| How often should I change or clean my filters? |
|
Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters
with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow
the manufacturer instructions for cleaning. If you're using a high-density filter such as an
electrostatic filter, check with your local independent Trane dealer, who can raise the external
static pressure of your system. If the external static pressure exceeds the design criteria of
your system, it can negatively impact the performance and life of your equipment.
|
|
 |
| Where is my filter located? |
|
Your air filter should be located in either the blower compartment of the furnace, in an
attached filter case, or in a return air grille in a wall of your home. If you cannot find
the air filter, contact your local independent Trane dealer for assistance.
|
|
|
| Where can I purchase filters? |
|
If you are unable to find the appropriate-size air filter at your local hardware outlet,
they may be able to cut-to-fit filters that will also work, or you can contact your local
independent Trane dealer.
|
|
|
| What services need to be performed for preventative maintenance on my heating and air conditioning equipment? How often should this maintenance be performed? |
|
We recommend you have your local independent Trane dealer perform preventative maintenance
before the winter heating season and before the summer cooling season. Many local independent
Trane dealers offer service agreements that may include reduced rates on labor and parts and
provide priority response. Service/maintenance agreements may include cleaning indoor and
outdoor coils, tightening electrical connections, checking supply voltage and operating current,
checking refrigerant charge, measuring temperature differential at supply and return registers,
cleaning blower wheel and motor, inspecting and adjusting burner, checking heat exchangers,
cleaning drain lines and pan, checking ductwork for leaks and insulation, and checking thermostat.
|
|
|
| How do I verify when my Trane equipment was manufactured? |
|
The first letter of the serial number gives the year of manufacture as follows:
9=2009
8=2008
7=2007
6=2006
5=2005
4=2004
3=2003
2=2002
Z=2001
R=2000
P=1999
N=1998
M=97
L=96
K=95
J=94
H=93
G=92
F=91
E=90
D=89
C=88
B=87
S=86
Y=85
X=84
W=83
U=82(seventh digit)
T=81(seventh digit)
O, A=80(seventh digit)
|
|
|
| Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter? |
|
We have a cover for our split outdoor products. The Trane Innerflow System is
designed to custom fit our outdoor products and to provide adequate ventilation
during the winter season, so that condensation is not introduced into the
control box, potentially causing problems with the electrical controls and
components.
|
|
|
| How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers? |
|
Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners
need intake and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build
up heat and require service.
|
|
|
| What are the average life expectancies for heating and air conditioning equipment? |
|
The average expected life of an air conditioner is approximately 15 years. The average expected
life of a heat pump is approximately 10 to 12 years, since it operates year round. The average
expected life of a gas furnace or air handler may be longer. Units in corrosive environments,
such as, but not limited to coastal installations, will tend to have shorter lives.
|
|
|
| Is there any advantage to setting my thermostat fan to "ON" so the fan runs constantly? |
|
Yes, there are a couple. The first is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home.
The second is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout the
home. However, continuous fan mode during COOLING operation may not be appropriate in humid
climates. If the indoor air exceeds 60% humidity or simply feels uncomfortably humid, it is
recommended that the fan be used in AUTO mode.
|
|
|
| I've heard a lot about new refrigerants. Do I need to think about them when buying a system? |
|
We do not advise homeowners to choose home comfort systems based on the refrigerant they use.
The Clean Air Act does not allow ANY refrigerants to be vented into the atmosphere. They must
be reclaimed, recycled and reused.
Units using the current refrigerant, R-22, will always be serviced with R-22.
They will not need to be changed to a different refrigerant. The scheduled phased-out of R-22
allows for plenty of refrigerant to be available to service all cooling units and heat pumps
that use R-22 for the life of the equipment. We do offer limited lines of high efficiency
comfort systems using R-410A refrigerant. Our gradual introduction of these products has allowed
servicers in the field the opportunity to adapt to the required installation and service
techniques, to ensure homeowners continue to receive the comfort and value they have chosen.
As the HVAC industry gradually and confidently transitions to a new refrigerant, we encourage
homeowners to maintain their focus on purchasing energy efficient home comfort products that
best meet their comfort needs. Purchasing higher-efficiency air conditioning and heating
systems and better sealing our homes will not only improve comfort and reduce energy costs,
but will also improve our environment.
|
|
|
| Can I get technical support from Trane to troubleshoot/repair my own equipment? |
|
No. It is critical that our products and Original Equipment Manufacturer replacement
parts be installed and serviced by licensed, qualified independent Trane dealers who
have access to product data, service updates, and distributor training.
As a manufacturer, we feel that it is in both our customers' and our best interest to
ensure that our product delivers the quality, durability, and comfort we advertise
and you expect. Please contact your local independent Trane dealer for assistance.
Independent Trane dealers are listed in your local Yellow Pages or type in your ZIP
code at our Web site's Dealer Locator for a partial list of independent Trane dealers
in your area.
|
|
|
| Why do my lights flicker when my air conditioner turns on? |
|
Light flicker associated with the starting of appliances usually does not pose any
safety problems and does not damage appliances. Proper wire connections and grounding
are necessary to reduce flicker. Contractors and homeowners should check with their
local utility regarding the appropriate wire size and transformer servicing the home.
In cases where light dimming is related to the starting of a central air conditioner,
and the previously discussed steps have not resolved the situation, manufacturers offer
start assist kits that can be purchased which may help reduce flicker. Please contact
your local independent Trane dealer for assistance. Independent Trane dealers are
listed in your local Yellow Pages or type in your ZIP code at our Web site's
Dealer Locator
for a partial list of independent Trane dealers in your area.
|
|
|
| How much coverage do I have under the Manufacturer's Limited Warranty? |
|
Trane's XR split system outdoor product lines carry an original limited warranty that covers the
compressor and outdoor coil for ten (10) years (parts only) and internal functional parts for
five (5) years (parts only). Your installing independent Trane dealer is responsible for any
warranty part replacement labor for the first year.
Trane's XLi split system outdoor product lines carry an original limited warranty that covers
the compressor and outdoor coil for ten (10) years (parts only) and internal functional parts
for ten (10) years (parts only). Your installing independent Trane dealer is responsible for
any warranty part replacement labor for the first two years.
Trane 80 percent gas furnaces have an original limited warranty that covers the heat exchangers
for twenty (20) years (parts only) and internal functional parts for five (5) years (parts only).
Your installing independent Trane dealer is responsible for any warranty part replacement labor
for the first year.
Trane 90+ percent gas furnaces have an original limited warranty that covers the heat exchangers
(parts only) for the lifetime of the original owner or twenty (20) years for a successive owner
and internal functional parts for five (5) years (parts only). Your installing independent
Trane dealer is responsible for any warranty part replacement labor for the first year.
|
|
|
| What is the difference between a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and an Extended parts and labor Warranty? |
|
A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore,
the warranty language limits it. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the
limited warranty. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the
service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls
for the duration of the warranty.
|
|
|
| How long will it take to receive my Extended Warranty from Trane? |
|
If you purchased a factory extended warranty, your installing independent Trane dealer
submits your application to its regional Trane wholesale distributor. The distributor, in
turn, submits it to the Trane Extended Warranty Department. You should receive your warranty
within 45 days of installation. If you do not receive a written extended warranty of for
further assistance, please contact your installing dealer or call the Trane Extended
Warranty department at (800) 554-6413.
|
|
|
