Heat pumps save electricity, as much as 30%-40%, some experts say. In today’s economy, savings like that is well worth it to many consumers. But it’s important for consumers to choose the right heat pump, as well as the right installer, to maximize efficiency.
Trane XL20i—Most Efficient Heat Pump
The XL20i is designed to maintain a perfect temperature in your home—cool in the summer, warm in the winter. This is achieved by using Comfort-R™ technology, which forces the fan to a slower speed at start-up to keep the humidity in your home at the perfect level.
Rated 19.00 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, the Trane XL20i meets Energy Star requirements and is considered among the most efficient heat pumps in the industry. In addition to its revolutionary Comfort-R™ technology, the XL20i has a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor of 9.0, which means a higher output of BTU over a typical winter season than an average heat pump.
Thanks to its ComfortLink II Communication Capability module, the XL20i is like no other heat pump. The communication device allows each of the unit’s parts to speak to each other, keeping components calibrated and automatically charged at all times. A separate telephone module can also be installed, allowing you to control your device from your smart phone.
One of the most important features of the XL20i is the unit’s two-compressor design. One compressor keeps your home cool in mild weather, while the other compressor is for extremely hot days. Why force your unit to work overtime when it doesn’t have to? This feature not only saves money, it will help your heat pump last for many years.
The XL20i also has ChargeAssist™, which automatically charges your unit as needed, making it more efficient. In addition to the ComfortLink II technology, this makes your system self-sufficient in a way you’ve never seen before.
Trane XL15i—Quiet as a Mouse
For many consumers, efficiency isn’t the only consideration when searching for a new heating and air conditioning unit. Those consumers might like the Trane XL15i, which is not only among the most efficient heat pumps on the market, but also so quiet, you won’t even know it’s running. This is thanks to the fully insulated Climatuff® compressor. The top of the XL15i is coated with WeatherGuard II™, which will protect your unit against rain and snow over the years, ensuring durability for many years to come. The XL15i’s fasteners are coated with WeatherGuard as well, helping protect against rust and corrosion.
The XL15i also includes louvered panels made from galvanized steel on all sides, with baked on powdered finish that helps prevent rust. With an electronic defrost that activates on demand, your unit will defrost only when necessary, preventing excessive wear on your unit’s electronic components.
The shining feature of the XL15i, however, is the uniquely mounted integrated fan system, which promotes better airflow. The mounting design also provides a quieter performance, which brings much-needed peace and quiet to your household. The compressor is also insulated, keeping that part of operation quiet, as well.
XR15—Tax-Credit Eligible
When the government announced federal tax credits for families switching to energy efficient appliances, consumers began searching for units that met requirements. The Trane XR15 is SEER rated 16.50, which not only falls within the requirements for the tax credit, it provides efficient operation, lowering your electric bills and benefiting the environment.
With the XR15, you’ll get Trane’s ClimaTuff® compressor, along with a DuraTuff™ base pan, which is made from composite instead of metal to protect against corrosion and rust. The XR15 uses R-410A coolant, along with other energy-efficient components, making it safer for the environment.
Not only is this unit lower priced, it makes your family eligible for the Energy Star tax credit. In today’s economy, this is a welcome feature on any major purchase, but you’ll also have the comfort of knowing your unit will not need replacing for many years. The lower price is due to the XR15 missing a few features of the higher-priced units, including the two-stage operation available on units of higher efficiency. Weigh the average monthly cost-saving benefits of these features against your cost savings at purchase to determine if this is the right unit for you.
XB14—Cost-saving efficiency at a low price
You’ll be impressed with the low price of the XB14, but you’ll really be impressed by the cost savings. While XB14 lacks some of the efficiency features of higher-end models, it still qualifies for the federal tax credits, thanks to a 15.00 SEER rating and 8.5 HSPF. This also makes it a good choice for comfort and efficiency, reducing your energy bill each month and saving your family budget.
With the DuraTuff™ base pan to protect against rust and WeatherGuard™ fasteners to protect against the elements, the XB14 has many features of the higher-end models at a fraction of the cost. However, you will sacrifice some of the features that enhance efficiency, such as the dual-stage operation, are not provided on the XB14, but the lower price at purchase may make up the reduction in savings on your monthly energy bill. Run the numbers to choose the model that is best for your family budget.
On all Trane units, optional Trane CleanEffects™ is available. This purification unit will help remove allergens from your home, letting your family breathe better and making housekeeping easier. According to Trane, CleanEffects ™ purifies the air in your home up to 100 times more efficiently than a standard 1” filter. The CleanEffects™ filter traps large particles between layers in the pre-filter, extending the time between cleanings of your unit, as well as cleansing the air you breathe.
Trane backs all of its products with extended warranties, which vary depending on the model you choose. With nearly a full century of providing quality products to consumers, Trane is the leader in the heating and cooling industry, providing units to both businesses and residents around the globe. In recent years, Trane has dedicated itself to providing units that are better for the environment, helping ensure our planet is safe for many years to come.