Comments on: Trane XL20i High Efficiency Air Conditioner Review

By: chris

chris — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:42:14 +0000

We purchased a brand new Trane unit in July of 2010. A year and half later, the a/c is not blowing cold air. I contacted one of our local air conditioning companies to come out and look at what was going on. They informed me that there was a manufacture defect and the coil had a hole in it and was leaking freon. He informed me that the coil would be covered under Trane’s warranty, but I would have to pay for the installation and the freon. I got them to get me an estimate and it was going to be $775. Yep.. Thats right. I paid over $4000 for a new a/c a year and half ago and now I was going to have to shell out another grand (the cost of installation plus the service call for them just to tell me what was going on) The a/c tech told me he had seen this before on the Trane units and the problem was very common. So I decided to 1st call Trane and give them an oppurtunity to correct the problem and all I received was very rude customer service, a hang up, transfered all around, empty promises of a call back and finally asked after giving my story “so what’s the problem then?”. I got another a/c company to come take a look and and they informed me that they too had seen this problem and that in fact I have 2 holes and not just the one. They patched it for the time being but told me that it would keep happening and I really need to replace the coils, which again, was told the part is under warranty. They are still working on an estimate for the labor and freon.

One of the times I talked to a Trane representative, (the one who hung up on me) (Ray something or other in San Antonio) he told me “the problem is the air…the air is causing the holes” Apparently he thinks I am a complete fool and an idiot and thought I would just accept that answer. So I informed him..”don’t give me some BS story” He didn’t like that too much and told me he was done talking to me.

The second Trane representative ( who was actually very sweet and nice) informed me that the a/c tech did not install spacers between my coils and this is why I am having this issue. I have yet to ask the original techs who installed my a/c if they were suppose to install spacers or not. It appears just by reading all the complaints that a whole bunch of a/c techs apparently didn’t install the spacers. So to me, it sounds like they are very aware of the situation, but are doing nothing to correct the problem. For instance, why are they not installing these “spacer” at the factory? Why are the “spacers” not included in the original packaging? Why is nothing mentioned in the installation manual about installing these “spacer”?

On to my third incounter with the Trane rep. This guy was a piece of work. He told me that I would receive a call back from the field manager by the end of the day. I still have yet to receive that phone call and it has been three days. When I told him my original story, he asked “So whats the problem?”. Really Dallas? Not only did I shell out $4000 a little over a year ago, but now I have to shell out another grand? So when I was giving him my daily call to check in today he told me that Trane will not pay for the installation of the coils because that will make Trane look bad and the company that does the installation may not carry Trane units anymore after that. I informed Mr. Dallas that if they do not fix the issue, the a/c company that did the installation ( my husband works on the electrical side of the local company) will no longer be carrying Trane after I get done with them and tell them how messed up their company is and does not back their product.

Bottom line is, if Trane does not do a recall, then there will be lawsuits against them. Im not saying it will be me, but after looking online at all the upset consumers that are spending their hard earned dollars on these faulty a/c’s, there should be one if no one has started one. Trane has the opportunity to make this right and they are just too money hungry to see the bigger picture. Every one makes mistakes. It takes a much bigger person (or company in this case) to admit it and I am not sure that company is Trane.

By: Lily

Lily — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:59:08 +0000

XELOR Air & Heat Corp will beat any written estimate!!!! We service from the Florida keys to West Palm Beach.

By: Marie Santoro

Marie Santoro — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:02:45 +0000

We had the 4 ton unit installed and it works much better than the 3 ton unit that they initially installed. It is definitely what we needed. So if you have very high ceilings you need to go with a bigger unit than what the workup says that you need. The installer even had a Trane rep come out to see if they did anything wrong when they calculated that we needed a 3 ton unit. He came up with the same calculation but despite what the calculation said, we needed to go up a full ton in size in order to get the cooling right. I am impressed with the installer Lindstrom. They stood by the job and they did us right. So we ended up with a 4 ton unit for 6,000 and I think we did pretty well after everything is said and done.

By: Tim

Tim — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:21:19 +0000

I just purchased a XL16i 5 ton heat pump and a XV95 furnace. When they came to install, they didn’t have anymore 16 heat pumps (only A/C units) so the company gave me the XL20i instead. No price change, so i got about 2,000 free! Its only been a week but so far I love it. It seems like a very cleaner atmosphere. I know that sounds weird but it seems like night and day from the old unit. The humidifier/dehumidifier also makes such a difference. This house was built only 2 years ago and the HEIL that I had, turned into a giant ice block. Very disappointing. We paid 9,900 for a XL20i and a XV95 furnace for a 5 ton system. Plus we got the 1,500 Tax rebate and another 1,000 from Trane. We will be using that 1,000 to get a tank less water system. So bottom line….7,400 for a 5 ton system. I think we got a helluva deal. I cant wait to start seeing my monthly bills.

By: robert

robert — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:24:49 +0000

Building a 1,000 sq. ft. cottage for Texas ranch. Looking at XL20i or XL16i with all of the appropriate air handlers, XL 800 series Thermostat and Tran CleanEffects. What should the price range be for a total new construction install?

Also, we will have a 2nd story bunkroom and large closet – seperated and consisting of approx 3 to 400 sq. ft. Do we need a seperate unit for this space or can it be managed seperately from the downstairs on one unit? This space will not need the same temperture as the downstairs because it will be used only on week-ends and for storage? i have been told we will need a seperate split system unit, but that jsut sound silly to me? Can’t one space be temperature controlled differently than the other, but still use one unit, but a second thermostat control? Estimated fair price and design thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, R

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:11:21 +0000

Hello,

I live in Tampa, FL area and received price of $7,794.75 for the following:

Trane 3 ton XL201I Heat Pump, Trane Variable Speed Convertible Air Handler, Guardian Air UV Purification System, Honeywell UV Violet 1 bulb for evap. coil and 10 year Part & Labor Extended warranty System.

Can anyone tell me if this system works well and if is a good deal.

Thanks

By: Marcy

Marcy — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:56:51 +0000

My husband and I just received quotes on new A/C units. Both quotes were with Trane condensers. However, we found out that the air handler used maybe a problem and may be a problem with your A/C. If you use a TAM or GAM airhandled, that may be the problem. Those types of air handlers have been giving A/C companies fits and one of the companies who gave me an estimate on an A/C unit stated whatever TAM/GAM units he had in stock he gave back. He refuses to install them and stated if we insist on purchasing one, we will have to sign a waiver if it breaks down, he’s not responsible. So, for those of you who are having problems, check to see what type of air handler you have.

Hope this helps.

By: Marie Santoro

Marie Santoro — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:24:09 +0000

The installer has decided to put in the additional duct and the 4 ton unit. They tried to collect an additional $650.00 but when I told them they could come and take their unit out and I would get another installer to put in a unit the sale guy said he would take the $650.00 out of his commission. So we are awaiting the new unit. I will post again after the new unit is installed.

By: Marie Santoro

Marie Santoro — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 09:04:10 +0000

We just had a 3 ton TRANE XL21i installed together with a matching airhandler and a new programmable thermostat into our 1700 sq. ft.home. We live in South Florida and we wanted to purchase the highest efficiency unit that we could find as it is very hot here for a good part of the year and because we intend to stay in this house for a long time. We paid $6,000.00 after all rebates. From the very first day we cannot get it to maintain the temp set on the thermostat during the hottest times of the day, also it does not ever turn off but runs continuously. We checked our FPL bills and found that we are using more kilowhat hours now after installation of the new unit. It does run very quietly. The installer has been very good about trying to fix the problem but it has now been 3 weeks and we are still going around and around about a proper fix. Because we have very high ceilings and although all of the heat load ratings indicate we should have a 3 ton unit we have discussed putting in either a 3-1/2 ton or a 4 ton unit. They tried putting in a new drop to see if that worked and they said that there was a broken duct and they fixed it (although they should have caught that during initial installation don’t you think?) That still did not fix the problem. Finally they said Trane needed to come and check out the situation. Trane came and said that the installation is fine and the unit is fine. The only real recommendation they made was that they would make the air flow on the outside unit go in a different direction. Well the installer called me after this and says that they are thinking of putting in a different make unit altogether and I said no I want a Trane because it is suppossed to be the best. Then they said they want to put in a 3-1/2 unit. The problem is the 3-1/2 unit does not have the two motors and is not high efficiency. They are willing to give me some money back but I don’t know how much yet. I am insisting on the 4 ton unit now because I want the high efficiency unit with the two motors. In order to give me the 4 ton unit they say they need to put another duct in my bedroom and charge me more for the 4 ton unit. I don’t know how much more. I think I have paid enough and I’ve been put through enough aggrevation. They should put the duct in my bedroom and put in the 4 ton unit and not charge me any more money. I’m concerned now after reading all the entries here that maybe I shouldn’t use a Trane at all. Any suggestions please?????

By: dutchinfl

dutchinfl — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:05:40 +0000

This is what I wrote to Trane about or really bad A/C unit:
Dear Mr. Michel,
Just a few years ago we purchased a top of the line home A/C unit, the Trane XL19i including the air handler and Clean Air Effects.
Over the last three and a half years we have had nothing but trouble with our new Trane XLI-19. From a broken heater element in the winter, to numerous replacement of the air cleaner, from leaking refrigerant to a replaced condenser. This is the just summary, we’ve endured 3 years of malfunctioning equipment, right from the day we purchased it, all the way through now, with a leaking unit that does not cool that well. As of now, the unit is still not working well and is literally taped up with duct tape by the installer.
It is too late for us, we purchased the complete new system, now over 3 years ago, and are stuck with expensive repairs each time it fails. But I want you to know how the systems you are selling are not as good as you advertise. “Nothing can stop a Trane”?, well ours stops frequently.
Also, the “licensed and official” dealers who install them do not know your equipment well, and on numerous occasions have demonstrated that they cannot properly diagnose or repair the Trane XLI-19i. I have printed out the manuals many times and shown the installers on how some of the parts should work.
So, as said, all I can do is make you aware of this and post my experiences online as much as possible, so that others do not make the same mistakes we have made.
In short, below are only some of the issues we have had:
• From day 1, the clean air effect was not installed properly, never worked. Installation company was not aware, did not know how to wire it.
• Emails to Trane went unanswered on multiple issues.
• Unit was rewired 6 months later. Now properly wired, still not cleaning air.
• Heat coil broke, called in for service requesting it to be replaced. Installer came, did not bring coil. Diagnosed: coil broken and had to come back with coil. Came back with wrong coil. Fixed after 10 days in the cold.
• Unit malfunctioning: clean air effects error lights. Months of hassle with the installer, all they could do in the end is replace some parts and tape the unit shut with duct tape. Problem not fixed.
• Condenser frozen, unit not cooling. Added refrigerant.
• Leak detected in condenser, replaced whole condenser at my expense.
• Unit still leaking on the outside and inside.
During the first 3 years, the company that installed the unit, All Year Cooling and Heating, did a terrible job. They not only installed the unit wrong, they never repaired the unit fully. Their service is of the lowest level.
Most recently our unit has been serviced and repaired by CMi A/C & Electrical in Lake Park FL, who has done a better job. Of course they billed us for the repairs and service, as they should, but for a high end unit that is fairly new, one would not have expected these kind of repairs.
I have not included the many service bills or receipts in this letter. With the model and serial numbers and the information on the installation and the service company you can do some research on the many issues your products have. Per the many service people and per the various posts in the forums, your A/C units are breaking down more than other brands
With the exception of the initial “repairs”, we have faced several expensive bills for repairs, in both refrigerant and labor.
So, in conclusion, the Trane A/C unit has been a very bad and expensive choice.