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Trane’s Best Air Conditioners
We’ve identified the 3 air conditioners that perform the best in 3 key categories: most efficient, quietest and best value.
If you’re looking for an air conditioner, the first thing you need to do is identify what features matter to you most. Do you want the best value? Do you want the most energy efficient? Or maybe a bit of both?
In order to make your choice a little easier, we’ve identified the air conditioner that performs the best in three important categories: energy efficiency, quiet operation and value. We’ll explain what those categories mean and explain how our best air conditioners perform so you can make the right decision for you and your family.
Air conditioner features you need to know
Honestly, your best resource for a thorough understanding of the latest equipment and what your home needs is your local HVAC specialist. However, there are a few key terms and features you should know when shopping for a new air conditioner.
- Energy Efficiency - Air conditioners, like any other home appliance, consume energy to work. Some just happen to use less energy than others to get the same results. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), measures the energy efficiency of air conditioners so you can easily compare the energy efficiency of different air conditioners. SEER ratings usually range from 13-22. A higher rating means better efficiency. Greater energy efficiency can translate into lower monthly energy costs. Air conditioner standards: 16 SEER and above = High efficiency, 13 SEER is the minimum allowed in Northern areas, and 14 SEER is the minimum allowed in Southeastern and Southwestern areas
- Sound Level - When space is limited or in cities with strict noise standards, having an air conditioner that won’t wake the neighbors is important. In air conditioners, moving parts like fans and motors as well as cabinet insulation can reduce noise levels. Many units are rated with a Nominal Sound Level - the average sound level in decibels. The higher the number, the louder the unit. For example:
40 = A library
70 = A vacuum cleaner at 10 ft.
43 = Our quietest heating and cooling systems - Value - The important thing to know about our best value air conditioner is that it isn’t going to be our lowest priced unit. At Trane, we define best value to mean the air conditioner delivers a high efficiency rating and includes many of our industry leading innovations, but is more affordable than our most advanced units. In short, a quality product that won’t break your budget.
Most Efficient Air Conditioner - Trane XV20i
The XV20i air conditioner has the highest efficiency rating in our family of products at up to 22 SEER. With that level of energy efficiency, customers can possibly save up to 64% each year in energy costs*. The XV20i is Energy Star Qualified and includes our patented TruComfort™ variable-speed system and integrated communicating technology to keep your home at an optimal temperature and avoid spikes that lead to increased energy consumption.
Quietest Air Conditioner - Trane XV18
The Trane XV18 air conditioner has a sound level starting as low as 57 dBA - 4 dB below the competition. It includes innovative sound insulators and a unique integrated fan system with a blade-down fan design that improves airflow and reduces sound levels. XV18 is also Energy Star Qualified with a SEER rating up to 18 — making it a great combination of energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Best Value Air Conditioner - Trane XR14
We’ve identified the Trane XR14 as our best value air conditioner because of its high efficiency ratings and more affordable price point. With a SEER rating of up to 16, you can expect to see noticeable energy savings when you replace an older, less efficient unit.
One last thing
*The majority of systems installed prior to 2006 are 10 SEER or lower. Potential energy savings may vary depending on your personal lifestyle, system settings and usage, equipment maintenance, local climate, actual construction and installation of equipment and duct system.
