Grandaire Vs. Trane: Which Is Better?

by HVAC Contributor June 19, 2023, 10:00 am 3.1k Views

Choosing between Grandaire and Trane air conditioners can be a challenging decision. It’s essential to find an AC system that fits your budget and meets your specific needs. While Trane has a longer history, it doesn’t necessarily make it superior to Grandaire. In this article, we aim to help you make an informed choice by comparing these two brands.

The first noticeable difference between Grandaire and Trane is the price. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers durability, Grandaire is the way to go. On the other hand, Trane may be more expensive but provides a robust and long-lasting air conditioner. Additionally, Trane offers favorable warranty options, which should be taken into consideration.

Throughout this article, we will explore the available units from both Grandaire and Trane, their pricing, and other essential factors to help you make an informed decision.

Grandaire And Trane Reviews

Grandaire currently stands out as the best-value manufacturer of air conditioning and heating systems. Their HVAC systems are crafted with high-quality components, focusing on functionality rather than unnecessary features found in more expensive brands. Grandaire operates under the management of Baker Distributing Company, a fully-owned subsidiary of Watsco Inc. In 2009, Watsco Inc. and Carrier Corporation partnered to create a joint project known as CARRIER Enterprise LLC.

Trane, on the other hand, has a rich history that dates back to 1885 when it began as a family plumbing business in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Founded by James Trane and his son Reuben, Trane introduced its first groundbreaking patent appliance—a low-pressure type steam heating system. In 1984, American Standard Companies, Inc. became the parent company of Trane, which later established the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Brand. In 2008, Trane was acquired by Ingersoll Rand, leading to its evolution into a multi-brand commercial producer serving international markets.

Air Conditioner Quality

The quality of an air conditioner is a crucial consideration when making a purchase. Grandaire offers air conditioners with a decent Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating and holds an ENERGY STAR certification. As a partner of Watsco Incorporated, Grandaire provides a range of models with SEER ratings from 13 to 16.

Trane, on the other hand, offers a wide range of SEER values in its air conditioners. While modern units typically have SEER ratings between 13 and 21, Trane’s minimum SEER rating is 13. Their air conditioners can reach SEER ratings ranging from 14.5 to 22. It’s important to note that Trane emphasizes that the efficiency of their air conditioning systems depends on factors such as home size and ductwork.

Best Features Of Both Brands

Grandaire’s split system air conditioner, exemplified by model WCA34, is remarkably energy-efficient. Its fan speed operates at around 1,100 RPM, maximizing power without sacrificing energy efficiency. The split system register grill also incorporates an additional safety measure, while the outer cabinet cover is made of steel. Grandaire systems use the eco-friendly refrigerant R410A.

Trane’s air conditioner units, although not the most energy-efficient or quiet models available, are renowned for their durability. Trane subjects its heating and cooling systems to extensive testing to ensure excellent quality. For instance, the XV18 TruComfort™ operates at a variable speed and produces noise levels ranging from 55 to 75 decibels. Trane claims that the XV18 model can save up to 44% of power usage annually.

Availability Of Air Conditioner Units

Grandaire offers a straightforward range of air conditioner units. The company aims to maintain simplicity while providing decent air conditioner models. They offer four distinct models:

WCA3 model
WCA4 model
WCA5 model
WCA6 model

Trane, being a global HVAC icon, offers a diverse selection of top-of-the-line air conditioner models. These models come with different features and capabilities, catering to your desired comfort levels. Some of the best Trane AC models available include:

XR13 model
XR14 model
XR16 model
XL16i model
XR16 Low model
XR17 model
XV18 model
XL18i model
XV20i model

Average Prices Per Brand

Grandaire air conditioners are primarily intended for key regions in the United States. They offer a range of 13 to 16 SEER AC units with varying BTU output capacities. Grandaire provides comprehensive products at reasonable prices, although installation costs may be slightly higher than average. Here are the average prices of Grandaire’s air conditioner units (excluding installation):

WCA3 model: $1,590 – $1,890
WCA4 model: $1,650 – $1,950
WCA5 model: $1,780 – $2,200
WCA6 model: $2,180 – $2,660

The average prices of Grandaire’s air conditioner units, including installation, are as follows:

WCA3 model: $3,590 – $3,890
WCA4 model: $3,650 – $3,950
WCA5 model: $3,780 – $4,200
WCA6 model: $4,180 – $4,660

Please note that the actual unit and installation costs may vary depending on your local market.

Trane, as a well-established HVAC company with expertise in humidity control, heating, and cooling, offers a range of cooling and heating equipment options at different price points. Considering Trane’s reputation as a high-end air conditioning system brand, their prices tend to be higher. Here are the average prices of Trane’s air conditioner units (without installation costs):

XR14 model: $2,250
XR16 model: $2,452
XL16i model: $2,650
XR17 model: $2,850
XV18 model: $3,215
XL18i model: $3,550

The average prices of Trane’s air conditioner units, including installation, are as follows:

XR14 model: $4,800 – $6,800
XR16 model: $6,000 – $8,000
XL16i model: $6,000 – $8,400
XR17 model: $6,000 – $8,400
XV18 model: $6,300 – $8,750
XL18i model: $7,200 – $10,000

Please note that the total price of your Trane AC units will depend on the tonnage size.

AC Unit Lifespan

Grandaire air conditioning systems are designed to be long-lasting, with the outdoor units featuring steel casing covers for added durability. Being a subsidiary of Carrier, Grandaire units are expected to last approximately 15 to 20 years under normal usage conditions.

Similarly, Trane air conditioners also have an expected lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. However, various factors such as environmental conditions, usage patterns, and maintenance practices can affect the actual lifespan of the unit.

Warranty Offers

Grandaire offers a straightforward warranty package with specific coverage, including:

1-year advantage replacement for Grandaire products
10-year limited warranty for parts
10-year limited warranty for compressors

Trane systems come with a basic 10-year limited warranty that covers specific parts but not labor. However, certain models like XL and XV include an additional 12-year warranty for compressors.

If you plan to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your Trane warranty rights to the new owner. The warranty transfer process needs to be completed within 90 days, along with a one-time fee of $99. It’s important to note that warranty transfers are only applicable to products registered after August 1, 2011. Any products registered before this date will not be eligible for transfer.

Most Reliable HVAC Brands

In addition to Grandaire and Trane, there are several other reliable HVAC brands in the market. These brands are known for their quality and dependability. Some of the most reliable HVAC brands, aside from Grandaire and Trane, include:

Carrier
Bryant
Goodman
Lennox
Rheem
American Standard
York
Frigidaire
Amana
Coleman

Conclusion

Selecting an air conditioner requires careful consideration. While brand reputation is important, it’s essential to assess the distinctive features and functionality of the units. This post has provided a wealth of information about Grandaire and Trane air conditioners, including their best features. Additionally, we have shared the average unit prices for both brands, with and without installation costs.