If You’ve Heard About the Trane Recall, You Should Be Asking Better Questions
In March 2024, Trane Technologies and American Standard recalled over 19,000 packaged gas-electric HVAC units. The reason? Dangerous fire hazards tied to improper LP conversion during installation. Some units actually caught fire inside homes.
The kicker? These weren’t cheap off-brand systems. They were trusted names installed by licensed pros. But they still failed—and failed big.
This was a wake-up call, not just for manufacturers, but for homeowners too. Because in today’s market, it’s not enough to just “trust your contractor.” You need to know what questions to ask, especially when it comes to refrigerants, system design, and long-term safety.
What the Trane Recall Actually Revealed
According to the official Consumer Product Safety Commission notice, the recalled units posed a serious risk because:
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LP conversion kits were installed incorrectly
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Burner flames were too large or misdirected
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The systems overheated and, in some cases, ignited
This wasn’t about refrigerant. The systems used R-410A, not R-32. The danger came from the combustion side—from trying to force complex, dual-fuel systems to work with propane using bolt-on parts and rushed installs.
And yet, as word of the recall spread, homeowners started associating “fire hazard” with “new refrigerants” like R-32. That confusion is dangerous in itself—because it can cause people to reject safer, modern systems in favor of outdated tech.
Don’t Let Fear of R-32 Distract from the Real Problem
Let’s set the record straight: R-32 had nothing to do with the Trane fires.
If anything, the Trane recall shows exactly why we should be moving toward split systems with modern refrigerants—not clinging to combo boxes and propane kits from the past.
Here’s why:
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R-32 systems don’t rely on LP conversions
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They use less refrigerant charge and operate at lower pressure
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R-32 is classified as A2L (mildly flammable)—but only ignites under very specific, controlled conditions
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Unlike propane, it isn’t combusted inside the system
In fact, Daikin reports that over 100 million R-32 systems have been installed globally—with no systemic safety issues.
So if your contractor tries to steer you away from R-32 because “it’s flammable,” ask them how they feel about the Trane recall, and whether they’re still installing systems that rely on propane burners and conversion kits.
What You Should Be Asking Your HVAC Contractor (Post-Recall Edition)
Now more than ever, you need to take the lead in your HVAC conversations. Here's how to do it:
1. Are you quoting any gas-electric combo units or LP-convertible models?
If the answer is yes, ask: “What kind of fire protection is in place if something goes wrong during conversion?”
2. Do these systems use R-410A or R-32?
If it’s R-410A, ask: “What’s the plan when R-410A becomes harder to get and more expensive over the next few years?” (EPA info)
3. Are you trained and equipped to install A2L-rated systems like those using R-32?
That includes proper ventilation, leak detection protocols, and UL-compliant tools.
4. Can I get a quote for a split system instead of a gas-electric package unit?
Push for a configuration that separates heating and cooling—no shared box, no propane kits.
5. Do the models you’re offering meet 2025 SEER2 and refrigerant compliance standards?
Out-of-date systems are already losing parts support and long-term warranty backing.
What to Watch for: Common Excuses (and Real Answers)
Let’s decode the pushback you might hear from contractors stuck in the past:
“R-32 is too flammable to be safe.”
→ R-32 is A2L, but it’s stable, hard to ignite, and used in tens of millions of systems worldwide. It’s far safer than combusting propane in a backyard unit.
“I only install what I’ve used for 20 years.”
→ Ask how many of those systems might now be under recall. Comfort with the old way doesn’t mean it's safe in 2025.
“410A works fine—why change?”
→ Because 410A is being phased down by the EPA due to its high global warming potential (GWP of 2,088). R-32 has a GWP of just 675, and is the clear regulatory favorite moving forward.
“I don’t carry R-32 systems yet.”
→ You can find them at The Furnace Outlet, where they’re in stock and supported by major manufacturers like Goodman and Daikin.
What Safer, Smarter Systems Actually Look Like
Want to avoid the next recall? Here’s what to look for:
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Split system architecture – so cooling and heating stay separate
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Factory-configured gas furnaces – no conversion kits required
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Matched R-32 AC systems – efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible
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UL-listed A2L compliance – including pressure sensors and leak protection
Systems are designed for long-term performance—without the need for dangerous field modifications.
Still Unsure? Start With the Facts
Instead of relying on guesswork or fear-based opinions, dig into the real data:
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Trane Technologies Recall Notice (via CPSC) – Details exactly what went wrong
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International Energy Agency: Cooling & Climate – Explains why refrigerant choice matters, both for safety and sustainability
The bottom line? The risk isn’t in the refrigerant—it’s in the systems still designed around outdated, failure-prone components.
Final Take: After Trane, Don’t Just Replace—Upgrade
The Trane recall didn’t just expose one company’s mistake. It highlighted an industry-wide problem: too many legacy systems, too many duct-taped conversions, and too few contractors willing to embrace safer, smarter refrigerants like R-32.
As a homeowner, you have more power than you think. You can demand systems that are:
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Designed for today’s codes
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Built without dangerous conversion kits
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Supported by modern refrigerants that won’t disappear next year
R-32 is not the hazard—it’s the solution. It’s the clean break from the past that protects your home, lowers your energy bill, and avoids the kind of mistakes that lead to recalls.
And it’s available right now:
👉 Shop R-32 Air Conditioner and Gas Furnace Systems at The Furnace Outlet
Want more information about how the Trane recall affects your current systems? Visit my guide right here!
Until next time,
- Mark, your go to HVAC guide
