Trane air conditioner review: Why they worth the high cost (2024)

Should you invest in the higher-end product? How about a mid-range model? When is a low-end AC adequate?

My team of experts has combed the online reviews and put Trane products through their paces to help you differentiate good fits from bad ones.

After all, you'll own your AC for the next 10-15 years if you're lucky.

Winding up with one that doesn't address your cooling needs is a mistake I can help you avoid.

I have also compared Trane to other brands to see if Trane air conditioning units really do outclass the competition.

Let’s get started!

• Patented 3-D® Scroll compressors: The advantage of a scroll compressor over a reciprocating one is that it has fewer moving parts.This produces the quiet operation that I want to find in a central AC.
• 14-gauge galvanized steel construction:Provides good impact and corrosion resistance
• Louvered panels:These give the air conditioner added strength and coil protection
• Phosphatized finish with air-dry paint:This ensures durability.
• Optional corrosion-protected condenser coil:This is especially beneficial in coastal areas, where humid, salty air can damage the coil.

The AC unit size you'll need for your home depends on a few factors, including the total square footage, insulation quality, ductwork size and quality, the number and type of windows, the orientation of your home, the number of people residing there, and more.

It's a lot - I know!

Generally, a 1,000-square-foot sized home or smaller requires a 1.5-ton unit, usually costing around $3,000 (not installed). A 2,500-square-foot home usually requires a 4-ton system, costing around $4,500.

The cost also depends on your chosen model, as some options are pricier than others.

It's essential to choose a properly sized system for your home. Please don't rely solely on the AC you're replacing; it might not be the correct size.

I highly recommend that you work through a Manual J Load Calculation, which can be performed even if you’re not an HVAC professional.

It takes the guesswork out of what size unit you need.

Those of you in the northern parts of the United States know that your heating season is long and your cooling season is short.

That means the demand for air conditioners is low, which is a key factor determining why prices are so low.

The southern states have the opposite conditions, necessitating a high demand for cooling.

It’s simple supply and demand: The more a product is needed, the higher the cost.

The best time to purchase a new AC unit is before the summer heating season. The lowest rates are typically in February and March.

If your system is failing, waiting until the hottest day of the year might put you in an uncomfortable situation.

That’s when demand is the greatest, when HVAC techs are busiest, and companies can charge more because you’ll pay whatever it takes to cool your home again.

Shop around. Trane dealers may be running a special.

Dealers may want to get rid of a few ACs to make way for new ones, so they will slash prices.

The Spine Fin coil is Trane's all-aluminum outdoor coil, which was designed to provide greater heat-exchanging capabilities (meaning higher efficiencies and a lower electric bill).

It consists of thousands of tiny fins bonded to continuous aluminum refrigerant tubing.

The fins create a greater surface area, helping it to transfer more heat from your home.

When more heat is removed, the cool, conditioned air will do its job quicker.

The Spine Fin coil is also more corrosion-resistant than a traditional copper/aluminum coil.

Those of you near the coast - and elsewhere - can enjoy an AC with a longer lifespan.

Trane’s higher-end models (the XV20i and XV18) include a compressor sound insulator that helps absorb the sound levels.

Think of it as an acoustic barrier that dampens vibrations.

Whereas low-end models operate at around 70 dB, the XV201 can get down to 55 dB - a huge difference.

I find it to be so quiet that you'll forget that it's running. And isn't that the point of HVAC equipment?

You get total comfort without being aware of the machinery creating it.

An optional compressor blanket can reduce compressor noise even more.

Available to fit all models, these blankets simply wrap around the compressor. They can reduce sound by up to 65%.

The polymer base pan can withstand an 800-pound load and Trane’s 135-degree, 20-year accelerated heat test.

It won’t crack, warp, corrode, or rust, and its molded-in color will not fade.

Trane Link Technology means you can adjust HVAC systems from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

You can monitor your home with a Wi-Fi connection.

A network of sensors monitors and optimizes the humidity and temperature in your home, adjusting compressor and fan speeds constantly to give you the most comfortable air at the optimal efficiency possible.

The system can create zoned comfort control with a smart home thermostat that connects to a variety of smart devices, including air handlers,

ACs, heat pumps, and indoor air purifiers. (You'll need to invest in higher-end models to get this functionality, but it's worth it, in my opinion.)

Nexia™ can monitor your HVAC system and alert your Trane dealer if there’s an issue.

You even have the option to set it up so your dealer can troubleshoot by remotely viewing details on how your HVAC system is performing.

Trane offers four smart thermostats that help homeowners track energy usage, create season-based temperature programs, and identify trends in their energy use.

It starts with a state-of-the-art thermostat and zoning control system, such as the Trane ComfortLink™ II XL1050 or the ComfortLink® II XL850.

These let you remotely control your indoor environment, comfort, and energy use.

With a Wi-Fi connection, you can monitor your home's indoor air quality, whether you're at home or away. If you forget to dial back the AC while on vacation (like I do every time), you can do it with the Trane Home app.

Homeowners get remote access to their system’s performance and diagnostics. The system also connects with Alexa or Google Home for contactless controls.

It can deliver the exact temperature you desire and maintain it to a ½ degree of accuracy, regardless of outside conditions.

You may choose to share your HVAC system’s data with your dealer so they can detect potential problems before they become emergencies.

Your dealer can provide contactless support and remotely troubleshoot issues.

The thermostat can also help you keep an eye on energy usage.

Is humidity too high? That might mean a heavier workload on your AC. You can set your thermostat to help reduce it. The whole house will benefit.

I also appreciate that you can create zones in your home.

With adjustable dampers in your duct system, you can set one room to be 70 degrees, and another to be 67.

The WeatherGuard™ Top keeps out more leaves and debris than a typical AC.

It has a concave top and corners that channel rain and snow away from the interior.

For those of you who have had to clean out innumerable pine needles and maple tree leaves yearly will fully appreciate this design.
(This top is limited to certain models.)

Air conditioning companies talk a lot about cooling the air. Trane has products that enhance its cleanliness and healthiness, as well.

Trane Air revolves around the filtration capabilities of Trane CleanEffects.™

Indoor air is often more polluted than outside air.

Dusty air can cause breathing problems for family members and exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies.

The optional Trane CleanEffects removes up to 99.98% of airborne pollutants from conditioned air, providing the most technologically advanced air filtration available.

Less dust. Clean air. Better health.

Trane’s Charge Assist™ is an automatic, self-charging technology that enables technicians to push a button to determine the proper refrigerant charge.

It’s a standard feature on Trane’s ComfortLink™ II high-efficiency systems.

During maintenance, it will indicate if a unit is under or over-charged with refrigerant, enabling the technician to add or recover the proper amount of refrigerant.

Single-stage compressors are the most common.

They are the simplest design and least expensive. They operate at only one speed: 100%.

They are the easiest to repair but also the loudest. And they are the least efficient.

Two-stage compressors operate at two different speeds: 100% and around 65%.

When running at a slower speed, it can run longer, removing excess humidity from the indoor air.

It saves energy since it’s not operating at full blast, and the slower speed is quieter.

Variable-capacity compressors precisely control home temperatures and humidity because instead of operating at one or two settings, they can adjust the output in tiny increments.

This keeps the temperature even throughout the home while saving energy in the process.

Variable-capacity systems tend to be more expensive, but they provide exceptional savings on monthly energy bills and can be up to twice as efficient as single-stage models.

Scroll compressors are becoming more popular in HVAC systems as they are more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types.

Reciprocating is the old standard. Scroll compressors have fewer moving parts and less torque variation compared to the reciprocating compressor.

This advantage translates to a smooth and quiet operation.

Trane offers one of the best warranties of all the AC manufacturers.

Its 10-year limited warranty on the Trane XR14 and XR15 models covers the outdoor coil, compressor, and functional parts.

Trane offers up to 20 years of limited warranty on replacement parts. However, it doesn’t cover the cost of labor.

You can also purchase an optional Extended Warranty, which will cover not only the cost of parts but also the labor.

AC units must be registered within 60 days of purchase, or it will revert to a five-year limited warranty.

All other models include 10-year coverage on the outdoor coil and function parts, plus an extended 12-year warranty on the compressor (most HVAC brands' warranties cover the compressor for 10 years).

Trane offers its customers up to 20 years of limited warranty on replacement parts.

However, it doesn’t cover the cost of labor, like some other HVAC brands.

Since 2009, Trane has worked with Wells Fargo Bank, NA, to offer homeowners flexible financing options.

They offer on-the-spot credit decisions and monthly payments.

While I’ve included the information below, due to the huge interest rates, I recommend trying a different route for financing instead, such as a home equity loan from your bank.

The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender.

Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit.

The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full.

The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount paid for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period.

The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees, such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions.

For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00.

This information is accurate as of 9/1/2022 and is subject to change. For current information, call 1-800-431-5921.

Installation and labor costs comprise a considerable portion of the final bill for a Trane AC unit.

The installation cost can vary depending on the installation's complexity, the unit's location, and the HVAC contractor's fees.

Air conditioner installation typically takes between four and eight hours to complete.

HVAC systems are much more complicated than plugging in the unit and starting it up. The highest labor cost is around $9,000. The low end is $3,000.

Your ductwork’s quality influences the total AC installation cost.

Some Trane AC units have variable-speed compressors, two-stage cooling, and smart thermostats.

Units with more features will cost more to install and will require more expertise from your installer.

HVAC contractors should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Ensure that your HVAC contractor obtains the necessary permits for the installation.

This ensures the work is done in compliance with local building codes.

You should check if their technicians are NATE-certified. These certifications prove that the crew members are up-to-date with the latest technologies.

(NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence - the gold standard in HVAC education.)

They should also not hire third-party vendors - those are the HVAC contractors who show up in unmarked vehicles and don’t wear company uniforms.

They may not be insured (putting you at potential risk), and they may not stand behind their work if something goes wrong.

In addition to these steps, we highly recommend that you:

• Ask friends and relatives for recommendations
• Use Angi, Consumer Reports, and This Old House
• Check out Google reviews
• Get a minimum of three estimates

Is the existing line set still functional? Even if it is, you must transition from R22 refrigerant to get the AC up to code.

Since 2010, residential cooling systems have contained a refrigerant called R-410a (also known as Puron).

Refrigerants operate at different pressures. The pressures are higher in R410a systems, so the line set will not work properly. This would quickly lead to the evaporator and condenser coils failing.

So, while some people might tell you that the line set will need to be replaced, I'm going to say no, you'll need to replace the entire system.

Even if you could retrofit your equipment to handle different refrigerants, the cost of doing so would approach the price of a new system.

Plus, your existing warranty would be voided.

In 1885, founder James Trane, inspired by Wisconsin’s cold winters, invented the Trane Vapor Heating System.

In 1931, the company patented its first air conditioner. Trane soon built on the idea of using air conditioning as a break from summer.

They developed and installed ACs in offices, restaurants, shops, department stores, factories, and movie theaters.

Their first Trane heat pump, Weathertron®, came along in the 1960s.

In 1984, American Standard Companies, Inc. acquired the Trane Company and, four years later, launched the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Brand.

In 2006, Trane launched CleanEffects, whole-home air cleaners that remove up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles and 99 percent of common flu viruses from conditioned air.

Trane products have above-average efficiency ratings, a reputation for being durable, and many features to boost interior comfort levels.

The Lifestory Research 2022 America's Most Trusted® HVAC System Study found that the most trusted brand among people considering the purchase of an HVAC System brand was Trane.

Consumer Reports lists Trane at the top of their brand reliability rankings, scoring a perfect five out of five for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.

Here's what other customer reviews have to say:

My Trane HVAC system was 17 years old and stilling working fine. I thought I had better replace it, because of its age and summer quickly approaching. I just had my unit replaced yesterday and I am very happy and satisfied with my choice. I received great service from my old unit, 9 hurricanes, many severe storms and never once has my Trane failed to function and operate flawlessly. If anyone asks I always recommend a Trane. - Charles from Wilmington, North Carolina

In the middle of the extreme heatwave we are experiencing, we are very pleased with our new XR14 air conditioner. It is quiet, and has been keeping the temp in our 2-story house extremely well, especially with an office space on 2nd floor. It is also helping us save money. Our installer was great too. Our last Trane AC lasted 15 years so we are confident with our current choice for longevity also! - Ellen from Elmhurst, IL

Of course, not all of the reviews are glowing.

As with any AC brand, the initial installation and the registering of your product to get a full warranty will make all the difference with how your product will perform.

I always recommend fully vetting HVAC companies before installation.

Trane and American Standard air conditioners are assembled on the same lines by the same workers, with the only difference being paint color and badging.

American Standard is known for being a budget brand that still maintains good efficiency ratings.

You get good quality for the money. And it ranks among the best air conditioner HVAC companies in the nation for its warranty coverage.

Premium American Standard models include humidity control and air scrubbing technology called AccuClean Air.

They are whole-home air cleaners. It’s similar to Trane’s Clean Effects.

One big negative is that American Standard offers only seven AC options; they cover the budget model up to the high end, but they offer little in-between.

Prices range from $3,500 to $6,100 based on the model and tonnage.

This price range is lower than you'll find from many competitors, and it’s significantly less than you’d pay for Trane.

Trane offers better features, a bit more efficiency, and similar noise levels.

American Standard is a good choice for homeowners looking to keep initial costs as low as possible.

Trane is the choice for homeowners who want to invest in a product they know will be running well in 15 years or more.

Goodman’s top-of-the-line air conditioners and heat pumps tend to be more energy-efficient than Trane’s.

Trane HVAC offers better variety, including low-end, mid-range, and high-end models.

Goodman offers six central air conditioner models, while Trane has nine, plus a side-discharge model.

Trane's air conditioners feature all-aluminum coils, which are more corrosion-resistant than Goodman's copper coils.

Trane is the far better choice if you live in a coastal environment or want more durable coils.

Goodman is less expensive and has a better warranty, including lifetime coverage on the compressor.

Still, I prefer Trane based on the strength of its reputation and track record.

Related article: Goodman air conditioners reviewed and rated

Amana has a lot going for it. Amana's air conditioners are more efficient than Trane's, and the company also boasts an extensive product line.

Amana has more models to choose from than almost any other air conditioner company, so consumers have the benefit of choosing the right one for their needs. In 2023, Amana offers 16 models.

Their HVAC products are made in the USA, which means good product availability.

Amana’s warranty is most valuable to people who will remain in their homes for a long time.

If you plan to sell your home sooner rather than later, Amana might not be a good fit.

Trane air conditioners aren’t the quietest or the most energy-efficient on the market. However, they are some of the most durable.

Trane rigorously tests its heating and cooling systems to maintain high quality, and its models either come with the all-weather top cover for extra protection, or you can request it as an option.

It's a close call between the two brands. I like Trane's reputation for making quality products.

Still, Amana's variety and record of energy savings are hard to argue against.

Trane and York are on the opposite spectrum when it comes to price. Trane makes no secret about affordability.

You will pay proportionately for high quality and a brand name.

York has been in the air conditioning business for a long time. Their business model is based on providing a quality product at an affordable price.

York’s AC models make them a budget-friendly alternative to Trane.

You're not going to look to York for massive energy savings.

Their top-of-the-line product doesn't even provide a variable speed compressor, which means it neither costs as much as other brands nor provides superb energy efficiency.

And you’re not going to find a machine that’s especially quiet.

In its favor, York’s air conditioners tend to have low maintenance and repair costs - but neither attribute makes an investment in York worthwhile.

Smart thermostats for remote control are available on select York models, and their warranties are on par with industry standards.

The Trane offer is about the same.

If price is your overriding concern, York is fine. If you want great quality, Trane is your choice.

Related article: Comprehensive look at Lennox air conditioners

Yes! When comparing a 14 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) air conditioner to a 20 SEER unit, the energy savings can be substantial. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 3-ton 14 SEER unit: $5,210 upfront cost
• 3 ton 20 SEER unit: $6,630 upfront cost

The upfront cost difference is $1,420.

Now, calculating average running costs at $0.15 KWh:

• The 14 SEER unit uses 2,571 watts on average, costing roughly $385.65 annually.
• The 20 SEER unit uses 1,800 watts on average, costing roughly $270 annually.

The 20 SEER unit saves an average of $115.65 per year. Multiply that by 10 years and you'll see a savings of $1,156.50. In 20 years, the savings would be $2,313.

My opinion is that Trane air conditioning units are absolutely worth it.

Trane has a long standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable heating and cooling equipment.

That quality comes at a price; its air conditioners, heat pump units, and furnaces are pricey. In the AC market, they occupy the top rung.

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