Trane Ductless Heat Pump Review, Prices & Top Models

Our Trane mini-split 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. Not all homes can accommodate central air conditioning, and Trane’s line of ductless mini splits are perfect for homes that don’t have ductwork installed. Let’s look at what they have to offer in terms of pricing, models, features, and more.

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. Ductless mini split systems are designed to heat and cool spaces like this.

Ductless systems have 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.

This Trane mini-split review will cover the indoor and outdoor units available, what features they have, warranty coverage, and more.

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, though Trane has introduced a mini split system designed to deal with colder temperatures.

Trane Ductless Air Conditioners, At a Glance

Strengths

• Single- and multi-zone systems available
• Heat pumps and air conditioners
• Indoor and outdoor units are sold separately for customizable solutions
• Quiet operation
• High-efficiency systems that save energy
• Extended warranties available
• Designed for long-lasting operation
• All systems are tested for their ability to withstand wear and tear
• A couple of cold-climate heat pump systems available 

Weaknesses

• Single-zone systems are only available with wall-mounted indoor units
• Not a lot of ENERGY STAR® certified models
• Systems are more expensive, similar to brands like Lennox, Carrier, and Mitsubishi

The Bottom Line

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

Trane Mini-Split Review Data from Real Customers

People like that Trane ductless systems are quiet and run well. People also say they’re reliable, which makes sense because Trane tests all their systems rigorously for performance and longevity. What’s more, homeowners say the systems are efficient, and that means you might save money if you upgrade from an older A/C.

Another good thing about Trane is they’re one of the most popular HVAC brands around, so most technicians will be familiar with the equipment, and it shouldn’t be difficult to find replacement parts should you need them.

Price Range for Trane Ductless Air Conditioners 

The average price range for a Trane ductless mini-split heat pump system is between $7,500 and $12,000 (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.

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 Review: 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.

3D i-see Sensor®

Trane’s 3D i-see Sensor is a sensor in some indoor units that scans the room and creates a thermal profile based on the room’s size, occupancy, movement, and temperature in order to eliminate hot and cold spots.

Important Warranty Information

All Trane ductless systems are backed by a 10-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. Ductless systems that aren’t registered are only backed by a one-year warranty.

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.