| Clean Air |
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| I thought pollution was outside. Why should I be worried about my air indoors? |
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We spend 90% of our time every day indoors. Plus, today's
efficient, airtight homes are excellent at conserving
energy, but that also makes them better at trapping potentially
irritating particles inside the home. With the rising
number of people who suffer from allergies and asthma,
indoor air quality has become more and more important
to our general health and well-being.
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| What kinds of things are in my home air that might be affecting my family's health
and comfort? |
A wide range of particulate matter can be in your home's air, including:
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Dust • Animal hair and dander •
Mold spores • Smoke • Bacteria
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Pollen • Dust mites • Lint
• Cooking grease
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| What does Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) mean? |
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Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is recognized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a fair and objective measure of various air cleaner
technologies. CADR provides the number of cubic feet of clean air a unit delivers each minute.
A higher CADR means a greater amount of clean air is being delivered to your home.
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| I keep my home very clean. Could the air in my home still not be clean? |
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Yes. Consider that the average home generates 40 pounds
of dust for every 1500 square feet of space. While regular
home cleaning is an excellent measure to reduce exposure
to irritants and pollutants, it's simply impossible to
remove enough of the material by hand to make your home's
air as comfortable as it can be.
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| What can Trane do to help make my home's air cleaner? |
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The best thing you can do is to remove as many of the
particles from your home's air as you can. That's why
we've introduced the revolutionary new
TRANE CleanEffects™
air filtration system. It works
as part of your total home comfort system to remove up
to an industry-leading 99.98% of the airborne allergens
from your home's filtered air. There is no other system
you can buy that matches the effectiveness of TRANE CleanEffects.
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| How is TRANE CleanEffects™ different from the air cleaners I see advertised on TV? |
No other air filter can even come close to the effectiveness of a
TRANE CleanEffects™
Take a look at this table and see:
TRANE CleanEffects also generates a minimal amount of
ozone, less than 5 PPB (parts per billion), well below
the 10 PPB FDA voluntary emission limit for medical devices
and significantly below some ionic-type room appliances
that may reach hundreds of PPBs. Also, since the unit
is not typically placed in your home's living areas like
room-size cleaners are, there is no annoying noise that
can make it difficult for you to relax.
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| Getting Started |
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| Why is a matched system so important? |
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A matched system is important for a variety of reasons. One is comfort. When all your components
are properly sized to your home, you can control exactly how much heating or cooling you
need so you can relax.
Also, a properly sized matched system enables every component to perform as designed,
meaning proper cycle times are maintained, humidity is controlled, and system sound is
minimized.
Another reason matched systems are important is efficiency. Most systems people buy
are too large for their homes, meaning they pay to heat and cool space that isn’t even
there. A matched system outlined by a dealer who has completed a load calculation for
your home provides just the right amount of heating and cooling you need so you get the
most value for your utility dollar.
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| What are the advantages of units with variable speed fans? |
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Variable speed fans operate on a simple principle: they are able to spin at different
speeds depending on the heating and cooling needs of your home. Usually, they operate
at lower speeds, delivering a steady, reliable stream of warm or cool air to your home.
This helps control humidity levels, utility costs and system noise. When conditions
become more extreme, the fan speed increases so that the system can meet increased
demand, guaranteeing that on even the hottest days or coldest nights, you’re comfort
needs will be met.
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| How does a whole-home air cleaner like TRANE CleanEffects work as part of my system? |
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TRANE CleanEffects is designed to perfectly fit as a component of your total home
comfort system. Unlike many air cleaners that are situated in a single room of the
house, CleanEffects is installed and operated through the same duct work that your
furnace or air conditioner might use. So even though it’s attractively designed,
it operates out of sight of most living spaces to provide up to 99.98% cleaner air
throughout your entire home.
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| What is a SEER rating and how does it impact my energy costs? |
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SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Like its "mpg" counterpart in the automotive
industry, the SEER gives an indication of the performance efficiency of the system. The
higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. And, the more efficient the unit, the
lower the operating costs.
Experts at the Trane Home Comfort Institute say that by purchasing a system with
a high SEER, you'll use less energy to cool your house, resulting in lower electric
bills. In many cases, these savings are enough to partially or fully offset
the cost of the new equipment within a few years.
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| What do all those rating numbers mean? |
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The federal government requires all air
conditioning and heating equipment to be rated for efficiency. The higher
the rating, the more efficient the model. Gas furnaces are
rated for AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This defines
the amount of heat used to warm your home from the burned fuel. A 90%
furnace will use 90% of the available heat to heat your home. 10% of the
heat is vented outdoors. Many older gas furnaces are only 60% efficient.
The other 40% is vented outdoors. You can see that a new high-efficiency
furnace will require much less fuel to heat your home. For
air conditioning, the rating is SEER (Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio). This rating is based on general design criteria
such as the compressor and outdoor coil. SEER ratings are for comparison
purposes only, so that homeowners will know how they can compare different
brands of products with similar efficiency ratings. The rating for the
outdoor unit will reference a general efficiency range, such as 14 SEER.
The actual efficiency rating for a specific system will depend on the
combination of the outdoor unit and the indoor coil. These ratings are
available from your dealer and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Institute's Energy Guide. A variable-speed indoor blower unit will
increase the efficiency rating of the system, as well. Heat
pumps are rated by SEER for cooling efficiency and by HSPF (Heating
Seasonal Performance Factor) for heating efficiency. As with other
ratings, the higher the HSPF, the less energy it will take to warm your
home. All of these ratings can be compared by asking your
local independent Trane dealer or utility provider, or referencing the ARI
Directory. See our pages of Energy Star(SM)
Products.
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| Why should I choose Trane heating, air conditioning and air cleaning equipment? |
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Increased efficiency, reliability, and
control of your home's indoor environment are the main reasons for
choosing a new Trane heating and air conditioning system. Our split system
air conditioning units and heat pumps all have fully louvered panels to
protect the outdoor coil from damage, as well as powder paint finishes and
weather-resistant screws. We are the only manufacturer to offer
all-aluminum outdoor coils, the patented Spine Fin™ coil. Our Spine Fin
outdoor coils provide greater heat-transfer capabilities, thus resulting
in higher efficiencies and greater resistance to corrosion than
traditional copper/aluminum coils. Our XL19i model is among the highest SEER ratings
(cooling efficiency) systems in the industry. (*ARI Directory listings for XL19i)
Trane's gas furnaces feature self-diagnostic controls, a
heavy steel 40"-high, insulated cabinet, hot surface igniter, multi-port
in-shot burners, one-piece heat exchangers with no welds, durable
pre-painted finish, and some of the highest efficiencies in the industry,
making Trane an obvious choice. We are also the
variable-speed airflow experts. Our variable-speed furnaces and air
handlers can do things other manufacturer's products can't, such as superb
humidity control with Comfort-R Enhanced Mode. This feature allows the
coil to get cold faster and the furnace blower to slowly ramp up and down,
or to operate at 50 percent of cooling speed in the FAN ON position. This
provides greater air circulation and filtration, even temperature
distribution, humidity control, and quiet performance. Variable-speed
motors are the most efficient motors as well, increasing the overall
efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system.
And when it comes to cleaner air, our revolutionary new TRANE CleanEffects is the
industry's most effective whole-home air filtration system, capable of removing up
to 99.98% of the allergens and harmful particles from your family's air.
You can receive more information in our Products section. Just scroll down to the
product links and click on the ones you are interested in to review pictures,
features, capacities, dimensions, ratings, and warranty information.
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| Who can recommend a home comfort system to meet my needs? |
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Our products come to you through your local independent Trane dealer who can explain
the advantages of different types of systems for your home or region of the country,
as well as select the right products to meet your personal comfort needs. The dealer
can also discuss the benefits of higher efficiency, variable-speed airflow,
the revolutionary TRANE CleanEffects whole-house air cleaner, programmable thermostats,
two-stage heating and air conditioning, and other reliable, durable products. Y
ou can find a list of local independent Trane dealers in the Yellow Pages or type in your
ZIP code at our Web site's Dealer Locator for a partial list of independent Trane dealers
in your area.
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| I need a new outdoor unit, but my indoor unit works fine. What are the advantages of replacing my whole system at the same time? |
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We recommend that your replace the indoor coil or air handler when replacing the
outdoor unit. Both of these components are integral to the closed refrigerant loop
and together determine the capacity and efficiency of your system. If you do not
replace the indoor unit, there will be no test data available for the new combination
to establish the expected capacity or efficiency of your system. Also, the indoor
system may be partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency, and you
may be faced in the near future with replacing the indoor unit after it fails and
having to pay to have the closed refrigerant system opened again. It would be
expensive and be another opportunity for contamination. You end up paying more.
If your whole system is replaced, you will be less likely to need service in the
near future.
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| What noise factors do I need to consider when selecting an air conditioner or heat pump? |
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The industry sound rating numbers are complicated and often difficult to understand.
Sound rating is just one of these areas. A difference of 6 decibels (such as between
72 dB and 78 dB) is technically a four-fold increase in compressor sound when rating
air conditioners or heat pump units. However, it takes a difference of 10 decibels to
double the loudness. It is also noted that it takes approximately 3 decibels for the
average human ear to discern any difference in loudness at all. In many cases, the
sound rating isn't as significant a determiner of sound difference to listeners as
is the sound characteristics or quality. One type of sound with a lower sound power
rating may be more offensive to a homeowner than another with a higher sound power
rating. There are other important considerations, such as location, when considering
the effects of sound. Our overall product line offers homeowners significant choices.
If your community has specific sound requirements, check with your local independent
Trane dealer for recommendations. You can find independent Trane dealers listed in your
local Yellow Pages or type in your ZIP code at our Web site's Dealer Locator for a
partial. You can also call toll free, (866) GET-A-TRANE for a list of Trane Comfort
Specialist Dealers in your area.
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| How much will my new air conditioning system cost? |
That depends. There are many factors that must be considered. These include:
- The efficiency of the equipment
- The size of your home
- Is the ductwork installed and in good condition?
- Do you need a thermostat or electronic air cleaner?
In most cases, replacing your whole system, including both indoor and outdoor components,
will result in a more efficient, longer-lasting system but will also cost a little more.
As a manufacturer of an installed product, we do not establish retail pricing. We sell
our products to regional distributors who sell them to local independent Trane dealers,
who then install them as complete systems for homeowners. Please contact your local
independent Trane dealer for equipment recommendations and your total investment based
on a load calculation performed on your home.
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| Will anything help control the humidity in my house? |
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Humidity is a problem in many areas. The
best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs
longer at lower speeds. Variable-speed air-handling equipment runs at very
low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and
removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds,
the variable-speed motor also uses much less electricity than conventional
motors. Our two-stage XL19i outdoor air conditioning unit
will operate at a low speed, removing more moisture and allowing greater
comfort than a single-stage air conditioning unit. Our variable-speed
indoor blower units also have Comfort-R™
Enhanced Mode that runs a very cold coil and enables the blower to slowly
ramp up and down. This will wring-out extra moisture from the indoor
air.
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| Customize Your System |
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| What is a load calculation and why is it so important? |
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A load calculation determines what the proper size system is for your specific home.
Completed by your dealer, it factors in a number of criteria used to determine what
size components you should include as part of your total comfort system, things like
square footage, number of windows, and year-round weather concerns.
A load calculation is important so that your system operates at maximum efficiency,
with optimum performance. Most homes have systems that are oversized, so you end up
paying more than you should to heat and cool your home. Also, systems that are improperly
sized tend to cycle too quickly or too slowly, and that can lead to maintenance problems,
uneven temperatures, and an inability to control humidity. A properly sized system based
on a correct load calculation can help ensure you enjoy long-lasting, reliable comfort
whatever the season.
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| What size system do I need for my home? |
It is important that new or replacement equipment is not sized by "Rule of Thumb" or
by duplicating the existing equipment capacity. The only accurate way to determine
the correct capacity of heating and air conditioning equipment for your home is to
have a load calculation performed on your home. There is a specific method available
to all dealers to do this calculation. This will give your dealer the heat gain and
heat loss design data for your home. These figures can then be used to select the
appropriately sized air conditioning or heating system for your home, based on
equipment-performance data.
Many factors determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are:
- square feet to be cooled and heated
- climate
- humidity
- number of windows
- insulation factors
- which direction your home faces
- heat producing appliances, and
- the number of people who will be in the home
Oversized air conditioning systems will not remove adequate moisture from the indoor air
due to short cycling. Also, oversized systems quickly cool the indoor air temperature,
but they do not run long enough to remove the humidity.
That leaves you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. Control of your home's climate is
rarely achieved with oversized systems and electricity consumption is higher than
with a properly sized system.
An oversized furnace is similar to an oversized air conditioning system. The furnace
run time is short, creating uncomfortable air stratification and less air filtration.
Also, the frequent cycling of the unit on and off can cause undue wear and tear on
internal working components.
An undersized air conditioning system will not adequately cool your home on the hottest
days and an undersized furnace will not adequately heat your house on the coldest days.
Contact your local independent Trane dealer for a load calculation on your home and
a recommendation of the best system to meet your family's needs.
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| How do I verify the size of my air conditioner or heat pump? |
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The capacity in tons of a Trane outdoor unit can be determined by dividing the 7th and
8th digit of the model number by 12. So if the model number is 4TTX4036A1000A, take
36 and divide by 12, equalling 3 tons.
This is only for Trane models. Other companies use a different method based on their
model number nomenclature.
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| How do I find out about promotional programs or specials on Trane equipment? |
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All promotional programs are administered locally to promote particular products during
particular times by participating independent Trane dealers. Our regional Trane wholesale
distributor can give you specifics about programs in your area and participating
dealers. You may see special offers advertised by a local dealer or ask about them
when you call for an estimate.
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| Does Trane provide financing options for equipment purchases? |
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If you don't have ample cash or credit available at the time of purchase, your Trane dealer
has some options that can help. When you call for an appointment, ask the dealer to
give you all the payment options he has available. Once financing is out of
the way, your decision will be a little easier.
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| How much will my new system cost? |
That depends. There are many factors that must be considered. These include:
- The efficiency of the equipment
- The size of your home
- Is the ductwork installed and in good condition?
- Do you need a thermostat or electronic air cleaner?
In most cases, replacing your whole system, including both indoor and outdoor
components, will result in a more efficient, longer-lasting system but will also cost
a little more. As a manufacturer of an installed product, we do not establish retail
pricing. We sell our products to regional distributors who sell them to local
independent Trane dealers, who then install them as complete systems for homeowners.
Please contact your local independent Trane dealer for equipment recommendations and
your total investment based on a load calculation performed on your home.
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| Products |
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| The air coming from the registers feels cool when my new heat pump is set for
heating. Is there a problem?
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While a heat pump is perfectly capable of effectively heating your home,
the temperature of the air coming out of the registers confuses some people.
The air is heated to about 90 to 95 degrees, depending on the outdoor temperature.
This temperature is approximately 20 to 25 degrees warmer than the indoor air
temperature and will warm your house. It is, however, below body temperature
(98.6 degrees) and can feel cool when someone puts their hand in the airflow.
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| What is a hot surface igniter? |
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Unlike older-model gas furnaces that used a standing pilot light to ignite the burners on the
furnace, many of today's models use an electronic ignition system. This includes a Hot Surface
Igniter, sometimes referred to as a glow plug or glow stick. When there is a call for heat,
the igniter receives electrical current in order to heat its surface and ignite the burners
in the furnace.
Some hot surface igniters are fairly fragile and can be damaged during transit or installation.
Trane's Silicon Nitride Igniter, used on the XV/XL/XR models, is more durable.
Cracks in a hot surface igniter are not necessarily visible. After installation, the glow
pattern should be checked by your local independent dealer for inconsistencies, and replaced
if necessary. Cracks will not necessarily prevent the igniter from working, but will shorten
its life.
It is important that the correct original equipment manufacturer's igniter be used when
replacing an igniter. There are many igniters on the market. However, many do not have
the correct voltage or warm-up time as the original design.
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| What are the differences in Trane's single-stage, 2-Stage, and variable-speed gas furnaces? |
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A single stage furnace will deliver the same amount of heat and airflow no matter what the
temperature is outside. A 2-stage furnace with a 2-stage thermostat will begin in first
stage (low burner, low airflow) and only go to second stage if the indoor temperature
drops during first stage. This makes the furnace run longer, providing greater air
circulation, temperature distribution, and air filtration. This also provides a more
consistent indoor environment. The second stage will only come on when the need is
there and then it will be able to run longer and maintain the comfort level. The more
your system starts and stops, the less control you will have of your home's environment -
and the less efficiently it works, partly due to duct heat loss. The advantage of Trane's
2-stage, variable-speed furnace is it has Comfort-R™ Enhanced mode. This allows the coil
to cool quickly and the blower to slowly ramp up and ramp down or operate at 50 percent
of the cooling air speed in the FAN ON position. This provides greater humidity control,
quieter operation, and maximum air circulation, temperature distribution, and air filtration.
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| What is an air handler? |
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The major components enclosed in an air handler's
cabinetry are the blower and motor, controls, heater compartment, and an evaporator coil.
This is why it is also sometimes referred to as a fan coil. A standard air handler, like the single
stage furnace, delivers the same amount of airflow no matter what the temperature inside. Trane's
variable-speed air handler has Comfort-R Enhanced mode, like our variable-speed gas furnace,
allowing the coil to cool down quickly and the blower to slowly ramp up and ramp down or to
operate at 50 percent of the cooling air speed in the FAN ON position. This provides greater
humidity control, quieter operation, maximum air circulation, temperature distribution, and air
filtration for greater control of your home's indoor environment.
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| What are the differences in Trane XB and XLi heat pump and air conditioner units? |
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Our XLi outdoor product lines have higher air conditioning efficiencies (SEER) ranges than
the XB line. Some of the enhanced features include Trane's patented WeatherGuard™ top that
provides maximum protection for the outdoor condenser coil, a compressor sound enclosure
for quiet performance, a two-speed condenser fan that improves both efficiency and sound
levels, and twice the original limited warranty as the XB outdoor product line.
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| I am interested in a programmable thermostat for my home comfort system. What thermostat should I select? |
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We recommend TRANE Programmable Comfort Controls such as the XL800 or XL600 series
thermostats. Please contact your local independent Trane dealer for assistance with
purchase and installation of energy-saving controls.
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| What is a heat pump? |
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The heat pump is an air conditioner that reverses the process of removing heat from the
inside of the house in summer to absorbing the heat from outside air and moving it inside
in winter. It is effective by itself down to temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
At that point, either a gas furnace or an air handler with supplemental electric heat will
kick in and help heat your home. The Auxiliary Heat light on your thermostat will light.
The heat pump will continue to operate along with the electric auxiliary heat. It will shut
off when a gas furnace is energized. Emergency heat is a manual override option in the
event your heat pump needs service.
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| What is the purpose of auxiliary heat? |
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Under normal operating conditions, the auxiliary heat is brought on automatically by the
thermostat when the indoor temperature drops during heat pump operation. There are also times
during cold, wet weather when the outdoor coil may ice up and your heat pump will go into a
defrost cycle. This is nothing more than reversing the process back to cooling mode. Cooling
mode makes the outdoor coil hot and melts any ice. The defrost cycle should only last a few
minutes and then return to heating mode. During the defrost cycle, your comfort system is in
cooling mode and the supply air is cool. To offset this cool air, the auxiliary heat will be
energized during defrost. A mist or fog may be visible from the outdoor unit during defrost.
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| Is a heat pump the right choice for my home? |
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The heat pump is effective in many geographies. In all electric applications, the heat pump may
consume less energy than an electric furnace or air handler using resistance heat. Why?
Because it can deliver the same amount of BTUs as electric heaters using less electrical
input than the electric heat. In moderate climates the savings that natural gas yields may
not be as advantageous as in colder climates, since there is less frequent use of the furnace
in milder climates. Of course, the heat pump can be matched with a gas furnace where preferred.
The heat pump can operate in the milder temperatures when the gas furnace may tend to short-cycle.
To determine which system would serve your specific needs best, a local independent Trane dealer
should perform a load calculation on your home and then estimate the cost of operation for the
different combinations of equipment.
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| The True Trane Difference |
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| Why should I choose Trane heating, air conditioning and air cleaning equipment? |
Increased efficiency, reliability, and
control of your home's indoor environment are the main reasons for
choosing a new Trane heating and air conditioning system. Our split system
air conditioning units and heat pumps all have fully louvered panels to
protect the outdoor coil from damage, as well as powder paint finishes and
weather-resistant screws. We are the only manufacturer to offer
all-aluminum outdoor coils, the patented Spine Fin™ coil. Our Spine Fin
outdoor coils provide greater heat-transfer capabilities, thus resulting
in higher efficiencies and greater resistance to corrosion than
traditional copper/aluminum coils. Our XL19i model is among the highest SEER ratings
(cooling efficiency) systems in the industry. (*ARI Directory listings for XL19i)
Trane's gas furnaces feature self-diagnostic controls, a
heavy steel 40"-high, insulated cabinet, hot surface igniter, multi-port
in-shot burners, one-piece heat exchangers with no welds, durable
pre-painted finish, and some of the highest efficiencies in the industry,
making Trane an obvious choice.
We are also the
variable-speed airflow experts. Our variable-speed furnaces and air
handlers can do things other manufacturer's products can't, such as superb
humidity control with Comfort-R Enhanced Mode. This feature allows the
coil to get cold faster and the furnace blower to slowly ramp up and down,
or to operate at 50 percent of cooling speed in the FAN ON position. This
provides greater air circulation and filtration, even temperature
distribution, humidity control, and quiet performance. Variable-speed
motors are the most efficient motors as well, increasing the overall
efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system.
And when it comes to cleaner air, our revolutionary new TRANE CleanEffects is the
industry's most effective whole-home air filtration system, capable of removing up
to 99.98% of the allergens and harmful particles from your family's air.
You can receive more information in our Products section. Just scroll down to the
product links and click on the ones you are interested in to review pictures,
features, capacities, dimensions, ratings, and warranty information.
|
|
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| Who can recommend a home comfort system to meet my needs? |
|
Our products come to you through your local independent Trane dealer who can explain
the advantages of different types of systems for your home or region of the country,
as well as select the right products to meet your personal comfort needs. The dealer
can also discuss the benefits of higher efficiency, variable-speed airflow,
the revolutionary TRANE CleanEffects whole-house air cleaner, programmable thermostats,
two-stage heating and air conditioning, and other reliable, durable products. Y
ou can find a list of local independent Trane dealers in the Yellow Pages or type in your
ZIP code at our Web site's Dealer Locator for a partial list of independent Trane dealers
in your area.
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| Find a Dealer |
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| Can I buy heating and air conditioning equipment directly from Trane? |
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We do not sell our products directly to consumers or businesses. We sell our products to
regional distributors who sell them to local independent Trane dealers. These independent
dealers install the equipment as complete system for homeowners. Contact your local independent
Trane dealer for equipment recommendations, including your total investment cost based on a
Load Calculation performed on your home.
If you are interested in quiet, efficient home comfort, ask the dealer about variable-speed
airflow. The dealer can also "estimate" the annual energy savings from higher efficiency
equipment. Ask about our limited factory and extended warranties and financing options.
You can find an independent Trane dealer listed in your local Yellow Pages or type in your
ZIP code at our Web site's Dealer Locator
for a partial list of independent Trane dealers in your area. You can also call toll free,
(866) GET-A-TRANE, for a list of Trane Comfort Specialists in your area. Trane is also
offered through Home Depot but installed by a local Trane dealer.
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| How do I find a dealer who will do a good job? |
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You can find a list of local independent Trane dealers in the Yellow Pages, or type in your
zip code in our Dealer Locator for a partial
list of independent Trane dealers in your area. You can also call toll free (866) GET-A-TRANE for
a list of Trane Comfort Specialists in your area.
Our regional Trane wholesale distributors maintain a relationship with local independent Trane
dealers and may be able to provide additional information about them or our products.
Ask people you know who have had an air conditioning system installed and if they would
recommend them. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Have the dealer come out and give
you an estimate to see how they handle their customers. Ask for references, and make sure
to check them.
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| For Trane Owners |
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| How often should I change or clean my filters? |
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Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters
with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow
the manufacturer instructions for cleaning. If you're using a high-density filter such as an
electrostatic filter, check with your local independent Trane dealer, who can raise the external
static pressure of your system. If the external static pressure exceeds the design criteria of
your system, it can negatively impact the performance and life of your equipment.
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| Where is my filter located? |
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Your air filter should be located in either the blower compartment of the furnace, in an
attached filter case, or in a return air grille in a wall of your home. If you cannot find
the air filter, contact your local independent Trane dealer for assistance.
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| Where can I purchase filters? |
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If you are unable to find the appropriate-size air filter at your local hardware outlet,
they may be able to cut-to-fit filters that will also work, or you can contact your local
independent Trane dealer.
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| What services need to be performed for preventative maintenance on my heating and air conditioning equipment? How often should this maintenance be performed? |
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We recommend you have your local independent Trane dealer perform preventative maintenance
before the winter heating season and before the summer cooling season. Many local independent
Trane dealers offer service agreements that may include reduced rates on labor and parts and
provide priority response. Service/maintenance agreements may include cleaning indoor and
outdoor coils, tightening electrical connections, checking supply voltage and operating current,
checking refrigerant charge, measuring temperature differential at supply and return registers,
cleaning blower wheel and motor, inspecting and adjusting burner, checking heat exchangers,
cleaning drain lines and pan, checking ductwork for leaks and insulation, and checking thermostat.
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| How do I verify when my Trane equipment was manufactured? |
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The first letter of the serial number gives the year of manufacture as follows:
9=2009
8=2008
7=2007
6=2006
5=2005
4=2004
3=2003
2=2002
Z=2001
R=2000
P=1999
N=1998
M=97
L=96
K=95
J=94
H=93
G=92
F=91
E=90
D=89
C=88
B=87
S=86
Y=85
X=84
W=83
U=82(seventh digit)
T=81(seventh digit)
O, A=80(seventh digit)
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| Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter? |
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We have a cover for our split outdoor products. The Trane Innerflow System is
designed to custom fit our outdoor products and to provide adequate ventilation
during the winter season, so that condensation is not introduced into the
control box, potentially causing problems with the electrical controls and
components.
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| How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers? |
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Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners
need intake and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build
up heat and require service.
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| What are the average life expectancies for heating and air conditioning equipment? |
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The average expected life of an air conditioner is approximately 15 years. The average expected
life of a heat pump is approximately 10 to 12 years, since it operates year round. The average
expected life of a gas furnace or air handler may be longer. Units in corrosive environments,
such as, but not limited to coastal installations, will tend to have shorter lives.
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| Is there any advantage to setting my thermostat fan to "ON" so the fan runs constantly? |
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Yes, there are a couple. The first is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home.
The second is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout the
home. However, continuous fan mode during COOLING operation may not be appropriate in humid
climates. If the indoor air exceeds 60% humidity or simply feels uncomfortably humid, it is
recommended that the fan be used in AUTO mode.
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| I've heard a lot about new refrigerants. Do I need to think about them when buying a system? |
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We do not advise homeowners to choose home comfort systems based on the refrigerant they use.
The Clean Air Act does not allow ANY refrigerants to be vented into the atmosphere. They must
be reclaimed, recycled and reused.
Units using the current refrigerant, R-22, will always be serviced with R-22.
They will not need to be changed to a different refrigerant. The scheduled phased-out of R-22
allows for plenty of refrigerant to be available to service all cooling units and heat pumps
that use R-22 for the life of the equipment. We do offer limited lines of high efficiency
comfort systems using R-410A refrigerant. Our gradual introduction of these products has allowed
servicers in the field the opportunity to adapt to the required installation and service
techniques, to ensure homeowners continue to receive the comfort and value they have chosen.
As the HVAC industry gradually and confidently transitions to a new refrigerant, we encourage
homeowners to maintain their focus on purchasing energy efficient home comfort products that
best meet their comfort needs. Purchasing higher-efficiency air conditioning and heating
systems and better sealing our homes will not only improve comfort and reduce energy costs,
but will also improve our environment.
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| Can I get technical support from Trane to troubleshoot/repair my own equipment? |
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No. It is critical that our products and Original Equipment Manufacturer replacement
parts be installed and serviced by licensed, qualified independent Trane dealers who
have access to product data, service updates, and distributor training.
As a manufacturer, we feel that it is in both our customers' and our best interest to
ensure that our product delivers the quality, durability, and comfort we advertise
and you expect. Please contact your local independent Trane dealer for assistance.
Independent Trane dealers are listed in your local Yellow Pages or type in your ZIP
code at our Web site's Dealer Locator for a partial list of independent Trane dealers
in your area.
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| Why do my lights flicker when my air conditioner turns on? |
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Light flicker associated with the starting of appliances usually does not pose any
safety problems and does not damage appliances. Proper wire connections and grounding
are necessary to reduce flicker. Contractors and homeowners should check with their
local utility regarding the appropriate wire size and transformer servicing the home.
In cases where light dimming is related to the starting of a central air conditioner,
and the previously discussed steps have not resolved the situation, manufacturers offer
start assist kits that can be purchased which may help reduce flicker. Please contact
your local independent Trane dealer for assistance. Independent Trane dealers are
listed in your local Yellow Pages or type in your ZIP code at our Web site's
Dealer Locator
for a partial list of independent Trane dealers in your area.
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| How much coverage do I have under the Manufacturer's Limited Warranty? |
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Trane's XR split system outdoor product lines carry an original limited warranty that covers the
compressor and outdoor coil for ten (10) years (parts only) and internal functional parts for
five (5) years (parts only). Your installing independent Trane dealer is responsible for any
warranty part replacement labor for the first year.
Trane's XLi split system outdoor product lines carry an original limited warranty that covers
the compressor and outdoor coil for ten (10) years (parts only) and internal functional parts
for ten (10) years (parts only). Your installing independent Trane dealer is responsible for
any warranty part replacement labor for the first two years.
Trane 80 percent gas furnaces have an original limited warranty that covers the heat exchangers
for twenty (20) years (parts only) and internal functional parts for five (5) years (parts only).
Your installing independent Trane dealer is responsible for any warranty part replacement labor
for the first year.
Trane 90+ percent gas furnaces have an original limited warranty that covers the heat exchangers
(parts only) for the lifetime of the original owner or twenty (20) years for a successive owner
and internal functional parts for five (5) years (parts only). Your installing independent
Trane dealer is responsible for any warranty part replacement labor for the first year.
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| What is the difference between a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and an Extended parts and labor Warranty? |
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A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore,
the warranty language limits it. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the
limited warranty. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the
service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls
for the duration of the warranty.
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| How long will it take to receive my Extended Warranty from Trane? |
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If you purchased a factory extended warranty, your installing independent Trane dealer
submits your application to its regional Trane wholesale distributor. The distributor, in
turn, submits it to the Trane Extended Warranty Department. You should receive your warranty
within 45 days of installation. If you do not receive a written extended warranty of for
further assistance, please contact your installing dealer or call the Trane Extended
Warranty department at (800) 554-6413.
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