Which Air Conditioning System is Most Efficient? Compare Ruud and Trane high efficiency HVAC systems?
Let me start by saying that Efficiency is NOT the ONLY variable to consider when purchasing an HVAC system for your home. There is much more to the total picture in order to find the right product and this all depends on the needs and wants of the consumer. Still, Efficiency is probably the most talked about of all the elements. Arguably it is even the most important in the minds of most costumers. Unfortunately, at the same time this is one of the most largely misunderstood by customers AND misrepresented by HVAC sales people within the industry.
The best way to prose this argument is to go ahead and show you a full comparison of the equipment efficiencies side by side. I have laid out several specific systems according to tonnage so that you can PLAINLY COMPARE Trane and Ruud systems side by side for their comparative “TRUE” efficiencies. For this little study I have compiled complete system match ups measured by AHRI (feel free to verify as well). The systems being compared are all residential horizontal gas split systems which are very ordinary in Houston, TX (where we operate).
When I originally did this comparison of Cooling efficiencies I was not sure what to expect. I assumed that more naturally EER would raise in even step with with SEER. As you can see this is NOT the case.
What makes this significant is that EER is a more appropriate efficiency measurement for homes in the areas that my company services in Houston, TX. I highly urge my customers to try and achieve the highest EER product within their budget.
IS RUUD VS TRANE THE RIGHT QUESTION?
What i’ve found from this comparison is that the question of brand comparison, Trane VS Ruud, on each level did NOT lead to the most interesting results. Take NOTICE of the difference between two ruud products (you can do the same with Trane’s XL20i vs the XR17). This is slightly baffling. The 4 ton 14AJM with a CB (ASPEN) coil(column 3) has a 16 SEER rating while the UARL model(column 4) product line has a 16.5 SEER efficiency. NOT surprising so far BUT what is surprising is when you compare the UARL’s 12.5 EER to the 13.40 EER of the 14AJM. This should throw you off because it means that……
IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE A HIGHER COMPARABLE EER ON ONE PRODUCT AND HAVE A LOWER COMPARABLE SEER RATING
How this happens is possibly beyond me. You could blame third party coils like Aspen and how they “mysteriously” gain efficiency on the primary brand products. I have NO HARD proof to discredit this other than speculation so with the evidence we have the 14AJM could possibly be the better more economic choice for some customers judging by it’s superior EER rating. Especially consumers in hotter climates.
CONCLUSION
Trane and Ruud lines have very comparable SEER and EER ratings product vs product. It is probable that Efficiency should NOT be the determining factor for you to buy a Trane over a Ruud or vice versa. Unless you want to buy a 5 ton Trane XL20i instead of the Ruud UASL because the trane hits 17.25 SEER which is above Ruud’s 16.50 SEER. BUT STILL the EERs of each product is identical at 11.50. Meaning they consume nearly identical amounts of electric power under the same conditions.
With this possibly confusing information, my encouragement to consumers, especially those that live in hot cities like Houston is to focus on purchasing a system with a high EER rating NOT JUST a high SEER Rating. SEER is only one part of the picture. Consider both when looking to replace a complete HVAC system. It could change your conclusion on what the best product is for your home. You might even find a more efficient system for a lower price point.
These products are 2013’s primary products. I’m told that there will be some minor product changes that could effect these ratings going forward.
New AC unit
