Tell me something bad about Trane

[ChaseAir]

We just installed our first xl20i and I must say it is impressive. Especially the fact that it can operate at such a low capacity compared to, it would seem the copeland scroll unloading compressor models.

I know it must have its weak spots that make it an expensive piece of junk like eveything else, anyone with experience care to comment?

Did I mention it is expensive? We are just barely a dealer and usually use Comfortmaker.

[giapia]

We just installed our first xl20i and I must say it is impressive. Especially the fact that it can operate at such a low capacity compared to, it would seem the copeland scroll unloading compressor models.

I know it must have its weak spots that make it an expensive piece of junk like eveything else, anyone with experience care to comment?

Did I mention it is expensive? We are just barely a dealer and usually use Comfortmaker.

Hye chaseair. I'm not professional but I'm getting a Trane system installed next week and it is quite the investment. I have seen bad things about every company out there, even the ones no one has ever heard off. Hope you got the warranty for labor is all I can say because I"m making sure its on my contract:rules:

[ChaseAir]

I am the installing company. What type of system are you installing?

[giapia]

I am the installing company. What type of system are you installing?

3024337 Active Systems XL15I WEA TRANE 4TWX5030 4TEE3F40B
31000 13.00 16.00 29200 9.00 15200

Though I've been advised to change the airhandler to 4TEE3F39A1

[sktn77a]

Trane: former General Electric. The GE HVAC division was bought by Trane in the early-mid 1980s. Good equipment, for some reason it's expensive outside of Texas!

[jdblack]

I'll tell you something bad about them.

I find them still running after 18 years.

[giapia]

I'll tell you something bad about them.

I find them still running after 18 years.

lol JD. I'm sure there are plenty of homes that you can find to replace old systems. Just a thought.

[ChaseAir]

I found one that developed a major leak in its condenser last week and we replaced it after 9 years.

We do see a lot of GE units that are 25+ years old, but we all know they do not make them like that anymore.

[nak]

The only bad thing about them on the comm. side is there model #'s are way to loooong. You get writers cramp writing them down .

[beshvac]

ok, you asked.....

They are too dam big and for no reason. They are heavy and a pain to get into an attic or thru a crawlspace. Make sure you don't cover a window when you do a replacement.:pop:

[RyanHughes]

We just installed our first xl20i and I must say it is impressive. Especially the fact that it can operate at such a low capacity compared to, it would seem the copeland scroll unloading compressor models.

I know it must have its weak spots that make it an expensive piece of junk like eveything else, anyone with experience care to comment?

Did I mention it is expensive? We are just barely a dealer and usually use Comfortmaker.

Good to hear. How did you like the Charge Assist feature? Did you still end up charging it manually vs. with the ball valve kit?

Was this a heat pump?

[ChaseAir]

The "big" comment is a funny one. The condenser is way tall, does Trane think that every homeowner wants to have a condenser as the central focus of their homes' exterior. The condenser must have been over 5 ft tall.

[RyanHughes]

ok, you asked.....

They are too dam big and for no reason. They are heavy and a pain to get into an attic or thru a crawlspace. Make sure you don't cover a window when you do a replacement.:pop:

I have to agree with you on the size problem, from a HO prospective. However, I have been told that Trane, at least for indoor units at this point, is doing some re-engineering to get around that problem. I'm not a dealer or pro, but I've been told that the new Trane air handler will again use the aluminum coil, have the coil above the fan (so no p-trap needed), foam insulation, and a much smaller cabinet size (likely 23.5" width or less and around 40" height--but there will be 3 different sizes). Don't quote me on any of this... :)

[ChaseAir]

It was a heat pump and had a perfect 15 foot lineset by chance so it ran and the led came on that said it was charged. I heard the charge assist is time consuming and unnecessary.

I was wondering if the American Standard version would be less money because these things are way to expensive to install regularly. But they are nice.

[jdblack]

Almost all of the old weathtron air handlers are rusted out. The ones I find anyways. They are held together by tape for the most part. The service panel over the electrical is the worst.

[Mustang894me]

oh i know somthign bad ... FAT GUYS CANT REACH TO BOTTOM OF HP CONDENSORS TO GET LEAFS OUT WITH OUT SMASHING TOP COLIS.. outher then that i like em

[seatonheating]

lol JD. I'm sure there are plenty of homes that you can find to replace old systems. Just a thought.

So, you are having a couple of guys wait on your email and then decide to have the Trane installed anyways?

I think to just have Trane in your mind is a bad thing. Like Ryan said, they are followers anymore, not innovators.

Trane means nothing to me.

[cboe]

remember you can't stop a train!!

[seatonheating]

remember you can't stop a train!!

I hate marketing campaigns. Trane's is the biggest joke there is.

[txconsumer]

I hate marketing campaigns. Trane's is the biggest joke there is.

You sound awful bitter. :nopity: Did you have a Trane Wreck some time in the past ?
I get the impression it's more than you like other companies better, it's more like they hosed you over or something.

You hate marketing campaigns??? I am not defending Tranes marketing or anyone Else's but isn't the point of marketing to actually get the customer interested in buying something. That statement doesn't make sense to me. Would seem to me you should love ALL :ghug:marketing that causes customers to knock on your door. Then you can sell them what ever you make the best case for.

Look at the bright side. When I go into Home Depot I don't see a Goodman sitting there or something made in China. I see some poor guy marketing a
big Freight Trane......and while I might go on to the caulk isle, that thought is still in my mind that my old AC is getting long in the tooth and I remember TRANE.

Just a thought.... No marketing, no calls, no paycheck.:eek2:

[chuckcrj]

It was a heat pump and had a perfect 15 foot lineset by chance so it ran and the led came on that said it was charged. I heard the charge assist is time consuming and unnecessary.

I was wondering if the American Standard version would be less money because these things are way to expensive to install regularly. But they are nice.

Time Consuming??

Just set the dipswitch, hit the charge assist button and by the time your tools are cleaned up and ready to go it will tell you whether its under or overcharged or just right.

[glennac]

Trane's coils are a ***** to clean and get dirty a lot more often because of the spines sticking out of the coils. Charge more to clean them but don't service them anymore. To much of a hassle. Thank you very much.

[tigerdunes]

if accurate, a good many so called techs would benefit from charge assist.

IMO

[jovusun]

You'll find out that Trane has many different pricing structures for contractors. It's understandable that a contractor that sells $25K a year pay more than a $500K contractor. The differences can be massive, so needless to say many new Trane dealers won't stay Trane dealers unless they make no profit or get tired of paying close to retail for equipment and quit.
I have seen problems out of Trane. Have seen builders models with grounded compressors before and after the 5 year warranty. They're just an A/C unit, not God's gift to Air Conditioning. Incidently, several years ago we had a Trane unit that the Spine-Fin gluing machine ran out of glue to glue the fins to the aluminum tubing. The head pressure was high, they tried to say it was obviously something in the lines....for some reason I touched the Spine-Fin and it spun on the tube.....Uh....you think this might be a problem?? The scary part is that it passed all the factory inspections etc. WOW! They gave me a $100 labor allowance to cover several hours of replacement, freon, filter drier and everything! I actually like the idea of Spine-Fin. Carrier tried it and failed. G.E. perfected it with old 1936? technology. Funny how the best well known A/C units technology came out of Nazi Germany. I have also wondered if chemical cleanings on Trane coils affect the glue? Trane recommends water only to clean the coil, and a light propane torch to burn out the grass and debris....Anyone?

[Special Ed]

I hate Tranes. They've got everybody fooled into thinking they're the cat's meow when their quality is just as good as anyone's now-a-days. But that's what co.'s do with their marketing efforts.

What's troubling is not that HO's are fooled by all the hype but that HVAC techs are as well.

[beshvac]

I agree, when Trane was a privately owned company, they rocked....they sold out and multiple new owners and other influences they are no different or more reliable than anyone else.

I saw their latest commercial this morning, camera looks out the window and all you can see is this huge condenser. Don't they have the R and D department anymore to use technology to make them smaller?

[seatonheating]

If they want to market themselves as the cat's pajamas then they need to back it up with their product.

Unfortunately Trane just doesn't do this. Anyone a little bit educated in this field can see that.

[chuckcrj]

its ok to bash trane

[Stanger4]

Trane's coils are a ***** to clean and get dirty a lot more often because of the spines sticking out of the coils. Charge more to clean them but don't service them anymore. To much of a hassle. Thank you very much.

The Water Saber Pro was designed to take the pain out of cleaning a TRANE. It's now a lot easier to clean a Trane XL than any other a/c using this tool.
No bull
http://www.watersaber.com

[ChaseAir]

They are definitely no more reliable than any other piece of junk.

The two compressor model is totally cool though, if it only were but cheaper.

You don't get 100/50 performance out of Goodman 2 stage or any other for that matter

[Mustang894me]

remember you can't stop a train!!

No but its harder then hell to get one started again!

[Silver06]

You don't get 100/50 performance out of Goodman 2 stage or any other for that matter

Ruud/Rheem has the UASL-JEC model with two scroll compressors, but available only in 3.25, 4, and 5 ton capacities. Too bad they don't make a smaller size, and market this feature more.

[sp1068]

We just installed our first xl20i and I must say it is impressive. Especially the fact that it can operate at such a low capacity compared to, it would seem the copeland scroll unloading compressor models.

I know it must have its weak spots that make it an expensive piece of junk like eveything else, anyone with experience care to comment?

Did I mention it is expensive? We are just barely a dealer and usually use Comfortmaker.

No access through rear panel to solder anything compressor-related.

[mrbenz7]

We just installed our first xl20i and I must say it is impressive. Especially the fact that it can operate at such a low capacity compared to, it would seem the copeland scroll unloading compressor models.

I know it must have its weak spots that make it an expensive piece of junk like eveything else, anyone with experience care to comment?

Did I mention it is expensive? We are just barely a dealer and usually use Comfortmaker.

I don't care much for Trane myself anymore. Servicing them can be a real pain, such as coil cleaning and if you have to extract a compressor, you better be good by hanging from your feet! lol. I think Trane at one time was a very good unit, but now my first choice would be a RUUD or RHEEM followed by Bryant products including Day & Night.

These seem to be really reliable here in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Trane is a bit like Mercedes Benz, or at least they used to be. Expensive and you used to get the very best, but when it came time for service, it will cost you $300 just to have the hood opened! I know because I love my Mercedes Benz Diesels and although I DIY most of my own work on my cars, there are those occasions when I have to go for help and I know it is going to cost me!

[t527ed]

great units if you like hot glue and styrofoam holding the outdoor coils together.......:rolleyes:

might be great units when they work properly but just not service friendly, as a self employed tech i love seeing them when i walk into the back yard.$$$$$:LOL:

[Home&Marine]

its ok to bash trane

Who Bashed 'em? They corrode and rust just like the rest on the Coast of S.C.! ;) I serviced a three year old Trane last week. The condenser cabinet and inside looked like Pooo! I'm no big fan of the needle coils either.

[man from trane]

Trane's coils are a ***** to clean and get dirty a lot more often because of the spines sticking out of the coils. Charge more to clean them but don't service them anymore. To much of a hassle. Thank you very much.

If you can't clean a Spinefin in 2 minutes with a garden hose you're doing something wrong. The junk just rinses right off like nothing. The first time I saw one it looked scary, but now I love the Spinefin.

[man from trane]

Not a very good slogan if no one can remember it...

"It's Hard to Stop a Trane."

[man from trane]

Who Bashed 'em? They corrode and rust just like the rest on the Coast of S.C.! ;) I serviced a three year old Trane last week. The condenser cabinet and inside looked like Pooo! I'm no big fan of the needle coils either.

Here on the island the Spinefin coils just won't die. It's wierd- they're aluminum like everything else but they just don't corrode.

I don't install or rep Trane, but I can't really think of any gripes.

[Home&Marine]

Here on the island the Spinefin coils just won't die. It's wierd- they're aluminum like everything else but they just don't corrode.

I don't install or rep Trane, but I can't really think of any gripes.

You're correct, the Spinefin coil in this one looked good (and I can't say I've seen a Trane Coil in bad condition) but the painted/powder coated cabinet and copper parts (reversing valve coil has carbon steel) looked pretty bad for a 3 year old. I've never seen a Trane Coil come apart like the fin coils! I'd just expect better life out of the stamped metal parts. How much more would it cost to stamp them out of Stainless Steel?

[simplyrollin]

Overall, I believe they make a solid unit. My biggest dislike about Trane is that they are difficult to service. Poor access panels, too many Molex plugs to corrrode, etc. Ever tried to change a compressor on the smaller units and cant get a pipe wrench on the roto-lock due to being butted up against the spine fins? Gotta love em. I also hate those tops they put on the high end units.

[Bald 2]

I'll tell you something bad about them.

I find them still running after 18 years.


I have old GE units running that I installed in 1969. Local distributor (GWD) taught us how to install heat pumps, service them and size duct work. Local power company help with training. Installed correctly the equipment should last.

[gary_g]

I don't install or rep Trane......

So why is your screen name "Man from Trane"?

Just wondering.

Take care.

[gary_g]

if accurate, a good many so called techs would benefit from charge assist.

IMO

Ouch!

[mrbenz7]

I have old GE units running that I installed in 1969. Local distributor (GWD) taught us how to install heat pumps, service them and size duct work. Local power company help with training. Installed correctly the equipment should last.

Good point! Any equipment that is properly maintained is going to give years of dependable service and will last! I've seen a high quality Lennox destroyed after 5 years with a compressor burn because it was never cleaned, contactors pitted and burnt off, run caps leaking fluid and bursting in our heat and the sides of the unit covered with Bermuda grass clippings so it couldn't breath!

And a simple lower end straight cool Coleman is still going after 17 years Because the owner cared enough to take care of it.

[Bald 2]

Good point! Any equipment that is properly maintained is going to give years of dependable service and will last! I've seen a high quality Lennox destroyed after 5 years with a compressor burn because it was never cleaned, contactors pitted and burnt off, run caps leaking fluid and bursting in our heat and the sides of the unit covered with Bermuda grass clippings so it couldn't breath!

And a simple lower end straight cool Coleman is still going after 17 years Because the owner cared enough to take care of it.

As I always said: Coleman was made to cool a mobile home. If it can cool a mobile home it can cool anything. Coleman engineering was second to none when it was The Coleman Company". Coleman was not without it's problems, but most were from OEM parts.

[mrbenz7]

As I always said: Coleman was made to cool a mobile home. If it can cool a mobile home it can cool anything. Coleman engineering was second to none when it was The Coleman Company". Coleman was not without it's problems, but most were from OEM parts.

A lot of Coleman units used out here are in site built homes marketed and sold under the name EVCON. But true, there is a good reason to do Preventative maintenance!

[Bald 2]

A lot of Coleman units used out here are in site built homes marketed and sold under the name EVCON. But true, there is a good reason to do Preventative maintenance!

I was a Coleman distributor for 5 years and worked for them directly for 12 years. My Dad was a contractor and I worked on Coleman space heaters and floor furnaces for years.

[Bald 2]

A lot of Coleman units used out here are in site built homes marketed and sold under the name EVCON. But true, there is a good reason to do Preventative maintenance!

Also....When Coleman was sold back in the early 90's the name was change to Coleman-Evcon. Also made AirPro that was marketed through Coleman-Evcon.

[mrbenz7]

I've never seen an AirPro down here. I believe that Coleman is now part of York when the name became Coleman/Evcon, correct? Most of these units are split systems although I do find a rare bird package unit once in awhile! Most of those are Ac/Gas furnace pacs.

[Bald 2]

I've never seen an AirPro down here. I believe that Coleman is now part of York when the name became Coleman/Evcon, correct? Most of these units are split systems although I do find a rare bird package unit once in awhile! Most of those are Ac/Gas furnace pacs.

Evcon Industries was corp. name for the Coleman HVAC products. This happened in about 1990. Hence Coleman-Evcon. AirPro was a product of Evcon as well. York bought Evcon Industries in 95-96 time frame. York sold to Johnson Controls several years ago.

[man from trane]

So why is your screen name "Man from Trane"?

Just wondering.

Take care.

I was working for Trane in 2007 when I signed up. Now I have my own A/C and refrigeration company in the USVI, but I don't rep any particular brand yet. There doesn't seem to be any reason to.

[bhahvac]

I hate Tranes. They've got everybody fooled into thinking they're the cat's meow when their quality is just as good as anyone's now-a-days. But that's what co.'s do with their marketing efforts.

What's troubling is not that HO's are fooled by all the hype but that HVAC techs are as well.

Boy, Do I agree with this!

Consumer: I saw Trane on TV, the ad 'said they were good!'

ME: Uh.... good marketing can sell any old piece of crap. We even elected a president this way.

"Change you can believe in." :stinks:

"You can't stop a Trane" :stinks:

"The check is in the mail" :stinks:

....starting to see a pattern here..?? :rolleyes:

[bhahvac]

if accurate, a good many so called techs would benefit from charge assist.

IMO

When I was a factory sales rep I priced my product against Tranes XL20 with the charge assist. He told me he was paying 1500.00 per unit more for this 'charge assist' then what I was selling him.

After I finished laughing, I asked him if I could charge his Trane units for him at the bargain price of only 1000.00 per unit...

[JJDH]

We install and service trane daily. The outdoor units are quiet, the variable fan is nice. The compressors are solid. They usually run about 1/2 the rla. To clean a condensor that is competely blocked just remove the sides. The compressor change isnt so bad, just unassemble the unit. They are pricey. The furnaces have got to be the easiest ive worked on. Sorry, I have to disagree with the majority here.

[m1a1stud]

remember you can't stop a train!!

"It's Hard To Stop A Trane." not ,"You can't stop a train." You can stop a Trane or a Trane. Any system is only as good as tech's installing them or at least the top 10 brands. By the way, 2010 Buying Guide of Consumer Reports has a great article based on the amount of repairs.:rules:

[allan38]

I like Tranes. It's easy to change out a heat pump reversing valve or TXV because they're outside of the coil.

I like the way tranes compressor discharge line leaks where it passes under the condenser coil. I've had them rub against the base or corrode because they were buried under inches of rotting leaves. Perhaps the installers dropped the unit and caused the tubing to rub. Who cares, both are fixed now and I'm sure I'll find others.

I love how impressive it looks to remove the condenser coil to change out the compressor. Only two lines to cut after refrigerant recovery. It's much easier to do it that way than tear up your back trying to lift it over the top of the coil. Takes a little longer but has the benefit of keeping you on the job and out of the doctors office. Remember, back injuries persist for years.

I love the way it feels to tote a 5 ton trane compressors up and across a mall roof. Yes, it is a two man job.

Nothing stops a trane.... Except running for too long without refrigerant because the builders grade model doesn't have any open on low pressure cut out switches. (last week, the leak repair was successful and the patient was still dead)

Nothing stops a trane... except the crankcase heater when it burns off the power wires and shorts to ground. (I see all the time) not a bad repair to install a new one heater with a new thermal switch. Repair plus travel time to pick up OEM parts. Fix it right and it will continue to last.

Still, I'd love to have a trane with the rheem case design, the compressor outside of the coil.

Those spine fin coils will take more debris in them than a standard coil before raising the head pressure.

I've never seen a Trane spine fin coil that needed me to split the coil to clean.

[Frostie]

They sometimes put the wrong screws in furnace condesate collection pans, causing cracking. The cracks then leak and rust the inside of the furnace out, but Trane will not tell you this is a known problem you have to ask.