The S9B1 from Trane is their lowest-efficiency natural gas furnace, but also one of their most affordable. It’s a single-stage furnace with an AFUE of 92 percent, so it won’t be right for all homes in Canada.

This model review of the S9B1 will help you figure out if it will work for yours. We’ll tell you about its AFUE, as well as new government regulations regarding efficiency, and tell you what most Canadians pay to buy and install this model. 

Further, the S9B1 review will cover important features, design specifications, warranty details, and more. And to show you what else Trane has to offer, we’ll also compare the S9B1 to three other models in the Trane lineup. 

The Trane S9B1 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4,500 to $5,500

Top Features

• Has a durable stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchanger
• Compact size makes this furnace good for smaller spaces
• Compatible with Trane’s proprietary air purification system
• Can be integrated with an electric heat pump
• Superior burner design 
• Standard warranty for parts and the heat exchanger 
• Fuel-saving ignition system

The Bottom Line

The is a single-stage furnace, meaning it can only operate at 100 percent capacity when it’s running. These furnaces tend to be a little noisier and less efficient than more sophisticated models, and they’re usually only powerful enough to heat single-story houses, townhomes, and other small to medium spaces. 

The S9B1 does still have some advanced design elements, including a secondary heat exchanger that gets more energy from the combustion process than a furnace with only a primary heat exchanger. As a result, the furnace uses the same amount of fuel but produces more heat. 

It also has a constant torque ECM blower motor, which are generally more efficient, quieter, and longer-lasting than basic alternatives. 

But one of the most important things you need to know about the S9B1 is that furnaces like this are being phased out. In the last couple years, the government passed new regulations regarding furnace efficiency in Canada. Furnaces must now have an AFUE of 95 percent or higher. You can still buy lower-efficiency models, but only if they were manufactured prior to July 2019.

In Depth Review

Trane S9B1 Product Specifications

• AFUE: 92.1 percent
• Burner type: Single-stage
• Blower type: Constant torque ECM
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Heating input: 40,000 to 120,000 BTUs 

Features Overview

Trane’s entry-level, single-stage furnaces don’t have a lot of special features or technologies, but if you’re willing to buy additional equipment, then they do have some compatibilities that can make your home more comfortable and save you money.

The S9B1 is compatible with CleanEffects. This is Trane’s own air purification system. It’s a whole-home filter that can eliminate up to 99.98 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, other allergens, and pathogens like viruses. 

Another feature of the S9B1 is that you can pair it with an electric heat pump to take advantage of dual fuel operation. In this way, the thermostat will initiate changes between using natural gas and electricity as the heat source depending on which is most capable of keeping your house at the perfect temperature at the lowest price. 

And here’s one thing you don’t need extra equipment for: the S9B1 has an integrated furnace control board that can provide self-diagnostic information. This is important during repairs and maintenance because it makes troubleshooting easier and service more accurate, so it could save you on repair bills and help to extend the life of the furnace. 

Other Key Features

• Silicon nitride hot surface igniter doesn’t waste fuel like a pilot light does and it’s more reliable
• All materials and components are thoroughly tested for performance and durability 
• The multi-port, in-shot burners operate more quietly and more efficiently than standard burners
• Propane convertible 
• The insulated blower compartment increases heat transfer and reduces operational noise
• Insulated heat exchanger cabinet reduces heat loss and makes the unit quieter
• The pre-painted steel cabinet provides an extra layer of protection for important internal components

Warranty Information

The S9B1 comes with Trane’s standard warranty, which includes a 10-year parts and lifetime heat exchanger warranty. These terms are for registered furnaces, so as long as you register the new unit within 60 days of installation, then you’ll be eligible for the full coverage. 

Should you fail to register, the S9B1 will still be protected but not for as long: the parts warranty will be for five years and the heat exchanger warranty will be for 20 years.

Just make sure you have the unit installed by a licensed HVAC professional to keep the warranty valid. 

Once that’s done, you can register online by providing some basic information about you, the HVAC contractor, the installation date, and the furnace. 

Comparable Models by Trane

Model Comparison by Price: S9B1 versus XC95m

The XC95m requires a larger investment because it costs an average of $6,400 to $7,000 to buy and install in Canada. 

There is a reason for the higher price, including that the XC95m is a modulating, variable-speed furnace with an AFUE of 97.3 percent. That means the furnace will cost less to operate, should keep your entire home at the perfect temperature, and will be able to make tiny adjustments to the heat output and airflow for maximized comfort and cost savings. 

The XC95m also meets the government’s new efficiency standards, and it will likely qualify for rebates that could help offset the higher purchase price. 

Beyond the design elements, the XC95m also has additional features and technologies, including Trane’s patented Vortica II blower, Comfort-R technology for enhanced dehumidification in summer, and ComfortLink™ II. 

ComfortLink II is a communicating technology that makes the interface smarter, and enables the XC95m to be paired with one of Trane’s ComfortLink II smart thermostats for even more advanced features and capabilities. 

Model Comparison by Features: S9B1 versus S9V2-VS

The S9V2-VS isn’t as expensive or as sophisticated as the top-of-the-line modulating unit, but it’s more affordable and still has some great design features that the S9B1 lacks. 

The S9V2-VS is a two-stage furnace that has a low heat output for temperature maintenance and cost-savings, as well as a high heat output for when the mercury drops. It will be better at keeping larger homes warm, and with an AFUE of 97 percent, it will also save you plenty on heating bills. 

Furthermore, the S9V2-VS has the Vortica II blower and Comfort-R technology. This model will be more expensive than the S9B1, but it’s more powerful, more efficient, and has some improved design elements and features that increase the value of the furnace.

 

Model Comparison by Tier: S9B1 versus S9X1

The S9X1 is the most similar furnace to the S9B1. It’s also a single-stage model with a constant torque ECM blower motor, ENERGY STAR certification, a secondary heat exchanger, dual fuel compatibility, and the option for CleanEffects. 

The one important difference between the two models is the S9X1’s increased efficiency. It has an AFUE of 96 percent, so not only does it exceed the government’s new efficiency minimum, but it will also be better at keeping your house warm and will save you more on heating bills. 

Trane’s L9X1 is their new ultra-low NOx emissions furnace. It has been designed to meet air quality standards in places like California. It has a single-stage burner and an AFUE of 95 percent, so it could reduce heating bills in the right house. 

This model review of the L9X1 will cover all the basics, including the average price Canadians pay for it, as well as its key features, efficiency information, warranty coverage, and more. 

The purpose of the L9X1 model review is to help you understand more about this furnace, including whether it will meet your home’s budgetary, efficiency, and heating needs. Part of that will also include comparing the L9X1 to three other Trane models based on price, available features, and tier. 

The Trane L9X1 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4,500 to $5,600

Top Features

• Special burner design for ultra-low NOx emissions and more environmentally friendly performance
• Secondary heat exchanger for less fuel use and improved heat recovery
• Dual fuel compatible
• Can be integrated with Trane’s air purification system
• Corrosion-resistant primary and secondary heat exchanger 
• Industry-standard warranty coverage
• Ignition system that boasts less fuel waste

The Bottom Line

The L9X1 is a high-efficiency furnace that promises both cost-saving performance and NOx emissions that are 65 percent lower than with a standard furnace. 

Even if you don’t live in a place like California that has emissions standards, this furnace can still be a good option if you want to reduce your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

It also has other efficiency-improving features, like a secondary heat exchanger that extracts more energy from the combustion process to give you more heat for less money.

The constant torque ECM blower motor uses less electricity than a standard blower, and it’s quieter and promises more consistent airflow.

Because the L9X1 only has a single-stage burner, it will be more appropriate for smaller homes, like bungalows, cottages, apartments or condos, or even townhouses. It could also be suitable in milder parts of the country, like Vancouver Island, the West Coast, and parts of Southern Ontario. 

Another thing to note about the L9X1 is that it’s one of the only Trane furnaces that isn’t ENERGY STAR® certified, and that could mean it won’t qualify for some rebates. 

In Depth Review

Trane L9X1 Product Specifications

• AFUE: 95 percent
• Burner type: Single-stage
• Blower type: Constant torque ECM
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Heating capacity: 50,000 to 100,000 BTUs

Features Overview

The main selling feature of the L9X1 is the ultra-low NOx emissions. But if you want any other features beyond the attractive design elements, like air purification or dual fuel operation, then you will have to purchase additional HVAC equipment.

With Trane’s air purification system, CleanEffects™, you have to buy the special filter. Although it requires a special system, this can be a great option for homes where air quality is a concern, where there are people with allergies or asthma, or if you just want to reduce the number of pathogens in the house. 

Similarly, the dual fuel feature of the L9X1 requires the purchase of a compatible heat pump and thermostat with dual fuel management. But when it’s paired with the right components, the L9X1 can deliver more affordable heat by switching between the two heating sources, natural gas and electricity, based on which one is more cost-effective.

Other Key Features

• The cabinet is fully insulated for lower air leakage, quieter operation, and better heat transfer
• The cabinet is durable and made with a heavy-gauge material to protect the important internal components
• The silicon nitride hot surface igniter is very reliable and doesn’t waste fuel like a pilot light

Warranty Information

The registered warranty for the L9X1 includes a 10-year parts warranty and a 20-year heat exchanger warranty. 

That’s assuming that you register the unit within 60 days of installation. Unregistered furnaces will still be covered, but the parts warranty will only be for five years. However, the heat exchanger warranty is the same regardless of whether you register. 

Registration is recommended because the additional parts warranty could save you a lot on repair costs. 

The registration process is quite simple. You can do it through Trane’s website. You’ll need to provide your contact information, the name and information for the licensed HVAC contractor who performed the installation, the installation date, and the serial and model number of the L9X1. 

You will have to budget for professional installation if you want any warranty coverage, as a DIY job will result in the warranty protection being terminated. 

Comparable Models by Trane

Model Comparison by Price: L9X1 versus S9V2

The S9V2 isn’t the priciest model from Trane, but it costs between $5,000 and $5,600. That’s because it’s a more advanced two-stage furnace that has a high and low heat output when it’s running. 

This means it can operate most of the time in the lower stage to save you money and maintain the temperature of your home. When the necessity arises, it also has the higher stage to make sure you stay warm.

The S9V2 has a more powerful and more efficient variable-speed blower that promises quieter and cheaper operation. 

Finally, the S9V2 has an AFUE of 96 percent and ENERGY STAR certification. This could matter when you apply for rebates because it could be more likely to qualify compared to the L9X1.

Model Comparison by Features: L9X1 versus XC95m

Trane’s XC95m is their premier model. It’s the most expensive, the most sophisticated, and it has the most features and technological compatibilities. 

The XC95m is a modulating furnace. That means it can operate anywhere between 40 and 100 percent heat output for the most efficient, most cost-effective, and most consistent heat. Unlike the L9X1, the XC95m will be powerful enough to heat a house of any size. 

It also has Trane’s patented Vortica II variable-speed blower, meaning it can make incremental adjustments to the airflow for quieter and more efficient performance. 

Another benefit of the XC95m is the Comfort-R feature, an enhanced dehumidification mode that works with your air conditioner for summer moisture management. 

And if you pair the XC95m with a ComfortLink II smart thermostat from Trane, then you can access the communicating capabilities that are built into the furnace. 

Thanks to the advanced design elements, the XC95m has an AFUE of 97.3 percent, so it will save you a little more on heating bills. 

Finally, the top-tier model has ENERGY STAR certification, and not only does that guarantee a certain level of performance and efficiency, but it also makes the XC95m more likely to qualify for rebates that could make it more affordable.

Model Comparison by Tier: L9X1 versus S9X1

The S9X1 is in a similar tier to the L9X1 because they’re both single-stage furnaces. However, there are some differences between them that could make one more attractive than the other, depending on what you’re looking for. 

The S9X1 has similar design features to the L9X1, including the blower motor style, secondary heat exchanger, and compatibility with a heat pump and CleanEffects. 

However, the S9X1 doesn’t have the same burner design as the L9X1, so the S9X1 isn’t an ultra-low NOx furnace. 

On the other hand, it does have a slightly higher 96 percent AFUE, and it’s ENERGY STAR certified. 

Moreover, when you register the S9X1, the heat exchanger warranty gets extended to the lifetime of the unit.