HVAC Reviews

Trane offers its customers a variety of quality HVAC products. Among the most popular models is the Trane XR15. In Trane's good/better/best product lineup, the Trane XR15 is found in the "better" category. This Trane XR15 is available as a central air conditioner if you plan to match it with a gas furnace. It is also offered as a heat pump, providing both air conditioning and heating, to be matched with an air handler. This review covers the key features of this model that you'll want to compare with others under consideration.

Efficiency
The Trane XR15 is very efficient. As a central air conditioner, it offers 17 SEER performance. As a heat pump, it offers 16.5 SEER for air conditioning and 9.5 HSPF for heating. These outstanding efficiency levels qualify the Trane XR15 as an Energy Star product and make it eligible for utlity rebates and tax credits where applicable. When this unit replaces a central air conditioner or heat pump just 10-12 years old it will reduce energy consumption by up to 40%.

Features
The Trane XR15 is built with several key features that strengthen its performance and durability. The first of these is the single-stage ClimaTuff compressor, one of the highest rated compressors in the industry. The ClimaTuff compressor is efficient and it is also quiet. The compressor compartment contains an insulating blanket to further reduce operating noise. In addition, the spine fin and copper tube condenser coil effectively transfer heat for faster cooling during the warm months. The DuraTuff composite base pan won't rust and is designed to elevate the unit to keep it clear of draining condensate. If you desire exceptional indoor quality, add the optional CleanEffects enhanced air filtration system which is a good choice for those with breathing issues such as allergies or asthma. Finally, the Trane XR15 heat pump and central air conditioner use the new R-410A refrigerant. It does not contain chlorine and it will not deplete the ozone layer. It is also more efficient than R22 and older refrigerants.

Best Climate for the Trane XR15
The Trane XR15 air conditioner, with 17 SEER efficiency, is an excellent choice in moderate to very warm climates. The high efficiency operation will keep energy costs under control and the extra expense paid for this model versus a lower efficiency air conditioner will be paid back in just a few years in the form of lower energy bills. The Trane XR15 heat pump is a good choice for all but the very coldest climates. In cooler regions, adding heat strips to the air handler to provide auxiliary heat will enhance indoor comfort.

Conclusion
Homeowners looking for a good combination of lower equipment costs and excellent energy savings have made the Trane XR15 one of the most popular models on the market. The fact that it doesn't have a 2-stage compressor keeps the equipment costs low. The drawback of a single-stage compressor is that it does not offer as precise control over indoor temperature and humidity as a 2-stage compressor does when matched with a variable-speed blower. However, if your goal is to spend less up front and still cut your energy consumption, the Trane XR 15 air conditioner and heat pump are models worth considering.