Trane is a leading HVAC manufacturer with more than 120 years of business experience. The company produces air conditioners, heat pumps, and other equipment for residential and commercial use. This buying guide explores the company’s history, products, and features, as well as AC unit and installation costs. We’ve also provided tips for finding the right central AC system for your home.

Trane Air Conditioners Overview

Trane was founded in 1885 as a family plumbing business and entered the air conditioner market in 1931. The company spent the next 53 years developing commercial and residential air conditioner technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. In 1984, American Standard acquired Trane but maintained two separate brands. Both companies operate under Ingersoll Rand, its parent company. 

Today, Trane is a leading global manufacturer of HVAC systems. The company offers air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, smart thermostats, air handlers, whole-home air cleaners, and other residential and commercial products. Trane’s air conditioners are typically priced higher than other AC manufacturers due to the company’s long-standing reputation and high-quality products.

Trane Best Warranty
4.5

Overview

Founded in 1913, Trane is an excellent option if you want a secure investment. It includes a 12-year compressor and a 10-year parts and labor warranty, which is more comprehensive than other brands. Its XV20i TruComfort Variable Speed air conditioner uses variable speed technology to continuously communicate with other air conditioning system parts and a Trane thermostat for optimal efficiency.

Pros and cons

Pros Includes a comprehensive 12-year compressor warranty plus 10 years for other parts and labor Uses a rustproof DuraTuff base pan for longevity Incorporates cutting edge smart-home technology Cons High-end options require a ComfortLink II thermostat to function properly Charges a premium for many of its products

Cost

$3,500–$15,600

Important Note: While Trane manufactures air conditioning units, it is important to note that they do not personally handle the installation of their products. However, ARS Rescue Rooter specializes in HVAC services and offers professional installation. Get a free installation quote today for your project.

ARS Rescue Rooter Best Customer Service
4
Overview

Established in 1975, ARS Rescue Rooter provides heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and sewer and drain services. ARS Rescue Rooter offers a one-year service guarantee and various financing options. It has certified technicians and partners with organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alpha Omega Veterans Services for community outreach efforts.

Services Offered

ARS Rescue Rooter services for eight core home systems. Here are the services it provides for each system:

  1. Air conditioning: Air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance
  2. Heating and furnace: Heating system repair, installation, and maintenance
  3. Indoor air quality: Duct cleaning and indoor air quality installation
  4. Plumbing services: Plumbing repair, plumbing installation, drain cleaning services, plumbing maintenance, sewer, and water line services, gas line repair, water heater services, sump pump services, and garbage disposal services
  5. Smart home products: Installation of Nest thermostats, Nest Protect, Nest cams, and Google products and LeakSmart leak detection
  6. Attic insulation services: Radiant barrier, attic ventilation, and attic insulation
  7. Commercial services: Commercial plumbing and commercial HVAC services
  8. HVAC systems: HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance for your swamp cooler, ductless mini-split, geothermal, zoned HVAC, radiant cooling and heating, heat pumps, and dual-fuel
Pros & Cons
Pros Is available 24/7 and offers emergency services Provides a written estimate before initiating service Only uses certified, drug-tested, and background-checked technicians Cons Not available in 26 states Warranty only lasts for one year Some customer reviews mention abrupt canceling and rescheduling

 


 

Trane Air Conditioner Quality

Trane is a reputable brand that produces quality air conditioning units. The company has more than 120 years of experience and is a widely recognized name.

Trane puts each HVAC unit through 16 weeks of testing in its Systems Extreme Environmental Test (SEET) lab in Tyler, Texas. Systems are exposed to cold and heat to replicate five years of wear and tear. This intense testing ensures your Trane system will last for years without constant maintenance or repairs. Trane also manufactures many parts in-house to maintain quality standards and ensure system compatibility. 

Trane’s energy efficiency and sound levels are additional markers of quality. We’ll go over both factors in more detail below. 

SEER Rating

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) represents an air conditioning system’s efficiency as laid out by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute. This rating is measured by the total ratio of heat removed from the air during a typical cooling season divided by the total electrical energy the system used to run. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.

The Department of Energy raised the measurement standards and developed SEER2 ratings in 2023. Now, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) mandates that all residential systems in northern states have a minimum SEER rating of 14. Southern states must have a SEER rating of 15. 

Trane’s current AC units and heat pumps have a SEER2 rating, meaning they meet the highest efficiency standard. Specifically, Trane’s products have SEER2 ratings ranging from 14.8–21.5. Make sure you select a system that meets the new guidelines for your area.

Sound Rating

Air conditioning units make considerable noise when in use. Manufacturers include their units’ decibel (dB) levels so you know how loud you can expect your AC to be. The lower the decibel level, the quieter it sounds.

You’ll see sound levels displayed as decibel A (adjusted decibels, or dBA). This measurement indicates sound levels detectable by the human ear. Quiet outdoor AC units fall between 50–60 dBA. The Center for Disease Control’s guide to common decibel levels provides examples of how loud different levels are:

  • 40 dBA: A refrigerator hum
  • 60 dBA: A normal conversation
  • 70 dBA: A running washing machine or dishwasher
  • 80–85 dBA: City traffic (from inside the car) or a gas-powered lawn mower or leaf blower

Energy efficiency and sound are directly related. The more efficient the unit, the quieter it will be. Keep this mind when shopping for a new air conditioner, particularly the best Trane units. Trane’s less efficient AC units have sound levels between 71 and 74 dBA. These units fall outside of the recommended sound levels for an outdoor unit. The company’s more efficient, higher-priced units have lower sound levels, ranging between 55 and 75 dBA.

 


 

Trane Air Conditioner Costs

Trane’s central air conditioners cost $5,400–$12,800, but the price can vary greatly among regions and local Trane dealers. These prices are for single- and double-stage AC units and include the equipment, labor, accessories, and services needed for your HVAC installation. They also include the cost of removing your old system, reconnecting your existing ductwork, and cleaning up after installation. Trane does not share variable-speed system costs on its website.

Trane ModelSEER RatingSound RatingCost*
Trane XR14Up to 14.872–73 dBA$5,400–$8,400
Trane XR15Up to 15.671–74 dBA$6,800–$10,800
Trane XL17iUp to 17.272–74 dBA$8,400–$12,800
Trane XV18Up to 1855–75 dBABy quote only
Trane XV20iUp to 21.555–75 dBABy quote only

*Cost includes equipment, labor, installation services, and accessories.

 


 

Trane Heat Pump Costs

Trane’s single- and double-stage heat pumps cost $5,400–$12,400. These prices include the equipment, labor, and other accessories and services. Trane only discloses the pricing for variable-stage systems if you make an appointment to speak with a local Trane dealer. 

Trane ModelSEER RatingSound RatingCost
Trane XR14Up to 14.871–76 dBA$5,400–$7,400
Trane XR15Up to 1770–75 dBA$6,800–$9,200
Trane XL17iUp to 17.272–74 dBA$8,800–$12,400
Trane XV18Up to 1854–76 dBABy quote only
Trane XV19Up to 19.543–57 dBABy quote only
Trane XV20iUp to 2054–76 dBABy quote only

*Cost includes equipment, labor, installation services, and accessories.

 


 

Product Features

Trane offers several features and upgrades to improve its products’ quality. Here’s an overview of some of the top features. 

HVAC Unit Options

Trane offers one-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed HVAC units to meet each customer’s needs. We’ll take a closer look at each option below. 

  • One-stage units: One-stage (or single-stage) units work at 100% capacity to cool your home and use more energy than other options. These systems run through constant on-and-off cycles and work harder to cool your home. They’re less efficient but have the lowest price point. Trane XR14 and Trane XR15 are one-stage units. 
  • Two-stage units: A two-stage system runs at two speeds. Whereas one-stage units operate at 100% capacity all the time, two-stage units will switch to a lower capacity—usually around 65%—to save energy. These units offer more accurate temperature control and better utility bill savings. They’re priced moderately. 
  • Variable-speed units: Variable-speed HVAC systems are the most expensive but provide the greatest temperature control. They account for indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity levels, and run time to determine the right output. Their power capacity varies between 25% and 100%, offering high efficiency. Trane’s variable-speed units are equipped with its signature TruComfort system, which uses 700–750 stages to provide maximum comfort and efficiency. 

Each Trane HVAC unit uses the company’s patented heat pump compressor, the Climatuff, which was the first of its kind in the industry. The component is exclusive to residential units and provides excellent efficiency and minimal noise levels. 

Added and Optional Features

Here’s a list of additional HVAC unit features Trane offers:

  • Compressor sound insulator: This product helps reduce compressor sounds, making the unit quieter. It’s available for select models. 
  • DuraTuff rustproof base pan: This patented base pan is designed for durability and will resist cracking and warping. 
  • Trane Link technology: This innovative system uses Bluetooth technology to connect to system components. It syncs with the Trane Home app to give homeowners remote access to their system’s performance and diagnostics. The system also connects with Alexa or Google Home for contactless controls. It’s available on select models.
  • Trane ComfortLink II smart thermostats: Trane offers four smart thermostats that let you track your energy usage, create season-based temperature programs, and identify trends in your energy use. Compatibility varies based on the HVAC unit. 
  • WeatherGuard fasteners: These weather-resistant fasteners are zinc-coated for added protection against corrosion and rust. 
  • WeatherGuard top: This optional component provides additional protection to the unit’s top. It’s limited to certain models.

 


 

Trane Air Conditioner Warranty

Trane offers one of the best warranties of any HVAC manufacturer. Its 10-year limited warranty on the Trane XR14 and XR15 models covers the outdoor coil, compressor, and functional parts. However, the AC unit 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. You must complete registration within 60 days to qualify for full coverage.

Trane Best Warranty
4.5

Overview

Founded in 1913, Trane is an excellent option if you want a secure investment. It includes a 12-year compressor and a 10-year parts and labor warranty, which is more comprehensive than other brands. Its XV20i TruComfort Variable Speed air conditioner uses variable speed technology to continuously communicate with other air conditioning system parts and a Trane thermostat for optimal efficiency.

Pros and cons

Pros Includes a comprehensive 12-year compressor warranty plus 10 years for other parts and labor Uses a rustproof DuraTuff base pan for longevity Incorporates cutting edge smart-home technology Cons High-end options require a ComfortLink II thermostat to function properly Charges a premium for many of its products

Cost

$3,500–$15,600

 

 


 

Trane vs. Other Brands

See how Trane air conditioning systems compare to other leading HVAC brands.

Brand SEER Rating Sound RatingsWarrantyPrice Range
Trane Up to 21.555–75 dBA10–12 years (varies by model)$5,400–$12,800
AmanaUp to 24.557–73 dBA10 years–lifetime (varies by model)$3,600–$11,000
American StandardUp to 21.555–75 dBA10–12 years (varies by model)$3,500–$10,900

 

 


 

Our Conclusion

Trane offers high-quality HVAC products backed by more than 120 years of experience. Although its units aren’t the most energy-efficient on the market, the company has one of the best warranties. Trane offers a great selection of AC and heat pump units with various features, energy efficiency ratings, and noise levels. Prices vary by area, so contact your Trane Comfort Specialist Contractor for an accurate quote. 

We suggest getting quotes from multiple HVAC contractors in your area to find the best price. 

Free quote: Get your quote from Trane today

Get Estimates from HVAC Experts in Your Area
Compare quotes from top-rated local pros

FAQ About Trane Air Conditioners

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to support our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for HVAC providers is on a 100-point system based on seven factors:

  • System cost (20 points): We determine if the company’s cheapest option for a full-size AC or furnace starts below $3,100 or if it exists somewhere between $3,100 and $8,500. 
  • Efficiency rating (20 points): We consider the company’s best available energy efficiency ratings, namely its highest SEER and AFUE ratings. 
  • Sound rating (10 points): We analyze a company’s lowest possible sound rating in decibels. 
  • Warranty options availability (10 points): We award the most points to companies with warranties beyond the average 10-year and 5-year warranties available. We also reduce points from a company that only covers three or fewer parts through its warranty. 
  • ENERGY STAR certified option (10 points): If a company provides ENERGY STAR-certified products, they receive more points than those that do not.
  • Reputation (10 points): We factor in how the Business Better Bureau (BBB) scores each company. We deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.
  • Customer service & resources (20): We consider what resources and features a company provides in terms of customer service. This includes if the company offers a user-friendly product search tool, FAQs, pricing guides, online manuals, and a mobile app. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.