One of the most challenging experiences occurred during a sweltering heat wave in the Bay Area shortly after the birth of our son. With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, our home felt like a sauna — an unbearable environment, especially for a newborn at risk of heat stroke. Suddenly, the situation became more dire when our air conditioner broke down.
Our landlords were the type who prioritized saving a buck over basic tenant comfort. Instead of addressing the issue promptly, they chose to wait for their home warranty to activate so they could file a claim. This decision left us enduring miserable conditions, forcing us to take matters into our own hands.
I called every appliance store in Northern California, desperately searching for a portable air conditioner. I was so determined that I would have driven all the way to Fresno and back if it meant securing one. Ordering online wasn’t an option, as the extended holiday weekend meant waiting at least a week for delivery—time we simply didn’t have.
Amid the chaos, I witnessed an incredible act of human kindness. I shared our predicament on Nextdoor, and a neighbor generously offered to lend us a spare window-unit A/C. He even spent hours in his garage building a custom stand for it and helped me attempt to install it. Sadly, the unit didn’t fit due to our window’s dimensions. Despite this, the thoughtful gesture and kind messages from 2017 still sit in my inbox as a powerful reminder of the human spirit. Even in a difficult time, I had so much to be grateful for.
The next morning, in a last-ditch effort, I decided to drive around, hoping to find a solution. When I pulled up to the Fry’s Electronics on Willow Pass Road in Concord, I was at my wit’s end. I’d already checked Costco, Best Buy—every major retailer—and they were all sold out.
Walking up to the counter, I asked the employee if they had any portable A/C units available. I’ll never forget the moment he told me I was in luck—one had just been returned. A wave of relief washed over me, and my eyes welled up with tears. I didn’t care about the price; I told him I’d take it immediately and thanked him profusely.
We made it through that heat wave and that portable unit from Fry’s is still stored in my garage — just in case. While I didn’t own the home at that time, I learned a very valuable lesson about heating and cooling systems.
If your water heater leaks out, you can still take a cold shower. When your HVAC system is in disarray, depending on the climate, it can create inhumane living conditions. If you have children or live with loved ones, it’s something you should create a plan for.
It’s also important to work with a reputable brand and trusted dealer. President of the Residential HVAC business at Trane Technologies, Dwayne Cowan, reminded me during our interview that homeowners can use the “Find a Local Pro” option on their website which functions as a trusted dealer locator. While you could use Yelp, that’s probably best for ordering take-out.
Trane is often celebrated for its long-standing history of innovation. Over its 110-year journey, the company has secured nearly 5,500 patents, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in the industry.
The story begins in 1864 when a young James Trane emigrated from Norway to La Crosse, Wisconsin. By 1885, he had established a plumbing and heating shop on Pearl Street. In 1913, James and his grown children, Reuben and Stella, incorporated The Trane Company to manufacture steam valve traps—a groundbreaking invention by James himself.
Over the decades, Trane has evolved significantly. Today, it stands as a global leader in heating, cooling, and climate solutions, continually setting the standard for innovation and excellence.
Dwayne himself spent over a decade at Thermo King part of Trane Technologies), a leader sustainable transport temperature control solutions. Making an impact has been a core driver for Dwayne’s career.
“Thermo King brought refrigeration to the world, so you can transport food from point A to B across the country. Its innovation changed people’s lifestyles and the food you eat. The innovation is still evident years later when the Pfizer vaccines came out they had to be transported in temperature controlled environments. It was so impressive to see them on Thermo King trucks,” he explained.
Dwayne, a biological engineer by trade, built his career by transitioning into various functions like sales, product management, and leadership roles. His journey wasn’t always linear and along the way he gained valuable insights from observing some of the most effective leaders he encountered.
“The best leaders understand they don’t have all the answers — and that’s a strength, not a weakness. Asking for help reflects confidence and self-awareness. I’ve worked with outstanding leaders who inspired others through clear communication and a compelling vision, building strong, cohesive cultures. I see those same qualities here at Trane.”
It was clear that discipline was instilled in Dwayne from an early age. His mother, a dedicated math teacher, would sit with Dwayne and his siblings at the kitchen table and help them do their homework after a full day of working with her own students. Meanwhile, his father prepared their evening meal, creating a household rooted in structure and support.
“At the time, I was wondering why I couldn’t go outside and play like the rest of my friends. I thought she was tough, but in hindsight it taught us commitment and focusing on the task at hand. Both of my parents worked hard all day but also made sure we were well taken care of and supported our education. When I think about my career, I always remember how I could never be where I am without my parents.”
As I reflected on my home HVAC experiences, I solicited Dwayne for general advice he would impart on a homeowner planning for this investment.
“It’s important to find the right system size and type to ensure optimal comfort in your home. Also, consider more efficient systems not only because of energy savings but becasue of available rebates and tax credits.”
Energy efficiency can sound daunting to understand. Trane has outlined the definitions of the efficiency ratings on their website. What’s important to know is that if you have a 20 year-old furnace that isn’t energy efficient — it’s likely you’ll find immediate energy savings because many of the modern appliances are technologically advanced and designed for efficiency.
Secondly, the Inflation Reduction Act is a bill that includes energy tax credits homeowners can benefit from when making green upgrades. Not only against the purchase price of the products, but for installation costs as well.
For example, if a homeowner purchased a heat pump that would serve the purpose for both heating and cooling, they could save up to $3,200 between purchase and installation. You can also type your zipcode into their search function to find additional state and utility sponsored rebates and tax credits.
There are a lot of considerations around these decisions. Whether you prefer to use a gas furnace or opt for an electric heat pump, dual fuel, variable speeds and so much more. Working with a trusted HVAC dealer that can explain things in English is essential.
In terms of air purification, one feature that our family uses is the Trane CleanEffects Whole Home Air Cleaner. It’s like an air purifier on steroids. An added benefit is that you can keep the fan on and the air will constantly flow through the CleanEffects filter. The goal is to reduce dust, pollen, dust mites and other particles to help prevent allergies which could also help someone with asthmatic symptoms that get triggered by them.
The other bonus with CleanEffects is that it’s a one-time expense. You clean the filter about every six months, give or take. We were spending upwards of $1,000 per year on filters for our air purifiers — which can add up quickly.
“What’s compelled you to work for the company for nearly 18 years?” I probed.
He explained how much effort the company puts into developing an inclusive culture and hiring the best talent.
“Early in my tenure I was interviewing for a role and the recruiter explained how Trane develops their people. She described a university where people could learn about other aspects of the business — which still stands today. A company that would invest in their people showed me that they value them.”
He shared what makes Trane truly unique isn’t just the product innovation — it’s their focus on sustainability and the environment. They’ve set an audacious goal called the Gigaton Challenge where they’ve committed to reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from their customer’s carbon footprints by 2030. They literally track their progress and the result would essentially be 2% of the world’s annual emissions.
“You have pride working for a company that cares about both the environment and the community we’re participating in.”
As I reflected on our interview, it was clear to me that Dwayne’s authenticity and thoughtfulness is what has helped him become an impactful leader.
In the midst of planning a move to Charlotte he received a promotional opportunity that would take him and his family to Belgium. This experience abroad would prove to be invaluable, offering his children the chance to see the world and engage with diverse cultures.
With a laugh, he recounted his first job interview after college, where the recruiter asked if he’d be open to relocating from Atlanta.
“I told them, ‘Never. I’ll live in Atlanta my entire life.’ Never say never—18 months later, I was packing my bags,” he said with a grin.
Adaptability and being open to new opportunities have been the driving forces behind Dwayne’s career growth.
“The most important thing you can do is to stay open to different experiences,” he shared. “Don’t be close-minded— you have to understand that you won’t always get what you think you want. Your willingness to embrace new experiences is going to be critical for your success.”
Click here to listen to the full interview with Dwayne Cowan