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How Long Does a Trane AC Unit Last?


It’s one of the most common questions we get asked here at Harris Air: How long does a Trane AC unit really last? As you probably already know, Trane ACs are well-reputed for their durability and reliability, which is why we routinely recommend and install them for clients.

But like all AC systems out there, Trane AC lifespans can be influenced by several factors. Here’s a closer look at all of those factors, plus helpful maintenance tips for prolonging the life of your Trane.

Average Lifespan of a Trane AC Unit

General Lifespan Range:

Trane AC units are built to last — on average, anywhere from 15 to 20 years. For comparison, inferior AC systems can struggle to last 10 years, and that’s factoring in the costly repairs that were required to keep them working due to quality-control issues during manufacturing.

During your consultation at Harris Air, our HVAC experts can walk you through the most reliable systems (like Trane) and the ones to avoid so you can get the most for your money and avoid the headache of frequent repairs.

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Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Trane AC Unit

While Tranes are manufactured to the highest standards, their lifespan is impacted by several factors, including:

  1. Installation Quality

All HVAC systems, no matter how high the quality, depend on proper installation procedures to run efficiently for the long term. Faulty installation can break an HVAC system well before its time.

This is why Harris Air is so passionate about continuing education for all our HVAC technicians so they can be aware of the industry’s best techniques and codes. A properly installed Trane system is priceless.

  1. Maintenance Routine

After expert technicians have properly installed your Trane, scheduling routine maintenance is one of the most important steps to prolong your system’s life. During maintenance visits with Harris Air, our licensed and certified technicians change air filters, clean and inspect your system, and catch issues early before they turn into bigger problems.

From experience, we know that our maintenance services keep your AC running at peak efficiency, saving you money and prolonging the life of your system.

  1. Usage Patterns

We live in an extreme climate here in McKinney, so our AC systems work overtime most of the time. Continuously running your AC puts a lot of strain on it, leading to wear and tear and premature problems.

To help your AC last longer, we recommend setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature that’s not too low so your Trane has time to rest between cycles. Smart thermostats are also extremely helpful in saving you energy and reducing stress on AC systems.

  1. Environmental Factors

The climate can negatively impact your Trane’s lifespan. High humidity, for example, is rough on any AC system because it causes the compressor to turn on and off frequently, preventing it from removing moisture from the air and cooling the house well.

Heavy rain and flooding can cause corrosion and short-circuiting in your outdoor unit, and heavy wind can cause debris to infiltrate, blocking airflow. Fortunately, expert AC repairs, when administered by a seasoned technician at Harris Air, can restore most systems back to good health after these problems.

  1. Unit Size and Fit

Your Trane needs to be the proper size for your house for it to work optimally and last. With AC systems, bigger isn’t always better. Installing a Trane that’s too big for your house will cool your house too fast, which doesn’t sound like a bad thing, but it is!

When your home cools too fast, your drip pan never fills up and drains properly, which means all that moisture ends up staying in your home, causing high humidity levels. This pattern is hard on your system because it causes short-circuiting, high energy bills, and the need for frequent repairs.

Conversely, installing a system that’s too small for your home makes your AC work constantly to maintain the set temperature, which means it rarely turns off. An AC that never stops endures way too much strain, resulting in breakdowns.

  1. Quality of Components

Fortunately, you can trust Trane AC units to contain high-quality parts. However, even high-quality parts experience normal wear and tear. This is why at Harris Air, we strongly encourage all our clients to schedule routine maintenance so we can keep a close eye on all the components of your system, including the capacitors and compressors.

When repairs are made early, it means less strain and a longer-lasting system.

Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Trane AC Unit

  1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

We highly recommend scheduling professional tune-ups at least once a year to keep your Trane in optimal condition.

  1. Change Filters Regularly

Replace or clean your filters every one to three months, or sooner, depending on your usage and circumstances.

  1. Keep the Unit Clean

Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, and dirt to improve airflow and efficiency.

  1. Monitor for Signs of Wear:

Call us ASAP if you hear strange noises, have higher energy bills, or notice frequent cycling/short-cycling. These are signs that it’s time for a repair.

What Can Shorten the Lifespan of a Trane AC Unit?

  1. Lack of Maintenance:

A dirty, clogged air filter is one of the leading causes of AC system breakdowns because it impacts every aspect of your AC, not just the air quality. When you skimp on routine cleanings and tune-ups, your AC suffers from built-up dirt, unaddressed wear and tear, and other problems, reducing its efficiency and longevity.

  1. Improper Installation

Poorly installed AC units can experience a wide range of problems, including leaky ducts, low airflow, and improper refrigerant levels, all of which can shorten a system’s life.

  1. Environmental Hazards

Harsh weather conditions, including flooding and severe wind/debris, can accelerate the degrading of the unit through corrosion and blocked airflow.

Why Choose a Trane AC Unit?

While certain factors, like the weather, are out of your control, the type of AC system you purchase is within your control. Trane has a rock-solid reputation for producing long-lasting, high-quality AC units.

Because Trane systems are built with high-quality materials, they run efficiently and effectively for longer, saving you money on energy bills and repairs. When you need an AC system you can count on for optimal performance and longevity, you’re making a safe bet with Trane.

Harris Air — Your Certified Trane Dealer

We’re a certified Trane Comfort Specialist Dealer, which means we have the training, experience, and proven track record of delivering the highest-quality installation, maintenance, and repair services for Trane AC systems and many other leading brands. You can count on Harris Air to remove your old HVAC system and install your new Trane system seamlessly.

While the lifespan of any AC system is impacted by factors we can’t control, such as the climate and weather, we can still benefit from choosing high-quality systems with proven track records like Trane.

Built to last, Trane AC systems perform better, even under stress. With regular maintenance and repairs, your Trane is proven to operate efficiently and work years after inferior systems give out.

At Harris Air, our customers are our neighbors, so we take great care to treat you right by providing honest, trustworthy, and top-quality AC services and the highest-quality HVAC products in the industry.

Contact Harris Air today for expert Trane installation, maintenance, or repair services.

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