Goodman and Trane both make full lines of central air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces, and both have been around a long time. They come at the market from different directions, though. Here’s what we could confirm about each, laid out plainly. We sell Goodman, and we’ve tried to keep this fair anyway.
Who owns them
Goodman has been owned by Daikin since 2012, when the Japanese manufacturer bought Goodman Global. Goodman kept its own name and product lines.
Trane is a brand of Trane Technologies. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning is a sister brand under the same company.
Both are backed by large, established manufacturers. Neither is a fly-by-night name.
The lineups
Both brands offer the same basic ladder: single-stage equipment at the entry level, two-stage in the middle and variable-speed at the top.
| Goodman | Trane | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Daikin | Trane Technologies |
| Single-stage AC | Several R-32 models | XR series |
| Two-stage AC | Yes (for example, GLXT7C) | XL series |
| Variable-speed AC | Yes (GXV6S, GXV9S) | XV series |
| Base parts warranty, not registered | 5 years | Usually 5 years |
| Registered parts warranty | 10 years | Usually 10 years |
| Registration window | 60 days after install | 60 days after install |
Goodman’s current air conditioners are built around R-32 refrigerant. If refrigerant matters to your decision, ask about the specific model you’re quoting with either brand, and read our guide to the R-32 and R-454B changeover.
Warranty, side by side
On paper, the core parts coverage looks a lot alike. Both companies give about five years of parts coverage if you don’t register, and about ten if you register within 60 days of installation. Trane notes that the length varies by product.
Goodman adds a couple of extras on select models. Some furnaces and air conditioners carry a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty when registration conditions are met, and select higher-efficiency Goodman air conditioners carry a lifetime compressor limited warranty for the original registered owner.
Trane’s limited warranties cover parts, not labor, and with Goodman labor is typically between you and your installer too. Always check the actual certificate for the model you’re buying. Some states handle registration differently.
Where they sit on price
We can’t quote prices here, and installed cost depends heavily on your contractor. In general terms, Goodman built its name as a value brand, while Trane is usually positioned as a premium brand. Most homeowners buy Trane through a local dealer as part of an installed job. Goodman is sold through contractors too, and you can also buy it as equipment, the way we sell it. To see your price on a Goodman system, add it to your cart.
Which one fits you
Goodman tends to make sense if you want dependable, straightforward equipment, you already have a contractor you trust, and you’d rather put the savings toward a better install or a higher-efficiency tier.
Trane tends to make sense if you’d prefer one company to sell, install and service the system, and you’re comfortable paying for that brand and dealer relationship.
Either way, the person installing it will have more effect on how it runs than the name on the cabinet.
What to ask before you pick
Brand comparisons only get you so far. Once you’ve narrowed it down, these questions will tell you more than a spec sheet:
- Is the quote for a matched system, with the outdoor unit and the indoor coil or air handler rated together?
- Which refrigerant does the system use, and does your installer work with it?
- Will the contractor do a load calculation, or are they just matching the size of the old unit?
- Who registers the warranty, and when? Get the confirmation in writing.
- What labor coverage does the installer offer on their own work?
- How quickly can they get parts for this brand where you live?
If you’re replacing an old system, our repair or replace guide can help you decide whether it’s time.
And one last thing. A big brand name doesn’t fix a bad install, and a value brand doesn’t mean a cheap job. Ask for the contractor’s license number and check it.
Common questions
Is Goodman made by Daikin?
Goodman has been owned by Daikin since 2012. It’s still sold under the Goodman name with its own model lines.
Do Goodman and Trane have the same warranty?
The basic parts coverage is similar, about 5 years unregistered and 10 years registered within 60 days. Goodman adds unit replacement and lifetime compressor coverage on select models.
Can I buy Trane from Buy Comfort Direct?
No. We carry Goodman, Daikin, MRCOOL and our own Solace brand.
Want to compare Goodman systems for your house? Call (877) 843-4822 or browse Goodman equipment. More comparisons are on our brand comparisons page.