Trane Ductless Heat Pump Review, Prices & Top Models

Our Trane ductless heat pump review will tell you what you need to know about Trane and their ductless systems, including what models are available, average pricing with installation costs, what interesting features they offer, what their warranty terms are like, and more.

Trane has a long history in North America’s HVAC industry, and they know what their consumers want and need when it comes to home heating and cooling. One thing they know is that not all homes can accommodate central air conditioning, so they manufacture a full line of ductless mini splits that are perfect for homes that don’t have ductwork installed. 

Ductless Mini-Splits, Explained

Many older homes were built before central heating and air conditioning were common, so these homes don’t have the ductwork necessary to heat and cool the air using central systems. The good news is that ductless homes aren’t at the mercy of the weather, and there are ductless mini split systems that can keep your home at the ideal temperature all year round.

Here’s how ductless systems work: there’s an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and condenser, and this is where the air is cooled. From there, the cooled air is pumped inside to one or more air handling units that circulate the air around the house. These units are often installed on the wall, ceiling, or floor, and there are single-zone systems that require only one indoor unit, and multi-zone systems that have two or more indoor units.

Trane Heat Pumps

Homes that don’t have ductwork for a cooling system also don’t have ductwork available for a central furnace, and that’s why many HVAC manufacturers, including Trane, offer heat pumps as an alternative to air conditioners. Heat pumps and air conditioners work in much the same way (in fact, an air conditioner is a type of heat pump), with the difference being that a heat pump can provide both hot and cold air. 

Trane’s lineup of ductless units includes air conditioning systems and heat pumps that can also heat your home. Because the heating and cooling functions use the same indoor and outdoor components, you only have to buy and install one system for year-round comfort. That being said, ductless heat pump systems aren’t ideal for extremely cold climates as they will typically only heat adequately above -15 to -20 degrees celsius.

Trane Ductless Air Conditioners, At a Glance

What’s good: Trane has a robust line of ductless mini split systems. This includes single- and multi-zone systems, high-efficiency models, and indoor units that can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or floor. All Trane’s indoor and outdoor units are sold separately, so you can mix and match the units according to your heating and cooling needs, the size of your house, and the design of your interior spaces. 

Trane mini splits are also equipped with features that protect the systems from wear, tear, and damage, so you can expect years of reliable performance from a Trane ductless system.

What could be improved: Trane systems tend to have a somewhat higher price point, similar to brands like Lennox, Carrier, and Mitsubishi. And while their warranty terms are good, they don’t last quite as long as what’s offered by some other manufacturers. Finally, Trane multi-zone systems only have as many as five zones, which may not be enough if you have a very large home or have specific customization needs for your home’s temperature.

The bottom line: Trane mini splits are durable, reliable, quality-made, and come backed by a decent warranty, and Trane has a well-respected industry brand. The company prides itself on efficiency and optimal performance, so you know that a Trane ductless heat pump will keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter for many years to come. 

However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to check out comparable models from another brand to save yourself some money.

General Price Range for Trane Ductless Air Conditioners 

The average price range for a Trane ductless mini-split heat pump system is between $4,000 and $8,000 (installation included).

Trane HVAC products tend to have a slightly higher price point than comparable products from competitors in the same tier, especially if you opt for a multi-zone Trane system with a higher efficiency rating. Installation costs will also impact the final price tag, so you might want to get quotes from a few companies before committing, and ask about current deals and promotions. Also, be sure to check if there are local, government, or manufacturer rebates available for the model you want.

Learn more about ductless system installation here

Trane Ductless Air Conditioner Options

Single- and Multi-Zone Indoor Units

Single-zone ductless systems are ideal if you want to control your home’s temperature from one convenient central location, whereas the multi-zone units are good for customizing specific temperatures in different areas of your home.

Trane’s multi- and single-zone indoor units are available in wall-mounted, floor, ceiling, and concealed models, all of which promise flexibility with installation, great efficiency, and quiet operation. These units also boast an energy-saving sleep mode, a timer to put the system into an automatic mode, wireless control capabilities, auto restart mode in the case of a power outage, and other great features.

Single-Zone Outdoor Units

The other component of a ductless split system is the outdoor unit, and Trane has several single-zone units that can be paired with their indoor components. All their single-zone models are equipped with a more advanced inverter compressor for better efficiency, temperature consistency, and humidity control, as well as quieter operation. The models in this category are designed to withstand damage and the elements, and there’s a failsafe that shuts off the compressor to prevent damage if certain problems occur.

Multi-Zone Outdoor Units

Trane’s multi-zone outdoor units can accommodate between two and five indoor air handling units. These models also have the advanced inverter compressor for optimal performance, protective features to prevent damage to the unit and compressor, an auto defrost feature to maximize energy use, and high-efficiency operation to save you money.  

Trane Mini-Split System Model Comparison

Top Trane Ductless Mini-split system Features

Optional Programmable Controllers

When you buy a Trane ductless mini split, you can opt to control the system with a wired or wireless controller, which is handy if you have a high-wall or ceiling-mounted unit. With the Optional Programmable Controller, you can program as many as eight daily cooling segments, see and adjust the temperature, set a schedule for up to two weeks, and even change the direction of the louvers to alter airflow.  

Auto Clean Dry Mode

Trane cares about your health, and that’s why their ductless systems are equipped with an Auto Clean dry mode to reduce moisture and mold or bacterial growth. This system includes a standard filter, a carbon filter, and a catechin additive filter.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is an energy-saving mode you can program so the system doesn’t work as hard at night when your household is asleep. This saves you money and energy, and ensures your family is always comfortable when people are awake and active.

Important Warranty Information

All Trane ductless systems are backed by a five-year warranty that covers the compressor and functional parts, including the indoor and outdoor coils. These are registered warranty terms, however, and to be eligible you must register the unit within 60 days of installation.

About Trane

Trane has its beginnings all the way back in 1885 when they designed their first low-pressure heating system, and in the 1930s they expanded the company when they began manufacturing air conditioning systems. Today, Trane is a part of the Ingersoll Rand group, and they design and build reliable cooling systems for all homes, including ductless mini split systems that are ideal for older homes.