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January 26th, 2024
You check the weather report, set your thermostat, and your air conditioner cools your house. That’s all you need to worry about. Right?
Unfortunately, no. That’s just part of the story, because there are numerous options for any homeowners who might be in the market to replace their existing AC.
You probably don’t know the differences in technology and features between one system and the next. That’s where HVAC experts come in, because we’re trained to discuss the big picture (“Are you comfortable?”) and the minutiae, such as the SEER rating. (More on SEER later.)
Fortunately, you found our review. At Fire & Ice, we’ve installed thousands of air conditioners in Columbus, Ohio, and we specialize in educating homeowners on all their options so they can make the best choice for their budget and comfort needs.
At Fire & Ice, we carry the Trane brand of air conditioners because of their ability to provide precise, even temperatures, boost indoor comfort, and save you money.
In our review of the Trane XR16 air conditioner, we’ll discuss:
- What are the specifications of the Trane XR16?
- What are the features of the XR16?
- Model Comparison: Trane XR16 versus Trane X13
- Who’s not a good fit for an XR16 AC?
- Who should consider an XR16 air conditioner?
- And finally, what are the next steps?
We’re going to break things down for you as if we were having a face-to-face discussion in your home. The goal, as it is when we visit prospective customers, is to give you all the facts that you’ll need to make the right decision for you.
Specs of the Trane XR16 Air Conditioner
- SEER: Up to 17
- Energy Star rated: Yes
- Two-Stage Climatuff® compressor (on select models only)
- Spine Fin™ outdoor coil
- Upgraded fan motor
- Full-Side louvered panels protect your investment
- Corrosion-resistant Weatherguard™ fasteners
- Unique DuraTuff™ non-corrosive base pan
- Quick-Sess cabinet with full coil protection
- Sound insulator on the compressor (select models)
- Ten-year warranty
Features of the Trane XR16 Air Conditioner
The Trane XR16 is a reliable, straightforward air conditioner that is easy on your budget. It can provide up to 15-20 years of worry-free cool and comfort. It’s a great mid-range option for homeowners whose current air conditioners have seen better days.
Like all Trane air conditioners, the XR16 comes with a Climatuff compressor. This is a compressor developed by Trane to provide increased efficiency, a longer life, and quieter operation. Due to its advanced compressor, the XR16 is superior to other air conditioners that also have a single-stage compressor.
Trane’s spine fin technology has the lowest refrigerant leak rate in the industry, providing reliability and efficiency from your air conditioner for years to come. The spine fin coil 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 higher maintenance bills.)
If your current AC is 15-20 years old, the XR16 is probably going to save you close to 50% on the cooling portion of your energy bill.
Its single-stage compressor regulates your heat pump’s heating and cooling output. Compressors can have three types:
- Single-stage
- Two-stage
- Variable-speed
Single-stage compressors, like those found in the XR16, 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 added features of other air conditioners doesn’t mean the XR16 is poorly made. 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 won’t give you the comfort benefits of the multi-speed outdoor units, but it is efficient.
What Is the Efficiency Rating of the Trane XR16?
The biggest selling point the XR16 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. And if your existing unit is ten years old or more, a 10 SEER rating is an approximation of its efficiency.
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 XR16’s SEER rating of up to 17 makes it an energy-efficient choice for home comfort. For comparison, most new air conditioners on the market today are rated between 14-22 SEER, with a higher number being more efficient.
If you are planning to be in your house for 10 years or more, you will see the savings over time
RELATED: SEER, AFUE and HSPF Ratings in HVAC: Why They Matter
What Is the Correct Size AC For Your Home?
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 efficiently your system can cool your home.
If your system is too powerful for your home, it’ll turn on and off more than it should as it struggles not to overshoot the set temperature. This can result in temperature spikes.
And when your air conditioner has a shorter runtime, you can lose comfort. The floors farthest away from your system likely won’t be as cool as the floor your thermostat is on.
If your system isn’t powerful enough for your home, it’ll run much longer than it should as it struggles to reach the set temperature. This can result in hot and cold spots.
Your HVAC salesperson should properly size the inside of your home before installation takes place. A thorough sizing comes by way of a Manual J Load Calculation.
Read more: Sizing Your Air Conditioner, Heat Pump, and Furnace
In the simplest terms, a Manual J Load Calculation is a series of measurements that include different parameters of your home. Both the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Department of Energy state that you should perform this calculation.
This is not just the square footage of a home. Unfortunately, square footage alone was the old way of doing things, and some installers still subscribe to it. Whether or not you live in the Fire & Ice service area, don’t let this happen to you. Make sure your estimate includes a full load calculation.
Who Is the Trane XR16 Air Conditioner a Good Fit for?
If someone’s trying to save money on their electric bill in the summer, the XR16 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 the 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 XR16 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 a 12-year parts-and-compressor warranty, ensuring even more years of worry-free operation.
Who Is the Trane XR16 Air Conditioner a Not Good Fit for?
The XR16 may not be a good fit if comfort is a huge concern. If you have issues with hot and cold spots in your home, or there are uneven temperatures between floors (this might be especially true in split-level homes), you might want to consider an AC with a two-stage or variable-stage compressor.
If you’re energy-conscious, you might 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 run.
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, the XR16 may not be a good fit. Or if you’re simply not looking to spend a lot on a new air conditioner, then XR16 might be more system than you need. Trane has cheaper models that have good SEER ratings.
Comparing the Trane XR16 Air Conditioner
See how the Trane XR16 Air Conditioner stacks up to other comparable units.
What Is the Price of the Trane XR16?
The price tag is $5,500 to $8,030. These prices include the cost of equipment, labor, and any additional fees. For comparison, a new air conditioner installation can range between $4,400 and $13,750. 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.
Let’s Talk in Person
For comparison’s sake, here are some other reviews of Trane air conditioners:
- Trane XL18i Air Conditioner Review
- Trane XR13 Air Conditioner Review
- Trane XV20i Air Conditioner Review
In the meantime, when it’s time for you to make your next HVAC investment, you’re going to have questions, and no HVAC contractor is going to be able to predict them all. That’s why it’s important to sit down with a trusted HVAC partner to resolve all questions and concerns, to make the best decision for you and your family.
The easiest way is to ask the right questions. Some of them will be particular to your home and budget, but I can give you a headstart with good general questions. Our HVAC Contractor Checklist was made for exactly this purpose: to get you the information you need to make the right decision for your home.
Click the image below to download yours.
Once you’re done absorbing any information that you need, it will be time to take the next step, which means reaching out to a trusted HVAC partner. If you’re in Columbus, Ohio, or the surrounding area, we hope that means reaching out to us.
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