Lennox Central Air Conditioners – Quick Guide!

TLDR: I’ll go into much more detail within my Lennox air conditioner reviews, but here’s the short version of what’s to come.

My Review Of Lennox Air Conditioners

Lennox creates quality products and is a household name across the US as a high-end AC specialist.

Lennox condensing units include its Quantum Coil, a proprietary aluminum alloy exclusive to Lennox. It's designed to weather harsh weather conditions.

This is because the Lennox Quantum coil is a durable aluminum alloy used in the refrigerant tubing and the coils. This lowers the upfront costs without a loss of integrity.[1]

The alloy reduces the possibility of corrosion due to moisture, oxidation, or salt.

Coastal US states take notice! The damage caused by humid, salty air will be diminished.

That gives you fewer repairs to worry about and helps to extend the life of your Lennox.

And because aluminum coils are significantly lighter than copper coils, some Quantum coil units can weigh up to 50 pounds less than the copper versions.

That translates into significant fuel savings and fewer emissions during shipping.

It has some downsides, though: Aluminum coils have a slightly lower heat transfer rate, leading to more difficult repairs. Plus, coils tend to be replaced more often than usual due to leaks or cracks because of the challenge of getting a weld to hold.

Pros And Cons Of Buying A Goodman AC

Lennox Air Conditioner Prices – How Much Do They Cost?

This Table was converted from original page content

*based on national average
*Prices are estimates for the following: 2.5-ton AC condenser, 1300-1400 cfm air handler plus a programmable thermostat.
**Running costs based on 21 cents/kWh and 2000 hours of cooling per year
***other than 9% Solar Tax Credit
Note – Other exterior factors can also influence the price

The cost range includes wholesale price, contractor's profit, tonnage (usually 1.5 tons - 5 tons), and installation. The labor cost doesn't include new ductwork, electrical modifications, masonry and woodwork, and other variables.

I want to note that your local price may vary based on labor rates, tax rates, and the contractor's profit margin.

Lennox occasionally runs promotions on its products, and many of their products qualify for federal and local tax credits. Ask your local HVAC contractor for more information on promotions and rebates. Financing is available through your local Lennox dealer as well.[2]

Pricing By Model (includes installation)

ACLAB Note: I have included discontinued ACs in this list because you can still find some of these online, probably at bargain basement prices. However, you won't find a licensed Lennox dealer to install it. You can install it yourself, but it won't be covered by any warranty.

Cost Variation Across US States

Various factors influence AC costs in each region, including local market dynamics, supply and demand, local regulations, and availability of HVAC contractors.

In the northern parts of the United States, the demand for air conditioners is less due to the shorter cooling season.

Less demand equates to lower prices.

In southern and southwestern regions, the demand is higher. An AC is a necessity there, leading to a competitive market.

Regulations that took place in January 2023 have affected the market. ACs are now required to have a higher minimum SEER. For instance, in southeast and southwest states, the minimum SEER rating in 2023 has gone from 14 SEER to 15 SEER for AC units with below 45,000 BTU cooling output. AC units with 45,000 BTU or higher cooling capacity must now have a minimum of 14.5 SEER.

In the rest of the US, the minimum SEER rating in 2023 has increased from 13 SEER to 14 SEER for all AC units.

How To Get The Best Price In Your Area

1. Get a thorough understanding of your home’s needs. Prioritize what you want most. Humidity control? Best efficiency? Best bargain? There isn't a standard HVAC system or standard-size system that works in every home.
2. Shop around. We recommend getting at least three quotes. They’re free, and you’ll gain insight into the high and low end of Lennox systems.
3. Ask the right questions. A good HVAC company will take the time to explain everything; if they don't, show them the door. If you don't understand a particular feature or want to know more about what size AC will best cool your home, don't be afraid to ask questions.
4. Rebates and tax credits. Energy Star, run by the EPA, is an easy rebate to track. Just head to their website to see if a potential purchase would qualify.[3] Manufacturers sometimes offer tax credits. It’s worth checking every avenue to see if you can get a better price.
   
5. Understand and prioritize your wants and needs. Is humidity a pressing issue? Is your current system too loud? Is your 3-ton AC unit underperforming, necessitating a change? I strongly recommend performing a Manual J load calculation to tell you the tonnage your new AC should be.[4]

Exclusive Features From Lennox

Humiditrol

Humiditrol is exclusive to Lennox and offers excellent humidity control even on the muggiest days. Most ACs don’t run on mild-temperature, high-humidity days, meaning excessive moisture stays in your home. Humiditrol removes humidity independent of the cooling process.

This technology helps reduce humid conditions in the home, reducing mold and mildew problems. It can remove up to 150 liters of moisture per day.

(Humiditrol requires a Wi-Fi touchscreen thermostat or CS7500 thermostat 3 and Lennox variable-speed furnace or air handler.)

SilentComfort Technology

In select Lennox models, the SilentComfort™ outdoor fan motor can run at a noise level as low as 59 decibels. (A normal conversation is about 60 dB.) It does this by operating at a slower speed that still delivers cool comfort.

Aiding the SilentComfort™ technology in noise reduction is a combination of insulation, anti-vibration materials, and a specially-shaped fan blade.

iComfort Smart Thermostat

When connected to advanced Lennox HVAC systems, Lennox iComfort thermostats are precise enough to hold your home's temperature to within 0.5 degree of the setting you choose.

It offers reminders for service, as well as filter and humidifier pad replacement.

It also allows you to check, monitor, and adjust the temperature from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet, or other web-enabled device. You can have the thermostat learn your work/life schedule; it can be programmed to save energy while you are at work and then cool your house just before you come home.

Ultimate Comfort System

Lennox's digital-ready components can be combined with other Lennox-branded products to create the Lennox Ultimate Comfort System.

This is found on the two models comprising the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection.

Temperature swings, where air conditioners turn on and off frequently, can be a thing of the past. This HVAC system delivers clean, comfortable air while maintaining the homeowner's ideal temperature and humidity level.

Quantum Coil

This coil technology utilizes proprietary aluminum alloy tubes and fins to deliver superior corrosion resistance.

This protects against corrosion caused by outdoor environmental forces such as humid air near sea shores and indoor corrosive agents called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

PermaGuard Cabinets

All models are protected by a PermaGuard™ cabinet for long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion.

The cabinets are built using superior materials and proprietary designs, making units more durable, safer, and easier to install.

Lennox Compressor Options

Like all central air conditioner manufacturers, Lennox has a variety of compressors:

(Sometimes these are referred to as single-stage, two-stage, etc.)

And on their higher-end units, they have a scroll compressor instead of a rotary.

Some Lennox AC units are equipped with scroll compressors, which are more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types.

They have fewer moving parts and less torque variation than the reciprocating compressor. This helps reduce the sound.

Lennox Air Handlers Features

The air handlers consist of an evaporator coil, blower motor, air filter, and the electrical and electronic components required to deliver enhanced indoor comfort.

Like furnaces, air handlers use a motor connected to a fan that moves conditioned air throughout the ductwork.

An air filter is installed on the return side of the HVAC air handler to improve indoor air quality. It also protects the HVAC motor from airborne contaminants.

Lennox offers air handlers with either a variable-speed or single-stage compressor: Variable-speed motors provide the highest level of comfort and energy efficiency you can buy and are among the quietest.

During hot weather, the continuous air circulation from a variable-speed handler helps to lower the humidity level inside your home. The longer it runs, the more indoor humidity it removes.

The more humidity it removes, the more comfort it delivers. You can even give your AC a break because lower humidity will make it feel cooler. This means you can turn the AC up a few degrees without a loss of comfort.

And for clean, healthy air, you can also add a PureAir™ air purification system, which removes airborne contaminants.

In addition, some Lennox air handlers are compatible with the iComfort® S30 Smart Thermostat, which allows users to monitor the temperature through an internet connection. You can set it to save energy while you’re away.

Lennox Air Conditioners Warranty Options

Lennox offers a basic five-year warranty that covers the compressor and designated parts and a 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger.

You can purchase an extended warranty for your Lennox product that extends protection for 10 years on covered parts by contacting Lennox customer service.

Extended Limited Warranty (Registration Required)

Note: Additional labor coverage can be purchased through the Comfort Shield® program, provided by Service Net Warranty, LLC, and is transferable. Lennox Industries is the first and only heating and cooling manufacturer offering the option to obtain three-year labor coverage at no additional cost.

Comfort Shield is designed to provide coverage beyond the standard manufacturer's limited warranty.

Are There Conditions And Restrictions?

Under the basic warranty (no registration required), like many other manufacturers, Lennox does not cover costs for the labor involved in HVAC maintenance and repair.

With Comfort Shield, you can extend labor coverage of 3, 5, 7, 10, or 12 years. Extended accessory coverage for parts and labor is also available.

How Does The Warranty Measure Up To The Competition?

Lennox doesn't have the limited unit replacement warranties other manufacturers have started offering.

Still, Lennox does offer something unique with their Warranty Your Way program, which gives you different ways to apply your registered warranty terms.[5]

Warranty Your Way™ features the opportunity to obtain 3-year labor coverage at no additional cost. On eligible Merit and Elite products, you now have the opportunity to receive the traditional 5-year parts-only extension or 3-year labor and 2-year parts extension.

For the Dave Lennox Signature Collection, you have the opportunity to receive 3 years of labor coverage or an additional 2 years of parts-only coverage (for a total of 12 years of parts-only). You can also purchase additional labor coverage through the Comfort Shield Program, provided by Service Net Warranty, LLC, part of AIG, and is transferable.

Note: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. For more information on this warranty, visit Lennox.com/WarrantyYourWay.

Lennox Air Conditioner Model Series Overview

This Table was converted from original page content

Lennox Air Conditioner Models Compared

*Based on customer reviews

Lennox Installation Explained For Homeowners

Guide To Installation Fees

Heating and cooling companies will rarely quote a price on equipment without factoring in installation fees. That’s why they need to visit your home.

Possible snags:

How To Find A Reliable HVAC Professional

Lennox AC Installation Tips

Location. Location. Location.

The AC unit needs to be placed in a flat area that has good airflow and is away from bushes and shrubs. Easy access to electricity and ductwork are pluses.

It should also be positioned in a spot that is easy to access for maintenance and repairs.

If you’re wondering whether it’s a good idea to install a new AC system yourself, the answer is, “It depends.”

It can be a straightforward process that you can handle on your own without any issues. In other cases, however, leaving the installation to a professional may be best.

The main advantage to doing it yourself is you save on labor costs. Still, if you don't install the unit correctly, it could void the warranty.

The Lennox HVAC Brand At A Glance

Lennox was founded in 1895 in Marshalltown, Iowa, by Dave Lennox. Dave builds and markets the industry's first riveted steel furnace.

In 1952, Lennox established operations in Canada and expanded its product line with the introduction of residential central air-conditioning systems.

“Dave Lennox” (actually, an actor named Bill Tracy) appears in his first Lennox advertising campaign in the early 1970s.

Lennox has grown considerably, and now their HVAC brands include: Concord, Ducane, Allied, AirEase, Armstrong Air, Magic-Pak, Advanced Distributor Products (ADP), and Heatcraft.

And with that growth, Lennox has expanded their product line to include:

1. Heat pumps (13 models, including three Dave Lennox Signature high-efficiency models)
2. Gas furnaces and oil furnaces (15 different models, including a range of high-efficiency units)
3. Boilers (six models)
4. Garage heaters (three models)
5. Air handlers (five different models)
6. Thermostats (digital thermostats and zoning systems)
7. Indoor air quality systems (air filters and cleaners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers)
8. Ductless mini-split systems

Buying _____ ACs Online: Is That A Good Idea?

**This section will include a table that summarizes review data from online sources such as the brands' website, consumerreports.com, and consumeraffairs.com

paragraph

What Size Air Conditioner Do You Need?

This table was taken from "Goodman AC Brand Review"

How Do Lennox Air Conditioners Compare To Top Competitors?

Lennox vs Amana

Amana's central air conditioners have it all – efficiency, durability, and a good range of models. They are a good fit for many homeowners.

However, the units are extremely expensive on both the purchase and maintenance front. It's the #1 complaint from customers: high initial cost.

And Amana air conditioners don’t work with generic parts, which drives up the repair cost.

Lennox is on the more affordable end of things and still boasts a SEER of 28 on its premium unit.

In terms of repair, both companies claim that their exclusive parts are the ones to trust.

If you want the ultimate in efficiency, we prefer the Lennox high-end AC over Amana’s high-end options.

I don't have anything negative to say about Amana besides the initial investment.

It’s a toss-up as to which I would recommend.

Lennox vs Carrier

Lennox and Carrier have been in the heating and cooling business for over 100 years, and both have three series featuring good, better, and best products.

Their top-of-the-line products deliver some of the highest energy savings on the market, but you will also pay more for either one of them than you would for a Goodman or another, more economical HVAC brand.

If you shop solely based on energy savings, Lennox comes out on top.

On the other hand, Carrier offers much quieter units with better dehumidification.

Lennox uses proprietary parts, so repairs can be more expensive than repairs for a comparable Carrier unit and might extend repair times as you wait for proper replacements.

Carrier has parts readily available. Therefore, repairs and maintenance can be done quickly and easily.

I would lean toward the brand that has greater energy savings. You'll notice a dip in your electricity bill right off the bat and will continue to enjoy that for years.

Lennox vs Frigidaire

Frigidaire (which offers identical HVAC systems to Maytag) has reduced its product line. You can now go with their top-of-the-line, or you can settle for a SEER that's no higher than 16.

There are no models in the 17-19 SEER range.

Its most efficient ACs are modulating 20 SEER models; the next most efficient are two-speed and single-speed 16 SEER air conditioners.

The other models leave potential buyers without a mid-range option. The low-end Frigidaire central air conditioners meet minimum standards for efficiency but aren't energy efficient. They are adequate for homeowners in cool climates where the AC isn't used heavily.

If you live in a warm climate but don't want to pay the price for an elite model, you will have to choose another brand to find an efficient 2-speed central air conditioner, such as Lennox.

In addition, Frigidaire AC units have lower efficiency than other air conditioners. These lower ratings mean that most models of Frigidaire air conditioners are more affordable, but you may not save as much on your energy bills.

Lennox AC prices are a little higher, but in my opinion, you have a greater variety to choose from, and paying a little extra is worth the investment.

Lennox is strongly recommended.

Lennox vs Rheem

Lennox and Rheem are both reputable brand names known for their reliability, but the product lineup at Lennox features more highly energy-efficient air conditioners.

Rheem’s line of air conditioners are some of the cheapest on the market. You can get a unit installed for about $4,000 - a price no other manufacturer can match.

This manufacturer offers a 10-year limited warranty on its products, great energy savings, and rebates of up to $1,000.

Rheem is also known for its commitment to sustainability.

If you want the greenest company, choose Rheem.

Rheem’s affordability means something has to give. Rheem’s central air conditioners’ SEER ratings are lower than the competition. Lennox can deliver a SEER at 28. Rheem tops out at around 20.

Rheem and Lennox both deliver a good spectrum of products, but Lennox has a better reputation and gets high marks for creating dependable HVAC systems.

My advice is to stick with Lennox for your next AC replacement.

Lennox vs Trane

Both Trane and Lennox are considered among the best air conditioner brands in the HVAC industry.

Trane's units are, on average, as expensive or more costly than Lennox AC units.

In general, Trane focuses on building durable systems, whereas Lennox produces high-efficiency products. For example, Lennox’s premier air conditioning unit has a SEER rating of 28, while Trane’s comparable model has a SEER rating of 22.

Trane offers a 10-year limited parts warranty and a 12-year compressor warranty to support its quality systems. Most companies offer only a 10-year compressor warranty.

Neither company makes central air conditioning equipment that can be replaced by generic parts. That can result in more expensive repairs.

If durability is your most important criterion, consider investing in a Trane.

If lower energy bills are more important to you, buy a Lennox system.

This table was converted from original page content

Is Lennox worth the price?

I believe that you will find your new Lennox model to be worth the price. The company’s emphasis on efficient air conditioners means the company’s premium and mid-range models can save you more money on running costs than comparable ACs from most other HVAC companies.

If you plan on living in your house for the foreseeable future (say, five years or more), you will probably enjoy electric bills that will offset the higher initial investment.

For the average 2.5-ton unit, going from 13 SEER to a 16 will save you about $60 a year on electricity.

Generally, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,500 for each SEER rating increase.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How long do Lennox units last?

The average lifespan of a Lennox air conditioning system is 10-15 years. Proper installation and routine maintenance will lengthen its lifespan.

If your AC is ten years old or older, consider replacing it instead of opting for an expensive repair.

It’s also worth spending some money each year on annual maintenance. Besides extending the lifespan of your AC, you can also find and fix small problems before they become bigger - and more expensive - ones.

Is Lennox considered a high-end HVAC brand?

Yes, Lennox is considered a high-end brand amongst many HVAC professionals. However, this also means that they are one of the more expensive brands.

That doesn't mean their products aren't worth it, but they are not cheap, especially for the high-end models.

Why are Lennox air conditioners so expensive?

Lennox air conditioners are expensive because Lennox emphasizes energy efficiency in all of their air conditioners. Additional features such as Lennox's sound-reducing technology, its humidity control, and its energy savings features drive the price up.

Can I deduct a Lennox HVAC system on my taxes?

You may be able to claim 30% of the HVAC project cost, up to a $600 maximum credit, on your taxes if the AC is Energy Star-qualified equipment with a SEER2 ≥ 16.

The Internal Revenue Service stipulates that making certain energy-efficient updates to homes could qualify homeowners for home energy tax credits.[8]

Do you have to replace your air conditioner and air handler/furnace at the same time?

You may need to replace your AC and furnace simultaneously. If you purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an older furnace and blower, your system may not perform to its rated efficiency.

This is why HVAC heating and cooling companies sometimes recommend that you replace your entire system at the same time. (You will save on labor fees this way, too.)

It’s also the case that different brands may not play together well. Lennox air conditioner installers want you to use Lennox thermostats and air handlers. Lennox products work great together because that’s what they’re designed to do.

Summary - Is A Lennox AC Right For You?

Because the company has three tiers of products, Lennox offers a model to satisfy every budget.

Lennox models are the most efficient available at all levels of quality – basic, better, and best.

Some of the quietest models have average sound ratings of around 59 decibels, which is about the level of a normal conversation.

Your AC can keep you comfortable without deafening you.

High-end Lennox models reach up to a 28 SEER/25.8 SEER2. The highest other air conditioner brands, such as Amana, Bryant, Carrier, and Goodman, achieve is around 24 SEER/22.9 SEER2.

Lennox has developed a reputation for building some of the most energy-efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces on the market.

It’s deserved.

My Rating: (4.9 / 5)

References: 

1. https://www.lennoxpros.com/products/quantum-coil-1801#:~:text=With%20Lennox%20Quantum %20Coil%20Technology,handle%20during%20transport%20and%20installation
2. https://www.lennox.com/buyers-guide/offers-and-savings/financing/
3. https://www.energystar.gov/products/central_air_conditioners
4. https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/hvac-right-sizing-part-1-calculating-loads
5. https://www.lennox.com/owners/assistance/warranty/
6. https://www.lennox.com/dA/f1a6a76487/Lennox%20Elite%20Air%20Conditioner%20Product%20Brochure.pdf
7. https://www.acca.org/homes
8. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-going-green-could-help-taxpayers-qualify-for-expanded-home-energy-tax-credits