Heil Vs. Trane Air Conditioners: Which Brand Is Better?

Air conditioners are a crucial appliance for any home, especially in hotter climates. With summer temperatures rising, you’ll want an AC unit that’s reliable, efficient, and reasonably priced.

Two of the biggest names in air conditioning are Heil and Trane, but which brand should you choose?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Heil and Trane air conditioners to help you decide which is better for your home. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each brand, key features, efficiency ratings, warranties, prices, and more.

Let’s dive in!

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Heil	Trane
SEER Ratings	14-19 SEER	16-21 SEER
Compressors	Mainly reciprocating	Advanced scroll and variable speed
Warranty	10 years on compressor, 5 years on parts	10 years on compressor and coil, 5 years on parts
Price Range	$800 – $3500	$1200 – $6000
Reliability	Good but not stellar	Industry-leading reputation
Noise Level	66 dBA on premium models	61 dBA on advanced models
Smart Features	None	Wifi connectivity and app integration

Overview of Heil and Trane

Heil and Trane are both divisions of larger parent companies that manufacture residential HVAC systems. Here’s a quick rundown of each brand:

• Heil – Founded in 1961, Heil is currently owned by United Technologies and produces central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and other HVAC equipment. Their product line focuses on reliable, affordable systems for the average homeowner.
• Trane – Founded in 1885 as the Trane Company, their central air conditioning and heating products are now under Ingersoll Rand. Known as a premium brand, Trane focuses on high-efficiency, advanced climate control systems for residential and commercial use.

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s see how Heil and Trane air conditioners compare in terms of features, efficiency, warranties, prices, and overall value.

Air Conditioner Features

When shopping for a new AC unit, some of the main features to consider are:

• Cooling capacity – Measured in BTUs, this determines how well the AC can cool down your home. Oversizing or under-sizing capacity can decrease efficiency.
• SEER rating – Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the AC.
• Coil design – The condenser coil should be made of a corrosion-resistant material like aluminum or copper.
• Compressor type – The compressor pumps refrigerant through the AC system. Reciprocating compressors are affordable, while scroll and variable speed compressors offer better performance.
• Fan speeds – Multiple fan speeds allow more customization and potentially quieter operation.
• Sound rating – Measured in decibels, a lower sound rating means a quieter AC unit.
• Warranty – Typically 5-10 years for the compressor, the longer the better.
• Smart features – Like wi-fi connectivity and smart home integration.

Key Differences Between Heil And Trane Air Conditioners

Now let’s see how Heil and Trane compare based on these AC features:

Cooling Capacity

• Heil – Offers central AC units with cooling capacities ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons, suitable for homes up to 2000 sq ft.
• Trane – Capacities from 1.5 to 5 tons, also appropriate for homes up to 2000 sq ft.

SEER Ratings

• Heil – Their basic units start around 14 SEER, while higher tier models range from 16 to 19 SEER.
• Trane – Entry-level units start at 16 SEER, premium models range from 18 to 21 SEER.

Coil Design

• Heil – Uses aluminum fins and copper tubing in condenser coils. Quality materials for corrosion resistance.
• Trane – Also utilizes aluminum and copper in their condenser coils for durability.

Compressor Type

• Heil – Mainly uses reciprocating compressors, affordable but louder and less efficient than scroll compressors.
• Trane – Invests in advanced scroll and variable speed compressors for performance benefits.

Fan Speeds

• Heil – Offers 2 or 3 adjustable fan speeds on most AC units.
• Trane – Many models feature a variable-speed fan with expanded customization for maximum comfort.

Sound Rating

• Heil – Sound ratings range from 73 dBA on lower end models to 66 dBA on premium units.
• Trane – Slightly quieter overall, with ratings from 72 dBA on starter units down to 61 dBA on advanced models.

Warranties

• Heil – 10 years on compressor, 5 years on other parts.
• Trane – 10 years on compressor, 10 years on outdoor coil.

Smart Features

• Heil – No advanced smart features, baseline models.
• Trane – Many units can connect to wi-fi and integrate with smart home platforms using the Trane Comfort App. Remote temperature adjustment available.

To summarize, Trane air conditioners come out slightly ahead in terms of features. Their units prioritize high-efficiency components, quieter and more advanced operation, and smart connectivity. Heil units offer the basics at a more affordable price point.

Efficiency Ratings Comparison

One of the most important considerations when selecting an air conditioner is energy efficiency. The main measurement used is the SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Here’s how Heil and Trane compare:

• Heil – Their base models start around 14 SEER. Stepping up to the mid-range units typically offers 16 to 17 SEER, while high tier options go up to 19 SEER. Overall, a good range but not industry-leading efficiency.
• Trane – The starting SEER for Trane is 16 for entry level units. Mid-range choices span from 17 to 20 SEER, with premium models reaching up to 21 SEER. While not the absolute highest, Trane ACs are among the most efficient in the residential market.

So when it comes to efficiency, Trane air conditioners edge out Heil, especially at the higher tiers. Those extra SEER points translate into more energy savings for homeowners.

Warranties

The warranty terms give a good indication of the expected reliability and lifespan of the AC unit. Let’s check the warranties from each brand:

Heil

• Compressor: 10 years
• Parts: 5 years

Trane

• Compressor: 10 years
• Outdoor coil: 10 years
• Other parts: 5 years

The compressor is covered for the same 10 year period by both companies, showing confidence in the unit’s core component.

Trane separates out the coil with a longer 10 year warranty, likely due its proprietary Spine Fin coil made of refrigeration-grade copper.

Overall, Trane offers a slight edge in warranty coverage.

Pricing Differences

Air conditioner pricing can vary based on the unit size, efficiency rating, features, and where you purchase. Here is an overview of cost ranges for Heil and Trane:

Heil

• Basic units: $800 – $1200
• Mid-range units: $1500 – $2500
• High-end units: $2500 – $3500

Trane

• Entry level units: $1200 – $1800
• Mid-range units: $2500 – $4000
• Premium units: $4000 – $6000

As you’d expect, Heil air conditioners are generally more budget-friendly, with lower starting prices even for basic models. Trane ACs cost more across the board, sometimes double a comparable Heil unit.

But Trane’s higher pricing does reflect the investment in top-notch materials, compressors, and efficiency features.

Reliability Reputation

When investing in an air conditioner, you want one that will provide years of trouble-free cooling. Here’s an overview of Heil and Trane’s reputations for reliability:

• Heil – As a more affordable brand, Heil’s reputation is good but not stellar. The simpler designs are decently reliable, but longevity lags behind premium brands somewhat.
• Trane – Known for excellent reliability and durability, thanks to the high-quality components and compressors. Their units frequently run for 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

While Heil ACs should provide decent dependability for their lower price, Trane is recognized as the leader when it comes to reliability. The old saying “you get what you pay for” comes to mind here.

The higher Trane pricing buys you rock-solid construction that endures years of use.

Pros and Cons of Heil Air Conditioners

Pros

• Very affordable, budget-friendly pricing
• Good value for the cost
• Quality copper/aluminum coils
• 10-year compressor warranty

Cons

• Lower SEER ratings on base models
• Not as quiet and efficient as premium brands
• Shorter overall unit lifespan compared to Trane

Pros and Cons of Trane Air Conditioners

Pros

• High-efficiency ratings, up to 21 SEER
• Excellent reliability and durability
• Leading warranty terms
• Advanced compressors for performance
• Quieter operation than most brands

Cons

• Premium pricing, expensive upfront cost
• Overkill for small homes that don’t need top-tier efficiency

Heil And Trane Air Conditioners: Which Is Better For You?

So in the battle of Heil vs Trane, which brand comes out on top? Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding:

• Budget – If affordability is your priority, Heil provides the best value. But don’t expect top-tier efficiency.
• Performance – If you want an AC unit that runs quietly and efficiently, Trane is easily the top choice. Their advanced designs really make a difference.
• Warranty – While both offer 10 years on the compressor, Trane’s longer 10 year warranty on the outdoor coil adds value.
• Reliability – Trane is the clear winner here, with an impeccable reputation for AC units that last 15-20 years.
• Smart Features – Trane again has the advantage if you want modern conveniences like wi-fi controls and app connectivity.

Overall, Trane air conditioners edge out Heil in most categories, from efficiency to reliability and advanced features. But that premium performance comes at a price – literally.

For cost-conscious homeowners looking for a reasonably priced workhorse AC, Heil is a solid brand. Their units provide good cooling at an affordable rate. However, discerning homeowners who want the highest-quality AC unit should lean towards Trane.

You’ll pay more upfront but get quieter operation, energy savings, and incredible durability in return.

FAQ – Heil And Trane Air Conditioners

Closing Remarks

And there you have it – a detailed comparison of the leading air conditioner brands Heil and Trane. To recap, Trane units edge out Heil in efficiency, durability, and performance, while Heil offers more budget-friendly pricing.

Use this analysis to weigh the pros and cons and decide which brand better suits your cooling needs and budget. Let us know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!