Trane XB90 Review

DISCONTINUED: Please note, this model appears to have been discontinued by the manufacturer, although it may still be available for purchase through distributors and contractors for some time.

The Trane XB90 is the most affordable high-efficiency furnace offering from Trane. Featuring an AFUE of 91-92.1% and a solid build, this unit would still qualify as a substantial upgrade on many older furnaces found in homes that are around 5-10 years old.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (installed): $2800 – $4500

Top Features

• Insulated heat exchanger
• Multi-Port In-Shot Burners
• Self-diagnostic microelectronic control

The Bottom Line

The XB90 may not include many of the features that other Trane units boast, but it’s still an excellent unit in its own right. With an efficiency of 90+, and an impressive construction consisting of heavy gauge steel and a “wrap-around” style cabinet, the XB90 is solid, reliable and efficient.

In Depth Review

Product Specifications:

• Sub-models available: TUC1B040A9241A, TUC1B060A9361A, TUC1B080A9421A, TUC1C100A9481A, TUC1D100A9601A, TUC1D120A9601A, TDC1B040A9241A, TDC1B060A9361A, TDC1B080A9421A, TDC1C100A9481A, TDC1D120A9601A
• AFUE: 91-92.1%
• BTU input: 40,000-120,000
• BTU output: 38,000-112,000
• Not ENERGY STAR ® certified

Insulated Heat Exchanger

A key component of any furnace, the heat exchanger is the tubes or coils found inside a unit that are placed through the air flow and consequently heat the air. The heat exchanger section of this unit is completely lined with foil faced fibreglass, which provides excellent insulation improving the unit’s overall efficiency.

Multi-Port In-Shot Burner

Multi-Port burners use several ports to mix air and gas to provide maximum heat in the furnace, and the XB90’s Multi-Port In-Shot Burners help to perfectly shape the flame cone ensuring that maximum heat is provided while using less fuel and therefore improving efficiency.

Self-Diagnostic Microelectronic Control

The self-diagnostic microelectronic control found in the XB90 helps to ensure that maintenance can be completed on the unit fast and efficiently.

Other Key Features

• Crimped Primary Heat Exchanger
• Stainless Steel Secondary Heat Exchanger

Warranty Information

The XB90’s warranty options include a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year functional parts limited warranty. Both of these warranties are reliant on registering the unit with Trane within the first 60 days of purchase, and this can be done either online or via phone.

Comparable Models by Trane

Model comparison by middle tier – Trane XB90 versus XR95

Although similar models in many ways, there are a few key differences that make the XR95 a clear upgrade over the XB90. Built to be Trane’s most affordable furnace, the XB90 comes in at 91-92.1% AFUE rating which, although still classified as a high-efficiency furnace, is at the lower end of the spectrum. The XR95, on the other hand, comes in with an AFUE rating of 95% meaning that 95 cents in every dollar will go towards heating your home. Also, expect a slightly better build with the XR95 thanks to the automotive-grade gaskets and insulated blower compartment. The automotive-grade gaskets and insulated blower compartment succeed in increasing this unit’s service life and insulating the unit, so the decibel level produced during operation is lower. The insulated blower compartment also prevents any air infiltration which could decrease the unit’s overall efficiency.

Model comparison by features – Trane XB90 versus Trane XL95

The clear difference between the XB90 and the XL95 is the increased efficiency and two-stage operation of the XL95. The XL95 comes in at between 95-96% as opposed to the XB90’s 91-92.1%. The two-stage operation also means that the XL95 can heat in two different modes, high-fire and low-fire, meaning that on cooler days your furnace can sustain a warm temperature without having to start-up and shutdown in constant cycles. This ability to maintain a warm temperature helps eliminate temperature swings in your home and increase the fuel efficiency of the furnace. It also helps the unit last longer, because, like with any appliance, the constant cycle of starting up and shutting down can wear down parts over time.

Model comparison by Premium Tier – Trane XB90 versus Trane S9V2

The XB90 and the S9V2 are at opposite ends of Trane’s furnace spectrum, so expect to pay a lot more for the additional features included in the S9V2. Proud to be one of the most technologically advanced offerings by Trane, the S9V2 includes their own Vortica II Blower, which is designed to distribute airflow as quietly as a “whisper.” It also features Comfort-R technology, which helps control humidity levels in your home, improves the start-up and shutdown process to lower the decibel level and helps the furnace ensure a thorough circulation of heat takes place in your home. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range furnace from Trane, consider the S9V2.