Trane’s Recall Isn’t the End—It’s a Wake-Up Call: What Other HVAC Brands Could Be Next?

Hey—It’s Loaded Mark Again 😎

You know I don’t mess around. When Trane issued a recall on nearly 20,000 packaged units, my phone started blowing up: “Mark, is this bad?” “Mark, is my unit next?” “Mark, how flammable are we talking?” Short answer? Pretty bad. Long answer? Keep reading.

Because this recall? It’s not an isolated event—it’s a pattern forming, and if you're still running a dual-fuel system with outdated refrigerant, you’re sitting on a problem you haven’t seen... yet.

Let’s break down who’s at risk, which brands could be next, and why now is the best time to switch to a safer, greener system—before your backyard barbecue turns into a four-alarm fire.

 

Let’s Recap: What Happened With Trane? 🔥

According to ACHR News, Trane Technologies and American Standard recalled gas-electric packaged HVAC systems sold between February 2023 and March 2024. These units had faulty LP conversion kits—basically, they could let too much propane gas through the burners and create an unexpected fire risk. That’s a whole lot of bang for your buck, and not in a good way.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission confirmed the problem: if you had the wrong orifices installed during the LP conversion, it could lead to—you guessed it—fire 🔥.

Now, Trane’s working with dealers to fix the issue. But here’s the thing: it’s not just their issue. It’s a warning to everyone still clinging to legacy HVAC tech.

 

This Isn’t a One-Off. It’s a Canary in the Furnace. 🐦🔥

Here’s the deal: these kinds of recalls are happening more frequently across the board.

• Carrier had issues with its Infinity gas furnaces in the past due to overheating blower motors, flagged by Consumer Reports.

• Goodman and Amana recalled units in 2021 for potential fire hazards related to blower motor run capacitors, reported by Energy Star.

• Even Lennox has issued multiple product bulletins over the years about gas furnace heat exchangers cracking or premature rusting.

It’s not about brands being “bad”—it’s about systems relying on outdated engineering, risky conversions, and refrigerants that are being regulated out of existence.

 

Who’s Still Using R-410A? (Hint: Too Many Brands) ❌

Let’s talk refrigerants for a second. The gas inside your air conditioner is just as important as the fire in your furnace.

R-410A, once the gold standard, is now on its way out. The EPA's AIM Act is cutting back production by 40% in 2024 alone, and we’re heading toward a full phase-out.

So why are big-name brands still shipping new systems with R-410A in 2025?

Money. Manufacturing cycles. Laziness. Pick your poison.

Here’s what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says: high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A are unsustainable, expensive to service, and increasingly restricted.

Which brands are still doing it?

• Trane: Yes, many models still run on R-410A, even post-recall.

• Lennox: Still heavily invested in 410A, although they’ve teased R-32 units.

• Rheem: Transitioning slowly, but many current SKUs remain on old gas.

• Goodman/Amana: Making big strides toward R-32, which is why I keep an eye on ‘em.

The real question isn’t which brand will recall next—it’s which brand is still building the next problem into their systems today.

 

Why R-32 Changes the Whole Equation ✅

Enter R-32. The refrigerant that actually makes me sleep at night.

Unlike R-410A, R-32 is an A2L refrigerant—that means it’s mildly flammable, yes, but designed with safety in mind, and used in over 100 million systems worldwide. It's efficient, light on global warming potential, and already approved by regulators and builders in dozens of countries.

Let’s compare the basics:

According to the International Energy Agency, switching to low-GWP refrigerants like R-32 could reduce global emissions from HVAC by up to 70%.

So yeah—it’s not a maybe. It’s a must.

 

R-32 Systems From The Furnace Outlet: No Gimmicks, No Fires, No Drama 🔧

Here’s where you breathe easy.

Every R-32 system sold at The Furnace Outlet is:

• Fully compliant with EPA and DOE standards

• Built for high-efficiency performance (14.5–16 SEER2 and 96% AFUE)

• Designed for easy install, no sketchy LP conversion kits

• Future-proof against refrigerant bans

• Covered by manufacturer warranties for peace of mind

Take the Goodman 2.5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 System—you get an outdoor AC condenser and a high-efficiency gas furnace. No recalls. No propane risk. Just clean installs and cool summers.

Or the 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 bundle with a vertical coil and a 96% AFUE furnace. It’s built like a tank but runs smooth, and it’s all certified and tested.

 

So, Who Could Be Next? Let’s Just Say… Keep Your Eyes Open 👀

If a system:

• Requires LP conversion kits

• Still uses R-410A

• Was built before 2023

• Doesn’t meet SEER2 standards

• Doesn’t come with solid install guides or support…

...you might want to have Mark take a look. 😅

Seriously, though—don’t wait for another headline to do something. Don’t let your HVAC tech shrug and say “yeah, I heard about that one.”

 

What You Should Do Now 🧯

If you’ve got an older HVAC setup, here’s your cheat sheet:

1. Look for the label—if it says R-410A, start planning a change.

2. Check the brand and model—especially if it’s dual-fuel and from 2023–2024.

3. Go shop R-32 systems at The Furnace Outlet.

4. Ask your HVAC tech the hard questions (and if they shrug, call a better one).

 

One Last Rant From Mark 🔧

I’ve been around long enough to know how the game works. Companies cut corners, customers get burned, and the rest of us are left sweeping up the ashes—literally.

But you’ve got a choice. You can wait until your unit shows up on a government recall page, or you can beat ‘em to the punch.

I’ve seen these R-32 combos in action. I’ve seen the install guides, the tech specs, the refrigerant lines. These aren’t just safe—they’re smart. Efficient. Ready for 2030. And that’s the kind of peace of mind I’m in the business of selling.

Want a deep dive on gas vs electric? Visit my guide: Rethinking Dual-Fuel Systems in a Post-Recall World.

So unless you really like fire trucks in your driveway... make the switch. 😉

- Mark, your HVAC guide!