LIXIL Corporation (LIXIL) is a global leader in housing and construction materials, products and services, bringing together the world's most respected homes. What's the difference between Trane and American Standard? We offer many more services than just the installation of air conditioning. However, our air conditioning and heating system installation department has long been the busiest department in our company. In other words, we know these machines inside and out and the differences between them due to the volume of our facilities. I have personally visited the manufacturing facilities of almost every major HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) manufacturer in the market.
I have seen first-hand the Trane and American Standard units go through the same assembly line during several trips to their factory. You will notice that I referred to the manufacturing facilities of both brands as if they were one, and it was no accident. Both Trane and American Standard are manufactured in the same plant. Not only are both brands manufactured at the same facility (in Tyler, Texas), but they also go through the same assembly line.
They are assembled by the same people and machines, on the same conveyor belts, side by side. Once again, I have seen it several times with my own eyes. Contractors can sell one brand or another, but not both as an “authorized dealer”. To protect distribution agreements between the manufacturer and suppliers, contractors should only sell one or the other.
As a result, contractors and their vendors spread a lot of misinformation to the public, especially. Full disclosure: Trane charges dealers for a “marketing fund” in many areas, which is attached to every piece of equipment purchased. Naturally, the air conditioning and heating contractor (dealer) has to add that amount to the cost of the goods sold. Ultimately, that cost is passed on to the consumer like any other product.
It's important to note that the marketing fee doesn't necessarily mean that the contractor pays more for Trane than for American Standard. Nor does it mean that the consumer pays more for it. Most HVAC manufacturers and distributors work with a tiered pricing model. The more equipment a contractor purchases, the lower the cost of each individual unit.
American Standard is a well-known brand related to plumbing accessories and products. It is quite possible that your toilet, sink or faucet are of the American Standard brand. Although it is not manufactured by the same company, Trane is licensed to manufacture its product under the American Standard name and logo. In other words, if you buy an American Standard, you're actually buying a Trane.
While Trane markets the American Standard brand, its marketing appears to be aimed more at contractors than consumers. Other manufacturers that sell their equipment under multiple brands take a similar approach. If you ask me, this multi-level marketing approach is really brilliant. On the one hand, there are consumers who see Trane ads and call to specifically request that product from contractors.
On the other hand, when a consumer asks a contractor what brand they recommend, that contractor will most likely recommend American Standard. Once again, the main difference between brands is the distribution network, which varies across the country. In some parts of the country, brands are distributed through wholesalers, in other areas they are distributed directly from the factory. Almost all major HVAC manufacturers sell the same equipment under different brands.
The reason is that they can increase their market share and, at the same time, comply with exclusive distribution contracts with different wholesalers. Other examples are Goodman, Daikin & Amana (same manufacturer), Carrier & Bryant (same manufacturer) and Rheem & Ruud (same manufacturer). We have found that the customer service of these networks varies depending on the location. This creates differences in the contractor's experience and, ultimately, in the end user's experience with the brand.
Magic Touch Mechanical went from Trane to American Standard time and time again, time and time again, in our 25-year history with the brand (s). In reality, the only reason we changed each time was to ensure the best possible experience for our customers. Since the equipment comes from two different suppliers, the level of service, the availability of parts, customer support, and so on. If you've been researching Trane or American Standard, you may have discovered that the brand was recently sold once again. The company Trane is now called Trane Technologies.
Unfortunately, we again saw a rapid decline in the service provided by Phoenix Trane after Ingersoll Rand sold it. The decline in service is detrimental to heating, ventilation and air conditioning system contractors, but ultimately it's the consumers (the owners of Trane) who who suffer the most. Don't get me wrong, there are still great people in Trane, some of whom I consider dear friends. However, when sales culture prevails over service, it's never good for the end user: the owners of Trane.
With that said, I made the decision to switch from Trane to American Standard again for no other reason than to provide better service to our customers. This is completely different from market to market, but in Phoenix before the difference was the caliber of the dealer. I say “once” because things have definitely changed since the old days. Some brands and suppliers allow anyone to want to buy their equipment, while others are more selective when deciding who becomes an “official dealer” to protect the brand.
I founded Magic Touch Mechanical in 1997 after obtaining three AZROC licenses for commercial and residential air conditioning systems, as well as for home remodeling. In 2002, I co-founded The Fire Place with my wife and business partner, Michele Morgan. Over the years, I have been actively involved in several industry associations, including ACCA, MTCAZ, HPBA, HPC, and AZEL. I served on boards of directors, held leadership positions, and served as president of some of these organizations.
Currently, I also serve on several business committees, including the Better Business Bureau's ACIAC. When I'm not working, I like riding motorcycles, riding BMX and writing. As a skydiver for 20 years with more than 1000 jumps, I have had many exciting adventures, from jumping from airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons across the country (and some other countries) to participating in large jumps organized with world-renowned skydiving legends. Read more Electric fireplaces make sense in PhoenixContinue reading more Remote control of gas fireplaces not working? Phoenix AZ troubleshooting guideContinue reading more Remote control installation for Phoenix AZ gas fireplacesContinue reading more Chimney insert in front of recessed gas logs Continue reading more Lennox Variable Speed Air Conditioner Review: After Use Continue Serving Phoenix and Central Arizona Since 1997. LIXIL manufactures pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.
In 1929, the American Radiator Company (founded 189) merged with the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company (founded in 187) to form the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation. The company was formed in 1929 through the merger of the American Radiator Company and the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, giving rise to the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation. This included the sale of the name American Standard to Bain, although American Standard retained the rights to use the name American Standard for its air conditioning products. Bain Capital created American Standard Americas from the North American units of the bathroom and kitchen business units acquired from American Standard Companies. American Standard Brands is a North American manufacturer of plumbing accessories, headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, United States.