HVAC Glossary

An AC recharge is when an HVAC professional changes or refills the refrigerant that cools warm air as it passes through your HVAC system. Unlike recharging the refrigerant in your car’s AC system, you can’t buy a kit at the local auto parts store and do a home AC recharge yourself. Only a licensed HVAC technician can do the job.

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of a gas furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to energy, by projecting the average thermal efficiency for a complete heating season. A higher AFUE rating means greater energy efficiency.

What is AHRI?

The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is a trade association that represents HVAC equipment manufacturers as well as manufacturers of water heating and commercial refrigeration equipment.

What does AHRI do?

AHRI develops standards and certifies the performance of many products, including many of the HVAC products sold by Trane.

What is an Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner (A/C) is a device that helps regulate the temperature, humidity, and quality of air in your home. It cools down hot indoor air by removing heat and transferring it outside while lowering the humidity to make the air feel cooler and more comfortable.

How does an air conditioner work?

The indoor and outdoor units use the refrigeration cycle to work together to cool and dehumidify the air in your home to keep you comfortable. The refrigerant cools the indoor coil (the evaporator coil), which in turn cools and dehumidifies the air inside your home. The refrigerant then returns to the outdoor unit, where it is cooled back down into liquid form again, and then the compressor pumps the liquid refrigerant back to the indoor unit to repeat the cycle.

What is an air filter?
An air filter is a device that is installed in the HVAC system of a home or building to remove dust, dander, allergens, and other particles from the air and to protect your HVAC system from getting dirty.

How do air filters work?
Air filters are designed to trap particles as they pass through them. The filter will be able to collect these particles on its surface or within its fibers. This helps keep your indoor environment free of pollutants and contaminants.

The air handler is an important part of your air conditioning equipment. Its job is to effectively circulate conditioned air throughout your home.

What it is: Your central heating and cooling system consists of two main parts—an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, or air handler. When matched with a heat pump, it circulates both cool and hot air, depending on the season. With properly sized Trane air handlers, your family has the right amount of clean, comfortable air all year round. Plus, Trane air handlers make a significant contribution to the overall efficiency of your system. That’s because the more efficient your air handler is, the less work your outdoor unit has to do to make your home comfortable.

How it works: The Hyperion™ air handler is built unlike anything the market has ever seen. It is constructed more like a refrigerator than a typical air handler, with insulation between the walls of the innovative cabinet. This insulation prevents condensation that may cause damage to the air handler itself or your home. In addition to eliminating “sweating,” the cabinet also eliminates the loose fibers from fiberglass insulation that may enter the airstream with other air handlers. The exclusive double-wall construction provides families with peace of mind and cleaner, safer indoor air.

ASHRAE certification is a voluntary credential awarded to professionals who have demonstrated their expertise and knowledge in the areas of heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration. It is sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Professionals must pass an exam that measures comprehension in energy efficiency concepts, codes and standards, equipment operation and maintenance, indoor environment controls, system design applications and more.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit.

One British Thermal Unit (BTU) represents the amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The heat extracted from your home by an air conditioner is measured in BTUs.

BTUH stands for British Thermal Units per hour.

Some systems are measured in British Thermal Units per Hour (BTUh). The heat extracted from your home by an air conditioner is measured in BTUs, while cooling and heating capacities are referred to in British Thermal Units per hour. For reference, 12,000 BTUh equals one ton of cooling.

HVAC capacity is the production capability of a heating or cooling unit. Air conditioning capacity and heating capacity are measured in tons or BTUs.

Carbon emissions are the release of carbon compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. Carbon emissions are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the largest contributors to climate change. The main human-caused source of carbon emissions is the burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and petroleum products. Agriculture is the largest source of methane emissions.

A simple carbon footprint definition is this: It’s the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and greenhouse gases created by your daily activities. A company, organization, product, or entire industry can also have a carbon footprint. One of the largest contributors to carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions in the United States is burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.

What is a Central Air Conditioning System?

Also known as central A/C, central air conditioning systems cool air in a central location and distribute the air to multiple rooms using fans and ductwork. A basic air conditioner can refer to a single unit or the cooling half of your HVAC system, but central air conditioning refers to a whole-home cooling solution that is ideal for large spaces.

How much is a central air conditioning system?

Prices will vary from region to region; however, the cost to install and purchase a central air conditioning system will range from $5,000 to upwards of $20,000 depending on the brand, number of cooling stages, and more.

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. Cubic feet per minute (CFM) measures how much airflow volume passes through a space in a minute. In HVAC, CFM airflow is important for determining the correct sizing and load capacity for your air conditioner, heat pump, and furnace. Your HVAC system heats, cools, and moves air – that’s what the V in HVAC is all about: ventilation. Too much or too little airflow can impact your comfort but also can negatively impact your ductwork and HVAC system components.

Proper airflow helps your HVAC equipment run efficiently and helps ensure healthy air circulation and maintain even temperatures throughout your home. The right CFM can improve indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as comfort.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is the number of cubic feet of clean air that an air-filtration system delivers in a minute.

Recognized industry-wide by retailers, manufacturers, the EPA, and more, the CADR of an air filter can tell you just how hard it’s working.

The most common air filter, the 1” throwaway that’s found in 85% of homes, has a CADR of 10. In contrast, the Trane CleanEffects™ has a CADR of 1200. For example, that means the Trane CleanEffects™ is filtering all the air in a 12’ x 10’ x 10’ sized room every minute. The next closest air filter is a whole-house electronic air filter, which has a CADR of 660, producing half as much clean air every minute as the Trane CleanEffects™.

Clean energy is defined as an energy source that does not burn fossil fuels or produce carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases.

Sources of clean energy

The types of clean energy power generation can include:

• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Hydropower
• Geothermal
• Biomass energy
• Nuclear power

The Trane CleanEffects® is an advanced whole-house electronic air filtration system. It removes up to 99.98% of airborne allergens and particles as small as 0.1 microns from the air passing through your HVAC system.

The Trane Climatuff^® compressor was the world’s first successful heat pump compressor.

The Trane Climatuff^® compressor is the heart of our air conditioning and heat pump systems. It is part of the outdoor unit and pumps refrigerant to meet the cooling requirements of the system. To this day, the Climatuff® compressor is the only one Trane uses in its residential systems. It’s well known for its superior durability, its low noise levels and high efficiency.

A unit rated by ENERGY STAR® as a cold climate heat pump (CCHP) has met more stringent requirements for operating in colder temperatures than your average heat pump. Products undergo verification by a third party recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cold climate heat pumps work the same as any heat pump. In winter, they take the heat energy from the outside air, draw it into the unit, and use that heat energy to heat the air inside your home.

A control does more than just monitor and adjust temperature settings.

Trane products like ComfortLink™ II controls can manage energy use, adjust temperature and humidity levels by room and floor, turn on and off lights, lock and unlock doors and check security cameras. And all of this can be managed remotely via internet-enabled computers, tablets and most smartphones. So, it really is more than just a thermostat. It’s total control at your fingertips.

ComfortSeek™ by Trane is a revolutionary technology integrated into select air conditioners and heat pumps. The ComfortSeek algorithm dynamically adjusts compressor speed in response to outdoor temperature changes – working harder when you need it and conserving energy when you don’t – ensuring optimal heating and cooling capacity even in extreme conditions.

With its patent-pending design, ComfortSeek technology sets a new standard in home climate control, maximizing comfort, enhancing energy efficiency, and potentially reducing
utility bills.

A condenser coil is one of two coils found in your cooling system that work together to complete the heat exchange cycle. The condenser coil is located outside the home, and it’s where the refrigerant releases the heat it absorbed from inside. It is responsible for rejecting the energy taken up by the evaporator coil into an external environment, usually an outdoor air source. This heat exchange process creates cool air, which then circulates back through the HVAC system throughout your home.

What is connected control?

Connected control is the ability to remotely monitor and manage your home’s comfort, security and energy systems from anywhere. With connected controls you can access real-time data about your home’s systems and make changes as needed from anywhere.

A Constant Torque Motor (CTM), often called a constant torque Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM), is an energy-efficient brushless DC motor used widely in HVAC blowers. It maintains a consistent rotational force (torque) across changes in system pressure, performing as an efficient upgrade from older permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors

The coefficient of performance, or COP, of a heat pump is a ratio of useful heating provided relative to energy used. Higher COPs equate to higher efficiency, lower energy (power) consumption and thus lower operating costs. The COP usually exceeds 1, especially in heat pumps, because instead of just converting work to heat (which, if 100% efficient, would be a COP of 1), it pumps additional heat from a heat source to where the heat is required. Less work is required to move heat than for conversion into heat, and because of this, heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigeration systems can have a coefficient of performance greater than one.

What is a decibel?

A decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure the intensity of sound. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that a 10 dB increase in sound level corresponds to a tenfold increase in sound intensity (though to the human ear, the perceived difference in loudness is only twofold).

A dehumidifier removes excess humidity from the air in your home. It can boost the effectiveness of an older air conditioner, and reduce humidity levels year-round, even when you don’t need the cooling from your AC.

DOE can stand for many things, but for HVAC purposes, it stands for the U.S. Department of Energy.

What does the Department of Energy do?

Created in 1977, the United States Department of Energy traces its roots to the Manhattan Project’s effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The DOE oversees energy regulations and funding for various projects.

The term downflow, when used in HVAC terminology, refers to how the air flows from a gas furnace or oil furnace into your ductwork. A downflow furnace takes in cool air at the top and heats the air over a heat exchanger. Then, it releases warm air down at the bottom. This warm air then circulates through the ductwork system to heat your home. An attic is the most likely location for a downflow furnace.

Dual fuel refers to a system having the option of two fuel sources to maximize efficiency.

Dual-fuel systems optimize energy use by selecting the best source of fuel, like Trane EarthWise™ Hybrid systems that combine an electric heat pump with a high-efficiency gas or oil furnace.

HVAC ductwork is a series of rigid and flexible tubes that carry air from standard ducted heating and cooling systems to all parts of a home. It is usually made of sheet metal (galvanized steel or aluminum), or other materials such as fiberglass.

The ducts are typically attached to air vents or registers at each end that allow the flow of heated or cooled air into the living spaces. Without effective air ducts, your HVAC systems would not be able to do their job properly and efficiently.

EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio.

Like SEER, the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of a cooling unit is determined by the output cooling divided by the electrical power input. As opposed to SEER which is calculated over a range of outside temperatures, EER is typically determined by a set outside air temperature, a set inside air temperature and a 50% relative humidity. For a comparison point, 11 EER is roughly equivalent to 13 SEER.

In the HVAC industry, electrification refers to the electrification of heat. HVAC electrification is a worldwide movement in residential and commercial applications to move away from heating by burning fossil fuels.

In the home, it means a move toward embracing electric heat pumps and ductless mini-splits as a more AFFORDABLE heating and cooling solution. It also means carbon reductions for those with environmental goals. With advanced technology, heat pump systems are the most energy-efficient HVAC systems on the market today.

An electronic air cleaner, also called an electronic air filter in HVAC, is a whole-home or portable device that applies a negative electrical charge to airborne pollutants, allowing them to be trapped by a positively charged filter.

An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a mechanical ventilation system that connects to your HVAC system to bring in fresh outdoor air and replace stale indoor air. In addition, it provides humidity control for enhanced comfort.

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals reduce energy costs and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labelling program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 to promote awareness of energy-efficient products. Trane has partnered with the EPA to label our high-efficiency systems with the ENERGY STAR label so homeowners can easily identify those higher-efficiency products that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy.

An energy tax credit is a refund or rebate offered to homeowners who make commitments to energy efficiency. It allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to save money on their taxes when they invest in renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems, and more. The amount of the credits varies depending on current legislation and whether the credits are federal or at the state level.

The evaporator coil works with the indoor unit, functioning with the air conditioner or heat pump to cool and condition indoor air that flows over it by drawing out heat and moisture.

What it is: The coil, also known as an evaporator coil or an indoor coil, is the unsung hero of any home heating or cooling system. Its job, heat transfer, is one of the most important factors in achieving heating and cooling efficiencies that keep your home comfortable all year long.

How it works: An evaporator coil is located indoors and is either installed with your furnace or as part of your air handler. Inside the coil, the refrigerant evaporates as it absorbs heat from the indoor air that passes over it. The coil essentially serves as a “heat exchanger,” working with your heating system in the winter and your cooling system in the summer.

THE DIFFERENCE OF A TRANE COMFORT™ COIL

Each Trane All-Aluminum Comfort™ Coil is designed to provide your family with outstanding comfort all year round.At Trane, we strive to bring you the highest quality and performance through innovative technology and precision engineering. So when you choose the right comfort coil perfectly matched for your Trane system, you can be sure you’ll enjoy the benefits of the best home comfort system money can buy.

Like all of the components in our high-quality home comfort systems, each coil goes through rigorous testing to guarantee the greatest durability and protection against refrigerant leaks. We test each coil with pressurized helium to 325 pounds per square inch. This allows us to detect a leak as small as .10 ounces per year. A small amount, we know, but because any leak will lower your system’s efficiency, any leak is unacceptable. Durability means your home will be comfortable now and for years to come.

KEEPING IT CLEAN

A dirty indoor coil lowers the efficiency and performance of your total system. To keep your system operating at design performance, have your coil cleaned regularly. Indoor coils are often dirty because they’re usually so difficult to access. But Trane Comfort™ coils are designed to slide out on the integrated rail system for easy cleaning. Because the insulation is encased the cabinet can be wiped down, making the job much easier for your dealer, and a clean coil will yield higher performance and cleaner air in your home.

A fan coil unit (FCU) is a device used to heat or cool a room without the need for ductwork. It consists of an indoor coil, a fan and an outdoor condensing unit. The fan forces air through the indoor coil, which is filled with refrigerant, either cooling or heating it depending on the desired temperature in the room. This cooled or heated air is then sent into the room to maintain a comfortable environment.

FCUs are often found in offices and other commercial buildings as well as some homes. There are two main types: vertical fan coils (VFCs) and horizontal fan coils (HFCs). VFCs are typically used for smaller spaces since they can be mounted vertically on walls or ceilings, while HFCs are more suitable for larger areas as they can be installed horizontally on the floor or ceiling.

Fan Energy Rating (FER) is a government regulated minimum airflow efficiency standard for residential furnace fans and gas packaged units. The FER rating system was developed to help improve energy efficiency in residential heating systems, while also improving indoor air quality by reducing pollutants such as dust and allergens that can be drawn into the home when the fan is running. This rating also helps homeowners save money on their energy bills by ensuring that their furnace or gas package unit is operating at an efficient level.

A furnace is a home heating product that delivers warm air throughout a home. In a central heating system, the warm air is delivered via a connected system of ductwork.

How does a furnace work?

In a gas furnace (the most common type of furnace used in homes), natural gas is ignited in the burner, and the flames heat up the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger warms up the incoming air, and a blower or air handler sends the warm air throughout the home

A gas furnace  is a type of forced-air heating system that utilizes natural gas or propane to generate heat. Heated air is then pushed through ductwork and distributed throughout the entire home. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2020, 52% of American households used natural gas for heating, while another 5% used propane gas for heating.

Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas (GHG) will trap in the Earth’s atmosphere over a set period. The higher the GWP, the more heat the GHG traps, leading to a warming planet. The GWP formula was developed to allow scientists to compare the global warming impact of different gases.

The simplest greenhouse gas definition: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This is sometimes called the greenhouse effect. Some GHGs can stay in the atmosphere for thousands of years.

Examples of greenhouse gases

This list is by no means comprehensive, but each of the following is considered a greenhouse gas.

• Carbon dioxide
• Methane
• Nitrous oxide
• HVAC refrigerants
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as R-22
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) such as R-410A
• Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) such as R-454B
• Naturally occurring gases such as water vapor and ozone

A heat pump, as part of a central heating and cooling system, uses the outside air to both heat a home in winter and cool it in summer.

What it is: Technically, a heat pump is a mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration system that can be reversed to either heat or cool a controlled space. Installation for this type of system typically consists of two parts: an indoor unit called an air handler and an outdoor unit similar to a central air conditioner, but referred to as a heat pump. A compressor circulates refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat as it travels between the indoor and outdoor units.

How it works: Think of a heat pump as a heat transporter constantly moving warm air from one place to another, to where it’s needed or not needed, depending on the season. Even in air that seems too cold, heat energy is present. When it’s cold outside a heat pump extracts this outside heat and transfers it inside. When it’s warm outside, it reverses directions and acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from your home.

One advantage of a heat pump is that it moves heat instead of generating heat, giving you more energy efficiency. Also, it is powered by electricity, so you can save substantially on fuel consumption. For example, a Trane XL20i heat pump is among the HVAC industry’s most efficient, with a rating of up to 19.00 SEER and 9.00 HSPF.

Note that heat pumps are best for moderate climates, and a supplemental heating source may be needed for lower temperatures. As a year-round solution for home comfort, Trane heat pumps can become a key part of your matched system. An independent Trane dealer can help you decide if a heat pump system is right for you.

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program is also known as the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) in some states. It’s one of the federal rebate programs included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to encourage energy efficiency. States that applied and received funding will administer this program.

The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends the HEAR program for households that have an income that is average or below average in their area. This rebate program prioritizes helping low- or middle-income households that earn less than 150% of the average median income (AMI).

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is used to measure the efficiency of heat pump. The HSPF is a ratio of the heat output to electricity use over an average heating season, and the higher the HSPF the greater the energy efficiency.

What Is a Humidifier and Do You Need One?

A humidifier adds water vapor to the air to increase humidity. It adds moisture to the air in your home, with the end goal of optimizing indoor humidity levels. The term “humidity” simply refers to moisture in the air.

The term relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to what the air can hold at a given temperature. The optimal indoor humidity level is typically between 30% and 50%, according to the EPA, which means it’s best to have air containing between 30% and 50% relative humidity in your home.

Humidity is the level of moisture in the air. In most of the country, the outdoor humidity varies with the seasons. It rises in the summer and drops in the winter. In areas like Florida, and the Gulf Coast of Texas (we see you, Houston), it may feel humid year-round due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.

High humidity levels can make it feel hotter outside or in your house. Low humidity levels can make it feel colder. While you can’t do anything about outdoor humidity levels, you can control the humidity in your house.

A hybrid system combines a heat pump and a gas furnace and uses each under its optimal conditions in order to both heat and cool your home. In an era marked by an increasing concern for environmental sustainability and a growing demand for energy efficiency, hybrid systems have emerged as a groundbreaking solution that bridges the gap between traditional and renewable energy sources.

A hybrid system is an ingenious integration of two or more distinct energy technologies, typically combining conventional power sources like fossil fuels with renewable resources such as solar or wind energy. This innovative approach holds the promise of addressing pressing energy challenges while minimizing the carbon footprint.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term that refers to the level of pollutants and irritants in the indoor air. You might be surprised to learn this, but scientific research indicates that the air in some homes and buildings may be more polluted than the outdoor air. And since Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, poor IAQ can lead to discomfort and health problems.

An inverter AC is a high-efficiency air conditioning system equipped with a variable-speed compressor that continuously adjusts its motor speed to match the precise cooling needs of a home. Unlike traditional single-stage systems that turn completely on and off at 100% capacity, this system uses an inverter to scale power smoothly from 25% to 100%, eliminating temperature spikes, improving humidity removal, and significantly lowering energy consumption.

An inverter heat pump is a heat pump that operates at variable speeds to provide precise heating and cooling temperature control. They use what’s known as an inverter drive or inverter compressor to operate at variable speeds. Trane ducted system variable-speed heat pumps and ductless heat pumps utilize inverter technology.

An HVAC load calculation is the most accurate way to determine what size HVAC system you need to comfortably heat and cool your home without wasting energy.

A Trane-matched system is the combination of superior Trane products in every part of your system.

A Trane-matched system takes a more holistic view of answering your comfort needs and providing energy savings. By combining superior Trane components that are made to work seamlessly together, you can create a more efficient ideal system for you and your family.

Different houses have different needs. You can choose from many components to create the right-matched system for you. Depending on your region, a matched system can be composed of the following: an air conditioner and furnace, a heat pump and furnace, a heat pump and air handler, an air conditioner and air handler, or an all-in-one “packaged” system.

The air conditioner/furnace system is suited to the Northeast, Midwest, Northwest and some Southern regions. The heat pump/furnace system is a good choice for Southeast, South, Southwest and some California regions. The heat pump/air handler system is ideal for the Southeast region. The air conditioner/air handler system is an option for some South, Southwest and California regions.

A unit of measure for the smallest of the small, One Micron is 0.001 mm or 0.00004 inch.

A micron is really, really small. The width of a human hair is about 70 microns. Our eyes can see no smaller than 40 microns, and you’ll need a decent microscope to see a particle 20 microns wide. Allergens like dust, smoke and bacteria are particulates that are often .3 microns or less. At that size, they can get deep into your lungs, because they aren’t filtered well by your nose and throat.

If you’re concerned about controlling those airborne particulates, it’s good for you to know that Trane CleanEffects™ removes 99.98% of particulates, all particulates, from the air inside your home.

A mini-split HVAC system heats and cools (or just cools) one or more rooms without using a system of ductwork. This is why these systems are also called ductless HVAC systems. A mini-split system is similar to a traditional ducted split system, in that there is an outdoor unit, usually a mini-split heat pump, along with one or more indoor units. 

Indoor units are available to suit your style and include:

• Mini-split ceiling cassette(s)
• High wall-mounted mini-split(s)
• Floor-mounted mini split(s)

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. An air filter’s MERV rating tells you about an HVAC air filter’s ability to capture particles between .3 and 10 microns. A micron is a very small unit of measurement, equal to one-millionth of a meter.

Dust particles, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants smaller than the eye can see are measured in microns. To give you an idea of how small a micron is, a human hair is 50 microns in diameter! Air filters are designed to capture tiny particulates. The higher the air filter MERV rating, the more effective the filter is at capturing allergens and pollutants before they can enter your HVAC system.

A multi-speed HVAC system features a blower motor or compressor that operates at several distinct, preset speeds (usually 3 to 5 fixed levels like low, medium, and high) rather than just an on/off switch. It adjusts airflow or heating output to match home comfort needs better than basic single-stage systems.

Multipoise in HVAC refers to a multipoise furnace, which is a gas furnace that can be installed in multiple positions to accommodate a variety of spaces.

Trane’s 80% furnaces are  4-way multipoise, meaning they can be installed in one of 4 configurations, including:

• Upflow
• Downflow
• Horizontal Right
• Horizontal Left

Trane’s 90%+ furnaces are considered 3-way multipoise, meaning one model can be installed in upflow, horizontal left, and horizontal right configurations.

Trane supports and encourages professionalism through NATE certification.

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence and is an independent organization that certifies installation or service technicians with a knowledge-based test. A recent survey says that 87% of air conditioning and heating consumers prefer certified technicians. Organizations that are part of the NATE coalition include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

To become certified installation and/or service technicians, these technicians must pass both core and specialty parts of either an installation or service test with a score of 70 or better. Specialties include heat pump, air conditioning, air distribution, oil heat and gas heat.

The NATE test is not easy, and not all technicians pass it the first time. NATE certification verifies that the technicians who pass are the best in the trade when it comes to knowledge and experience in installing or servicing your home heating or cooling system.

Call your dealer for an appointment and ask if their installation and service technicians are NATE-certified. Look for the NATE logo when you need service on your current system or a new comfort system.

A furnace is a part of the heating system in which the combustion of fossil fuel and transfer of heat occurs. Furnaces can be fueled by natural gas or oil.

What it is: An oil furnace is the heating component in some systems in colder weather climates, most commonly in the northeastern United States. It converts oil to heat. Another option is a gas furnace that uses natural gas as its fuel instead of oil. The main components of a furnace include burners and heat exchangers, blower and controls. Trane gas and oil furnaces are built to perform again and again, year after year. Beyond performance, we also provide options for energy-efficient operation.

How it works: From a storage tank, oil is pumped into the furnace where it is turned into a mist, sprayed through the blast tube and ignited. The fine droplets mixed with the air allow it to burn very efficiently. The flame heats the air within a heat exchanger, and the combusted gasses exit through a flue or chimney. Air from the house is drawn through the ductwork, past the heat exchanger and back out of the vents in the house. In most modern systems, the air flows through a filter, which removes any impurities.

Ozone is a highly reactive gas with three oxygen molecules that affect us in good and bad ways.

High up in the upper atmosphere, ozone protects us from damaging electromagnetic radiation from space. But here on Earth, ozone is an air pollutant that can damage lungs and burn sensitive plants.

Packaged systems are all-in-one solutions, with most of the components for heating and/or cooling housed in a single cabinet.

Packaged systems are popular in certain regions, where construction techniques favor a single cabinet system rather than a split system, which has both an outdoor and an indoor unit.

Regions: Southeast, South and Southwest

Typically, packaged units are installed outdoors at ground level, or in a crawl space, or they may be installed on the roof for horizontal or down-flow designs. Available in the same configurations, and utilizing the same components as split systems, packaged units also offer a variety of efficiency options. Unlike split systems, in a packaged system, most components are in one cabinet. According to your needs, you can select from the many types of packaged systems available:

PACKAGED AIR CONDITIONER

In parts of the country where the weather tends to be warmer, a packaged air conditioner is the perfect solution. Higher-efficiency units are also available with Comfort-R™ airflow mode, offering better humidity control.

PACKAGED HEAT PUMP

With heating, air conditioning and air-handling functions in one unit, a packaged heat pump can take care of all your home comfort needs. Trane’s XL16c high-efficiency packaged heat pump comes equipped with two-stage heating and air conditioning for maximum comfort and efficiency.

PACKAGED DUAL FUEL (EARTHWISE™ HYBRID)

A packaged dual-fuel unit has what you might call a split personality. As a heat pump, it cools and dehumidifies your house in the summer. During the spring and fall, the heat pump provides high-efficiency heating. Then, when the temperature dips well below freezing, it can provide gas heat for greater comfort. If you live where natural gas is not available, you can use propane gas as fuel.

PACKAGED GAS ELECTRIC

A packaged gas electric unit offers you electric air conditioning and gas heating. In warm weather, it’s an all-electric high-efficiency air conditioner. In cold weather, it provides warmth from natural gas or propane, giving you the best of both energy worlds. Trane’s XL16c high-efficiency gas electric packaged unit also comes equipped with two-stage heating and air conditioning for more efficient energy use.

There’s more in the air than you can easily see — all of them potential triggers for asthma and allergy attacks.

“Particulates” is a label used for particles that are really, really small. Some particulates, like hair and pollen, are visible to the naked eye. But most are only visible through a microscope: mould spores, skin flakes, bacteria, household dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and cooking smoke.

Why care about something so small? Because anyone with allergies or asthma can tell you, even if you don’t see it, you can still suffer from it. Allergens like dust, smoke and bacteria are particulates that are often .3 microns or less. At that size, they can get deep into your lungs, because they aren’t filtered well by your nose and throat.

Trane CleanEffects™ removes 99.98% of all particulates from the air inside your home.

Pleated filters are made from pleated cloth or paper that is pleated or folded in a series of small pleats, which help to increase the filter’s surface area and capture more particles. This type of filter is often used in air conditioning systems, air purifiers, and other indoor air quality devices. Filters help keep the HVAC clean so it continues to operate at peak performance. Without a filter, debris will settle onto the fan and coils which over time will restrict airflow and performance. Pleated filters are one of the most popular types of filters on the market because they can trap a large amount of particles and keep them from contaminating your home.

A programmable thermostat is a central control panel for your heating and cooling system. It allows you to program the temperature of your home to fit your lifestyle and save energy. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), you can save up to 10% on your heating and cooling bills by setting the temperature 7°-10°F above or below its normal setting when you’re away from home.

Programmable thermostats offer many benefits for homeowners: 

Improved comfort: Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures for specific times so that your home is always at a comfortable level, without adjusting it manually. 
Lower energy bills: By setting back or raising the temperature during certain times of the day, programmable thermostats can help reduce energy costs by up to 10%.
Maintenance reminders: Many programmable thermostats will also display a notification when it’s time to change the filter or schedule maintenance.

R-22 refrigerant is one specific type of refrigerant, known as a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant. Refrigerant is the main chemical your HVAC system uses to cool your home. It’s also known as R-22 Freon™ and HCFC-22 Freon™. Generally speaking, refrigerants run through your air conditioner or heat pump, and they continuously absorb and release heat to cool your home.

R-32 refrigerant, also known as difluoromethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with a low global warming potential (GWP). It also has a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). R-32 is considered to be a more sustainable alternative to older refrigerants such as R-22 and R-410A, which have a high GWP level. Federal mandates require high-GWP refrigerants to be phased out.

R-410A refrigerant is a blend of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compounds R-32 and R-125. It has been used as a replacement for R-22 (commonly known as Freon®). The United States and the European Union have prohibited the use of R-22 in the manufacture of new air conditioning units since January 1st, 2010.

In a nutshell, refrigerant is a fluid that runs through the refrigerant lines of your HVAC system to cool warm air. The refrigerant changes from liquid to gas during this process. The refrigerant gas is then condensed to a liquid to start the cycle again.

Refrigerants have traditionally contained hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. As scientific research has shed light on the damage HCFCs can do to our ozone layer, stricter environmental regulations mean older refrigerants such as R-22 (also known as Freon or HCFC-22) were phased out and replaced by HFC R-410A. HFCs are now being phased down under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 because they have higher global warming potential (GWP) levels.

Refrigerant is a chemical cooling agent used in air conditioners and heat pump to transfer heat from one area to another. Different types of refrigerants have different properties and capabilities, and it’s important to be aware of any applicable regulations before using them. Refrigerant runs through several components in an HVAC system, collecting and transferring heat energy as it goes.

During your HVAC system’s heat exchange cycle, refrigerant changes state from liquid to gas and back again. This allows refrigerants to absorb heat energy and transfer it away from the refrigerated space, cooling it down in the process. Refrigerants can be divided into three main categories: CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

Refrigerant lines allow refrigerant to flow between the outdoor and indoor units, which makes it possible for the condenser and coils to transport and displace heat from your home. These insulated copper lines are an essential part of any cooling system. There are two types of refrigerant lines: liquid and gas. The liquid refrigerant line transports coolant between the condenser and coils, while the gas refrigerant line carries refrigerant gas.

The refrigerant cycle is the circuit that refrigerant makes through your system’s refrigerant lines and through the heat transfer process to cool your home. Successful completion of the refrigerant cycle is crucial to your comfort in the hotter months. It’s important to note that the refrigerant cycle removes heat from your home, therefore making it feel cooler.

HVAC remote access lets you control your HVAC system in real-time from anywhere, at any time. When your system is equipped with a smart thermostat (aka Wi-Fi thermostat), you can access your system remotely via your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. It’s like a long-distance remote control.

A compressor is a piece of machinery inside your hvac unit that compresses gaseous refrigerant so that it can pass through your refrigerant coil and be sent into your home to cool the air. A scroll compressor is a type of compressor that uses two interlaced spiral metal pieces (or scrolls) instead of pistons to compress the refrigerant.

The scroll compressor works by using a pair of scroll-shaped elements, with one scroll orbiting within the other scroll. As the outer scroll rotates, it draws in the gas and compresses it as it moves inward. This action creates pressure on the gas, thus resulting in increased temperature.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.

During normal operation, your heating and cooling system cycles on when it gets a signal from the thermostat to start warming things up or cooling things down. It cycles off when the set temperature is reached.

A properly sized and operating system may only run for 3 to 5 minutes and be off for hours in mild conditions, or it may run for several hours with very short off cycles on hot days. The system cycling rates are based on the thermostat “cycles per hour” setting alongside the thermostat requested capacity (load value)

AC short cycling is an abnormal cycle, where your air conditioner or heat pump turns on and off much more frequently. We enforce a minimum run time of 3 minutes and a min off time of 5 minutes with compressor operation. The shortest cycle would be 7 minutes. This extreme short cycling is not possible unless there is a system issue (which means a hot house).

Single-stage heating refers to a furnace or other heating unit that has one level of heat output, regardless of the temperature outside. This is different from some other systems that have more than one speed and can operate on a high stage or a lower stage depending on how much heating is needed to keep your home comfortable.

HVAC sizing is the calculation that HVAC contractors use to determine the proper air conditioner, heat pump, and furnace combination you need to heat and cool your home. For optimal comfort and efficiency, you need a system with the capacity to get the job done, but not too much or too little capacity.

Smart homes are homes that have communicating technology that homeowners can access via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This technology allows homeowners to monitor temperature, manage energy usage, and, in some cases, even control security features like locks and cameras within the home.

A smart thermostat, or Wi-Fi thermostat, is a thermostat that can be controlled by a phone, tablet, smart speaker, or another internet-connected device. Generally, they will also allow you to incorporate them into home automation systems. Smart thermostats also allow you to schedule your desired temperature so that you can find your perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

Some smart thermostats can even learn your temperature preferences and automatically set a schedule. In addition, some smart thermostats have geofencing, which uses GPS or RFID to trigger the thermostat to start heating or cooling to your preferred temperature when you’re close to home.

Our all-aluminum outdoor coil that features the patented Spine Fin™ design.

Our exclusive patented Spine Fin™ all-aluminum outdoor coil provides greater heat-exchanging capabilities (meaning higher efficiencies) and is more resistant to corrosion than a traditional copper/aluminum coil.

A split system is a type of split air conditioner that separates the system into an indoor and outdoor component. Split system air conditioners may be paired with a furnace or an air handler. Residents in cooler areas such as the more northern states often include a gas furnace as part of their split system setup.

Internal components for split systems can be located anywhere they’re protected from the elements, including attics and basements. Outdoor elements are often placed on the side of the building in a location with sufficient ventilation. Split systems are a popular choice for many people as they offer efficient heating and cooling, while also allowing you to customize your split system according to your individual needs.

At its simplest, a thermostat is a control device that regulates the temperature. In your home, it controls your home’s heating and cooling system, signaling when to begin heating or cooling your home based on the desired temperature. It’s usually located on an interior wall near the center of the home.

A thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is a small HVAC part that plays a big role in air conditioning systems and heat pump systems. This valve regulates the flow of refrigerant entering the evaporator in the refrigeration cycle. An outdoor AC unit will have one TXV, but a heat pump may have two – one each for the cooling and heating cycles.

The term HVAC tonnage relates specifically to your HVAC cooling system. A ton in HVAC terms refers not to the weight of your central air conditioner or heat pump but to its cooling capacity.

Two-stage cooling is an HVAC technology where an air conditioner or heat pump uses a two-level compressor. It runs on a low setting (about 65% capacity) for mild days and switches to a high setting (100% capacity) for extreme heat, providing better energy savings, longer cycles, and improved humidity control than single-stage systems.

Two-stage heating means your unit functions at two levels of heating output, depending on the temperature. Two-stage heating is an energy-saving feature found in many furnaces and heating units. It’s designed to work two ways: in colder weather, the two-stage heating system typically runs at high output, working hard to keep your home warm and comfortable; on milder days, the two-stage system can run at a lower output for greater efficiency.

This two-part system maximizes your energy savings, as you won’t be paying to heat your home to an unnecessarily high temperature on milder days.

The term upflow in HVAC terms refers to how the air flows from a gas furnace into your ductwork.

UV stands for ultraviolet light. UV lights have been used for years to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi such as mold. UV lights in an HVAC system are an add-on feature to help improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and prevent mold growth on your air conditioner or heat pump system’s evaporator coil.

There are three types of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are the UV rays that can cause skin cancer and sunburn. Short-wave UVC rays can kill microorganisms by penetrating their cellular walls and destroying both nucleic acid and DNA, which effectively deactivates bacteria, viruses, and mold.

UVC rays are also not safe for human exposure. Since HVAC UV lights are UVC lights, technicians must take special precautions to turn off the light before servicing the unit.

A variable-speed motor enables your HVAC system to operate at different speeds depending on the situation. This allows for greater control and efficiency over the temperature in your home, which can save you money on your energy bills and make it easier to keep your home comfortable all year round. A variable-speed motor also helps to reduce wear and tear on other components of your HVAC system, resulting in a longer lifespan for your system.

A warranty is a promise from a maker or seller. They promise to fix or replace a product if it breaks or has a defect within a set time.

Trane Base Limited Warranty

• Cost: Free with purchase.
• Duration: Typically 5 years on most functional parts.
• What it covers: Free replacement parts if a component breaks down due to manufacturing defects.

Trane Registered Limited Warranty

• Cost: Free, but requires action.
• How to get it: You must register the equipment’s serial number on the Trane Warranty Registration Platform within 60 days of installation.
• Duration & Coverage Boost: This significantly extends your free parts coverage:
  • Parts & Coils: Extended from 5 years to 10 years.
  • Compressors: Extended to 10 to 12 years depending on the specific AC model.
  • Heat Exchangers (Furnaces): Extended to 20 years or a Lifetime warranty on premium models.

Trane Extended Warranty / Service Agreement

• Cost: Paid extra, typically ranging between $600 and $1,200 depending on the system size.
• How to buy it: Purchased directly through your local independent Trane Dealer. It can be purchased at the time of installation or anytime within the first two years of operation.
• Duration: Sold in increments of 5, 10, or 12 years.
• What it covers: This covers both parts AND labor. It completely fills the financial gap left by the manufacturer’s warranty, protecting you from sudden repair bills.
• Resale Perks: Unlike standard options, these contracts are fully transferable to the next homeowner if you decide to sell your property, which adds tangible value to home buyers.

A zone damper is a movable metal plate or valve inside your heating and cooling ductwork. It opens and closes to control airflow to specific rooms or areas (called “zones”) in your house.

How It Works

• Thermostat Signals: Each zone in your home has its own thermostat.
• Damper Moves: When a specific zone needs heating or cooling, its thermostat sends a signal to a small motor attached to the damper.
• Airflow Control: The motor rotates the damper blade to open and let conditioned air in, or closes it to block air from going to empty rooms.

Benefits of Zone Dampers

• Energy Savings: You stop wasting money heating or cooling rooms you are not using, like guest bedrooms or a basement.
• Temperature Balance: It fixes the common problem where the upstairs is boiling hot while the downstairs is freezing cold.
• Custom Comfort: Family members can set different temperatures in different sections of the house.

Zoning systems split your home into various zones so that they can be either heated or cooled separately. Each zone is controlled by its own smart thermostat, so you can adjust the temperature in each area independently. This allows you to save energy by only heating or cooling the areas of your home that need it at any given time.

There are several types of zoning systems available on the market today. The most common type is a ducted zoning system, which uses multiple HVAC dampers in your existing ductwork to control airflow into each zone. Other options include zoning systems that use zoning panels, zoning controllers and zoning valves.