Goodman and Trane are two brands that have dominated the HVAC industry for years. Along with Lennox and Carrier, they are the most popular options for American homeowners. But as you may have noticed in your research, the Goodman and Trane units have different price points, with the latter being more expensive.
Why is this? What is the difference between Trane and Goodman systems? To help you decide which brand is best for your home, below we dive deep into Trane and Goodman HVAC equipment and illustrate whether Trane systems are worth the higher price tag.
Table of contents
energy efficiency
Key Features
quality of compressors
The Verdict: Is Trane Worth the Higher Price?
Overview of Goodman & Trane HVAC systems
First we should say that both Goodman and Trane make high quality, industry leading HVAC systems. So if you choose either of the two, you will get a good HVAC unit to heat and cool your home. We made our comparison of the two brands by looking at the following aspects:
- energy efficiency
- Key Features
- quality of compressors
- Guarantees and Price
By the end of this article you will have a good idea of which brand is best for your home and we will give you a definitive answer as to whether Trane models are worth the extra cost! (Related:)
Comparison of Goodman and Trane HVAC systems
energy efficiency
One of the first and most important metrics to think about before deciding on an HVAC system is the energy efficiency of the unit. Fortunately, there's an easy way for you to determine this.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is the industry standard measure of how energy efficient an HVAC system is. In the year 2005, prescribed by the governmentthat all HVAC units must have a minimum SEER of thirteen to improve energy efficiency across the sector. Today, the industry uses a simple level system to describe the energy efficiency of HVAC units:
basic service –13-15
Better performance -16-19
Best Performance -20-24
Goodman and Trane have different units within each tier, as you can see from the table below:
Goodman GSX16
Trane XV20i
level | Make & Model | MAGIC |
|---|---|---|
basic service | Goodman GSX16 Tears XR14 | 16 MAGIC 16 MAGIC |
Better performance | Goodman GSXC 18 Trane XV18 | 19 MAGIC 18 MAGIC |
best performance | Goodman GSXC20 Trane XV20i | 24.5 MAGIC 22 SEHER |
Goodman outperforms Trane in terms of energy efficiency in the better and best power levels. So if you choose a Goodman model, you're likely to save money in the long run while also helping the environment.
The winner: Gutman
Key Features
Another important consideration when choosing an HVAC system is the various features that each unit offers. Let's see how Trane and Goodman fare in this regard:
Intelligent operation:Goodman systems in the better and best levels are designed to communicate with ComfortBridge control systems. This means you can monitor and manage your HVAC system remotely, provided you are connected to the internet. On the other hand, Trane integrates ComfortLink II technology into its top-of-the-line models, which means they are Nexia compatible. The fact that you can remotely control both Goodman and Train systems will help you save on energy costs in the long run.
Variable fan:Inside your AC unit, a variable fan is the component responsible for accelerating and decelerating to achieve your required performance. A variable fan, widely considered an integral part, allows your system to run quieter at a lower capacity. Trane and Goodman build variable speed condenser fans into their systems so you can easily adjust the speed at which the system operates.
Energy Star Certification:In addition to SEER, choose one Energy Star certifiedunit is another excellent way to save money, at least from an energy efficiency standpoint. Energy Star models can save you anywhere in between 10% and 50% of the energy, depending on the device. Several units in the Goodman and Trane range are Energy Star certified, so if energy efficiency is important to you, it's worth seeking certification. While you may pay more when you install it, you will definitely see savings in the future.
As for key features, it's difficult to separate Trane and Goodman. As you've probably guessed, HVAC units are feature richer in the better and best tiers, so you can't expect that much from a base model.
The winner: draw
quality of compressors
One of the most important components of an HVAC system is its compressor. There are three types of compressors you will find:
single stage
two-stage
- Variable level
Typically, cheaper and smaller models use a single-stage compressor, while mid-range units tend to be two-stage. Variable stage compressors are usually reserved for top-of-the-line air conditioners because they offer the highest level of control.
Trane really excels with their compressor. The lowest capacity model is the XV20i at 30%, which modulates in 1% increments and has a total of 700 speeds. In other words, you can effortlessly control your system and adapt its performance to your heating and cooling needs.
Goodman's GVXC20 is also equipped with a variable scroll compressor that runs from 0% to 100% depending on heating and cooling needs. However, they do not specify the increments at which the system modulates.
Overall, Trane has built its reputation on the quality of its compressors and the option to modulate the system in 1% increments is extremely attractive. As such, we think Trane comes just short of Goodman in this regard.
The winner: Trane
Guarantees & Price
Finally, it's important to consider the price and associated warranties that come with any HVAC purchase. You must read the warranty terms carefully as it is important to know what is and is not covered if something goes wrong with your device.
But first, how much can you expect to pay for an HVAC system? Home Advisor tells us that the average costof HVAC units installed in the United States is $7,000. However, there are many variables to consider, including:
The removal of your current HVAC system
The cost of labor in your area
The type of HVAC unit you choose
Transport the system to your home
Trane HVAC systems are typically available between $5,800 and $10,800, depending on the model. However, if you want an XL or XV model, you'll have to pay around $14,000 to install it.
Conversely, most Goodman models are available between $3,100 and $4,275Set up. Again, you'll have to pay more for their top-of-the-line HVAC systems - somewhere in the $7,500 region. As you can see there is a significant price difference between Trane and Goodman systems. But what about the guarantees?
Goodman offers all customers a 10-year equipment replacement warranty and a 10-year parts warranty. You must register your warranty within 60 days and they will take care of the rest. Trane offers exactly the same warranty as Goodman. However, if you fit an XL or XV model, the warranty is extended by two years.
Given the huge price difference between the two brands and the fact that both offer similar features, energy efficiency and compressors, we have to give Goodman the win!
The winner: Gutman
The Verdict: Is Trane Worth the Higher Price?
There are so many things to consider when choosing an HVAC system, but price is very often the most important factor for many homeowners. Given our detailed comparison between the two brands, we have to say that Goodman is an excellent alternative to Trane and many of their units are half the price.
Ultimately, this leads us to conclude that the Trane probably isn't worth the higher price tag, as you can opt for a Goodman unit that offers a similar set of features for a fraction of the cost. But the decision is yours! If you've had a Trane system in the past and haven't had any problems, then there's nothing stopping you from sticking with what you know.