Frequently Asked Questions
System Information
What is a hot surface igniter?
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.
Hot surface igniters are fairly fragile and can be damaged during transit or installation. Cracks are not necessarily visible. After installation, the glow pattern should be checked by your Trane Comfort Specialist 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.
What are the differences in Trane’s single, 2-Stage, and Variable Speed Gas Furnaces?
A single stage furnace will deliver the same amount of heat and airflow no matter what the temperature 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 more consistent comfort. 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 comfort you will have and less efficiency 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 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.
What is an air handler?
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 outside. Trane’s variable speed air handler has Comfort-R Enhanced mode, like our variable speed gas furnace, allowing 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 comfort.
What are the differences in Trane’s XB and XL heat pump and air conditioner units?
Our XL outdoor product line has a higher cooling efficiency (SEER) range than the XB line. Some of the enhanced features include Trane’s patented WeatherGuard™ top that provides maximum protection for the outdoor condenser coil from environmental conditions, 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.
I am interested in a programmable thermostat for my home comfort system; what thermostat should I select?
We recommend Trane programmable thermostats such as the TAYSTAT500C for heat pumps or the TAYSTAT300C or 302C for air conditioners. Please contact your Trane Comfort Specialist dealer for assistance with purchase and installation of energy saving thermostats.
I am concerned about the noise ratings of air conditioning and heat pump units; what noise factors do I need to consider when selecting an air conditioner or heat pump?
The HVAC industry rating numbers are complicated and often difficult to understand. Sound ratings is just one of these areas. A difference of 6 decibels (such as between 72 dB and 78 dB) is technically a 4-fold increase in compressor sound when rating HVAC condenser 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 Trane Comfort Specialist dealer for recommendations.
Why should I choose Trane heating and air conditioning equipment?
Increased comfort, efficiency and reliability are the main reasons for choosing a new Trane heating and air conditioning system. Our split system cooling 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 exchanging capabilities, thus higher efficiencies, and greater resistance to corrosion than traditional copper/aluminum coils. We offer the highest SEER ratings (cooling efficiency) in the industry.
Trane’s gas furnaces’ 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, Trane is 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 humidity control with Comfort-R Enhanced Mode. This feature allows the furnace blower to slowly ramp up, slowly ramp down, or to operate at 50 percent of cooling speed in the FAN ON position. This provides greater air circulation, air filtration, even temperature distribution, humidity control, and quiet performance. Variable speed motors are the most efficient motors as well, increasing the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system.