FAQs

System Information

Contents:

1. Hot surface igniter definition
2. Furnace differences
3. What is an air handler?
4. Product comparisons
5. Replacing indoor unit
6. Changing filters

1. Hot Surface Igniter Definition

What is a hot surface igniter?
Unlike older model gas furnaces that used a standing pilot light
to ignite the burners on the furnace, many of today’s models
use an electronic ignition system. This includes a Hot Surface
Igniter, sometimes referred to as a glow plug or glow stick.
When there is a call for heat, the igniter receives electrical
current in order to heat its surface and ignite the burners in
the furnace.

Hot surface igniters are fairly fragile and can be damaged
during transit or installation. Cracks are not necessarily visible.
After installation, the glow pattern should be checked by your
local independent dealer for inconsistencies, and replaced if
necessary. Cracks will not necessarily prevent the igniter from
working, but will shorten its life.

It is important that the correct original equipment manufacturer’
s igniter be used when replacing an igniter. There are many
igniters on the market. However, many do not have the correct
voltage or warm-up time as the original design.

2. Furnace Differences

What are the differences in Trane’s single, 2-Stage, and
Variable Speed Gas Furnaces?
A single stage furnace will deliver the same amount of heat
and airflow no matter what the temperature outside. A 2-stage
furnace with a 2-stage thermostat will begin in first stage (low
burner, low airflow) and only go to second stage if the indoor
temperature drops during first stage. This makes the furnace
run longer, providing greater air circulation, temperature
distribution, and air filtration. This also provides more
consistent comfort. The second stage will only come on when
the need is there and then it will be able to run longer and
maintain the comfort level. The more your system starts and
stops, the less comfort you will have and less efficiency due to
duct heat loss. The advantage of Trane's 2-stage, variable
speed furnace is it has Comfort-R™ Enhanced mode. This
allows the blower to slowly ramp up and ramp down or operate
at 50 percent of the cooling air speed in the FAN ON position.
This provides greater humidity control, quieter operation, and
maximum air circulation, temperature distribution, and air
filtration.

3. Air Handlers

What is an air handler?
The major components enclosed in an air handler’s cabinetry
are the blower and motor, controls, heater compartment, and
an evaporator coil. This is why it is also sometimes referred to
as a fan coil. A standard air handler, like the single stage
furnace, delivers the same amount of airflow no matter what
the temperature outside. Trane’s variable speed air handler
has Comfort-R Enhanced mode, like our variable speed gas
furnace, allowing the blower to slowly ramp up and ramp down
or to operate at 50 percent of the cooling air speed in the FAN
ON position. This provides greater humidity control, quieter
operation, maximum air circulation, temperature distribution,
and air filtration for greater comfort.

4. Product Comparison

Why should I choose Trane heating and air conditioning
equipment?
Increased comfort, efficiency and reliability are the main
reasons for choosing a new Trane heating and air conditioning
system. Our split system cooling units and heat pumps all have
fully louvered panels to protect the outdoor coil from damage,
as well as Powder Paint finishes and weather resistant screws.
We are the only manufacturer to offer all aluminum outdoor
coils, the patented Spine Fin™ coil. Our Spine Fin outdoor
coils provide greater heat exchanging capabilities, thus higher
efficiencies, and greater resistance to corrosion than
traditional copper/aluminum coils. We offer the highest SEER
ratings (cooling efficiency) in the industry.

Trane's gas furnaces' self-diagnostic controls, a heavy steel
40" high, insulated cabinet, hot surface igniter, multi-port in-
shot burners, one piece heat exchangers with no welds,
durable pre-painted finish, and some of the highest efficiencies
in the industry, Trane is an obvious choice.

We are also the variable speed airflow experts. Our variable
speed furnaces and air handlers can do things other
manufacturer's products can't, such as humidity control with
Comfort-R Enhanced Mode. This feature allows the furnace
blower to slowly ramp up, slowly ramp down, or to operate at
50 percent of cooling speed in the FAN ON position. This
provides greater air circulation, air filtration, even temperature
distribution, humidity control, and quiet performance. Variable
speed motors are the most efficient motors as well, increasing
the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system.

5. Replacing Indoor Unit

I need a new outdoor unit, but my indoor unit works fine.
What are the advantages of replacing my whole system
at the same time?
We recommend that your replace the indoor coil or air handler
when replacing the outdoor unit. Both of these components
are integral to the closed refrigerant loop and together
determine the capacity and efficiency of your system. If you do
not replace the indoor unit, there will be no test data available
for the new combination to establish the expected capacity or
efficiency of your system. Also, the indoor system may be
partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency, and
you may be faced in the near future with replacing the indoor
unit after it fails and having to pay to have the closed
refrigerant system opened again. It would be expensive and be
another opportunity for contamination. You end up paying
more. If your whole system is replaced, you will be less likely to
need service in the near future.

6. Changing Filters

How often should I change or clean my filters?
Filters should generally be replaced every month when the
system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size
as the original filter.