Trane XR17 Review

The XR17 is one of Trane’s entry-level air conditioners, but it has some advanced features that make it an attractive option if you're looking to upgrade to a newer cooling system. The high SEER rating means energy savings each month, and the two-stage compressor ensures your home will always be at the right temperature, no matter how hot or humid the summer gets.

This Trane XR17 model review will tell you all the important points about this air conditioner. Along with discussing average pricing in Canada, it will also cover the model’s key features, efficiency, warranty details, and more.

And to give you a good idea of where it stands in terms of Trane’s product line, the review will also compare it to three other models based on price, tier, and features.

About the Trane XR17

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

Top Features

• High-efficiency SEER and ENERGY STAR® certification promise lower monthly cooling bills and high rebate eligibility
• Backed by a good warranty
• Moderately quiet operation
• Compatible with the CleanEffects system for better air quality
• Two-stage compressor for increased comfort
• Comes with Trane’s proprietary Spine Fin outdoor coil and Climatuff compressor
• Equipped with a better fan motor than other entry-level models

The Bottom Line

Trane’s XR17 is a well-rounded cooling system that offers high efficiency, reliable humidity and temperature control, and lasting performance.

It has many features that increase your comfort and extend the life of the unit, making it a reliable cooling system that will provide your home with many summers of dependable and quiet comfort.

The two-stage operation and high-efficiency SEER make this air conditioner capable of providing consistent cooling power to just about any home in Canada, even larger spaces during heat waves. 

Finally, the XR17 has a number of protective and corrosion-resistant features, and it’s back by an excellent warranty, making it a solid choice for a new air conditioner.

In Depth Review

Trane XR17 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Two-stage
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 74
• Tonnage: 2 to 5 tonnes
• Cooling capacity: 24,000 to 60,000 Btus

Features Overview

The XR17 is equipped with a two-stage Climatuff compressor that delivers exceptional temperature maintenance, increased durability, great humidity control, and improved durability when compared to a standard single-stage compressor.

The system is also compatible with the Trane CleanEffects filtration system, which will remove contaminants from the air and improve indoor air quality.

This model has been built for lasting performance, and it has many features that maximize operation and airflow. This includes an all-aluminum Spine Fin coil, upgraded fan motor, and corrosion-resistant fasteners and base pan.

Other Key Features

• Made with high-quality materials and components that have been tested for durability
• Equipped with a compressor sound insulator for quieter operation
• Weatherguard fasteners and rust-proof base pan for increased longevity
• Special cabinet that protects the coil

Warranty Information

The XR17 may be an entry-level air conditioner, but it’s still backed by a good warranty. The warranties include a 10-year parts warranty for internal components, including the outdoor coil, plus an additional 10-year warranty for the compressor.

To obtain these warranty terms, you do have to register the unit within 60 days of installation. If you don’t register, then the XR17 will only have a five-year parts warranty.

Registration is recommended because of the additional protection it provides. All you have to do is provide Trane with your name, the serial and model number of the air conditioner, the installation date, and the name of the HVAC dealer who installed it.

Comparable Models by Trane

Model Comparison by Price: Trane XR17 versus Trane XR13

The XR13 is the most affordable air conditioner that Trane offers, falling into the $3,500 to $5,000 price range.

Some compromises come with the lower price, however, including a much lower mid-efficiency SEER rating of 14.5, a less advanced single-stage compressor, and no ENERGY STAR certification.

The XR13 has all the same durability features as the XR17 and has the same warranty terms, but you could save more money year over year with the XR17 because of the higher efficiency rating and additional rebate eligibility.

Another thing you have to be aware of with single-stage, mid-efficiency air conditioners is they might not be powerful enough to cool larger spaces.

When you take that into consideration along with the reduced energy savings and less powerful compressor, the XR17 could provide better long-term value and a more comfortable home.

Model Comparison by Features: Trane XR17 versus Trane XV18

The XV18 is a premium offering from Trane, and one of their most advanced and expensive air conditioners.

As a result, it has more features and perks than the XR17, including a variable-speed compressor for even more advanced temperature and humidity control, and it has an additional two-year warranty on the compressor.

The XV18 also has TruComfort technology that promises the most precise temperature control and maintenance. 

Although the two models have the same efficiency rating and will generate comparable energy savings, the XV18 will provide more even temperatures throughout the house and fewer hot and cold spots. However, it will probably cost about $1,000 more, so if short- and long-term savings are your biggest concern, then the XR17 might be a better bet.

Model Comparison by Tier: Trane XR17 versus Trane XR16

The XR17 and XR16 are in the same entry-level tier and are very similar cooling systems in many ways. They have similar SEER ratings, have the same warranty terms, and are made with the same durable materials and components.

The main difference between them is the XR16 has a less advanced single-stage compressor. That means it’s slightly less efficient, with a SEER of 17, so it’s the more affordable cooling system.

However, it will save you a little bit less on summer cooling bills compared to the XR17, and it won’t deliver the same consistent cooling power because the compressor can only operate at 100 percent capacity. By contrast, the XR17 has a high and low cooling output, so it can run for longer periods in the low stage to create a more even temperature around the house.