Note: If you’re just beginning your research into central ac units, then our Central AC Ultimate Guide is the best place to start. Also, our AC Sizing Calculator can help you find a relatively accurate size quickly. Many issues are caused by an oversized or undersized AC.
Is Trane a Good Air Conditioner?
Trane air conditioners consistently rank above average in consumer satisfaction and dependability.
There are two reasons for this.
- Trane quality is good
- Trane is choosy about who installs its equipment
Quality: We shouldn’t get too carried away about quality. The truth is that many brands use quality components – in fact, they use some of the same reliable third-party components.
A few brands use cheaper internal components in some of their ACs to keep cost down.
Trane uses the best parts available. That sets it apart.
Installation: This is a better way to differentiate Trane from brands like Goodman and Rheem that aren’t considered as reliable.
The saying in the industry is that “installation day is the most important day in an air conditioner’s life.” If it is installed properly, it will likely run efficiently and durably.
Trane only allows certified installers to sell and install its equipment. Many have been trained in Trane’s factory. This isn’t unique to Trane, but many brands allow less-qualified personnel to install its equipment. As a result, it breaks down more often.
Trane Air Conditioner Unique Features and Pros
What makes Trane air conditioners unique?
As noted, many internal parts are common to many brands. But Trane and sister-brands American Standard and Ameristar have two proprietary parts – and they are important ones.
Trane Spine Fin Coil:
The coil is the radiator of the air conditioner. In fact, most brands use a coil that looks much like a radiator.
Here are traditional coils and the Trane spine fin coil side by side.
This is a marketing video from Trane. We’re not trying to sell Trane products. But it does show the spine fine coil and why it is unique.
The spine fin coil has much more surface area than a standard coil, and that is the key to faster cooling. That’s a plus. American Standard is Trane’s identical sister brand, and it uses the Spine Fin too.
Climatuff Compressors:
These compressors are quite reliable – as good as the industry’s most popular compressor, the Copeland Ultra-Tech. See the Cons Section below for the other side of the equation.
ComfortLink II Communicating Technology:
All major brands have a form of communicating technology. Each is proprietary, so in this sense, ComfortLink II is unique.
The system requires the wi-fi ComfortLink II thermostat and matching two-stage or variable-capacity Trane AC and gas furnace. The components must be wired to allow two-way communication between them and the thermostat. This is different than non-communicating systems in which the thermostat tells the components how to behave.
Communicating systems allow the components to send performance and conditions data to the thermostat, so the thermostat can precisely control system operation. This produces the best indoor climate control of temperature and humidity.
We have something to say about communicating technology in the Cons Section below.
Selection:
Trane makes a wide lineup of air conditioners, so you’ll find one with the best combination of energy efficiency and performance features for your home and budget.
Selection includes single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity central air conditioners.
Variable-capacity models, also called modulating air conditioners, were once offered by just a few top brands like Trane, Lennox and Carrier. Now, all leading brands make them.
Nexia Smart Home:
Trane has partnered with Nexia so that its ComfortLink thermostats can be controlled by the Nexia bridge and app. A basic Nexia subscription is free. Paid packages of $4.99 and $9.99 per month are required for broader smart home applications – lighting, locks, cameras and other Z-wave devices.
Trane Air Conditioner Cons
The negatives about Trane air conditioners are about cost.
Equipment Cost:
As a premium brand (with a large marketing budget), Trane air conditioners are in the highest price category, especially for the top of the line ACs, though slightly more affordable than Lennox and Carrier. Expect to pay 5% to 25% more than you might spend on brands like Heil, Rheem, Armstrong and Goodman to get the reliability Trane delivers.
The highest price and a risk come with communicating technology. It requires a ComfortLink II thermostat. Prices for the various models range from $400 to $700. They’re wi-fi, full-color thermostats. Very nice, but costly.
The risk is that communicating equipment from all brands is known to be quirky. Notably, sometimes the components stop communicating, and this can cause the system to stop working entirely. Technicians often find it difficult to identify and solve the problem.
We recommend reading our Communicating vs. Non-Communicating System guide before you choose the ComfortLink II option.
Repair Cost:
If a Trane electrical capacitor or other minor part fails, repairs won’t cost more. But if a Climatuff compressor fails, the repair bill could be as much as 35% higher than for brands that use “universal” parts. Also, there are occasional delays in getting a Climatuff compressor.
Maintenance Costs:
The negative to the spine fin coils is that they are difficult to clean. The tiny spines are delicate and can’t be brushed like radiator-type fins. The spines catch a lot of debris and can easily be damaged. Cleaning a spine fin coil takes longer, and that might mean a higher estimate for maintenance.
Here’s the bottom line on cost:
- Short-term savings: If you’re on a tight budget, then Trane isn’t your air conditioner brand.
- Long-term savings: If you plan to live in your home “forever,” then lifetime cost is important. This is where Trane excels. Over the next 20+ years, a Trane AC will last longer and need fewer repairs than most other brands.
Did you know? Trane, like all other HVAC manufacturers, requires homeowners to maintain their air conditioners on a regular basis or Trane might deny your warranty claim.
Here is the wording in Trane’s general warranty:
“The Products must be properly installed, operated, and maintained by a licensed HVAC service provider in accordance with the Product specifications or installation, operation, and maintenance instructions provided by Company with each Product. Failure to conform to such specifications and/or instructions shall void this limited warranty. Company may request written documentation showing the proper preventative maintenance.”
Trane AC Models Reviews
The following table is updated on May 25, 2023.
| Model | SEER | SEER2 | Decibels | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV20i | 22 | 21.5 | 55-75 | Variable 30-100% |
| XV18 | 18 | 18 | 55-75 | Variable 30-100% |
| XV17 | N/A | 17 | 66-75 | Variable 30-100% |
| XL17i (Formerly XL18i) | 18 | 17.2 | 72-74 | Two-stage |
| XL15i (Formerly XL16i) | 16.5 | 16 | 69-74 | Single-stage |
| XR16 (Formerly XR17) | 17 | 16.2 | 72-74 | Two-stage |
| XR15 Low Profile | 17 | 16 | 70-73 | Single-stage |
| XR15 (Formerly XR16) | N/A | 16 | 71-74 | Single-stage |
| XR14 | 16 | 14.8 | 72-73 | Single-stage |
| XR13 | 14.5 | 13.8 | 71-75 | Single-stage |
Note: Higher SEER is not always Better. Finding the best SEER is a bit tricky but our SEER Savings Calculator can help you find a suitable SEER based on your location and preference.
Trane currently makes 10 air conditioner models. It recently dropped the XL20i from the lineup, replaced by the XV20i. The XL20i might still be available, but when stock is gone, they won’t be offered again.
If your contractor offers you an XL20i, discuss the fact that it is discontinued and ask whether parts will be available in the future. If you have concerns about it, it’s probably best to choose another model.
Like many brands, Trane offers air conditioners at three performance stages.
XV20i, XV18 & XV17: Trane Variable-capacity Air Conditioners
These units use the Trane TruComfort variable compressor. Trane says it modulates in .1% increments from 30% to 100%. This means, according to Trane, that there are 700 stages of air conditioning.
The compressors run at the lowest capacity required to provide adequate cooling. When temperatures are not excessively hot and are stable, the unit will run in the range of 30% to 50% of capacity. This means quieter, balanced cooling with excellent energy efficiency.
If temperatures outside spike or if you adjust the thermostat to a cooler setting, the unit will run at higher capacity to meet the air conditioning demand.
These units are backed by a 12-year compressor and 10-year parts warranty.
Recommended for: Very warm and hot climates and for any homeowner that wants to maximize efficiency and optimize indoor climate control such as temperature balance and reduced humidity.
XL17i and XR16: Trane Two-stage Air Conditioners
These ACs use Trane’s highly rated 2-stage Climatuff compressor. Low cooling is 70% of capacity, and the compressor will run on low whenever possible.
These units are backed by a 10-year parts warranty.
Recommended for: Warm to hot climates and for homeowners that want better climate control than a single-stage unit offers but at a lower cost than a variable-capacity AC.
XL15i, XR15, XR14 and XR13: Trane Single-stage Air Conditioners
These are Trane’s most affordable air conditioners. All but the XR13 are certified Energy Star with efficiencies of 16 or 17 SEER. The XL16i is the quietest unit that does not have a variable compressor.
These units are backed by a 10-year parts warranty
Recommended for: Homeowners that want a reliable and affordable air conditioner. In warmer climates, one of the Energy Star models is preferred for lower energy costs. The XR13 is best where the AC doesn’t have a heavy workload.
Trane AC Prices By Model
The following table is updated on May 25, 2023.
| Models | System Only | Total Cost with Installtion |
|---|---|---|
| Trane XV20i | $5,770 - $8,150 | $7,310 - $11,020 |
| Trane XL20i | discontinued | discontinued |
| Trane XL19i | discontinued | discontinued |
| Trane XV18 | $5,590 - $8,020 | $7,020 - $10,960 |
| Trane XV17 | $5,350 - $7,810 | $6,760 - $10,720 |
| Trane XL18i | $5,170 - $7,590 | $6,480 - $10,390 |
| Trane XR17 | discontinued | discontinued |
| Trane XL16i | discontinued | discontinued |
| Trane XL15i | $4,640 - $5,760 | $5,630 - $8,170 |
| Trane XR16 | $4,710 - $5,870 | $6,060 - $8,490 |
| Trane XR15 Low Profile | $4,420 - $5,630 | $5,520 - $8,140 |
| Trane XR15 | $4,360 - $5,660 | $5,410 - $8,050 |
| Trane XL15i | discontinued | discontinued |
| Trane XR14 | $3,580 - $5,180 | $4,630 - $7,550 |
| Trane XR13 | $3,380 - $4,820 | $4,420 - $7,230 |
The installation cost doesn’t include new ductwork. If you want to replace your old ductwork, you need pay extra $2,000-$4,000. For more infomational, read HVAC System Installation Cost.
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See costs in your areaTrane AC Prices By Unit Size
| AC Unit Size | Home Size | AC Unit & Coils Cost | System Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | 600-1000 sf | $4,180 | $5,940 |
| 2 ton | 1001-1300 sf | $4,270 | $6,260 |
| 2.5 ton | 1301-1600 sf | $4,610 | $6,440 |
| 3 ton | 1601-1900 sf | $4,880 | $6,620 |
| 3.5 ton | 1901-2200 sf | $5,190 | $7,050 |
| 4 ton | 2201-2600 sf | $5,490 | $7,700 |
| 5 ton | 2601-3200 sf | $6,020 | $8,280 |
Note: The above table is updated on Jan 2023 and shows the average cost based on a 16 SEER Unit with a Single Stage Air Handler. “System Installed Cost” includes the whole equipment cost and national average installation cost.
Before installing your air conditioner, an HVAC contractor needs to size your system by “Manual J” calculation. This will take into accounts factors like where you live, how much insulation you have, windows types and directions, and everything else. Then you will get a right-sized ac unit ranging from 1.5 ton to 5 ton. You can use our AC Sizing Calculator to get a suitable size in a minute.
Trane Air Conditioner Extras Cost
Trane offers several ways to enhance the performance of your HVAC system. Here are the most popular and what they cost.
| Extra Itmes | Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Zoned Airflow | $1,500 - $3,500 or more |
| CleanEffects Air Cleaner | $1,000 - $1,300 |
| Perfict Fit cabinet installed | $400 - $550 |
| Perfict Fit Filters | $22 - $50 each |
| FreshEffects ERV Ventilator | $2,200 - $7,750 |
| THUMD humidifier | $650 - $1,000 |
| Duct Repair / Insulating | $1.50 - $3.50 per foot |
| Duct Replacement | $10.00 - $17.00 per foot |
You can click here to learn more details of these extra cost.
How to Get the Best Trane Air Conditioner Prices
Firstly, When you looking for the best deals for Trane AC, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project.
- So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.
How to Find a Good Trane Contractor?
Related Article: 6 Hacks Of Choosing an HVAC Contractor.
You can check if your contractor has the Comfort Specialists Certification. According to information from the Trane official website, it meets the highest standards when it comes to unit installation and, customer service and contractor training. Trane Comfort Specialists are required to sell a decent amount of Trane products annually, and it will be withdrawn if the contractor can get an average of 90 (out of 100) rating for customer satisfaction. North American Technician Excellence is another persuasive certification that we have mentioned many times.
Lastly, you had better avoid Trane exclusive contractor who only sells Trane products. Most exclusive dealers have higher pricing and always recommend you to install high-end units.
FAQs:
Q: How long does a new Trane air conditioner last?
15-25 years based on:
Quality of the original unit – Trane makes units that could be considered basic, better and best.
How well it is maintained – Having the HVAC system cleaned and tuned every year or two will help avoid repairs – or catch a small repair before it becomes a major repair.
Q: Any finance options?
Trane offers financing, currently through Wells Fargo. The financing options from Trane/Wells Fargo change, but recently homeowners were offered 72 months of 0% financing on qualified purchases. Your local lender might have financing options too. Loans are available from online lenders too.
Q: How can I save money on a Trane HVAC System?
For high efficient ACs, federal and state government usually offer rebates. Most rebates are time-limited and vary greatly from one state to another. So we can not post exact rebates here for each different situation. But don’t worry, our latest HVAC Rebates and Tax Incentives Ultimate Guide: How to Get the Most of Them and guide can help each homeowner find the corresponding tax credit.
Submitted Reviews and Installation Cost in 2019-2023
Last updated on Jan. 20, 2023
| Brand & Model & SizePriceHome LocationHome Size |
|---|
| Trane XR 13$2,577Holland, MI2000 sq ft |
| This was a replacement for a 20-year old Trane a/c. In the course of installation, two significant cracks were found in the furnace heat exchanger. The furnace is being replaced next week. |
| Trane XR13; Trane L8X1 Furnace$16,950(Include Ductwork)Los Angeles1600 sq ft |
| Asbestos removal: air scrubber plus; electricial piping, venting |
| Trane XR 13$4,400Apple Valley, Minnesota1800 sq ft includes finished basement |
| 2 ton ac with 2.5 ton A coil, new Plenum metal from top of furnace to supply duct. Condensate pump plus discharge hose. Outside high voltage wire replaced by an electrical contractor. Cost Included a city permit and an electrical permit- plus city and electrical permit inspections. Cost included removal of old outdoor condenser and A Coil. The $4,400 cost included sales tax was paid by check upon completion. |
| Trane XR14, 16 Seer, 3 Ton, HALO-LED$6,500Warner Robins, Ga1600 sq ft |
| The AC unit that came with the home had a metal water catcher. Dumb. It rusted everything and caused water and electrical damage beyond repair. I paid cash no loans and got a deal. |
| Trane XR14, 2 ton$7,000(Include Ductwork)Charlotte, NC730 sq ft |
| This is for a new installation, for finishing up part of a basement. The area being finished is around 730 sq ft, but there is an adjacent section about 2300 sq ft that will not be conditioned, but will have some (about 4) ducts run, if in the future we need to send some conditioned air. These extra duct installation was quoted at an extra $400. The 2 ton 14 seer system can support a home ranging in size up to 1600 sq. ft, which gives extra tonnage for future expansion. This quote includes a 5KW heater, basic air handler an a programmable WiFi capable thermostat. Contractor is Dulin Mechanical, who installed the Georthermal system in the main house as well a Trane replacement system in the previous home. |
| Trane XR15,with tem 6, 824 thermostat$9,100(Include Ductwork)Johnson City, TN2400 sq ft |
| Moved unit so had to do some duct work. Wiring and lines. |
| Trane XR16$5,475Stuart, Florida1935 sq ft |
| Air handler and ac outside replacement 3.5 ton outside unit and variable speed air handler |
| Trane XR17, 3 ton$8,840Clearwater, Florida1600 sq ft |
| Replacing old unit with a Trane XR17 3 ton with wi-fi thermostat(TCONT824AS52DA) and air handler(TEM6A0C36) condenser(4TWR7036B) and heat strip(BAYHTR1505LU) |
| Trane XL18, 5 ton$11,500Eatonton, GA2100 sq ft |
| New larger return, remove manufactured home system & block, new thermostat, new wiring and breaker. 0% financing and military discount. |
| Trane XL18i$15,025(Include Ductwork)FL3000 sq ft |
| Includes humidifier and uv purifier. |
| Trane XV18, Trane XC80$21,400Allen, TX4600 sq ft |
| 2 systems. XV18 5 ton variable speed a/c. XC80 2 stage 100000 BTU 5 ton variable speed furnace. Trane 5 ton cased coil. Trane ComfortLink II XL 1050 thermostat. Includes: emergency drain pan, drain switch, thermostat, A/C pad, driers, acid scavenger. New plenum and combo box with Honeywell media filter. 2 additional 12x10 returns. Standard Trane Warranty. Dealer's free 5 year bi-annual maintenance. 10 hour, 2 crew attic installation. Removed old systems. |
| Trane XL18i, 5 ton$9,350Apollo Beach, FL2560 sq ft |
| Included mid grade variable speed air handler. |
| Lennox EL16, El 280 Furnace$16,634(Include Ductwork)Sugar Land, TX2279 sq ft |
| M30 thermostat, 5 ton unit, new voltage wire to thermostat. |
| Lennox EL16XC1 and EL196E Furnace$14,500DC1000 sq ft |
| I am replacing a 20-year old Carrier gas furnace and AC with the compressor on the roof and requiring a crane. |
| Lennox 13ACX, EL296UH Furnace$8,600Naperville2571 sq ft |
| Replace entire system... 90000/96% Heater, AC 13seer System 13ACX, with Coil, Pad, New Lines, 4" filter system... that includes rebate... I think it's too high but dont know for sure. |
| Lennox EL16XC1, EL296UH Furnace$11,915Maple Grove, MN1664 sq ft |
| $500 for Humidifier addition, new dual exhaust and inlet piping (100' in total given odd location to vent out) included, rebates accounted for about $2400 |
| Lennox 14 ACX- 024, Lennox Merit ML296V.$6,995(Include Ductwork)Roseville1800 sq ft |
| With rebates of $850 total cost $6145. Extra cost for air cleaner HC11 $200.00 |
| Lennox ML14XC 4 ton and EL296V 110K BTU$9,100Cincinnati OH4500 sq ft |
| Lennox ML14XC 4 ton and EL296V 110K BTU, Humidifier add $500, UV Purifier $290. |
| Lennox XC16 & Lennox EL296V$10,000South Windsor, CT2812 sq ft |
| Includes two new zone dampers for two-zone, new zone control panel, and Wi-Fi TSTATS. |
| Lennox XC20 with ELV296V, S30 and PureAir$11,300Aiken, SC2000 sq ft |
| Replaced a luxeair builders grade with mid range lennox - House stays much cooler and air flow is more evenly distributed... |
| Trane XR14 AC unit with XT95 furnace$5,992 Tri-Cities, TN1300 sq ft |
| We are replacing our main floor HVAC split system with an air conditioner and gas furnace, contractor quoted us a 2-ton XR14 condenser with XT95 gas furnace. Total installed cost $5,992 |
| Trane XR17 AC & S9V2 furnace$11,000 Hummelstown3800 sq ft |
| Replaced a 19-year-old Bryant HVAC system in the attic which was on its last legs. AC was two stages XR17 3 ton and the furnace was S9V2 variable speed 3 ton. The installer was Haller Enterprises. |
| 5 Ton Trane XL18i AC, Tam9 Air Handler, 10kw 208-240/1 Heat Kit, Tcont824 Thermostat$8,150 Palm Bay FL2600 sq ft |
| Remove and replace all copper and wiring. Install new breakers and outdoor wiring with a surge protector. Move Air Conditioner 10 feet away from window. Rebuild a platform for air handler. install 5 filter enclosure. Set up the wireless thermostat. A team of 3 completed job in 8 hours. Removed old components and cleaned up all debris from work area. |
| Trane XL18i $8,900 Sanford, NC1850 sq ft |
| 15 Dec, 2018. Had a Trane XL18i with Variable Speed Air Handler installed yesterday. System is rated at 17.5 SEER and 9.5 HSPF. Also New multi-mode thermostat, new line sets, new power line, new duct work from returns and old supply ducts. I qualify for a $400 incentive from Duke Progress Energy so total price is $8500. This system is replacing a 5 ton Rudd from 2004. I was quoted from another installer $9900 included above ductwork installed for a 16 SEER Amana 4 ton with a variable speed air handler and 10-year service plan (lifetime full replacement warranty on compressor, 10 years on everything else plus bi-annual inspections.) I was quoted $6300 installed with a new line set and partial ductwork for a Rudd 4 ton 14 SEER with a standard air handler. |
| Trane XR14, Mortex 98-8W7W-0P – 98-8 Series$7,400Taylor, TX2000 sqft |
| Air handler: Down Flow Mortex 98-8W7W-0P – 98-8 Series Condenser unit: Trane XR14 First day of installation so can’t say much |
| Trane XL18i/TEM6 variable speed air handler, 824 T-stat$9,325APOLLO BEACH2560 sqft |
| Price included removing AC and Gas Furnace, capping gas line and vent, flush line set, new hurricane pad and straps, some new wiring/breakers, new insulation on lines/drains, conduit on wiring, haul away, clean up etc. 2 guys took about 11 hours in total. Nice clean job. Believe this set up is rated at 15.25 SEER. |
| Trane XR16 seer 2 ton$9,711Matthews NC1200 sq ft |
| This price doesn’t include new duct work or drainage system. This is for the downstairs and not the main part of the house The installation shall include the following: • Removal of existing equipment • Recovering existing refrigerant • New disconnect/breaker • Low and high voltage wiring • New pad for outdoor unit and relocate to under stairs • Reuse refrigerant lines, pressure test, clean with factory approved flush • Charge system to manufacturers specs • New digital thermostat, connect WiFi (Remove and dispose of old stat) • Make an airtight plenum transition • Reconnect to existing ductwork sealing connections with mastic • Reconnect to the existing condensate drain system • Free 1st yr. “Quality Assurance Plan”. Two performance and efficiency evaluation updates. A $229 value! • System carries a 10 yr. parts, 5 yr. labor, and a 10 yr. compressor and condensing coil warranty*** |
| TRANE XR17$8,366Austin, Texas1,900 sqft |
| This system was installed at a cost $8,366 with a summer performance worse than the 30+ year system it replaced. Once external temperatures rise, the HVAC spews hot humid air, rarely cutting out and by late afternoon the internal temperature rises to the high eighties, though programmed to 78 degrees or lower. I submitted a recent request to Trane for assistance, but none of their contractors responded, as they stated. Instead, Trane’s follow up was that I should contact a contractor in my district. |
Related Article: In-depth Comparison: Trane vs Carrier vs Lennox AC Review
3.0 TON XR 16 R410 Copeland scroll with 13.5 EER 4.0 ton coil with TXV valve… energy star rated at SEER 14.5 – 17.0 Unit cost 1950.00 usd and the installation with permit 55 Electrical 250 and installation during a peak period was 1100usd included copper tubing..total about 3400..Unit IS quiet and the total current draw is less than 15 AMP.. YES this is right a solid 36,000 BTUs at less than 15 AMPs is very respectable..
Does the $3400 include the cost for the air handler (gas) which is in the attic? Also is copeland the manufacturer and is Trane the brand for both the A/C and the air handler? I apologize for my lack of knowledge.
Thanks again!
Contractor is suggesting we upgrade to one variable speed Trane and eliminate the 2, single stage air conditioners conditioning units. How do I estimate the size needed. We have a 2600 sq ft ranch and I’m concerned about a single unit handling the entire house.
Dave
replacing two AC unit in 3200 sq ft house in south florida; one two ton second floor ( 1200 sqft) and one 5 ton first floor (2000 sqft). single stage or two stage??
this is a very informative web site and thanks for the info and insight
This is site has been very helpful for my HVAC shopping. After reading lots of options and reviews, finally pulling a trigger on replacing 25YO Trane system.
Replacing it with Trane S9V2 96% AFUE 100k BTU and XL18i 4 ton AC unit along with Trane thermostat and Honeywell F100 filter box. $9100 after utility rebates.
Located in Chicagol area.
Many HVAC companies are offering to help with financing and rebates right now, if you can, jump on these offers. I’m scheduled for install on a Trane XV18-3.5>4 unit on Monday, replacing a 15 year old original Carrier unit and attic air handler and gas furnace. Replacing it before it died allowed me to use the “earlier retirement” rebate from the electric company, combined with two other rebates I qualified for, plus a 10% additional discount from the company that will install (because I’ve been their service customer for almost 10 years) saved me $2679.00 off contract price. Not crazy about the idea of the complicated thermostat the new unit requires, but I’m looking forward to this being the last air conditioner I will ever have to buy for this house (speaking optimistically).
We have two Trane XV201 compressors (2 ton and 5 ton) which were installed 9 years ago. They have worked flawlessly in the extreme heat of Palm Springs, CA, but at the annual service we were told that the units were having issues being exposed to the heat. I suspect they were trying to sell us two new units, while these were still working. There’s still a year on parts warranty and 2 years on the compressor so I don’t seen an immediate need to replace them unless they fail.
My question is when these units eventually need to be replaced is it really worth the extra money for a multi-stage XV20i model? We need something that will be reliable in extreme conditions and extra electronics don’t seem like they would be a good idea in those conditions.
Hi Rick
You can use our seer savings calculator to check if XV20i model can pay back in the long run. https://www.pickhvac.com/central-air-conditioner/seer/savings-calculator/
For Trane, it usually can last 12-15 years and I usually don’t recommend replacing your existing AC unless it is more than 10 years old. Also, the prices of HVAC systems have been increased dramatically during past 2 years.