Introduction and Lennox Brand History
Lennox is a very popular band of HVAC systems. Their brand has been in existence since the late 1800s, and though they are based in Texas, they have a network of 6,000 Lennox Dealers around the USA.
Their units use high-quality components and are extremely well-built. Consumer reviews back this claim up. The Lennox website encourages independent reviews on each of their models and the majority are extremely highly rated by customers. However, Lennox HVAC models are far from the cheapest on the market so expect to pay a little extra for this quality and reliability.
Lennox Brand Pros and Cons
Pros of the Lennox Brand
Cons of the Lennox Brand
Cost By Model
Unit Model | Unit Only Cost | Installed Cost | Running Cost (based on 2.5 ton) |
|---|---|---|---|
Lennox XC25 | $3,915 | $6,890 | $365 |
Lennox XC21 | $3,270 | $5,015 | $430 |
Lennox SL18XC1 | $2,695 | $4,355 | $510 |
Lennox XC20 | $2,970 | $4,659 | $435 |
Lennox XC16 | $2,205 | $3,985 | $495 |
Lennox EL16XC1 | $2,200 | $4,775 | $550 |
Lennox XC13 | $1,960 | $3,525 | $560 |
Lennox 16ACX | $2,060 | $3,715 | $525 |
Lennox ML14XC1 | $1,985 | $3,595 | $565 |
Lennox 14ACX | $1,675 | $3,420 | $590 |
Lennox 13ACX | $1,550 | $3,205 | $735 |
The above table takes into account the cost of each unit within the range as well as an estimated cost of installation. These figures may vary depending on your local installer, which is why it is a good idea to get multiple quotes. We have calculated the average running costs based on a 2.5-ton unit. This is roughly enough for a home which is 1400-1800 square feet. Don’t get confused, tonnage here does not refer to weight and instead is a message for how many BTUs of heat can be removed from the home per hour.
Keep in mind, the prices on the above list do not consider new ductwork if this is also required.
Lennox Air Conditioner Features
HVACs made by Lennox have a wide variety of different features. Deciding which are most suitable for you will help you to work out which unit you may prefer.
SilentComfort™ technology is one of the trademarked tech advancements that Lennox has introduced to their range. If one of their HVAC models has this technology included, it is 50% quieter than the industry average of 76 decibels. This is great if you are installing it into a room where you need peace and quiet.
Lennox Precision means that the unit you purchase will keep your room’s temperature very close to what is set on the thermostat. A single stage unit will be within +/- 2 degrees of the setting. Two-stage models are within 1 degree and two-stage with variable capacity furnace will stay within 0.5 degrees +/- of what you set it to on the thermostat.
Allergen Filters can be included within your HVAC system or air conditioner. A whole-home air cleaner can be included to filter out the contaminants within your home. Lennox offers variable speed models which can run at low speeds the majority of the time, which can mean that more contamination is captured and filtered out of the air. This is a good feature if you suffer from allergies.
Efficiency. The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is something you have to consider in some detail. Lennox products are all EnergyStar rated, but then so are many of the top air conditioners on the market. What sets them apart is the fact they have made the list of most efficient EnergyStar home products.
A two-stage with a variable-speed, reduces the moisture and humidity in the air when required and maintain a healthy and comfortable level of humidity. The humidity settings can be incorporated into the HVAC system. This can have benefits to your skin and even help you to avoid diseases. The XC25 and XP25 models within the range offer Climate IQ® technology which will monitor and control the humidity in the air.
Model Comparison
Below we have included each of the models in the Lennox range and picked out their key features including their energy efficiency. Remember, the higher the SEER rating, the better. The sound, measured in decibels, is also included along with the capacity and whether it is a single-stage, two-stage or variable model.
This handy table should help you to work out which model may be most suitable for your home.
Unit Model | Efficiency Rating | Sound(dB) | Capacity | Stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lennox XC25 | 26 SEER | 59 | 5 | Variable-capacity |
Lennox XC21 | 21 SEER | 69 | 2-5 | Two-Stage |
Lennox SL18XC1 | 18.5 SEER | 65 | 2-5 | Single-Stage |
Lennox XC20 | 20 SEER | 65 | 2-5 | Variable-capacity |
Lennox XC16 | 17.2 SEER | 74 | 2-5 | Multi-Stage |
Lennox EL16XC1 | 17 SEER | 71 | 1.5-5 | Single-Stage |
Lennox XC13 | 15.5 SEER | 74 | 1.5-5 | Single-Stage |
Lennox 16ACX | 14 to 17 SEER | 75 | 1.5-5 | Multi-stage |
Lennox ML14XC1 | 16 SEER | 76 | 1.5-5 | Single-Stage |
Lennox 14ACX | 16 SEER | 76 | 1.5-5 | Single-Stage |
Lennox 13ACX | 13 SEER | 76 | 1.5-5 | Single-Stage |
Compressor Type and Features
The compressor is the part of the HVAC unit which compresses and then pumps out the refrigerant in order to actually cool the air.
Compressors usually work in either single-stage or two-stage levels.
Single-stage compressors only work at one level, meaning they will turn on whenever the temperature reaches that which is set on your thermostat. However, it only has one level of operation, and therefore turns on at maximum cold output even if this isn’t required.
Two-stage means it can be on either ‘low’ or ‘high’ and will adjust to whichever is the most adequate level for the weather conditions and how hot it is outdoors. If the temperature is only just creeping over a comfortable setting, low-level output may be enough. This also means that it is more energy efficient.
Some Lennox compressors even work with ‘variable’ output from 30% - 100%. These are the most adjustable air conditioner models which offer the maximum energy efficiency as they only use power as and when required.
iComfort technology. This allows you to use your smartphone or other devices to control you thermostat wherever in the world you are and get you home comfortable for when you get home.
Lennox Product Line Reviews
Merit Series - The Merit series is more of an affordable range within the Lennox brand. They are often single-stage compressors and though these are available at more of a ‘mid-range’ price point than the alternatives, the Merit products don’t always have the same impressive filtration and flexibility features of some of the others.
Example of the Merit Series: Lennox ML14XC1
The Lennox ML14XC1 is a reliable, well-built single-stage air conditioner. It is encased within the brand’s exceptional PermaGuard™ Cabinet and has a five-year standard warranty, though an enhanced 10-year warranty is available. Though this is perfectly reliable and well reviewed by consumers, it is a more ‘basic’ option than some of the other Lennox air conditioners in their other ranges.
Elite Series - The Elite series is more of an upgraded version of the Merit series in both replacement cost and features. Both have a lot of quality and durability, but the Elite series undeniably has a few more features built in, such as more variable compressors and SilentComfort Technology which means this is far quieter than the Merit series. The variable compressor means no excess power is used and help with the EnergyStar energy efficiency.
Example of the Elite Series - XC20 Air Conditioner
The XC20 has an exceptional rating of up to 20 on the SEER energy efficiency rating. This system can help you to work out your household savings by switching to a certain model of air conditioner. It is a quieter model and can operate at under 65 decibels, which is a gentle hum. Another environmental benefit is that this is ‘Solar Ready’ meaning it can operate off of a solar power system.
Being variable-capacity, this air conditioner will kick in when needed and won’t use excess power that it doesn’t need to in order to cool the room. iComfort technology allows you to control your thermostat over the internet if it is on your Wifi network, meaning you can get the house cool and comfortable before you come home via a smartphone app.
Dave Lennox Signature Series
These are the top models in the range for both cost and features. The brand describes the signiture series as “The most precise and efficient air conditioner you can buy”. Quiet, well-built and full of the most modern technology, these Lennox AC Unit Prices are the highest, but they are elite products.
Example of the Dave Lennox Signature Series - XC25 Air Conditioner
The modern technology features such as iComfort®-enabled technology, EnergyStar certification with up to 26 SEER, a variable capacity and SilentComfort™ Technology making this one of the quietest air conditioners available. It has a ten-year warranty as standard, and the SEER calculations suggest it can save up to $1,890 over a 15 year time period.
Finding a HVAC Lennox Installer
A full list of independent, but Lennox approved dealers can be found here on their website. Alternatively, you can enter your postal code and then the Lennox ‘locate’ tool will show you the closest dealer to where you live.
The tool can be used in both the USA and Canada. Depending on where you are, there can be dozens of different registered installers, meaning you can get multiple choices and quotations. By going through the official Lennox site you can ensure you are working with dealers who are partnered with the brand.
Getting the Best Price
How can you keep the Lennox Air Conditioner Replace Cost down as low as possible, but still get the utmost in quality? Some top tips for getting the best price on your Lennox Air Conditioner include:
- 1Use our free estimate tool in order to see an estimation of what the installation process should cost in your area. Free estimates help to give a frame of reference when negotiating or discussing with installers.
- 2Keep up to date on whether tax rebates are available. Due to the increase in technology and the improvement in energy efficiency, many states are offering tax rebates to encourage the use of more efficient air conditioners.
- 3Negotiate the price. Some installers will be open to negotiation. There are some tips on how homeowners can do so here.