Goodman vs Trane HVAC Systems Compared

Established brand names like Trane and Goodman are likely to pop up as soon as you start exploring AC or heat pump solutions for your home.

Browsing through their product portfolios won’t bring you closer to choosing one or the other because both brands offer systems with similar efficiency ratings, and sizes.

So, how do you know which one is better?

In my experience, Goodman vs Trane comparisons is mostly about pricing since the former is considerably less expensive. Trane is widely accepted as one of the top HVAC brands in the United States and worldwide that manufactures durable units equipped with high-quality components.

In this Goodman vs Trane comparison, I’ll help you decide if spending that extra buck on a Trane system is really worth it.

Bottom Line Up Front

Even though their price tags suggest otherwise, Trane’s products aren’t more energy efficient than Goodman’s models. The quality of components and the level of comfort they offer are the reasons Trane units are so expensive.

Goodman is a relatively affordable alternative to Trane, as its systems have high heating and cooling efficiency ratings, and they’re fairly durable. Still, you may get a quote for the Goodman unit that will make your head spin if you’re not patient enough to contact multiple contractors.

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Main Differences Between Goodman vs Trane HVAC Systems

The main differences between Trane vs Goodman HVAC Systems are:

Trane systems utilize the ComfortLink technology, whereas Goodman equips its Smart units with ComfortBridge Control Systems
Goodman systems usually have Copeland scroll compressors, whereas most Trane models come with Climatuff compressors.
Trane central ACs don’t have an efficiency rating over SEER 22, whereas Goodman’s most efficient AC model has 24.5 SEER
Goodman offers sixteen gas furnaces with AFUE ratings over 90%, whereas only seven Trane gas furnaces have AFUE ratings higher than 90%

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Key Specifications

Brand	Trane	Goodman
Average product lifespan	20 years	15 years
System efficiency	Medium	High
Refrigerant types	R-410A	R-410A, R-32
Noise level	Under 60dB	Under 75dB
Warranty coverage	Limited lifetime and ten-year warranty	Limited lifetime and ten-year warranty
Latest prices	Check the latest prices here	Check the latest prices here

The Main Characteristics of Trane and Goodman Brands

Trane

The brand changed ownership a few times since the 1980s. It currently operates under the governorship of the Trane Technologies holding company that also owns the American Standard brand.

The annual income is perhaps the best indicator of the brand’s popularity since Trane Technologies’ revenue in 2021 was $14.1 billion. On the other hand, Daikin, the brand that owns Goodman, generates around $22.09 million in revenue per year.

These numbers show that Trane’s position as one of the most dominant HVAC manufacturers isn’t set in stone, as its competitors still control a large portion of the global market share.

Still, Trane is one of the most popular HVAC brands in the US, mostly because of its strong reputation for manufacturing durable systems. Trane units can last for two decades, and they’re famous for the quality of their components that stay in perfect condition for a long time.

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Trane systems

Key Features

Trane systems provide superior air quality
All units perform well in extreme weather conditions
Residential systems have Climatuff compressors
Some models are compatible with the Trane Home app
Trane compressors and heat exchangers are protected by a lifetime warranty
Most gas furnaces have high fuel efficiency
The company offers financing options through its partnership with the Wells Fargo Bank
All Trane thermostats are programmable

Product Categories

Navigating through Trane’s product catalog will take time if you don’t have a specific system in mind. The company doesn’t release its products in series, so the only way to differentiate between entry-level and high-end models is to look at the specifications.

The heat pump category currently features ten single-stage, two-speed, and variable-speed models. However, you’ll have just three options at your disposal if you want to get a Trane multi-speed heat pump.

The company’s assortment of central ACs is also limited to just eleven models, while only XV20i and XV18 units have variable-speed compressors. The brand’s collection of furnaces features a broad spectrum of units with AFUE ratings in the 80% to 97.3% range.

Trane can also be a good choice if you need a ductless system because it offers different multi-zone and single-zone options. The brand also produces humidity control products you can combine with its HVAC systems.

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Tonnage and Coverage Area

All HVAC brands use British Thermal Units (BTU), a universal measurement, to indicate the amount of energy a system needs to absorb heat in an hour. Hence, all Trane heat pumps and central air conditioners have outputs in the 24,000 to 60,000 BTU or 2 to 5-ton range.

The trouble is that the size of an area a 4-ton heat pump can cool or heat isn’t the same in hot and cold climates. Weather is just one among countless factors that affect the unit’s coverage range.

That’s why you shouldn’t choose the system size alone, especially if you have never had a Trane unit before. I’d also like to remind you that even though furnaces have higher tonnage than heat pumps or ACs, their maximum coverage range is similar.

All Trane ductless systems come in different sizes, but the maximum output of some single-zone models is limited to 2 to 2.5 tons.

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Seasonal Efficiency and Power Draw

Efficiency ratings can be seductive. I understand that all homeowners want to minimize their monthly power consumption, but SEER, EER, and HSPF ratings are only indicators of the unit’s best power-saving performance.

Still, units with high SEER are generally less expensive to run, but they can still inflate your utility bill if they’re not used properly. Trane doesn’t offer AC units with SEER higher than 22. In addition, none of the brand’s heat pumps has SEER over 20.

This doesn’t automatically make Goodman a better option for shoppers searching for an energy-efficient HVAC system because only two models have higher SEER than any of Trane’s products.

So, you won’t have trouble finding Trane central ACs or heat pumps with SEER in the 14 to 19 range. AFUE ratings of the brand’s gas furnaces range from 80% to 97.3%. The amount of electricity a Trane system draws in an hour depends on its size.

Brand Reliability

I don’t advocate pinching pennies when buying a new HVAC system, but I am aware that the prices of Trane’s models exceed most budgets. Despite this, I think that buying a Trane system is a far better option than settling for one of the lower-priced Goodman units.

Let me elaborate. With the exception of a few high-end units, Goodman and Trane systems have similar efficiency ratings. All Trane systems have high-quality components that last for years, which means you won’t be spending much on repairs over the years.

In addition, compressors and heat exchangers are covered by limited lifetime warranties, and you’ll get a free replacement if this system’s part breaks down. All products registered more than sixty days after the purchase are covered by a 5-year base limited warranty.

Goodman

The company changed its name ten years after joining the Daikin family. Goodman Global Group became Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, but despite the change, there’s still no mention of discontinuing the brand.

All Goodman models have the same parts as systems marketed under the Daikin brand. You won’t be able to find a Goodman ductless system, as all models are released under the Daikin brand name.

Goodman isn’t a luxury brand, but its products deliver good value for their price because they usually last for fifteen years. However, you shouldn’t expect to go through the unit’s entire lifespan without replacing some of its parts.

In my opinion, Trane is a superior option to Goodman in almost every aspect except perhaps the warranty coverage. Still, the brand’s heat pumps and air conditioners are a good secondary option if you’re looking for a system in the medium price range.