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The spectrum of home air conditioner brands is quite wide. The expensive brands aside, there are brands like Trane that provide quite a value for money. And XR14 and Runtru are two of the popular models from the lineup.
As it seems, right now you’re up for a Trane xr14 vs A4AC6 Runtru comparison.
Trane xr14 is better compared to its Runtru counterpart which is the A4AC6 air conditioner. The xr14 has a better build quality compared to Runtru A4AC6. It also keeps up the initial performance for a longer period of time. Runtru A4AC6 is more likely to fail earlier than xr14.
Trane xr14 vs Runtru: Differences
Before a thorough comparison, let’s see how they differ at a glance.
| Aspect | Trane XR14 Air Conditioner | A4AC6 Runtru Air Conditioner |
| Performance | Better | Good |
| Durability | Better | Good |
| Build Quality | Better | Good |
| Compressor Type | Single-stage | Scroll Compressor |
| Noise Level | 72-73 dB | 76 dB |
| Energy Star Rated | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper |
Trane xr14 vs Runtru: Detailed Comparison
Guided by the same company under the same engineers, Runtru is a new brand. They have introduced a new line of ducted cooling and heating products.
The HVAC specialist says these products are the same as Trane’s with a moderate price. We all know how expensive it is to own an HVAC unit from Trane.
Although they’re costly, the price range is acceptable given their quality and performance. But what if you can get the same product at a cheaper price?
That’s what Runtru offers the customers. But is it as good as Trane? We’re about to find that out. The xr14 air conditioner is one of the most sold products of Trane.
We’re going to compare it to its equivalent model from Runtru, which is the A4AC6 air conditioner. So, let’s get a detailed comparison to understand which product will be better.
Key Specs
Trane’s xr14 certainly has more features than Runtru A4AC6.
One of the major differences in their build is their compressor type. Trane xr14 has a single-stage compressor. Which means it only has one output. It runs only at 100% of its capacity.
The Runtru A4AC6 has a scroll compressor that has two moving parts in it. Because of this, it can run smoothly and more quietly than other air conditioners.
Due to having fewer moving parts, the compressor is quite reliable. But so is the compressor of Trane’s xr14. The aspect is quite similar to the differences between high cool and high fan.
Winner: No definite winner for this particular segment.
Performance:
When choosing an air conditioner the Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) plays an important role. It’s a score that says how much energy is needed to cool your home.
The xr14 Trane has a SEER rating of 16. A4AC6 also has the same SEER rating. The reason why A4AC6 can be considered as its equivalent is due to this.
Since their SEER ratings are the same, their cooling capacity is also similar. The performance of these two air conditioners doesn’t vary a lot either.
But let’s see how long the performances will stay above par.
Both models are made by Trane. But the difference in their performance gets visible after using them for a while. The cooling performance of Trane stays the same for long periods.
Unless it gets damaged you can use the Trane xr14 for more than 6-7 years. But Runtru’s performance lowers after using it for 2-3 years.
They are most likely to face the failure of other compartments earlier than Trane’s. It also faces problematic AC noise as it gets older and wears down.
Although it has a high noise control level, it doesn’t last long. Many users have complained that Runtru AC units get noisier after using them for a while.
Winner: While the performance is very similar, the noise level and SEER rating are better in Trane.
Build Quality:
Trane xr14 has quite a durable construction that doesn’t usually get damaged easily. But the same can’t be said about Runtru A4AC6.
Trane xr14 is made from excellent grade build metals that are quite reliable. Runtru on the other hand uses the same metals, but the quality isn’t the best.
They use cheaper sheet metals for the build, which explains why Runtru HVAC units cost less. The discrimination is the same for other parts and components of the air conditioner.
This is the main reason why Runtru’s AC is most likely to fail earlier than Trane’s. They are prone to face issues with air filtration quite soon.
Trane xr14 is more reliable compared to that. It’s also corrosion-resistant. So, you won’t have to worry about rust problems.
A piece of advice to keep both of them protected from damage is to use an AC cover. Here are some affordable yet durable covers to recommend-
- KylinLucky Air Conditioner Cover for Outside Units(Big enough to fit almost all the Trane and Runtru AC outdoor units).
- Sturdy Covers AC Defender(better airflow because of the mesh design).
- MODERN WAVE Central Air Conditioner Cover(If you’re planning to get a large AC, this will surely help your outdoor unit).
Winner: Trane XR14 definitely has the better build among these two.
Price:
As we have mentioned before, Trane HVAC units are quite expensive. The Trane xr14 air conditioner costs about $5,400-$8,400. Compared to Trane xr16 or xr17 it’s quite affordable.
As for Runtru A4AC6, its price is almost $600 less than Trane’s xr14. It’s quite an affordable price to experience almost the same facilities as Trane xr14. That’s why people can’t stop loving Runtru!
So, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, you know which one to choose.
Winner: Runtru is made for the budget people. So, it surely is the first choice if you’re low on budget.
Trane xr14 vs Runtru: Final Verdict
Between Trane xr14 and Runtru A4AC6, xr14 is the winner. It’s the safer option to pick any day. It’s almost better in all aspects considering their quality and performance.
Although Runtru is cheaper, it’s not so durable in the long run. It will most likely fail earlier than a Trane air conditioner. The performance quality of the Runtru air conditioner decreases over time earlier than Trane.
The warranty period offered by Runtru is also lesser than Trane. Although it’s not a bad air conditioner, it might just not win against Trane xr14.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Trane xr14 not a good fit?
One of the cons of xr14 is the high electricity bill. Because it runs full of its capacity, the energy absorption is higher. So, in case you’re concerned about the bill xr14 might not be the best option. Also, if your house has an uneven temperature issue xr14 wouldn’t be a suitable option.
What are the comparable Trane AC models to xr14?
If you compare the features, Trane xv18 is comparable to xr14. But it has a better warranty and an advanced label variable compressor. On price comparison, xr17 will be similar. They cost between $4,500-$6,000.
What is the benefit of a single-stage compressor?
Single-stage compressors run at full capacity. This means it’ll cool down your house in no time. While this is economical, it can be pricey too if left on for too long. Also running them for too long strings its lifespan.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our discussion on trane xr14 vs runtru. Hopefully, it was useful enough for you to make the decision.
Pay special attention to the installation process of your air conditioner. Good installation ensures better efficiency and longevity.
Now, pick your preferred AC unit and enjoy the chilled cozy breeze!
HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.