Trane ranks among the leading HVAC manufacturers and has served homeowners and businesses for more than 120 years. The company offers high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, including central air conditioners with smart home compatibility and a reputation for reliable performance. In this review, we examine Trane’s product lineup, features, pricing, and installation process, summarize customer and contractor feedback, and share tips to help you choose the best air conditioning system for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Trane is a top choice for reliable HVAC systems due to its comprehensive product warranty, with its high-end models including a 12-year compressor warranty and 10-year parts coverage.
- Trane air conditioners have SEER2 ratings ranging from 13.4 to 24, depending on the model.
- The company tests each unit for 16 weeks in extreme conditions to replicate five years of wear and tear, ensuring long-term durability and performance, according to This Old House Magazine.
Trane Air Conditioner Overview
Trane
Overview
- SEER2 rating: Up to 24
- Price range: $3,500–$15,600
Founded in 1913, Trane offers impressive HVAC systems paired with warranties that make them a secure investment. Its 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 & Cons
Pros:
- Offers a comprehensive 12-year compressor warranty plus 10 years for other parts on its premium models
- Uses a rustproof DuraTuff base pan for longevity
- Incorporates cutting edge smart-home technology
Cons:
- High-end options require a Trane thermostat to function properly
- Charges a premium for many of its products
- Requires product registration to access a longer manufacturer’s warranty
Why We Chose Trane
Trane offers a product warranty that lasts a minimum of 10 years for parts on all its air conditioning models, which is more comprehensive than other brands. These warranties help make your investment more secure and long-lasting. Please note that you must purchase a unit from a Trane authorized dealer and register it to receive the full-length warranty.
What are Trane’s Air Conditioner Specs?
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 tests each HVAC unit for 16 weeks 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 that 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.
SEER2 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 SEER2 rating of 14. Southern states must have a SEER2 rating of 15. The rest of the United States must have a minimum of a SEER2 rating of 13.
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 13.4 to 24. Ensure that you select a system that meets the new guidelines for your region.
Sound Rating
Air conditioner sound levels appear in decibel A (dBA), which measures the noise people hear. In general, higher-efficiency air conditioners produce less noise, making sound ratings an important factor to consider when comparing models.
For reference, common sound levels include:
- 40 dBA: Refrigerator hum
- 60 dBA: Normal conversation
- 70 dBA: Running washing machine or dishwasher
- 80–85 dBA: City traffic (inside a car) or a gas-powered lawn mower or leaf blower
Trane’s less efficient air conditioners typically operate between 71 and 74 dBA, while its higher-efficiency models range from 64 to 76 dBA. If quiet operation ranks high on your priority list, focus on Trane’s premium, high-efficiency models.
What are Trane’s Product Features?
Trane offers several features and upgrades to improve its products’ quality. Here’s an overview of some of the top features.
Air Conditioner Types
Trane offers one-stage, multi-speed, and variable-speed air conditioner units to meet each customer’s needs. Each Trane 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. We’ll examine each option below.
- Single-stage units: Single-stage (or one-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’s Choice lineup is single-stage units.
- Multi-stage units: A multi-stage system has several operating speeds, which increase the unit’s efficiency and cooling capacity in extreme temperatures. While single-stage units operate at 100% capacity all the time, multi-stage units will switch from 70% to 100%, depending on your ambient temperature, to save energy. Trane prices these units moderately since they offer more accurate temperature control and better utility bill savings. Trane’s Priority systems are its multi-stage air conditioners.
- Variable-speed units: Variable-speed air conditioning 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 Premier variable-speed units are equipped with its signature TruComfort system, which uses 30% to 100% capacity to provide maximum comfort and efficiency.
Pro Tip
- When reviewing the decibel output of an air conditioning unit, don’t forget that indoor noise matters, too. As Trethewey explains, sound travels by line of sight right on through return registers, which can make even a quiet, efficient system sound loud inside.
Air Conditioner Optional Features
Here’s a list of additional features Trane offers in its air conditioners:
This product helps reduce compressor sounds, making the unit quieter. It’s available for select models.
This patented base pan is designed for durability and will resist cracking and warping.
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 offers four smart thermostats that let you track your energy usage, create season-based temperature programs, and identify trends in your energy use. These thermostats also feature proactive diagnostics, which can help predict and prevent problems with your Trane unit. Note that compatibility varies based on the HVAC unit.
These weather-resistant fasteners are zinc-coated for added protection against corrosion and rust.
This optional component provides additional protection to the unit’s top. It’s limited to certain models.
How Much Do Trane Air Conditioners Cost?
While researching Trane’s website, we found that the brand doesn’t disclose its heat pump or central air conditioner costs. We spoke on the phone with a Trane representative to inquire about ballpark costs. While the representative couldn’t give us a rough estimate on its air conditioning units, they did tell us that prices can vary greatly among regions and local Trane dealers. To get an estimate, you must reach out to a local Trane dealer.
The representative did mention that estimates for each air conditioning unit 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.
Pro Tip
- When comparing air conditioner and heat pump costs, keep in mind that system type matters as much as the brand. As Trethewey noted, homes with existing ductwork can connect a ducted heat-pump system to their current infrastructure with little or no retrofitting needed, while homes without ducts may find a ductless mini-split system simpler and less costly to install. Your home’s existing setup will significantly influence your total installed price.
What are Trane’s Air Conditioner Warranty Terms?
Trane offers one of the best warranties of any air conditioner manufacturer. Its 12-year limited warranty on the Trane Premier 20 and 18 models covers the compressor. Trane also extends its 12-year compressor warranty to the Priority 17 with WeatherGuard model. Additionally, these models include a 10-year outdoor coil and operational parts warranty.
All other models feature a 10-year warranty. However, you must register the air conditioning unit within 60 days of purchase, or it will revert to a five-year limited warranty for all parts, including the compressor.

How Does Trane Compare vs. Other Brands?
See how Trane air conditioning systems compare to other leading air conditioner brands.
| Brand | SEER2 Rating | Sound Ratings | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trane |
Up to 24 |
64–74 dBA |
12-year compressor, 10-year outdoor coil, and functional parts |
|
Carrier |
Up to 21 |
55–72 dBA |
10-year parts warranty |
|
American Standard |
Up to 24 |
64–76 dBA |
12-year compressor, 10-year outdoor coil, and functional parts |
|
Ruud |
Up to 20 |
54–74 dBA |
10-year Conditional parts and/or replacement |
Our Conclusion
Trane offers high-quality HVAC products backed by more than 120 years of experience. We specifically like Trane due to its robust features and energy-efficient SEER2 ratings. Trane offers a great selection of AC and heat pump units with various features, energy efficiency ratings, and noise levels. In addition, the company has one of the best product warranties in the industry.
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.
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FAQs About Trane Air Conditioners
Is Trane a good brand for air conditioning units?
Yes, Trane is a well-established and reputable air conditioner manufacturer. With more than 120 years in business, the company is known for producing high-quality HVAC products, like furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps, that undergo rigorous testing for performance, durability, and reliability. This commitment to quality has helped Trane maintain a strong reputation among homeowners and industry professionals alike.
Does Trane offer a lifetime warranty?
No, Trane does not offer a lifetime warranty for its products. The company provides a 10-year limited warranty for most of its units. Its high-end products include a 12-year limited warranty. You must register your product within 60 days of purchase to receive full coverage.
What is the average cost to install a Trane air conditioning unit?
Trane air conditioner installation costs vary by region and dealer. You must request an estimate directly through a local Trane dealer.
Our Rating Methodology
We are 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 evaluate each brand’s average price range for a full-size air conditioning unit or furnace. If their average price falls under $11,000, we give them more points.
- 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.
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