasting performance and durability
• The cabinet has a Quick-Sess design that provides additional protection for the coil

Warranty Information

Upon registering your unit within 60 days of installation, the XL18i will be covered by an excellent warranty. This includes an impressive 12-year warranty for the compressor and an additional 10-year warranty for internal parts, including the outdoor coil. 

Unregistered units still come with warranty protection, but it’s only a five-year parts warranty. As such, registration is highly recommended. All you have to do is provide Trane with your contact information, the air conditioner’s serial and model numbers, the installation date, and the name of the HVAC dealer.

Comparable Models by Trane

Model Comparison by Price: Trane XL18i versus Trane XR14

One of the most affordable models in Trane’s line is the mid-range XR14. It falls into the same $4,500 to $6,000 price range as the XL18i, but it’s going to be significantly cheaper because it’s an entry-level model.

The lower price does mean you'll miss out on a few features, as the XR14 only has a single-stage compressor, a SEER rating of 16, and a 10-year compressor warranty.

That being said, the XR14 is still a high-efficiency air conditioner with ENERGY STAR certification, and the 16 SEER is still in the perfect efficiency range for Canadian summers.

If you're looking for a Trane air conditioner but don’t have the budget for a mid-range or premium-tier model, then the XR14 could offer an excellent option that promises great value.

Model Comparison by Features: Trane XL18i versus Trane XV20i

The XV20i is Trane’s top-of-the-line offering, so it comes with even more features and technologies than the XL18i. At the top of the list is the variable-speed compressor and SEER rating of 22.

It also has TruComfort technology that constantly adjusts settings to ensure your home is always at the perfect temperature. In fact, TruComfort enables this air conditioner to make adjustments to the cooling output in increments as small as 1/10 of 1 percent.

All of that means less money on your monthly energy bills and even more precise temperature control and maintenance. It’s also extremely quiet, is equipped with the ComfortLink II communicating control board, and has even more features to improve performance, reliability, and longevity.

All that said, you should know that the XV20i is more powerful than what most Canadians are going to need to stay comfortable in the summer.

It’s going to cost a lot more because of the ultra-high SEER, but it won’t return proportional energy savings. Generally speaking, Canadians will get better value from a 16- to 18-SEER air conditioner like the XL18i.

Model Comparison by Tier: Trane XL18i versus Trane XL16i

Trane’s XL18i and XL16i are both part of their mid-range series, and these two units are very similar in terms of features and specifications. The major differences between them are the compressor type and price.

The XL16i is more affordable because it has a single-stage compressor, even though it has the same 18 SEER as the XL18i.

Both models will produce comparable energy savings, but the XL18i will be more expensive. At the same time, it will produce more consistent cooling comfort for your home, and it will be more powerful during heat waves and times of high humidity because of the two-stage compressor.