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Carrier Vs. Trane: Which Air Conditioner Is Better?

Carrier and Trane are two brands that dominate the air conditioning industry. Consumers often have difficulty deciding whether the Carrier brand makes better air conditioners or whether it is better to purchase a Trane air conditioner.

When comparing Carrier and Trane Air conditioners, Carrier is better in terms of its humidity control, high SEER ratings, and affordable replacement parts. However, the Trane air conditioner is better in terms of having a more extended warranty, nationwide availability, and smart features.

Given the status of the Carrier and Trane brands, it’s easy to wonder which air conditioner is better. Let’s explore the differences and similarities between Carrier and Trane air conditioners to determine which air conditioner is better.

Differences Between Carrier And Trane Air Conditioners

There are a few differences between Carrier and Train air conditioners, which make them better in different respects. Here are a few differences between Carrier and Trane air conditioners which can serve as guidelines to determine which air conditioner is better.

Carrier Vs. Trane Air Conditioner Installation

Installation is a crucial aspect of air conditioner functionality. Both Carrier and Trane have specifications when it comes to the installation process. 

The difference between these brands is that Trane only has specifications for installation but allows independent contractors to install the air conditioner units. In contrast, Carrier has an advanced minimum certification required for its installers. Nonetheless, both Carrier and Trane offer premium installation of their air conditioners which is done through certified installers.

Carrier Vs. Trane Air Conditioner Warranty 

Carrier air conditioners have a 10-year warranty. However, the warranty does not include cover for labor or ordinary wear and tear. Furthermore, one must register the air conditioner within 90 days of installation. Failure to register the unit within 90 days will reduce the warranty to only five years.

In this regard, Trane has a much better general warranty included in the purchase of the unit, and warranties available to be purchased separately. 

Trane offers a registered limited liability warranty. This is a 10-year warranty that applies to units that are registered within 60 days of installation. The registered limited liability warranty covers parts that fail as a result of manufacturer defects. However, the warranty does not cover the labor to repair the parts.

Additionally, Trane offers a base limited liability warranty which is a five-year warranty that is applicable to units that have been registered 60 days after installation or that aren’t registered in general. The base limited liability warranty covers parts that fail as a result of manufacturer defects. However, just like the registered limited liability, this warranty also does not cover the labor to repair the parts.

Finally, Trane offers an optional extended warranty that is available to purchase. This warranty is more beneficial than the registered and base limited liability warranties because it covers parts that fail as a result of manufacturer defects and, depending on the situation, can also cover the cost of the labor to fix the parts.

Carrier Vs. Trane Air Conditioner Humidity Control

Both Carrier and Trane air conditioners facilitate humidity control. Carrier air conditioners are equipped with Ideal Humidity System technology. This technology senses moisture and uses algorithms to adjust fan speed and compressor operation so that the humidity is removed without the indoor temperature changing.

On the other hand, Trane air conditioners are equipped with the Comfort-R humidity control process, which enhances indoor humidity control. The air conditioners can adjust their output to ensure that they produce the precise amount of conditioned air required to optimize comfort.

While both brands have humidity controls that can improve humidity, the Carrier humidity technology is elite because it pulls humidity out of indoor air but does not overcool the air.

Carrier Vs. Trane Air Conditioner Availability

Carrier air conditioners are available nationwide. However, to validate the warranty, you must purchase your air conditioner from a Carrier expert and certified dealer.

Similarly, Trane air conditioners are found at various dealers, selling its units and parts throughout the United States at more distributors than Carrier without needing to validate the warranty. This makes Trane a convenient brand of choice because you will be able to easily find replacement parts if your air conditioner runs into issues.

Carrier Vs. Trane Cost Of Replacing Air Conditioner Parts

While Carrier and Trane are reputable brands, their air conditioners are not exempt from breaking down. Carrier parts are typically affordable to replace and can be found at most suppliers nationwide.

Purchasing Trane replacement parts can be expensive, with some suppliers only selling the common AC parts. Therefore, in relation to replacing parts of the air conditioner, Carrier’s products are a cheaper option.

Carrier Vs. Trane Air Conditioner Maintenance

Proper maintenance of an air conditioner can prevent frequent replacement of the air conditioner’s parts. The air conditioner’s coils play a pertinent role in maintaining an air conditioner.

Carrier air conditioners’ coils tend to be vulnerable and wear out faster than Trane’s coils, making Trane’s air conditioners a better option in terms of long-term expenditure on maintaining your air conditioner.

Carrier Vs. Trane SEER Ratings

SEER ratings are the seasonal energy efficiency ratio that measures air conditioning to determine the maximum efficiency of the air conditioner. The SEER rating of air conditioners differs per unit based on the features of the air conditioner.

Carrier air conditioners have SEER ratings that range from 13 SEER to 26 SEER. Trane air conditioners’ SEER ratings range from 14.5 to 22 SEER. Therefore, in terms of SEER ratings, Carrier is superior.

Carrier Vs. Trane Air Conditioners Smart Features

Carrier and Trane air conditioners are equipped with various smart features with innovative technology, and touch screen thermostats. 

In terms of home control, Carrier has Wi-Fi on all its air conditioners and is compatible with certain smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa. Carrier has a smart air conditioner app connected with open cloud service. It allows one to control the air conditioner remotely and even has a sleep curve function to optimize the air while sleeping.

Similarly, Trane has the Trane Smart Home app, which allows one to connect their smart comfort system to the Trane app to adjust the temperature and monitor HVAC usage remotely. In relation to smart features, Trane’s air conditioners are superior because they can connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Similarities Between Carrier And Trane Air Conditioners

As competitors, it’s natural that Carrier and Trane air conditioners have many similarities. Here are a few similarities between Carrier And Trane air conditioners.

Carrier And Trane Air Conditioner Prices

Since Carrier and Trane are competitors in the air conditioning market, their prices are typically equal or similar. The exception will be when one brand has an air conditioner feature that the other brand does not offer in any of its air conditioner units. In this instance, the unique feature of the air conditioner will cause the price to be higher.

Carrier And Trane Air Conditioners Are Durable 

Carrier and Trane air conditioners are considered durable products that last around ten years when properly maintained.

Carrier And. Trane Air Conditioner Variable Fan

Carrier and Trane air conditioners both have variable fans that regulate the air conditioner’s output. The variable fans slow down and speed up the unit’s output while operating silently.

Carrier And Trane Air Conditioners Are Quiet

When it comes to noise, Carrier and Trane air conditioners are insulated to minimize noise, making both brands equally quiet when operating.

Carrier And Trane Energy Efficiency

Air conditioners are notorious for racking up the electricity bill. Therefore, choosing an air conditioner that requires less electricity will be valuable in ensuring your home stays cool while your electricity bill stays low. The energy efficiency of an air conditioner will differ depending on the model. Both brands are known for having high Energy Efficiency Rating, typically in the range of 25-40% energy savings.

Conclusion

Carrier and Trane air conditioners are similar in that they are both durable, quiet, and energy efficient. They are similarly priced and have variable fans regulating the air conditioner’s output. 

Carrier air conditioners are best in terms of their installation requirements, humidity technology, availability of replacement parts, and SEER ratings. On the other hand, Trane air conditioners are the best in terms of their warranty options, nationwide availability, maintenance requirements, and smart features.

The better air conditioner will depend on which of the factors mentioned above are most important to you when choosing an air conditioner.