Go to Consumer Reports
Listed as least failures for years running on furnaces and AC was Trane & American Standard (same parent)

Trane is not the best found. If it was so good, where are the sales. As a ranking, it has good publicity, but a lousey sales record. American Standard no longer owns Trane.

Where have you been Bob? Don't you read any HVAC print, industry magazines or publications?

American Standard sold the plumbing divison and automotive parts divisions.
They then sold their HVAC holdings to Ingersoll Rand and have changed the parent company name to Trane. Trane Co will continue to focus & market their HVAC products under both the Trane & American Standard labels (residential, light commercial & commercial/industrial).

American Standard Companies is renamed to focus on its heating and air conditioning business
November 28, 2007
Homeowners can continue to rely on American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning for quality products, systems and service
American Standard Companies has changed its name to Trane to reflect the companys focus on its heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) business, which includes American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning. Changing the name and stock symbol (TT) marks the completion of the companyÂs separation plan that was announced in February 2007. Since then, the company spun off its vehicle control systems business as an independent company called WABCO (NYSE: WBC) on July 31, and sold its bath and kitchen business to funds advised by Bain Capital Partners, LLC, on Oct. 31
Hamilton, Bermuda and Piscataway, New Jersey, December 17, 2007 Â Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (NYSE:IR) announced today that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Trane Inc. (NYSE:TT), formerly American Standard Companies Inc., in a transaction valued at approximately $10.1 billion, including transaction fees and the assumption of approximately $150 million of Trane net debt. Trane is a global leader in indoor climate control systems, services and solutions with expected 2007 revenues of $7.4 billion.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Ingersoll Rand will acquire all outstanding common stock of Trane. Holders of TraneÂs approximately 200 million common shares will receive a combination of $36.50 in cash and 0.23 Ingersoll Rand shares of common stock per each Trane share. The total value for this transaction was $47.81 per Trane share based on the closing price as of December 14, 2007. The transaction which is expected to close late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2008, is subject to approval by Trane shareholders, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Herbert L. Henkel, Ingersoll Rand chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "The combination of Ingersoll Rand and Trane will create a global, diversified industrial company with projected pro forma 2008 revenues of $17 billion. The new Ingersoll Rand portfolio will include an $11 billion Climate Control business which will offer high value equipment, systems and services necessary for delivering solutions across the temperature spectrum for indoor, stationary, and transport applications worldwide.
"As a result of expected revenue and cost synergies, we are confident that this acquisition will improve Ingersoll RandÂs future earnings growth potential. We believe the new Ingersoll Rand will be capable of sustaining annual organic revenue growth averaging 5-7% and EPS growth exceeding 15% per year, both in excess of our former growth guidance. In particular, assuming timely consummation of the proposed acquisition, we anticipate earnings of $4.00 per share in 2008."
Fred Poses, Trane chairman and CEO said, "For our shareowners, this offer represents an attractive price for our shares today and the opportunity to participate in a powerful global diversified industrial company in the future. Combining Trane and Ingersoll RandÂs climate control operation creates a very strong business. With the size, strength and operational effectiveness of a $17 billion global industrial company, we believe this combination is best for our customers, employees and shareowners in the long term." Poses will remain in his position until the acquisition is completed.
"This acquisition represents a significant next step in Ingersoll RandÂs decade-long transformation to become a leading global diversified industrial company, with strong market positions across the climate control, industrial and security markets," said Henkel. "The acquisition of Trane meets our long-term objectives of significantly increasing consistency of revenue and income streams, adding strong brands and market positions, and further strengthening the organic growth potential of our portfolio. TraneÂs leadership position in the global commercial and residential climate control industry enhances our own highly regarded Hussmann and Thermo King brands.

"TraneÂs demonstrated long-term organic growth rate, averaging 7% to 8% per year, compares favorably to the organic growth targets we have established for our business portfolio. TraneÂs talented management team and employees have delivered consistent revenue growth and operating margins throughout all phases of the business cycle.
"We believe Trane will deliver strong growth and profitability going forward. Based upon market fundamentals such as rising energy costs and conservation initiatives, we expect solid replacement-demand for energy-efficient products and for retrofit and refurbishment of current systems. TraneÂs large installed base of equipment and systems will provide profitable aftermarket growth potential. Also, Trane has the leading market position in North America, and is growing strongly and increasing penetration in international markets.
"On a combined basis, Ingersoll RandÂs climate control operations are projected to have revenues of approximately $11 billion in 2008 and will have a significant presence in all major segments of the associated industries worldwide. It is anticipated this combination will produce annual pre-tax cost and revenue synergies exceeding $300 million by 2010. Anticipated synergies include purchased material savings through supplier rationalization and procurement leverage, improvements in manufacturing costs, and lower general and administrative costs. Longer term, we will benefit from synergies related to cross selling and service revenue expansion."
Trane Inc., previously named American Standard Companies Inc., provides systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of the air in homes and buildings around the world. The company offers customers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; service and parts support; advanced building controls; and financing solutions. The companyÂs systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. TraneÂs 2007 annual revenues are expected to approximate $7.4 billion. Trane has more than 29,000 employees and 29 production facilities worldwide.
Ingersoll Rand is a global diversified industrial firm providing products, services and solutions to transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and enhance industrial productivity and efficiency. Driven by a 100-year-old tradition of technological innovation, Ingersoll Rand enables companies and their customers to create progress. Ingersoll RandÂs 2007 annual revenues are projected to be approximately $8.7 billion. The company has 35,000 employees and 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Just in case you were unaware, Trane/American Standard according to ARI and shipments reported was 2nd in numbers and that was to Carrier Corp which includes the Inter-City Product labels (Heil, Tempstar,...)

Where is their sales? All over in your backyard

FYI:

Contrary to popular belief, your true operating costs for a/c are determined by the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and not SEER. Whichever SEER system you get, you want a 12 EER MINIMUM.

Systems from 13 to 15 SEER use one single stage compressor. 16 SEER typically uses one dual-stage compressor. 19 SEER uses dual compressors. The dual-stage or dual compressor systems do not cost less to run, they provide more comfort by having 2 stages of cooling but are also more complicated.

Make sure your ductwork in the attic is inspected for leaks. Leaking return air ducts draw hot attic air into the system. Leaking supply air ducts cool the attic and steal cool air from the rest of the house.

Get as many quotes as you can. The more quotes you get, the more educated you become. Don't wait until your system dies because then all bets are off as far as getting a fair price.

As with your old system, make sure that model numbers of the condenser (outside unit), coil, and furnace are on the quote. You can consider a heat pump if your electic rates are decent versus your gas rates. Your heat pump can have a back-up gas furnace which will provide flexibility if utility prices change in the future.

Best to you.