If your heat pump is 10-15 years old, you may be facing a costly decision. Do you continue to pour money into repairs, or do you replace it?
Furnaces can last up to 30 years. A heat pump, which works both in the summer and the winter, is doing great if it hits 15.
You may not be certain you can fit a replacement heat pump into your budget.
At Fire & Ice, we believe that you can get the most out of a heat pump replacement when you have the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision. We’ve helped thousands of Central Ohio residents determine which HVAC equipment can meet their needs and budget.
One heat pump that we recommend is the Trane XR16, a unit that is on the low end of Trane’s line, but still delivers impressive efficiency numbers for both heating and cooling.
In our review of the Trane XR16 heat pump, we’ll discuss:
What Are the Specifications of the Trane XR16?
What Are the Features of the XR16 Heat Pump?
What Is the Efficiency Rating of the Trane XR16?
What Is the Correct Size Heat Pump for Your Home?
Who Is the Trane XR16 Heat Pump a Good Fit For?
Comparing the Trane XR16 Heat Pump to Other Trane Heat Pumps
What Is the Price of the Trane XR16?
And finally, what are the next steps?
We’re going to break things down for you. The goal, as it is when we visit all prospective customers, is to give you all the facts that you’ll need to make the right decision for you. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea if this heat pump might be a good fit for you.
Specs of the Trane XR16 heat pump
SEER: Up to 17
HSPF: Up to 9.6
Energy Star rated: No
Climatuff single-stage compressor
Spine Fin outdoor coil
Unique DuraTuff non-corrosive base pan does not crack, rust, corrode, or warp
Sound insulator on the compressor (select models)
Trane’s patented Vortica II Blower motor is quiet and efficient
Multi-Port InShot burners
Insulated heavy steel cabinet
Full-side louvered panels protect the internal components from the elements
Quick-Sess cabinet with full coil protection coupled with corrosion-resistance
Smoked acrylic view windows-equipped formed steel door
Silicon nitride hot surface igniter
Comes with Weatherguard Fasteners that are resistant to dust, dirt, and corrosion
Pressure switch for high & low
Aluminized steel heat exchanger
Features of the Trane XR16 heat pump
The Trane XR16 is a reliable, straightforward heat pump. It can provide up to 10-15 years of worry-free cool and comfort. It’s a great mid-range option for homeowners whose current heat pump may have reached the end of its useful life.
Like all Trane heat pumps, the XR16 comes with a Climatuff compressor. This is a compressor developed by Trane to provide increased efficiency, a longer life, and quieter operation. Due to its advanced compressor, the XR16 is superior to other heat pumps that also have a single-stage compressor.
Trane’s spine fin technology has the lowest refrigerant leak rate in the industry, providing reliability and efficiency from your heat pump for years to come. The spine fin coil enhances airflow and heat transfer while resisting corrosion and leaks.
These are proven far more reliable than traditional copper and aluminum coils. The spine fin coil also has more surface area than a standard coil, which helps it cool faster.
The electronically commutated motor (ECM) is a high-efficiency feature that helps lower monthly energy bills over the lifetime of your furnace. Older furnaces used PSC motors (permanent split capacitor), which ran at a constant speed. ECM motors run at a variable speed. This provides several benefits, including energy savings, a lower need for maintenance, improved comfort, and better airflow.
Its single-stage compressor regulates your heat pump’s heating and cooling output. Compressors can have three types:
Single-stage
Two-stage
Variable-speed
Single-stage compressors, like those found in the XR16, have only one setting. It’s either on, which means that it’s running at 100% capacity, or off, with no in-between. This tried-and-true technology can deliver reliable cooling cheaply during the heat of summer.
Just because it doesn’t have all the added features of other heat pumps doesn’t mean the XR16 is poorly made. Trane puts all of the equipment they make through rigorous tests over and over to ensure that it continues to perform for you and your family.
It won’t give you the comfort benefits of the multi-speed units, but it is efficient.
What Is the Efficiency Rating of the Trane XR16?
Because a heat pump can perform two different functions, it needs two separate ratings to determine the efficiency of each function.
The HSPF rating (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures energy efficiency during heating months in the fall and winter, and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) measures energy efficiency during cooling months in the spring and summer.
The average heat pump made 10 years ago had an efficiency rating of 9 SEER (when it was brand new). Trane XR16’s efficiency rating is up 17 SEER. That’s almost twice as efficient.
On the heating side, it has an HSPF of up to 9.6. The Department of Energy set a minimum HSPF standard of 8.2, but this number is expected to increase to a mandatory minimum of 8.8 HSPF for all heat pumps by 2023.
RELATED: SEER, AFUE and HSPF Ratings in HVAC: Why They Matter
What Is the Correct Size Heat Pump For Your Home?
When we look at the price range for a specific model, the capacity you need determines the final price.
A heat pump’s capacity, frequently referred to as “size,” determines how efficiently your system can heat and cool your home.
If your system is too powerful for your home, it’ll turn on and off more than it should as it struggles not to overshoot the set temperature. This can result in temperature spikes.
And when your heat pump has a shorter runtime, you can lose comfort. The areas at the end of your ductwork likely won’t be as cool as the space where your thermostat is located.
If your system isn’t powerful enough for your home, it’ll run much longer than it should as it struggles to reach the set temperature. This can result in hot and cold spots and uneven temperatures. Certain rooms may feel great, but others may be uncomfortable.
Your HVAC salesperson should properly size the inside of your home before installation takes place. A thorough sizing comes by way of a Manual J Load Calculation.
Read more: Sizing Your Air Conditioner, Heat Pump, and Furnace
In the simplest terms, a Manual J Load Calculation is a series of measurements that include different parameters of your home. Both the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Department of Energy state that you should perform this calculation.
This is not just the square footage of a home. Unfortunately, square footage alone was the old way of
doing things, and some installers still subscribe to it. Make sure your estimate includes a full load calculation.
Who Is the Trane XR16 Heat Pump a Good Fit For?
If someone’s trying to save money on their electric bill, the XR16 could be a perfect solution. It is ideal for homeowners who are looking for a solid, middle-of-the-road option that will efficiently and reliably cool their home at a lower initial investment than higher-end heat pumps.
For cleaner, healthier indoor air, you can add the Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner to your system. This will provide advanced air filtration that removes more dust, pollen, and other irritants from conditioned air for a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable home.
When installed by an HVAC contractor, the Trane XR16 has a 10-year parts-and-compressor warranty. But when a certified contractor - such as Fire & Ice, which is a Trane Comfort Specialist - installs your Trane product, you receive a 12-year parts-and-compressor warranty, ensuring even more years of worry-free operation.
Who Is the Trane XR16 Heat Pump Not a Good Fit For?
The XR16 may not be a good fit if comfort is a huge concern. If you have issues with hot and cold spots in your home, or there are uneven temperatures between floors (this might be especially true in split-level homes), you might want to consider a heat pump with a two-stage or variable-stage compressor.
If you’re energy-conscious, you might prefer a heat pump with a higher efficiency rating and additional features that can be more environmentally friendly. The Trane XV18 and the XV20i are Energy Star qualified, a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency. They are pricier, but they each offer variable-speed compressors that are a step or two beyond the XR16, meaning your energy bill could be lowered.
If you’re looking to move soon and simply not looking to spend a lot on a new heat pump, then XR16 might be more system than you need. Trane has cheaper models that have good SEER ratings, such as the Trane XR14.
Comparing the Trane XR16 Heat Pump to Other Trane Heat Pumps
See how the Trane XR16 heat pump stacks up to other comparable units.
Insert product table from https://indoortemp.com/products/trane-xr16-heat-pump
What Is the Price of the Trane XR16?
The price tag is $7,700 to $10,230. These prices include the cost of equipment, labor, and any additional fees. For comparison, a new heat pump installation can range between $5,390 and $13,750. Several factors can affect the price of a heat pump, such as the size of your home, filters and other indoor-air-quality products, and any modifications that need to be made during installation.
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For comparison’s sake, here are some other reviews of Trane heat pumps:
Trane XR14 Heat Pump Review
Trane XV18 Heat Pump Review
Trane XV20i Heat Pump Review
Buying a New Heat Pump in Columbus, Ohio
When it’s time for you to make your next HVAC investment, you’re going to have questions. The more the better, and if your HVAC partner is reluctant to answer any of them, it’s probably time to get another estimate from someone else. You want the best investment for your needs.
Once it's time to take the next step, you'll want to reach out to a trusted HVAC partner. If you’re in Columbus, Ohio, or the surrounding area, we hope that means reaching out to us.
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