Trane XL16i Air Conditioner Review (Features, Cost, Benefits)

If you’re looking for an air conditioner that can make your home more comfortable without breaking the bank, then you’re in luck. Trane’s XL16i air conditioner is a mid-range unit that can cool your home and is ideal for the budget-conscious homeowner.

In this article, we’ll dissect the XL16i, looking at its main features and how they benefit you. We’ll also go over the cost of an XL16i.

By the end of this article, you should know whether the XL16i is a good fit. Even though we stand by the product, we know that it isn’t the best air conditioner for every homeowner, and we’ll talk about this. But if you’re still unsure, we can help with that, too.

RELATED: Cost of an Air Conditioner Replacement in 2021, a Complete Breakdown

What are the features of the Trane XL16i air conditioner?

Let’s begin with the core features of the Trane XL16i. First up is its single-stage compressor. The compressor regulates your heat pump’s heating and cooling output. Compressors - also known as stages - can have three types:

• Single-stage
• Two-stage
• Variable-speed

Single-stage compressors, like those found in the XL16i,  have only one setting. It’s either on, which means that it’s running at 100% capacity, or off, with no in-between. This tried-and-true technology can deliver reliable cooling cheaply during the heat of summer.

Just because it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other air conditioners doesn’t mean the XL16i  is a low-quality air conditioner. In fact, Trane puts all of the equipment they make through rigorous tests over and over to ensure that it continues to perform for you and your family.

It has an All-Aluminum Spine Fin™ Woven Coil, which enhances airflow and heat transfer while resisting corrosion and leaks. These are proven far more reliable than traditional copper and aluminum coils. The spine fin coil also has more surface area than a standard coil, which helps it cool faster. (The downside to these coils is that they are difficult to clean, which might mean a higher maintenance bill.)

Next is the XL16i’s WeatherGuard Top, designed to protect your investment from the elements and debris without restricting airflow. Trane goes to great lengths to design their equipment to keep the elements and debris out and continue to perform when it's needed most.

The biggest selling point the XL16i has is that it can save you up to 50% of the cooling portion of your utility bill if your current system is rated 10 SEER or less. If you are planning to be in your house for 10 years, you will see the savings over time.

What is the Efficiency Rating of the Trane XL16i?

An air conditioner’s efficiency is measured by a SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a score of how much energy air conditioners and heat pumps use to cool your home. The XL16i’s SEER rating of up to 17 makes it an energy-efficient choice for home comfort. For comparison, most air conditioners on the market today are rated between 14-22 SEER, with a higher number being more efficient.

RELATED: SEER, AFUE and HSPF Ratings in HVAC: Why They Matter

Who is the Trane XL16i Air Conditioner a Good Fit for?

If someone’s trying to save money on their electric bill in the summer, the XL16i is a perfect solution for that person. It is ideal for homeowners who are looking for a solid, middle-of-the-road option that will efficiently and reliably cool their home at a lower initial investment than higher-end models.

If it’s paired with a variable-speed furnace, it can partially help with comfort concerns. The two-stage furnace paired with the 16 SEER is one of our most popular combinations of what we sell.

For cleaner, healthier indoor air, you can add the Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner to your system. This will provide advanced air filtration that removes more dust, pollen, and other irritants from conditioned air for a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable home.

When installed by an HVAC contractor, the Trane XL16i has a 10-year parts and compressor warranty. But when a certified contractor - such as Fire & Ice, which is a Trane Comfort Specialist - installs your Trane product, you receive 12-year parts and compressor warranty, ensuring many years of worry-free operation. Take the time to talk to your sales representative to ensure your warranty is registered.

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But it may not be the most bang for your buck when it comes to comfort. If you have issues with hot and cold spots, or there are uneven temperatures between floors (this might be true especially in split-level homes), you might want to consider an AC with a two-stage or variable-stage compressor. You might also prefer an air conditioner with a higher efficiency rating and additional features that can help save you more money and make you more comfortable in the long-haul.

If you plan on moving out of your house in the next five years, and your current single-stage air conditioner is meeting your needs, or you’re simply not looking to spend a lot on a new air conditioner, then XL16i might be more system than you need.

Also, just so you’re aware, the XL16i is on the large side. It can be over 54 inches tall once it’s installed. Depending on its location, it can obstruct the view from windows or be considered an eyesore by some. Make sure you discuss these considerations with your HVAC partner.

How Much Does the Trane XL16i Air Conditioner Cost?

The XL16i typically costs between $7,150 and $9,350. These prices include the cost of equipment, labor, and any additional fees. This model is mid-range in terms of price, but it has a great efficiency rating.

For comparison, a new air conditioner installation can range between $4,400 and $13,375.

This model is mid-range in terms of price, but it has a great efficiency rating, ENERGY STAR® certification

There are several factors that can affect the price of an air conditioner, such as the size of your home, filters and other indoor-air-quality products, and any modifications that need to be made during installation.

When we look at the price range for a specific model, the capacity you need determines the final price.

An air conditioner's capacity, frequently referred to as “size,” determines how adequately your system can cool your home.

It’s kind of a Goldilocks situation. If your system is too powerful or isn’t powerful enough, you lose comfort.