American Standard was an independent manufacturer of automobile parts, bathroom fixtures and HVAC equipment. The company changed its name to reflect its major brand, Trane, in 2007. Trane was acquired by Ingersoll Rand (IR) in 2008. IR now sells nearly identical American Standard and Trane brands.
This American Standard heat pump buying guide includes research on each model – its efficiency, price, features and pros and cons. We’ve created heat pump guides for all major brands that make it easy to compare heat pumps you’re considering.
American Standard Heat Pump Pros
When evaluating the American Standard Heat Pumps, several advantages become apparent:
- Efficiency: They offer models with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, reaching up to 22 SEER for some units like the AccuComfort™ variable speed models. This translates into significant savings on utility bills.
- Wide Range of Options: American Standard has a diversity of models available, including the Platinum, Gold, and Silver series, which cater to a variety of needs and budgets.
- Temperature Consistency: The use of variable speed technology in some models, like the AccuComfort series, aids in maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature and enhanced comfort levels.
- Quiet Operation: Many of the heat pump models employ integrated sound insulating features, resulting in quieter indoor environments.
- Warranties: They offer competitive warranties, with coverage for certain components like the compressor extending up to 12 years, giving consumers peace of mind.
American Standard Heat Pump Cons
While the Duration compressor is considered very good, it is a proprietary piece of equipment. If it fails, the repair might take longer while waiting for a part than if American Standard used a universal compressor like the Copeland Scroll compressor used by Heil, Rheem, Goodman and several other brands. The Copeland compressor is available locally from parts suppliers across the country.
AccuLink is American Standard’s proprietary communicating technology. Most top brands have one. The purpose of communicating technology is to sync all system components to maximize energy efficiency and climate comfort. While a great idea, communicating technology often leads to mechanical issues. We recommend reading our guide Communicating vs. Non-Communicating HVAC Systems before deciding to pay the $1,000+ extra for a communicating heat pump and thermostat control.
Limited Efficiency in Extreme Cold: While American Standard heat pumps are effective within a certain temperature range, their performance declines in extreme cold. They are known to have less efficacious heating capabilities when temperatures drop below 25-29 degrees Fahrenheit, a limitation shared by most heat pumps. This issue prompts the need for auxiliary heating sources which may lead to increased energy consumption.
What’s the Difference? Trane VS American Standard
We frequently received the comments asking how to choose between very similar Trane and American models. The answer is that you can choose either one. Trane and AS are 99% identical for most models. The only difference is that Trane offers some exclusive highest-end models (like XV20i) with the very high SEER and cutting-edge features. If you are the regular reader of our website, you already know that we never recommend highest-end models for any brand. So for the most models, there is no big difference between the two brands.
Model Analysis
Model | SEER | Compressor | Variable-Speed Fan | Communicating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Platinum 20 | 21 | Variable | Yes | Yes |
Platinum 18 | 18 | Variable | Yes | Yes |
Gold 17 | 17 | Two-Stage | No | No |
Silver 16 Low Profile | 17 | Single-Stage | No | No |
Silver 16 | 17 | Single-Stage | NO | No |
Silver 15 | 16 | Single-Stage | No | No |
Silver 14 | 14.5 | Single-Stage | No | No |
Take Away For Models
When you’re looking for the most cost-effective heating, the strategy is to find the balance between furnace cost and energy costs. Let’s use the zone map to identify efficiency levels for each that strike that balance:
Zone
|
Suggested SEER and HPSF
|
Cost-effective Models
|
Zone 1 & 2 (hot) | 18-19 SEER/9.5-10 HSPF |
Platinum 20
|
Zone 3 & 4 (moderate) | 14-15 SEER/8.5 HSPF |
Silver 15
|
Zone 5 (cool) | 15-17 SEER/8.5-9.5 HSPF |
Silver 16, Gold 17
|
Zone 6 (cold) | (18 SEER/9.5 HSPF) or (AC + Furnace) | Platinum 20 |
Zone 7 (very cold) | (18 SEER/9.5 HSPF) or (AC + Furnace) | Platinum 20 |
Plan to move in the next few years | 13-14 SEER/8 HSPF | Silver 14 or other low-end brands |
Note: In Zones 6 and 7, the coldest zones, a system with an efficient gas furnace and small central air conditioner is also a good option; American Standard is one of the premium brands with higher initial cost. If you have the plan of moving house in less than 5 years, we recommend installing some quality but low-end level brands like Payne, Ruud or Armstrong. Looking for more budget brands? You can check our heat pump brands guide.
Best Selling Models Ratings
Silver XI Heat Pump
This series of heat pumps are among the cheapest models manufactured by American Standard. The heat pumps are available in tons of between 1.5 and 5 ton capacity. The prices differ depending on the number of ton. These series of heat pumps have a SEER rating of 14 and an HSPF of 9.2. The heat pumps are energy star rated and offer high efficiency and maximum comfort to the homeowner.
Platinum 16
This energy star rated model offers two-stage heating for maximum comfort at home. Like all other heat pumps models from American Standard, this series of heat pumps operate without noise and are a good choice to many homeowners. The units are available at affordable prices. The model is among the most durable heat pumps in the HVAC market. Equipped with a seer rating of 19 and a HSPF of 9.2, the heat pumps offer high efficiency and save a considerable amount in electric bills. The warranty on these series of heat pump is twelve years on compressor and ten years on other parts.
American Standard Heat Pump Prices By Model
In order to offer an objective and equal comparison, we set the baseline below:
Each model includes: 3-ton outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 CFM air handler, programmable heat pump thermostat.
American Standard Models | System Only | System Installed |
---|---|---|
Platinum 20 | $4,660 | $10,940 |
Platinum 18 | $3,850 | $9,570 |
Gold 17 | $3,410 | $9,150 |
Silver 16 | $2,830 | $7,910 |
Silver 15 | $2,500 | $7,250 |
Silver 14 | $2,080 | $6,770 |
American Standard Heat Pump Prices By Size
Before installing your heat pump, a 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 heat pump unit ranging from 1.5-ton to 5-ton.
Each Unit includes: American Standard 16 SEER 3-ton outdoor condenser, Trane 1300-1400 cfm air handler, programmable thermostat.
Heat Pump Size | Home Size | System Only | System Installed |
---|---|---|---|
1.5 ton | 600 - 1000 sf | $2,100 | $6,610 |
2 ton | 1001 - 1300 sf | $2,310 | $7,170 |
2.5 ton | 1301 - 1600 sf | $2,530 | $7,650 |
3 ton | 1601 - 1900 sf | $2,800 | $7,910 |
3.5 ton | 1901 - 2200 sf | $3,490 | $8,430 |
4 ton | 2201 - 2600 sf | $3,530 | $8,690 |
5 ton | 2601 - 3200 sf | $3,910 | $9,540 |
Not sure what size you need? Try our heat pump sizing calculator which is based on several common factors.
How to Get the Best American Standarad Heat Pump Prices
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for heat pump 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 for your local contractor, and this estimate already take rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
At last, 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.
What Contractors Say About American Standard Heat Pump
Contractors generally regard American Standard heat pumps as reliable units with a solid build quality. They appreciate the brand for its longevity and consistent performance in residential settings. The heat pumps are known for:
- Efficiency: Contractors note that these heat pumps offer high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, which can lead to cost savings on utility bills for homeowners in the long term.
- Durability: Many contractors emphasize the durability of American Standard heat pumps, attributing this to the quality materials and engineering that go into their manufacture.
- Quiet Operation: The brand is often praised for the low operating noise of its heat pumps, making them a good choice for installation in or near living spaces.
According to ConsumerReports.com Report, American Standard dominate both AC and heat pump Fewer Repairs Rankings.
A few years ago I bought an American Standard Heritage 15 for my homes upstairs. It has been very quiet and efficient and absolutely trouble free, even in the Georgia heat and humidity. This week my downstairs unit (contractor grade York),went out and I decided to go with the American Standard again as a replacement. Four years is not a lifetime but I will take four years of quiet trouble free AC over that constantly breaking down and extremely noisy York on any given day.