While heat pump technology—a highly efficient heating and cooling system that transfers heat rather than generating it—is common in other parts of the world, it’s only just catching on in the U.S., especially in regions with cold winters. By building a better heat pump, one that can perform in just about all conditions, Trane is a major driver of the rapid adoption. That has huge benefits for homeowners—and it’s less impactful on the planet, since the technology produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to gas-fired HVAC equipment.
WHY IT EARNED THE SEAL
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab have been testing heat pumps from major brands for the last five years. The Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard stands out for its innovative design along with Trane’s solid reputation for quality and reliability. Here are the specifics:
1. BIG ENERGY SAVINGS
With a SEER2 Rating of up to 22.4 and an HSPF2 Rating of up to 10.5, the Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard is up there with the most energy efficient heat pumps our team has ever tested. Depending on the age and condition of your current heating and cooling equipment, as well as your location, upgrading to Trane’s heat pump could lower your annual energy costs by as much as $1,500. We also like that the Trane heat pump uses a new refrigerant, R-454B, which boasts a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 78% lower than those of its predecessors.
2. ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE
Heat pumps used to be inefficient when the temperature got down around the freezing point. Thanks to its variable-speed compressor, the Trane heat pump is engineered for cold-weather performance and meets Energy Star’s Cold Climate requirements, maintaining 100% heating capacity down to 32°F and 70% capacity at 5°F.
3. ENHANCED COMFORT
Most traditional heating and cooling systems cycle on and off, creating blasts of hot and cold air, not to mention loud operating noise. Another benefit of Trane’s variable-speed design is that the compressor gradually speeds up and slows down depending on outside conditions. That allows it to maintain precise indoor temperature, within half a degree of your set point. The result is minimal temperature swings and more consistent comfort throughout the day. Without all the cycling on and off, the equipment is also extremely quiet.
4. RELIABILITY OVER THE LONG HAUL
The first version of the Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump that we installed in a tester’s home in New York has worked flawlessly for four years now, through bitter-cold winters and long, hot summers. The unit is paired with the Trane Link UX360 Smart Thermostat, which also earned the Seal. The thermostat makes it easy to program your heating and cooling equipment for maximum comfort and energy savings. Via the Trane Home App, you can control the systems from virtually anywhere. Its optional Trane Diagnostics feature enables the smart thermostat to monitor your equipment in real time and notify you, as well your certified Trane Comfort Specialist, of any problems. Our experts liken this “advanced diagnostics” capability to a check engine light for the home, alerting homeowners to issues with their HVAC system before they turn into costly repairs.
