Trane S9B1 Review

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.

Like all good Trane furnace reviews, 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 help you set a budget, the review will also cover the average Trane furnace price in Canada for this model.

Finally, 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
• Has a tubular primary heat exchanger that resists temperature and pressure

The Bottom Line

The is a single-stage Trane 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

Entry-level Trane furnaces like this single-stage model 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. 

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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 variable-speed blower, Comfort-R technology for enhanced dehumidification in summer, and ComfortLink™ II, a communicating technology.

Model Comparison by Features: S9B1 versus S9V2-VS

The S9V2-VS isn't as expensive or as sophisticated as the top-tier Trane furnace models, 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 and meet the government’s latest efficiency minimum.

Furthermore, the S9V2-VS has the Vortica II variable-speed 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. 

In other words, if you want a more affordable Trane furnace in Canada but the S9B1 isn't available because of the lower efficiency, then the S9X1 is the most similar model, and it will save you more over time.