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Trane Versus Carrier Gas Furnaces. This is a close comparison of Trane and Carrier gas furnaces for specific models. We try to get as close to the same models as possible without getting exact models with the same features.
There really could be no review of the furnace if they were exactly the same except in name. In this case, Carrier has the edge for their Infinity model over the Trane XL model we chose to for the comparison matrix. They both get similar efficiency ratings but mechanically and electrically they are different furnaces.
Trane Versus Carrier Gas Furnaces | Brand Model Technical Review
In our comparison matrix, we will show the similarities and the differences. Then we will explain to you the differences and the similarities. This way, if you are purchasing any of these furnaces, you can make an informed decision.
There is a Trane gas furnace that is very similar to the Carrier gas furnace we included in the matrix below. That Trane model is the XV rather than the XL we chose to include in the comparison matrix. The furnaces were too similar to provide an objective review. We figured we could cover more ground by choosing slightly different furnaces.
Comparisons are based on current information. This information is subject to change. Always check the manufacturer’s website for updated information.
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Carrier Infinity 96 Top AFUE Rating
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Trane XL-95 Top AFUE Rating
Trane Versus Carrier Gas Furnaces
| Trane Versus Carrier Gas Furnaces | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Trane XL-95 | Carrier Infinity 96 |
| Furnace Type | Two-Stage | Two-Stage |
| Top Efficiency | Up to 96% AFUE | Up to 96.7% AFUE |
| Modulating/Staging | Two-stage gas Furnace | Two-stage Gas Furnace |
| Thermostat Compatibility | Conventional Two-stage Thermostat Control | Carrier Recommended Control: Infinity control |
| Blower | Four-Speed Blower Motor | Variable-speed, ECM blower motor |
| Gas Ignition | Silicon Nitride Hot Surface Igniter | Hot Surface PowerHeat ™ Ignition |
| Dual Fuel Compatible | Yes – Compatible – Trane Heat Pump Preferred | Hybrid Heat ® compatible |
| Inducer | Variable-Speed Draft Inducer | Two-speed inducer motor |
| Heat Exchangers | One-piece aluminized steel primary heat exchanger with a Stainless Steel Secondary Heat Exchanger | Aluminized steel clamshell-style primary heat exchanger and a Stainless steel fin-and-tube design secondary heat exchanger |
| Capacities | 57,000-115,000 Btu/h | 60,000-120,000 Btu/h |
| Energy Star Rated | No | Yes |
| Warranty - Parts | 10-year parts limited warranty | 10-year parts limited warranty |
| Warranty – Heat Exchanger | Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty | Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty |
Trane Versus Carrier Gas Furnaces - Comparison Details
Both the Trane and the Carrier gas furnaces are two-stage gas furnace operations. They both had similar AFUE efficiency ratings with Carrier getting the edge by a fraction of a percent. Again, the Trane XV model has similar features and efficiency ratings to this Carrier furnace. Where the similarities end is with the control and the blower.
Gas Furnace Control
Carrier recommends using their Infinity control to control this gas furnace. While there are many good features to using the Carrier Infinity controls there is also the downside. The plus is that the Infinity control allows the furnace to communicate with other parts of the system including the thermostat. This means diagnostic information can be obtained right from the thermostat. The downside is the cost if something goes wrong.
These communicating thermostats also only use two or three wires compared to conventional thermostat wiring that uses more wires. That means if something does go wrong you can’t run down to the local hardware store and buy another thermostat.
You have to wait for a Carrier contractor to show up and cross your fingers hoping they have the right parts to make it work again. Otherwise, you will be waiting for the part to be shipped from somewhere. The Trane uses a conventional thermostat meaning you can get a new thermostat and be up and running again in the time it takes to replace it.
Gas Furnace Blower
Trane uses a four-speed PSC motor while the Carrier has a variable-speed ECM blower motor. The clear winner here is the variable-speed blower. It is far more efficient having a soft-start capability and it helps increase the SEER rating of the air conditioner in the summer. It does that by offering better humidity control. The Trane model above this is the XV and it does offer a variable-speed ECM blower motor.
Quality of Contractor
Everything else with these two gas furnaces is very similar. If I had the choice between these gas furnaces it would boil down to three things for my choice:
- Quality of the contractor - I know. I harp on this over and over in my reviews but this is more important than brand. It makes a huge difference in the efficiency and longevity of the equipment when it is installed properly. I choose a good contractor that takes pride in workmanship over any brand.
- Is there an extended part and labor warranty available? I always recommend this type of warranty because it shows the manufacturer truly does believe in their product and the dealer installing the system.
- Lastly, what more people put ahead of the first two is the price of the systems. The lowest bidder is not always the best one to pick.
We hope this helps you. Don’t forget to visit our other articles and reviews to help you with your decision on purchasing new HVAC equipment.
See our other Carrier and Trane gas furnace reviews: Carrier Gas Furnace Reviews | Trane Gas Furnace Reviews
Or visit our Gas Furnace Reviews Category Index for other brands.
Trane Versus Carrier Gas Furnaces
