Trane Central Air Conditioner Reviews and Prices 2025

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:

For those looking at smart home integration, Trane integrates ComfortLink II Communicating Technology. This technology pairs with a Wi-Fi-enabled ComfortLink II thermostat and Trane’s two-stage/variable-capacity AC and furnace, allowing the components to exchange data and the thermostat to fine-tune the system’s operation, thus achieving optimal temperature and humidity control.

Nexia Smart Home:

For smart home enthusiasts, Trane’s collaboration with Nexia Smart Home allows you to manage your ComfortLink thermostat via the Nexia bridge and app.

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 usually cost you $100 – $300. 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.

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.

Trane 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?

When selecting a Trane HVAC installer, ensure they have obtained the Trane Comfort Specialist Certification. Technicians with this certification adhere to stringent standards for unit installation and customer satisfaction, as they undergo extensive training. To maintain this status, they must sell a significant volume of Trane products and achieve at least a 90% customer satisfaction rate.

• Look for certifications, including the reputable North American Technician Excellence (NATE), indicative of proficient technical skills.
• Steer clear of contractors exclusively dealing with Trane products to ensure a fair price comparison and recommendations that suit your specific needs, not just premium models.

How Trane Compares with Other Brands

When comparing Trane to other major HVAC manufacturers, several key factors distinguish this brand in the market. Here’s a comprehensive comparison across different aspects:

Quality and Reliability

• Trane consistently ranks among the top three HVAC manufacturers alongside Carrier and Lennox
• Known for using proprietary components rather than generic parts, particularly in their Climatuff compressors
• Consumer Reports and HVAC contractor surveys regularly rate Trane units as having fewer repair issues within the first five years of installation

Price Point and Value

• Generally positioned in the premium segment, with prices 15-20% higher than mid-range brands
• Unit costs typically range from $4,500 to $10,000+ including installation
• While initial investment is higher, long-term reliability often justifies the cost

Energy Efficiency

• Most Trane models offer SEER ratings between 14.5 and 22
• Their top-tier models match or exceed competitors’ efficiency ratings
• XL20i model particularly stands out with up to 22 SEER rating, competing directly with Lennox’s highest efficiency units

Warranty Coverage

• Base limited warranty covers parts for 5 years
• Extended warranties available up to 12 years
• Warranty terms are comparable to Carrier and York, though slightly less comprehensive than Lennox

Brand-Specific Advantages

1. Superior dealer network and installation quality control
2. Extensive testing of units in extreme conditions
3. In-house manufacturing of critical components
4. Strong presence in both residential and commercial markets

Areas for Improvement

• Higher initial cost compared to brands like Goodman or Rheem
• Parts can be more expensive due to proprietary design
• May require Trane-certified technicians for repairs

Overall Market Position Trane maintains its position as a premium brand, particularly appealing to homeowners prioritizing long-term reliability over initial cost savings. While brands like Goodman offer more budget-friendly options and Lennox might edge out in maximum efficiency ratings, Trane strikes a balance between premium quality, energy efficiency, and long-term value.

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.