The outdoor Heat Pump Unit is very similar to an outdoor Air Conditioner Unit.  There are a couple of additional valves and components that allow the Heat Pump Unit to reverse the refrigerant flow as needed when switching between the heating and cooling modes.  Heat Pump outdoor units run anytime there is a heating or cooling need for inside the home.

The Air Handler inside the home basically consists of the fan assembly, coil, electric heat strips and other electronic controls.  The coil works with the outdoor unit to transfer heat from or to the inside of the home.  In colder weather it takes longer for the Heat Pump to warm up the inside of the home since it is removing heat from the cold outdoors.  This is where the electric heat strips turn on to add additional heat in the home until the Heat Pump “catches up”.

Heat Pumps are considered more energy efficient than Air Conditioners with Furnaces.  Many electric companies provide larger rebates for Heat Pump system upgrades over the Air Conditioner and Furnace systems.

Trane offers several different models of Heat Pump Systems from a basic system to those with variable speed indoor fans and 2 speed / 2 compressor outdoor units.  In all cases, the Trane Heat Pump systems are made with high quality components for long life.

Nothing beat a Trane.

Fan motor or blower:  This is what moves both heated and cooled air throughout your home.  Most existing home furnaces have single speed fans that turn on and off as needed.  In fact, most HVAC system manufacturers today still use furnaces that only run at one speed.  Trane offers several models of furnaces with true variable speed fans.  The fans start off at ½ speed for a minute, then speeds up to around ¾ speed for several minutes and then runs at maximum speed until the temperature selected has been reached.  For winter use, this reduces the “cold air” blast of air that you currently feel when the heater comes on.  For summer use, this helps the air conditioner lower the humidity in your home by removing moisture from the air in the first few minutes that it runs each time.  In both cases, it reduces the start up pressure shock to the homes duct work when the blower first turns on.  In summary, a variable speed fan or blower is best for any air conditioning and heating system.

Heat Exchanger: This is the part of the furnace that creates heat by burning natural gas or propane.  Heat exchangers are usually either steel or aluminized steel.  The metal expands and contracts with usage which can cause a problem (cracking) with those that are welded together.  Trane uses aluminized steel heat exchangers that are crimped together, which allows for the expanding and contracting without cracking (longer life).

Gas Valve:  This is the part that controls the amount of gas that flows into the heat exchanger.  Most furnaces use a single stage gas valve that runs at maximum all the time.  A 2 stage gas valve will allow the heat exchanger to run at ½ of normal when mild temperature changes are needed and at full flow when a lot of heat is needed.  The 2 stage gas valve will reduce the amount of gas burned in mild temperature changes and reduce your energy costs for heating.  Trane offers several models of furnaces with 2 stage gas valves.

Furnace Cabinet:  The cabinet holds all the heating and fan components within it.  Most manufacturers use painted steel with some type of insulation in it.  Trane uses a high quality, heavy steel cabinet with a uniform paint finish.  Trane’s furnaces are fully insulated and they use automotive grade gaskets around the doors and panels which reduces noise and keeps the conditioned air inside the furnace.

So what’s the best furnace for you?  It’s a quality built unit that is properly sized for your home with 2 stages of heating and a variable speed fan or blower.

Nothing beats a Trane.

With HVAC systems, many people still think it’s only about hot and cold air. In reality, the replacement of your air conditioning and heating system includes the same performance enhancements of the new car purchase. There are 2 big differences though. First, you most likely spend one half of your life in your home and the HVAC system controls the environment. Second, the investment in your HVAC system becomes part of your home’s value. Let’s look at today’s quality HVAC system and compare it to the new car features (Car-HVAC):

Fuel Mileage – Electric and Gas usage: Today’s best HVAC systems have 2 speed compressors, 2-3 levels of gas flow through the furnace (called multi-staged) and variable fan speeds all of which save you energy costs.

Handling-Air flow performance: Today’s best HVAC systems with true variable speed fan motors come on and turn off without noticeable differences in comfort. Your current system comes on at maximum speed, always with that blast of cold or hot air, which produces a surge in electrical use and also shocks the air ducts each time it happens.

Performance-Temperature, Humidity and Air Filtration: Properly designed HVAC systems not only control temperature, but they can also reduce humidity and remove particles as small as the Flu Virus from the air.*

Sound Systems-Noise: Today’s best HVAC systems are much quieter that old units, both in the furnace area and outdoor units. Less noise is always better.

On Board Communications: Today’s best HVAC systems include a communicating network of all components and can even include remote diagnosis and owner controls through telephone systems**

Appearance: There is nothing worse than a rusty outdoor unit in your yard or discolored unit in the garage/closet. Today’s best systems are galvanized for rust proofing and powder coated***

Warranty: You know the importance of this. 10 years or more is what you should expect.

As you can see, there is a lot more to think about when purchasing a new HVAC system today. It’s not just about cold and hot air anymore. It’s about comfort, health, energy savings, efficiency, quietness and technology.

• *Trane Clean Effects is a patented electronic air filtration system that has been proven to remove up to 99.98% of all breathable particles from the air as small as .1 microns. This is smaller than flu viruses, pollen, mold spores, etc.
• **Trane Comfortlink II is a communication network that connects all parts of the HVAC system together for integrated communication which allows for the ultimate performance, plus diagnostics and owner remote access through a telephone (with the telephone module)
• ***Trane uses galvanized metal which is then powder coated for appearance. Galvanizing resists rust and power coat paint is thicker and more evenly applied than spray painted. Trane warranties their products against rust and corrosion even at the oceans coastline. Most HVAC manufacturers will not cover this.

Before making your choice, call or check with the Better Business Bureau’s website to make sure the dealer is reputable. Also, find out if the dealer is a member of a local association such as the Chamber of Commerce. This, in itself, is some indication of reliability.

Central Texas BBB

Ask About Training and Experience

Many dealers take advantage of training by their manufacturer or distributor to help you determine your comfort needs. As a result, when they make recommendations, you can be more assured they have selected the right system for your home. If the dealer is a Trane Comfort Specialist you can rest assured that they have met the requirements to do a top notch job.

Trane Comfort Specialist

Ask For References

Former customers are an excellent source of information. Call these individuals and ask if they were pleased with the dealer’s work. Many times references or testimonials can be found on the Contractors website.  A recommendation from a friend or a past customer is a great way to know what to expect from a contractor.

Check Local Licenses

Depending on where you live, the dealer may have to comply with certain local or state regulations, so ask to see any applicable state and local licenses and insurance information. All company trucks should be well marked with the Contractors license number and information.

Financing provided by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Financial.*  Wells Fargo Financial is an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.**

*For the Wells Fargo Financial hyperlink, please link to: http://financial.wellsfargo.com

**For the Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. hyperlink, please link to: http://www.wellsfargo.com