Lennox was founded in 1895 and has been providing the residential HVAC industry with ACs, gas furnaces, and more since 1952. The company is best known for its innovations related to AC efficiency, and it currently offers the highest SEER/SEER2 rating for a home AC system among the top HVAC companies in the country. Despite its industry-leading efficiency ratings, Lennox still manages to maintain relatively affordable pricing, sitting above the budget brands but well below the cost of the premium options.
In this guide, we’ll explain why we believe Lennox offers some of the best value for the money for new AC systems. We’ll discuss the overall system quality, the warranty coverage, the efficiency ratings and features of the different models offered, and more to help you decide if Lennox is a good AC manufacturer to consider for your home.
4.3
Our Rating
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- Lennox air conditioners are among the most efficient on the market.
- Pricing on Lennox air conditioners is middle of the pack in the HVAC industry.
- Lennox has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- We recommend Lennox as a good option for most homeowners.
Our Review of Lennox Air Conditioners
Lennox is a trusted name in the home heating and cooling industry by both homeowners and contractors. We also believe for a number of reasons that Lennox is one of the best manufacturers to choose if you’re buying a new home AC system.
First off, Lennox has some of the most efficient air conditioning units on the market. High-end Lennox models reach up to a 28 SEER/25.8 SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which is higher than that of any other major manufacturer. For comparison, the average rating is around 18 SEER/17.2 SEER2, and the highest other companies like Amana, Bryant, Carrier, and Goodman achieve is around 24 SEER/22.9 SEER2.
Lennox’s higher available efficiency means the company’s premium systems are likely to save you more money on running costs over time than ACs from most other companies.
Despite the superior AC efficiency rating you can expect, the Lennox systems aren’t terribly expensive compared to other manufacturers. Lennox ACs range from $5,000 to $10,500, making it a mid-tier company in terms of price. The cost, combined with the high efficiency and performance, makes Lennox HVACs one of the best values you can find.
If you do go with Lennox, we strongly recommend the SL28XCV model. This is the most expensive option, but it has the highest efficiency ratings and the best value-to-cost ratio, in our opinion.
Company Pros and Cons
This section covers the company’s high-level pros and cons. Keep these points in mind as you read the rest of the review.
What Is Lennox Air Conditioner Pricing?
The average split air conditioning system from Lennox costs around $8,500, which is around the industry average. This positions Lennox as a mid-tier company in terms of cost alone. In most cases, its central air conditioners will cost between $5,000 and $10,500.
Your price will vary based on the model and system size you need for your home. The table below provides some general pricing for the three pricing tiers you’ll find from Lennox.
| Low-End Models | Mid-Range Models | Premium Models |
| $5,000-$6,800 | $6,800-$8,600 | $8,600-$10,500 |
We should note that these price ranges only include the condenser unit. If you don’t already have HVAC ductwork and an air handler in your home, your price will be significantly higher for a complete installation including these components. Additionally, labor for the installation can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Central AC installation cost will depend on the local HVAC contractor you choose, your location, and other factors.
Lennox Air Conditioner Models Comparison
Lennox offers 13 different AC models, each of which falls under one of three product lines:
- Lennox Merit Series: This is the most affordable series from Lennox, but the models are also the least efficient.
- Lennox Elite Series: The Elite Series provides above-average efficiency ratings — 15.3 to 22.4 SEER2 — but they come with a higher price tag than the models in the Merit Series.
- Dave Lennox Signature Series: The Dave Lennox Signature Series, named after the company’s founder, contains just two models: the XC21 and the SL28XCV. These have the most impressive efficiency ratings and are the most feature-rich, so they’re the options we recommend most highly.
We’ll provide some additional information for each of the Lennox AC models in the following sections.
Lennox 13ACX
The 13ACX is the entry-level AC from Lennox. It has the lowest efficiency rating of all the models — 13.0 SEER/12.4 SEER2 — which is the lowest efficiency rating permitted to be sold in the U.S. This is also one of the only units from Lennox that doesn’t hold an ENERGY STAR certification. It uses a single-stage compressor and is one of only two models in the Merit Series that isn’t equipped with the Lennox Quantum Coil, which reduces the risk of corrosion on your coil and improves the system lifespan.
You can check out the video below for an explanation of how Quantum Coil improves efficiency and system durability.
Still, the 13ACX provides good value for the money as the company’s most affordable option. Keep in mind that this unit is only available in certain regions of the U.S.
- Efficiency rating: 13.0 SEER/12.4 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Single-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 1.5 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $5,000 to $6,800
- ENERGY STAR rated: No
- Availability: Regional
Lennox ML14XC1
The ML14XC1 has a much better efficiency rating — 17.0 SEER/13.4 SEER2 — which is impressive since this is Lennox’s second-least-efficient model available. It still uses a single-speed compressor, but the increased efficiency comes from the Quantum Coil, which isn’t featured in the 13ACX. This model is a bit quieter, and is also certified by ENERGY STAR, so it will save you more on cooling costs than the base model. Unfortunately, the ML14XC1 is also only available in certain regions.
- Efficiency rating: 17.0 SEER/13.4 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Single-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 1.5 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $5,000 to $6,800
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Regional
Lennox ML17XC1
The ML17XC1 features the Quantum Coil and a single-stage scroll compressor, much like the ML14XC1. It has a slightly higher SEER2 rating of 13.8. Much like the previous models, this AC, when combined with a Lennox air handler, does an outstanding job of removing humidity from your home. Humid air can make your interior temperatures feel less comfortable, so this is a great feature to have. This model is available nationwide and isn’t restricted to specific regions.
- Efficiency rating: 17.0 SEER/13.8 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Single-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $5,000 to $6,800
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
Lennox 16ACX
The Lennox 16ACX is one of the only low-end AC models in the entire industry that features a two-stage compressor. This allows your AC to run at two different capacities, which helps maintain a more stable and comfortable interior temperature, and it also leads to improved efficiency. This unit is one of two Lennox ACs that doesn’t feature the company’s Quantum Coil, but the two-stage scroll compressor still leads to an impressive 18.0 SEER/17.2 SEER2 rating. Unfortunately, this model is only available in specific regions.
- Efficiency rating: 18.0 SEER/17.2 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Two-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $5,000 to $6,800
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Regional
Lennox ML18XC2
The ML18XC2 brings back the Quantum Coil technology, and it also features a two-stage compressor, making it the most efficient low-end model from Lennox. This model is also available nationally. The ML18XC2 provides great value for the money, in our opinion, as it’s one of the only models we’ve seen with a two-speed compressor at this price.
- Efficiency rating: 18.0 SEER/17.8 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Two-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $5,000 to $6,800
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
Lennox XC13
The XC13 is the lowest efficiency model in the Lennox Elite Series, but it still carries a 16.0 SEER/15.3 SEER2 rating. This model uses a single-stage scroll compressor for increased efficiency and durability, and it uses a direct-drive fan to reduce noise during operation. Like most other options from Lennox, the XC13 is compatible with the company’s humidity control equipment, Humiditrol, which can provide increased comfort in your home, especially with a single-speed compressor system. This unit doesn’t carry ENERGY STAR certification, and it doesn’t include the Lennox Quantum Coil.
- Efficiency rating: 16.0 SEER/15.3 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Single-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 1.5 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $6,800-$8,600
- ENERGY STAR rated: No
- Availability: Regional
Lennox EL16XC1
The EL16XC1 has a higher SEER rating of 17.0, and it has a higher SEER2 rating of 16.2. This uses a single-stage scroll compressor to hit this efficiency rating, and it also comes equipped with the company’s Quantum Coil technology. This model is only available in certain regions.
- Efficiency rating: 17.0 SEER/16.2 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Single-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 1.5 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $6,800-$8,600
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Regional
Lennox EL17XC1
The EL17XC1 also uses a single-stage scroll compressor, which is efficient but not as efficient as the company’s multi-stage options. It’s compatible with Humiditrol technology from Lennox, which helps improve the comfort it provides in your living space. This unit is available nationwide with no restrictions, and it holds ENERGY STAR certification.
- Efficiency rating: 18.6 SEER/17.4 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Single-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 1.5 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $6,800-$8,600
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
Lennox EL18XCV
The EL18XCV is the most affordable option from Lennox that includes a variable-speed inverter-driven compressor. This means the compressor can function at many different stages, which provides improved efficiency and more precise temperature control in your home. This unit has a higher SEER2 rating than SEER, which means the model performs better in real-world applications than under the SEER testing protocol
The unit is ENERGY STAR certified and uses the Quantum Coil technology. This is also Lennox’s most affordable digital-ready AC, which means it will monitor its own performance and make small changes to boost efficiency automatically. It can work with a Lennox smart thermostat to provide ultimate control over your interior climate.
- Efficiency rating: 18.0 SEER/18.8 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Variable-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $6,800-$8,600
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
Lennox XC20
The XC20 is not only ENERGY STAR certified, but it also was named one of the most efficient ACs of 2022 by ENERGY STAR. By combining the Quantum Coil technology, Humiditrol capability, and a variable-speed compressor (inverter-driven), the XC 20 hits impressive efficiency ratings of up to 22.0 SEER and 20.2 SEER2. This is one of Lennox’s digitally-enabled options, which means it can provide ultimate remote control over your indoor climate if you pair it with a Lennox smart thermostat (featuring iComfort technology) and a Wi-Fi connection. Plus, the unit has quiet operation, averaging around 65 decibels.
- Efficiency rating: 22.0 SEER/20.2 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Variable-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $6,800-$8,600
- Energy Star rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
Lennox EL23XCV
The EL23XCV is the most premium option in Lennox’s Elite Series. It carries a SEER2 rating of 22.4, features the Quantum Coil technology, and uses a variable-speed, inverter-driven compressor to boost efficiency and help make your living area as comfortable as possible. This is a digital-ready and digitally-enabled AC unit, so it provides remote connectivity and will make automatic adjustments to its performance to help maximize your energy savings over time. Not only is it ENERGY STAR certified, but it was also named one of the most efficient ACs of 2023 by ENERGY STAR. This unit is available nationwide.
- Efficiency rating: 22.4 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Variable-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $6,800-$8,600
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
Lennox XC21
The XC21 is Lennox’s more affordable option in the Dave Lennox Signature Collection. This AC unit uses a two-stage compressor, which provides better temperature control and better efficiency than a single-stage compressor. It has ENERGY STAR certification and a SEER/SEER2 rating of 21.0/19.2, and it was named one of the most efficient AC units of 2022 by ENERGY STAR. This unit is compatible with Lennox’s Humiditrol technology, and it’s digitally-enabled. Finally, the sound-dampening equipment used in the unit brings down the operation sound volume to just 69 decibels. This unit is only available in certain regions.
- Efficiency rating: 21.0 SEER/19.2 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Two-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $8,600-$10,500
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Regional
Lennox SL28XCV
The SL28XCV is our most highly recommended model from Lennox. It’s the most expensive, topping out at around $10,500, but it also provides outstanding value, comfort, and efficiency. It uses a variable-capacity compressor, contains Lennox’s Quantum Coil technology, is digitally-enabled, and works with the Humiditrol system from Lennox to provide total control over your interior climate. With an industry-leading SEER/SEER2 rating of 28.0/25.8, the SL28XCV was named one of the most efficient AC units of 2022 by ENERGY STAR.
- Efficiency rating: 28.0 SEER/25.8 SEER2
- Compressor speed: Variable-speed
- Compressor type: Scroll compressor
- Available sizes: 2 to 5 tons
- Average cost: $8,600-$10,500
- ENERGY STAR rated: Yes
- Availability: Nationwide
How Does Lennox Air Conditioner Compare to Top Competitors?
As mentioned above, Lennox is a mid-tier AC manufacturer in terms of pricing, so it costs more than most budget brands. However, given the average pricing, Lennox is well worth the money, in our opinion, given the above-average efficiency ratings and energy savings you’ll enjoy.
The table below illustrates the kind of quality products you can expect from Lennox compared to Carrier or other manufacturers.
Company | Our Rating | SEER Rating | Sound Rating | Cost Range | Available Types |
 | 16–24 | 51–73 dB | $3,000–$15,000 | Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump | |
 | 14–20 | 57–76 dB | $2,500–$5,600 | Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump | |
 | 14–24.5 | 59–75 dB | $3,500–$6,500 | Split-system, ductless, heat pump | |
 | 13–20.5 | 57–76 dB | $3,000–$4,800 | Split-system, ductless mini-split, heat pumps | |
 | 14.5–22 | 55–75 dB | $7,000–$21,900 | Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump | |
 | 13–28 | 59–76 dB | $5,000–$10,500 | Split AC system, packaged HVAC unit, ductless/mini-split, heat pump | |
 | 13–21.5 | 57–75 dB | $3,500–$6,100 | Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump |
What Are Lennox Air Conditioner’s Warranty Options?
Lennox has a rather complex warranty system, with a length of coverage that depends on registration and the series from which you purchase a Lennox unit. We’ll break down the coverages available from Lennox below:
Basic warranty (no registration required)
Merit Series: Includes five years of coverage for certain components, 10 years of coverage for the compressor, and a 20-year warranty on heat exchangers (the condenser and refrigerant in an AC system).
Elite Series: Includes five years of coverage for certain components, ten years of coverage for the compressor, and a 20-year or limited lifetime warranty on heat exchangers (for certain models).
Dave Lennox Signature Series: Includes ten years of coverage for certain components, a ten-year warranty for the compressor, and a 20-year or limited lifetime warranty on heat exchangers (for certain models).
Extended Limited Warranty (Registration Required)
Merit Series: Includes ten years of coverage for the compressor, 20 years for the heat exchanger, and ten years for all other parts with no labor coverage. Alternatively, you can choose seven years of coverage for the compressor, 20 years for the heat exchanger, seven for all other parts, plus three years of coverage for the installation labor.
Elite Series: Includes ten years of coverage for the compressor, 20-year or lifetime coverage for heat exchangers (condensers), and ten years for all other parts with no labor coverage. You can also opt to take seven-year coverage on all other parts and get three years of coverage for the labor.
Dave Lennox Signature Series: The extended warranty for this line includes 12 years of coverage for compressors, a 20-year or lifetime warranty on heat exchangers, 12 years of coverage for all other parts, and no labor warranty. You can also choose to decrease coverage for the compressor and all other parts to ten years and take a three-year labor warranty.
Extended Labor Coverage
For an additional cost each month, you can get an extended warranty from a third-party provider to cover labor for HVAC maintenance and repair for between three and 12 years.
What Are Lennox Air Conditioner Reviews From Homeowners?
We do a full assessment of every HVAC company we review to see how the equipment offered looks on paper. However, we also want to bring you the most realistic and helpful information possible about the actual experience you’ll get with an AC manufacturer. That’s why we read through over 100 Lennox air conditioner reviews on websites like Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and more.
While Lennox maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, it has quite a lot of negative reviews posted there and on TrustPilot. Unfortunately, companies within the HVAC industry are prone to negative reviews, and most of Lennox’s direct competitors have similar or worse ratings on these and other sites.
Many of the negative reviews mention poor tech support, although some of the customers’ frustration seems to stem from the local Lennox dealer and isn’t the direct fault of Lennox. Many reviews also mention that the warranty coverage isn’t good, and the company fails to pay for things that should be covered.
Upon further inspection, though, we found that many customers seem not to have read the warranty coverage information. Just be sure to keep in mind that, like many other manufacturers, Lennox does not cover costs for the labor involved in HVAC maintenance and repair, and it will only cover the costs of the parts.
There are also some comments about equipment going bad after just a few years, but the general consensus in the industry is that Lennox makes a reasonably reliable and durable product.
Features To Consider for Lennox Air Conditioners
Lennox provides a handful of features across its air conditioning units, some of which are more beneficial than others. Below are some of the Lennox features we recommend looking for when you’re buying a new AC system from the company.
- Digital-ready equipment: Lennox’s digital-ready units can be combined with other Lennox-branded products to create what’s called the Lennox Ultimate Comfort System. This allows different products to work in sync with each other to improve home energy efficiency and provide more tunable control over how your home feels. This is only available on units in the Elite and Signature Series.
- Digitally-enabled equipment: Digitally-enabled equipment from Lennox provides “Precise Comfort Technology,” which gives you total control over temperature, humidity, airflow from your blower motor, and more for more precise climate control. This is only available on units in the Elite and Signature Series.
- Quantum Coil technology: Lennox uses an all-aluminum Quantum Coil rather than a plate coil. This provides improved efficiency and also lasts longer than traditional coils, improving your system lifespan and reducing the need for HVAC repair.
- Compressor speed: Lennox offers single-speed, two-speed, and variable-speed compressors. We recommend choosing a variable-speed compressor for precise temperature control and better efficiency ratings.
- Humiditrol compatibility: Many Lennox products are compatible with Humiditrol, which is the company’s humidity control technology. We strongly recommend this, even at the added cost, as it helps make your living space more comfortable.
- Sound-dampening equipment: Some of the quietest Lennox AC models have average sound ratings of around 59 decibels, which is about the level of a normal conversation. The sound-dampening equipment in these models is great for making your AC operation quieter and less intrusive.
So, Is a Lennox Air Conditioner Worth It for Your Home?
In our opinion, Lennox is an outstanding option if you’re installing a new AC in your home. In fact, it’s one of our most highly recommended HVAC brands due to the average pricing and well-above-average efficiency ratings. The company leads the industry with an incredible 28.0 SEER/25.8 SEER2 efficiency rating, and its units are equipped with cutting-edge technology that we believe provides outstanding value for the money.
If you do go with Lennox, we strongly recommend choosing either the XC21 or the SL28XCV, both of which belong to the Dave Lennox Signature Series. These have the highest efficiency ratings, great performance and climate control, and are feature-laden to make using and maintaining them more convenient.
FAQs About Lennox Air Conditioners
Does Lennox make a good AC?
Yes, Lennox makes outstanding air conditioners for residential use. Lennox is one of our most highly recommended AC brands because it delivers good quality and outstanding efficiency for average prices.
How long does a Lennox AC last?
Lennox ACs provide good durability and are expected to last for around 15 years on average. Higher-end systems can last up to around 20 years, but they will naturally be more expensive.
Is Lennox high-end?
Lennox is considered a mid-tier brand, although it has some of the most impressive efficiency ratings in the entire industry. It builds in quality during manufacturing by always using scroll compressors (which are more efficient and more durable than reciprocating compressors) and using all-aluminum coils and two-stage or variable-stage compressors on most models to boost efficiency.
Is Lennox worth the price?
In our opinion, yes. Lennox provides outstanding value for the money, featuring industry-leading technology and efficiency ratings while maintaining middle-of-the-road pricing. Unless you’re looking for a budget brand to keep costs as low as possible or a top-of-the-line brand like Trane for more functionality, we believe Lennox is one of the best AC manufacturers you can choose.
Methodology: How We Rank Air Conditioner Brands
The experts at Today’s Homeowner provide only the most transparent and accurate information for all your home improvement needs. Our reviews of HVAC companies focus on what matters most to homeowners, including efficiency, sound ratings, cost, and more.
To gather our information, our experts review publicly available information, gather quotes, speak with HVAC contractors, and analyze consumer reviews.
A company can score a total of 100 points across five categories. This score is then converted into a five-star scale. We studied dozens of the best air conditioner brands to develop the following rating methodology:
- Affordability (20 points): Material and labor costs are the two most important factors in assessing affordability. However, we consider more than just these factors and evaluate how air conditioner brands accommodate a range of budgets.
- Efficiency (25 points): An air conditioner’s efficiency directly affects your monthly energy bills. We look to see if air conditioner brands offer high-efficiency units and ensure each unit passes the minimum SEER and EER requirements for each region.
- Sound Rating (20 points): The best air conditioners can cool your home with little to no sound. We rate air conditioner brands based on how quiet their systems are. Companies that offer air conditioners that produce fewer than 57 decibels do the best in this category.
- Products (25 points): We evaluate the company’s brands and whether they offer multiple equipment options and high-efficiency units. Companies that offer split-system, packaged systems, ductless systems, heat pumps, portable units, and window air conditioners score the best in this category.
- Warranty (10 points): The best air conditioner brands back up their products and services with extensive warranties. We research each company’s material and workmanship warranties and evaluate them based on comprehensiveness and length.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
