The beauty of a heat pump is that the same unit can provide heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. Now that dual-purpose technology has been taken a step further by adding new features to make it as quiet, efficient and convenient as possible. The result is the Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i, the latest advancement in temperature technology.
The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i is designed to give greater control over a home’s temperature and humidity, and do it in the most energy-efficient way possible. Part of the problem with old-style heat pumps was that since some days are hotter or colder than others, the work load placed on the heat pump was highly variable. Heat pumps generally had only one compressor, which was designed to handle the heaviest loads the unit would probably have to face. This was fine on the coldest or hottest days, but on milder days the unit would be using more power than it really needed.
The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i solves this problem by having two compressors, one with lower power for milder days and another with greater power for hotter days. This ensures that the heat pump will only use the amount of power it needs, and no more. An added advantage of this system is that it provides very consistent temperature, eliminating the extremes of hot and cold that are seen with some other units. The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i also has Comfort-R humidity control which helps to decrease humidity in summer.
The quest for maximum energy efficiency has been carried through into all aspects of the Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i’s construction. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of this unit is as high as 20.0, one of the best ratings in the business. This saves money for the homeowner and is also good for the environment.
The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i is one of the greenest heat pumps available. It has Energy Star qualification and in many areas will be entitled to tax credits or rebates from utility companies. It also uses a Spine Fin evaporator for highly efficient heat dispersal, decreasing the unit’s energy consumption.
This unit is wired to be linked to the Trane CleanEffects system, which provides advanced air filtration to eliminate particulate matter and other irritants from the conditioned air, making for a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Another environmental benefit of the Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i is that it uses R-410A refrigerant, proven to be safer than R-22 and other old-style refrigerants.
The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i is designed around the idea the greatest efficiency can only achieved when the unit is capable of adjusting itself to meet its changing needs and changes in the environment. When accompanied by communicating indoor units, the Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i uses ComfortLink II Communicating Technology to link all the parts of your home’s temperature control system. This allows the unit to charge itself, recalibrate or change its configuration for maximum possible efficiency throughout the lifetime of the unit.
An additional feature can be gained by adding the Telephone Access Module, which allows you to receive reports from your home’s system and make adjustments by phone. Even when you’re away, you can be in touch with your home and make changes as needed.
All these features are contained in a sturdy, compact casing with full-side louvered panels and a Dura-Tuff rustproof base pan. The cabinet has quick access and coils are fully protected to prevent accidental damage during repairs. The compressors are insulated for sound to provide the quietest possible performance.
The unit is protected by a tough WeatherGuard cover with weather-resistant fasteners, so damage is unlikely. However, there is a 12-year limited warranty on the compressor and a 10-year warranty on everything else. Trane subjects all materials to a series of rigorous tests to ensure durability.
The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i comes in a range of models for different work loads. The two ton unit costs about $2,200, the three ton unit is around $2,260 and the four ton unit goes for about $2,680. Of course, there will be some slight variation in price from one retailer to the next. When considering these prices, it is important to keep in mind that the high energy efficiency will make the unit pay for itself after a few year’s use. The Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i generally produces energy savings of up to 70 per cent over old-style heat pumps.
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