If you’re considering investing in an air conditioning system for your home, it’s vital to choose the right air conditioner as it helps reward you with a comfortable home and lower energy bills, while reducing gas emissions to save the environment.

Choosing among a wide range of air conditioner brands can be overwhelming. In finding the best air conditioner, you might’ve come across Rheem and Trane®.

So, which air conditioner brand should you choose for your home? This comprehensive guide will cover all the relevant information you need to know, including energy efficiency, sound level, communication ability, product variations, cost, and warranty coverages.


Rheem Air Conditioners Overview

Best for Sustainability

Rheem

4.4

Our Rating

Rheem was founded in 1925 by brothers Donald and Richard Rheem in Emeryville, CA. The company started as a packaging supplier and a manufacturer of galvanized steel drums for the petroleum industry. Rheem introduced the central air conditioning system named “Rheemaire” in 1956 for residential uses. 

Today, Rheem is a manufacturer of heating, cooling, pool & spa heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration products. It offers heating and cooling products, including furnaces, air conditioners, cooling coils, air handlers, heat pumps, mini-splits, and oil furnaces.

Rheem provides top-quality and innovative air conditioners, which are available in 11 series: Classic Series: Single Stage (RA13), Classic Series: Single Stage (RA14), Classic Series: Single-Stage (RA14**W), Classic Series: Single Stage (RA16), Classic Series: Two-Stage (RA17 non communicating), Classic Plus Series: Two-Stage (RA17), Classic Plus Series: Two-Stage (RA17), Select Series: Single Stage WA14, Select Series: Single Stage WA14, Select Series: Single Stage WA16, and Select Series: Single Stage WA16. 

  • Energy Efficient
  • Quiet Performance
  • Product Variety

Read our Rheem Air Conditioner Review to see how Rheem’s units are rated by our HVAC experts.


Trane® Air Conditioners Overview

Best for Efficiency

Trane

4.4

Our Rating

Trane® was founded in 1885 by James Trane and began as a family plumbing business in La Crosse, Wisconsin. James’s son Reuben joined the business and created an innovative low-pressure steam heating system. In 1913, the family business was incorporated as The Trane Company, but the American Standard Companies acquired it in 1984. In 1931, the company Trane® patented its first-ever air conditioner. 

Today, Trane® is a manufacturer of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems and products (HVAC) with building management systems and controls. The company provides high-quality heating and cooling products, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, and coils. It also offers management systems, such as Packaged Systems, Zoning Systems, and Ductless Systems. In addition, they also have Smart Thermostats and Traditional Thermostats. 

  • High Energy Efficiency
  • Quiet Performance
  • Multi-stage Cooling system
  • Precise Control

Visit our Trane Air Conditioner Review for more detailed information on Trane units.


Rheem vs Trane®: Comparison

Both Rheem and Trane® offer high-energy efficient air conditioner units with a wide selection of SEER ratings. They are both ENERGY STAR Qualified* and offer efficient cooling systems for their AC units that help lessen the electricity needed to cool the space, reducing energy costs and bills. 

The lowest SEER rating of Rheem air conditioners is 15.5, while the lowest for Trane® is 13 SEER rating. The highest cooling efficiency of Rheem is a 20.5 SEER rating, while the highest for Trane® is a 22 SEER rating.

Overall, Trane® offers much more energy-efficient air conditioner units with its high 22 SEER rating.

Both Rheem and Trane® air conditioners provide quiet performance, and most of their AC units use a high-quality noise-reducing technology.

Rheem air conditioners typically provide a sound level in decibels, ranging from 65 decibels (lowest) to 70 decibels (highest). They also use a composite base pan for quieter and more efficient operation.

On the other hand, the sound level of Trane® varies from 55 decibels (lowest) to 75 decibels (highest). It also uses a compressor Sound Insulator for a quieter air conditioner.

Overall, Trane® has a better sound rating and noise-dampening ability with a sound as low as 55 decibels than Rheem’s average decibel sound level of 65.

Both Rheem and Trane® have good communication ability that allows access control over air conditioners, and they can be paired with a thermostat.

Rheem uses the Innovative EcoNet technology that can be operated with the EcoNet Smart Thermostat, allowing simple scheduling of energy savings and adjusting of the comfort settings. It also sends equipment alerts from email or directly to the phone. It can also be accessed remotely using the EcoNet app.

On the other hand, Trane® can be paired with a Trane communicating thermostat for optimal communication efficiency, allowing control over temperature and further diagnostics. 

Overall, Rheem has the advantage in terms of the communication abilities of the air conditioner units with the innovative features of their EcoNet technology and EcoNet Smart Thermostat.

Rheem offers top-quality air conditioners, which come in 11 available series: Classic Series: Single Stage (RA13), Classic Series: Single Stage (RA14), Classic Series: Single-Stage (RA14**W), Classic Series: Single Stage (RA16), Classic Series: Two-Stage (RA17 non communicating), Classic Plus Series: Two-Stage (RA17), Classic Plus Series: Two-Stage (RA17), Select Series: Single Stage WA14, Select Series: Single Stage WA14, Select Series: Single Stage WA16, and Select Series: Single Stage WA16. 

The air conditioner units of Rheem have four available fuel choices customers can choose from, including Natural Gas, Propane Gas, Natural & Propane Gas, and Electric. They can also either be installed indoors, outdoors, or split.

Trane® offers top air conditioners, which are available in 10 air conditioner models: XR13 Air Conditioner, ST Series Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner, XR14 Air Conditioner, XR16 Low Profile Air Conditioner, XR16 Air Conditioner, XL16i Air Conditioner, XR17 Air Conditioner, XL18i Air Conditioner, XV18 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Air Conditioner, and XV20i TruComfort Variable Speed Air Conditioner. They also provide four choices for unit types, namely Variable Speed, Two Stage, One Stage, and Accessories & Ductless ACs.

Overall, Rheem offers more product variations of air conditioners with a wide selection of specifications. It products greater product flexibility for customers.

Rheem offers premium, mid-range, and standard prices for their air conditioners, and it costs around $948 to $1,925 for the AC units alone, while the total installation costs around $3,150 to $3,150. 

The total installation costs may vary depending on the AC unit size, house size, and specifications.

Read our in-depth Rheem ac unit cost guide for a full breakdown.

Trane air conditioners also offer premium, mid-range, and standard product prices. It costs around $2,250 to $3,550 for AC units alone, while the total installation cost ranges from $5,800 to $14,000. 

The total Trane AC installation costs may differ depending on the specific system type, unit size, heating or cooling stages, efficiency rating, and the difficulty of the installation. 

Overall, Rheem air conditioners offer a much more budget-friendly and affordable air conditioner units with a good quality and efficient performance.

Both Rheem and Trane® offer great warranty coverage for their air conditioner products, and customers may receive the full warranty benefits upon registration.

Rheem provides a 10-year Limited Parts Lifetime Warranty for significant components with a 10-year replacement warranty.

Trane® offers two warranty coverages for their air conditioners: Base Limited Warranty and Registered Limited Warranty. The Base Limited Warranty lasts about five years, and it takes effect for AC units that aren’t registered more than 60 days after the installation. The Registered Limited Warranty lasts about 10 years and takes effect for AC units registered within 60 days of installation. Both warranties cover the part costs but not the repair labor bill. In addition, Trane® provides an Optional Extended Warranty that covers the labor and parts cost.

Overall, Trane® offers better warranty coverages for their air conditioners with various options. 


Rheem vs Trane®: Final Showdown

Both Rheem and Trane® use technology that adjusts and copes with the house’s cooling needs, providing enhanced comfort and efficiency for the performance.

Rheem uses an inverter technology that adjusts the indoor fan speeds and compressor speed depending on the cooling needs to match the air output and input. As a result, it provides a much more efficient and precise humidity, all-day temperature, and indoor air quality control.

Trane® uses the TruComfortâ„¢ technology that automatically adjusts the temperature, the fan, compressor, and outdoor fan speed for a consistent temperature and humidity control while avoiding temperature fluctuations. 

If you prefer a top-quality energy efficient air conditioner unit with great communication abilities and broader product variations that come at affordable prices, then Rheem is the ideal air conditioner for you.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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