2024 HVAC Pricing & Installation Costs - Buying Guide - Trane® (2024)

FAQs

How much should a Trane air conditioner cost? ›

A basic Trane AC unit with installation costs between $3,200 and $6,500. However, the national average cost of a Trane central air conditioner plus installation can be between $5,400 and $20,000, depending on the model you order and its features.

On average, good-quality systems last between 10 and 15 years and even longer if they are well maintained. Of the two brands, Trane lasts longer than Carrier. Some users say Trane systems last a minimum of 15 to 20 years, which can be a significant benefit that compensates for their higher cost.

If your unit is under warranty, an AC compressor replacement can cost $600 to $1,200. If it's not under warranty the replacement can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $2,500, according to data collected by Home Guide with 9 AC repair companies, reviewed on Oct.

How you treat your unit and how often you use it highly alters how long it resides in your home. Generally, a Trane AC unit lasts 15-20 years, given the wear and tear it experiences.

RunTru systems have all the reliable Trane parts on the inside. The only difference is, they have less high-end feature options that a typical Trane would have.

The Lifestory Research 2022 America's Most Trusted® HVAC System Study found that the most trusted brand among people considering the purchase of an HVAC System brand was Trane. Trane produced the highest score and rank on the Net Trust Quotient Score among recognized HVAC System brands in the study.

Even though the Trane has a quieter system, both brands use similar technology in terms of inverter driven compressors, so Lennox is not far behind. This type of technology not only creates quieter operations, but provides higher levels of comfort regarding consistent temperatures and lower humidity levels.

The type of HVAC system chosen for installation is one of the main factors that affects the overall cost. Portable AC units are typically the cheapest option, with prices starting as low as $200. On the other hand, geothermal heat pump systems are the most expensive, with average costs ranging from $10,000 to $35,000.

The SEER Sweet Spot

But at least for most homeowners, especially those who live in warmer climates, there seems to be a SEER rating sweet spot. And that rating is (drumroll please) … 17 or 18 SEER. For the warm-climate states, the federal minimum is 14 SEER, and for some homes, this is a perfectly reasonable choice.

Is it cheaper to replace a compressor or whole unit? ›

If the compressor is not under warranty, you may still choose to replace it. However, you should probably opt to replace the entire outdoor unit at the same time. In most cases, this will cost only marginally more than replacing an out-of-warranty compressor alone. Which brings us to our main point: a full replacement.

How much you can save with a new AC unit will depend on your old unit, the replacement model, how much you use your air conditioning, and the cost of electricity where you live. Estimates vary from 10% to 50% savings on your air conditioning costs per year.

In general, Trane air conditioners come with a limited warranty that covers the compressor and outdoor coil for five years and the remaining covered components for one year from the date of installation.

Trane receives consistent recognition as America's Most Trusted® HVAC Brand because we provide high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems our customers have come to love. And we back up our quality products with a consistent focus on customer satisfaction and support.

Central AC Installation Costs by Size

Installation cost ranges from $2,500 to $3,500. 2 Tons (24,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet. Installation cost ranges from $2,800 to $4,000. 2.5 Tons (30,000 BTUs): Suitable for homes ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 square feet.

However, industry standards and recommendations suggest considering replacement when your air conditioner reaches the 15 to 20-year mark. At this stage, the cost of repairs and declining efficiency may make investing in a new, energy-efficient unit more cost-effective.

The recommended capacity for a home that is 1,201 to 1,500 square feet is 2.5 tons. For a home 1,501 to 1,800, the recommended capacity is 3 tons. For a 2,000 square-foot home, the best AC capacity is 3.5 tons. Since larger homes are costlier to cool, you'll need a 5-ton unit to cool a 3,000 square-foot home.