The Trane Air Handler and Gas Furnace model XL80 should always be installed and maintained by a licensed professional. However, there are several things that the homeowner can do to keep their HVAC system running at its peak. Regularly change the air filter, hire an HVAC professional for anything more in depth, and be energy conscious when it comes to selecting thermostat temperatures. With these thoughts in mind, the Trane system will last a long time.
First and foremost is the air filter. It must be changed at least once per month. This is something that the average homeowner can do as it is a simple task. The manufacturer recommends changing the air filter twice per month when the system is being used regularly. This unit can take advantage of using a semi-permanent filter. If a household is using a semi-permanent filter, simply remove the filter, vacuum it off, and replace it. If using disposable filters, removed the old filter and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new filter is the exact same size as the old one.
Make sure to ask your HVAC supplier where the filter is located when you purchase your Trane Air Handler and Gas Furnace. Some of the locations you may find one or more filters is indoors, behind the bottom panel. The door will say “filter” on it. When you reinsert the new filter, make sure that the arrows of the filter and pointing in the direction that the air flows.
The only other thing that a homeowner can do themselves is to simply wipe down the outside of the casing that houses the air handler and furnace. Use only soap and water. If needed, household detergents may be used as well. Never use lacquer, paint thinners, or any sort of synthetic solvent as this may strip the paint from the surface.
Should the homeowner find that your Trane system is not heating or cooling well. There are a few things to check. First, make sure that the air filter has been cleaned or replaced recently. Make sure that there is nothing blocking any of the grills or air registers inside of the house. If there are, remove them. Finally, make sure that there are no leaves or other items that may be clogging up the coil located outside of the home. Once again, should anything be blocking the coil then remove it. These are all things the homeowner can do themselves. However, if these solutions do not solve the problem, then it is time to call out the professionals
If the air conditioner or furnace will not turn on at all, make sure that the main switch is turned “on”. If it is, check the house circuit breaker then any fuses. Reset or replace the breaker or fuses that are off or burned out. Also make sure that the thermostat is adjusted to a setting that will allow the furnace or air conditioner to turn on. Call a service technician if there are any unusual noises.
One thing that a homeowner may not know is that this unit should not be used with vents that are the wrong size. This will cause many issues and result in a furnace and air conditioner that leak, combust, or stop working all together. Another thing the average homeowner should be aware of is that the bearings in the blower motor, generally, do not require any servicing and should be left alone. Of course, power must be disconnected from the air handler, furnace, and any indoor and outdoor parts before any attempt is made to remove the cover. There are also sharp parts inside of the unit as well as exposed wiring. A licensed professional would be aware of these facts, and more. That is why the homeowner should always use a professional HVAC technician or dealer before doing anything besides a simple wipe down of their system or a filter change. Failure to use an approved worker will result in a voided warranty for the Trane furnace and air handler. This is a piece of equipment that is designed to work with exacting precision. However, it cannot work correctly if it is not serviced correctly.
The thermostat is how the homeowner will tell the Trane system to work. Use the thermostat to adjust the temperatures in the home. Some units are sold with an optional programmable thermostat that can store up to four different temperature settings. The thermostat has a separate manual for operation. Regardless of the thermostat that is selected it is recommended that the thermostat be left alone and that the temperature only be changed when it is necessary. This saves on energy costs but it also keeps the Trane furnace and air handler working at their best.
For further energy saving tips, Trane recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer months and 68 degrees during the winter months. Of course, the Trane air handler and furnace can handle much higher and lower temperatures and keep the home as comfortable as the owners would like it. But, if the homeowners will be away from the home for a day or two, it is better to turn the air conditioner up to 85 degrees or turn the furnace down to 55 degrees. Never turn the power off to the air handler or furnace entirely. If the main power is shut off, accidentally, wait at least three hours, after it has been restored, before turning the thermostat back on. Failure to keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, or higher, in freeze areas, may result in frozen pipes in the home. Of course, regular service of the unit also helps to keep it energy efficient.
With the right care and service, the Trane XL80 will keep the home comfortable for many many years. Just remember to change the filter, hire the right professionals, ask the dealer important questions, and pay attention to the thermostat settings. This is really not a lot to ask in exchange for all of the years of home comfort that the Trane air handler and furnace will provide.