Hey Folks — Tony Here, With a Gut Check 🔧
If you're still rockin’ a gas pack, now’s the time to really think about it.
Why? Because Trane just recalled over 25,000 gas-electric packaged units that posed a serious fire hazard — and those units weren’t ancient relics. They were sold from 2019 to 2021.
Let that sink in.
If a big brand like Trane can put out a certified, ENERGY STAR-labeled unit that ends up leaking gas and catching fire, it means the whole category needs another look.
So today, we’re talking about gas packs — what they are, why they’ve stuck around, and why I think it’s time for most folks to move on.
First, What’s a Gas Pack? 📦🔥
A “gas pack” is a packaged HVAC unit that combines your air conditioner and gas furnace into a single box, typically mounted outside. They’re popular in places like:
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The South and Southwest
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Mobile homes and smaller homes
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Commercial buildings with flat roofs
They’re simple. They save space. And they were a big hit when R-22 was king and SEER was the only efficiency number anyone cared about.
But things have changed.
What Went Wrong with Trane’s Gas Pack? 🚨
In 2024, Trane Technologies and American Standard voluntarily recalled specific gas-electric packaged units because a mounting screw could interfere with the gas line, causing a leak and potential fire.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
“The mounting screw may contact the gas pipe, resulting in a gas leak, posing a fire hazard.”
No injuries (thank God), but there were confirmed fires, and thousands of homeowners had to call in emergency techs to replace or rework their units.
And here’s what gets me:
This wasn’t a fly-by-night brand.
This was Trane. This was recent. This was avoidable.
Why Gas Packs Are Falling Behind the Times ⏳
The Trane recall isn’t just a one-off. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem: gas packs are lagging behind in every category that matters in 2025.
Here’s the rundown:
1. Limited Access to R-32 or R-454B
Most gas packs still use R-410A, which is being phased down under the EPA’s AIM Act. That means:
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Higher refrigerant costs
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Limited future parts availability
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Bigger impact on climate and regulations
R-32, on the other hand, has a GWP of 675, is already widely available, and runs more efficiently. But it’s mostly being rolled out in split systems, not packaged units.
2. Harder to Service Safely
Packaged units are compact, and that’s not always a good thing. A little screw out of place — as we saw with Trane — can lead to catastrophic failure when it’s all crammed into one box.
Plus, your tech has to service gas lines and high-voltage electrical in the same cabinet — outdoors. In the rain. With tight clearances. That’s not just annoying — that’s risky.
3. Outdated Efficiency
Many older gas packs are still rated under the old SEER system, not the new SEER2 standard that simulates real-world pressure and duct losses. And a lot of them don’t pass today’s minimum 14.3 SEER2 rating for southern states.
That’s not just a number on a sticker. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, failing to meet SEER2 means higher utility bills, less effective cooling, and fewer rebates for your upgrade.
4. Ventilation and Clearance Problems
Gas packs usually vent horizontally into open space or roofs, which sounds good — until a tree grows too close, or someone builds a deck, or the wind kicks it back toward your siding.
The recalled Trane units had issues where components could rub or shift during operation, which means small mistakes or install shortcuts could turn dangerous quickly.
Why R-32 Split Systems Are the Safer Bet 🧊💪
Now let’s talk about what I install when I’ve got a customer who wants safety, performance, and a system that’s ready for the next 10–15 years.
I recommend R-32 refrigerant paired with a high-efficiency split gas furnace.
And here’s why:
✅ Safer Design, Fewer Failures
With indoor air handlers and outdoor condensers separated, each component can be larger, safer, and easier to access. No gas lines snaking through tight rooftop compartments. No ignition risks next to wiring harnesses.
✅ Modern, Efficient, SEER2-Ready
Today’s best split systems — like the ones at The Furnace Outlet — meet or exceed SEER2 efficiency standards and use modern ECM blower motors for smoother, quieter operation.
✅ Proven Refrigerant
R-32 isn’t just safe — it’s better. It:
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Has a lower environmental impact
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Requires less refrigerant per system
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Performs better in extreme heat
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Has fewer long-term performance issues
ASHRAE backs R-32 as a top candidate for residential cooling.
Still Holding On to a Gas Pack? Ask Yourself This 🧠
✅ Is your unit more than 10 years old?
✅ Does it run on R-22 or R-410A?
✅ Have you had weird smells, noise, or rising gas bills?
✅ Does it sit in direct sun or behind a bush that hasn’t been trimmed since 2015?
Then it’s probably time.
Not just because of efficiency — but because of safety. And let’s be real: the Trane recall could happen again, and not just from one brand.
Tony’s Take: Replace It Before It Replaces You 🔥
I’ve seen too many homeowners hang onto packaged units that were one hot day away from failure — or one bad install away from danger.
And I’m not exaggerating. That Trane fire hazard wasn’t about abuse or neglect. It was about a design flaw that went unnoticed until units started lighting up.
So here’s the move:
👉 Get a split system
👉 Ask for R-32 refrigerant
👉 Stick to SEER2-rated, AHRI-certified equipment
👉 Work with a licensed installer who doesn’t cut corners
And if you want a head start, The Furnace Outlet’s R-32 + gas furnace bundles are the best way to do it.
Want to make sure your current systems are safe? Visit: The Guide to Red Flags, Recalls, and Real-World Reliability.
Final Word from Tony 👨🔧
The Trane recall didn’t happen in a vacuum — it happened because gas packs are compact, complicated, and outdated.
I’m not saying every gas pack is a fire waiting to happen. But I am saying it’s time to stop pretending these things are the future.
Split systems are safer. R-32 is cleaner. SEER2 is smarter. Put ’em all together, and you’ve got a home that’s ready for the next 10+ years.
Catch you next time, folks — and if you’ve got a gas pack humming along in the backyard, now’s a good time to peek at the nameplate.
— Tony 🔥
