Lennox is a well-known HVAC brand with an exceptional reputation in the industry for producing reliable and highly efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and furnaces. However, while the brand offers some of the most efficient furnaces on the market, its products come at steep prices that exceed many competitors.
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Our Preferred Furnace Brands
Today’s Homeowner recommends a few furnace companies to our readers. Below you’ll see our latest suggestions and their unique superlatives. For more information, you can also explore our list of the best furnace brands.
Our Review of Lennox Furnaces
Lennox is an excellent brand that routinely ranks among some of the best furnace brands in the industry. They score highly in all metrics — including reputation, warranty, affordability, Energy Star certifications, efficiency, and product lineup. Due to this, Lennox earns its place as our Best Overall pick, with an impressive 100/100 rating (or 5 out of 5 stars).
Reviewing Lennox’s furnace lineup, we found a few models that stood out. For example, the ML196E is an excellent choice for its top-of-the-line efficiency ratings at an unbeatable price. The SLP99V is another strong pick, offering industry-leading efficiency ratings and excellent high-end features.
Pros and Cons of Lennox Furnace Units
As you search for a new furnace to keep your home cozy throughout the winter, don’t forget to weigh the pros and cons of each option. The chart below outlines a few notable pros and cons to help you decide if Lennox is best for your home.
What Is Lennox Furnace Pricing?
Lennox is known for its premium prices and high quality, so customers should be prepared to pay steeper costs that accompany the units. On average, homeowners spend around $5,600 for an installed Lennox furnace.
However, the cost of Lennox furnace varies drastically based on factors specific to your situation, such as the model you choose, the installation difficulty, and the size you need. On the low end, homeowners might pay as little as between $2,900 and $5,000 for their units. On the high end, homeowners might pay between $6,000 to $8,300 or more (for the HVAC unit and installation). It all depends on factors specific to your situation.
| Low-end Models | Mid-range Models | Premium Models |
| $2,900 – $5,000 | $4,500 – $6,200 | $6,000 – $8,300 |
Lennox Furnace Models Comparison
Lennox offers its furnaces in three tiers: Merit, Elite, and Signature. The Merit series features budget models with single-stage and two-stage furnaces, the Elite series features mid-range models (mostly two-stage and some modulating), and the Signature series consists of premium models (all modulation furnaces).
Each option has its benefits, but the best option for your home will hinge on your individual needs. As we sifted through the options, we noticed the ML196E of the Merit Series, as it offers excellent value for its features and efficiency. The SLP99V is also a superb option for folks who want a highly efficient option packed with high-end features — but it is on the pricier end of the spectrum.
ML180E Gas Furnace
As the base model in Lennox’s Merit lineup, the ML180E is the most economical option of the bunch. While it doesn’t have the fancy features of Lennox’s higher furnace tiers, it has everything needed to get the job done.
The system features a heavy-gauge cabinet, a tightly-sealed blower compartment, and ArmorTuf aluminized steel heat exchanger for ultimate durability and long-lasting comfort. In addition, this system is DualFuel compatible — so you can pair it with a Lennox heat pump for superior savings.
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
ML180V Gas Furnace
The Merit lineup’s ML180V gas furnace offers solid energy efficiency at a more budget-friendly price. The system features a steel cabinet for quieter operation and is compatible with Lennox’s heat pumps for DuelFuel capabilities.
Although this furnace has a lower efficiency rating of up to 80% AFUE, it features a variable speed motor for smarter energy use, steady temperatures, and improved humidity control.
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable speed
ML193E Gas Furnace
Lennox’s ML193E furnace is part of its Merit lineup, so it doesn’t have the fancy features of the brand’s Elite or Signature lineup. However, it still offers solid energy efficiency with a rating of up to 93% AFUE.
This furnace is one of Lennox’s DualFuel models, which is compatible with Lennox heat pumps. When pairing the two, you create a system that can easily switch between electricity and natural gas for optimized savings.
- Efficiency rating: 93% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
ML196E Gas Furnace
The ML196E is one of Lennox’s base models, offering excellent energy efficiency — with impressive ratings of up to 96% AFUE. Like several of Lennox’s furnaces, this model is compatible with Lennox heat pumps, which allows the system to switch between gas and electricity for the best savings.
This furnace features Lennox’s Power Saver constant torque motor, which uses less energy while heating and cooling to help you save on utility bills. The adjustable airflow can considerably impact, saving up to 33% compared to older furnaces.
- Efficiency rating: 96% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
ML296V Gas Furnace
The ML296V is part of Lennox’s Merit series, which offers excellent features for the price. The system features an impressive energy efficiency rating of 96% AFUE and a variable-speed fan that keeps temperatures consistent.
With two-stage heating, the system keeps fuel use to a minimum as it adjusts the flame size based on demand — saving you energy and money.
- Efficiency rating: 96% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable speed
EL180NE Ultra-Low Emissions Gas Furnace
The EL180NE is part of Lennox’s ultra-low emissions collection, which produces 65% less NOx emissions than a standard low NOx furnace. It features a Power Saver constant torque motor, which adjusts airspeeds depending on the demand — helping the system use less energy during heating and cooling.
You can pair the system with Lennox’s iComfort E30 smart thermostat for convenient and easy control from the convenience of your mobile device. The system is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, so you can control it with a simple voice command.
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
Here’s a quick overview of Lennox’s iComfort Smart thermostats:
EL195E Ultra-Low Emissions Gas Furnace
Lennox’s EL195E furnace is part of its Elite lineup and offers solid energy efficiency ratings of up to 95% AFUE. The system is built with Lennox’s revolutionary design that produces 65% lower NOx emissions than standard NOx furnaces.
This furnace is made with special sound-absorbing materials to ensure you and your family remain unbothered while the system turns on and off.
- Efficiency rating: 95% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
EL196E Gas Furnace
With an impressive energy efficiency rating of up to 96% AFUE, this system provides the perfect blend of efficiency and value. The EL196E features a fully-insulated cabinet for ultra-quiet operation and a Power Saver constant torque motor for more consistent airflow and improved comfort (compared to a standard motor).
This model is compatible with Lennox’s iComfort E30 smart thermostat, which offers easier access, control, and comfort. Plus, the thermostat is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple Homekit, so you can easily control your system with simple voice commands.
- Efficiency rating: 96% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
EL280E Gas Furnace
The EL280E offers solid energy efficiency ratings of up to 80% AFUE. This model is DualFuel capable, which means you can pair it with Lennox’s heat pumps for even more savings. The system will switch between electric and gas heat for the best savings possible.
The system features a two-stage operation, using a larger flame to accommodate greater heating demands and a smaller flame for lower heating needs. This ensures you only use the fuel you need and get much more even temperatures.
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
EL296E Gas Furnace
The EL296E model offers superior comfort with energy efficiencies of up to 96% AFUE. The system pairs perfectly with Lennox’s heat pumps for even better energy efficiency, as the system will automatically switch between electric and gas heat to provide the best savings possible.
This furnace features the Power Saver constant torque motor, which adjusts airspeeds depending on demand. This helps the system use less energy in both heating and cooling modes, ensuring you save as much as possible on your home’s utility bills.
- Efficiency rating: 96% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Power Saver Constant Torque
EL296V Gas Furnace
The Elite Series EL296V offers excellent energy efficiencies of up to 96% AFUE and features two-stage operation for superior heating comfort. The two-stage design means the system can operate at multiple levels to find the perfect balance between consistent warmth and energy consumption.
This unit features a variable-speed motor that you can pair with your AC system to improve the efficiency of your outdoor cooling unit so it can offer superior comfort year-round.
- Efficiency rating: 96% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable speed
ELO183 Oil Furnace
Lennox offers a single oil-powered furnace in its Elite Series: the ELO183. This model offers an energy efficiency rating of up to 83% AFUE and an insulated blower compartment to ensure the system doesn’t bother you as it cycles.
In addition, this furnace features a streamlined design that allows it to fit into varying spaces. This system can stand upright or lie on its side — meaning it can fit in almost any closet, basement, or crawlspace.
- Efficiency rating: 83% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Oil
- Motor type: PSC
SLO185V Oil Furnace
Lennox’s SL0185V model is the perfect option for homeowners seeking an efficient oil-powered furnace. This furnace offers efficiency ratings of up to 87% AFUE. It features a variable-speed blower motor to evenly disperse heat throughout your home and perfectly balance the temperature and humidity.
This system is complete with Lennox’s SilentComfort Technology to ensure you and your family remain undisturbed as the system cycles to regulate your home’s temperature.
- Efficiency rating: 87% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Oil
- Motor type: Variable speed
SL280V Gas Furnace
The SL280V furnace offers a perfect blend of high-tech features with modest energy efficiency to create a well-rounded, cost-effective option. While the system doesn’t have the highest energy efficiency rating, its two-stage heating design ensures your system only operates as high as it needs to for optimal temperature control.
In addition, this system is up to 4.5 times quieter than similar models from competitors, ensuring it won’t disrupt your day as it cycles on and off.
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable-speed
SL280NV Ultra-Low Emissions Gas Furnace
This model is nearly identical to the SL280V, as it is complete with many of the same features. However — unlike the previous model — this unit is designed to produce up to 65% less NOx emissions for a much more environmentally friendly result.
The SL280NV is compatible with Lennox’s iComfort S30 ultra-smart thermostat for superior control, comfort, and energy savings.
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable speed
SL297NV Ultra-Low Emissions Gas Furnace
Lennox’s SL297NV model seamlessly combines exceptional efficiency with environmentally friendly technology to reduce up to 65% of NOx emissions. It offers an impressive efficiency rating of up to 97% AFUE, ensuring you and your family remain cozy without breaking the bank on utility bills.
This model is compatible with Lennox’s iComfort S30 ultra-smart thermostat for optimized comfort and control. This thermostat automatically adjusts your heating for the most energy savings, helping your energy bills slim down without sacrificing a warm, comfortable home.
- Efficiency rating: 97% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable-speed
SLP99V Gas Furnace
Lennox’s SLP99V gas furnace is the most efficient in its entire lineup. The model offers an impressive efficiency rating of up to 99% AFUE, which is the most efficient unit available on the market today and will give you the lowest energy costs out of all Lennox furnaces.
The system features Lennox’s best perks, including its Precise Comfort technology that ensures even heating throughout your entire home. It pairs beautifully with the iComfort S30 thermostat for elevated control, as the device is finely tuned to react, diagnose, and troubleshoot.
- Efficiency rating: 99% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
- Motor type: Variable speed
How Does Lennox Furnace Compare to Top Competitors?
While Lennox is known as an industry leader and offers a solid array of models, it isn’t your only option. Other brands, like Bryant and Carrier, offer similar good-quality products. The chart below pits Lennox products against Bryant and Carrier to help you decide which option is best for your home. Read here for more details on Lennox vs. Carrier furnaces.
| Lennox | Bryant | Carrier | |
| Premium Unit Cost | $6,000 – $8,300 | $4,200 – $5,500 | $7,400 – $9,500 |
| Low-End Unit Cost | $2,900 – $5,000 | $2,300 – $4,000 | $2,400 – $3,200 |
| Top Efficiency Rating | 99% AFUE | 98.3% AFUE | 98.5% AFUE |
| Warranty | 20-year heat exchanger, 5-10 year compressor, 5-10 year parts | 10-year limited parts, 10-year unit replacement warranty upon heat exchanger failure | 10-year parts, 20-year on major components (limited to certain models) |
What Are Lennox’s Warranty Options?
Lennox offers strong warranties on its HVAC products, giving customers peace of mind knowing their systems have strong coverage. Here’s a quick overview of Lennox’s warranty options:
- Basic Warranty: 5-10 year parts, 5-10 year compressor, 20-year heat exchanger
- Full Extended Warranty: 5-year extension on parts or three years of labor coverage and an extra two years of parts coverage
Lennox offers its basic warranty in tiers based on the product you choose — and unlike most brands, it doesn’t require homeowners to register their products to receive it. For the Signature models, customers receive a 10-year warranty on covered components, 10 years on the compressor, and 20 years or a limited lifetime on the heat exchanger (depending on the model).
Customers who purchase an Elite model receive coverage for five years on covered components, 10 years on the compressor, and 20 years or a limited lifetime on the heat exchanger (depending on the model). Lastly, the Merit models come with coverage for five years on covered components, five years on the compressor, and 20 years on the heat exchanger.
Homeowners can obtain additional protection through an extended warranty, with options varying based on the tier. For Merit and Elite series products, customers can get a default 5-year parts-only extension or an extra three years of labor coverage and an extra two years of parts coverage (a total of seven years of parts coverage).
Customers who purchase Signature models can get a default 2-year parts-only extension or three years of labor coverage. To further cover yourself, you can add a home warranty to further protect your Lennox furnace.
What Are Lennox Furnace Reviews From Homeowners?
We recommend sifting through a few customer reviews as you search for your next furnace. They can be an invaluable resource when hunting for your next furnace, as they offer insight into real customer experiences. The actual feedback can offer a sneak peek into your experience with the brand, which can be a swaying factor in your decision.
We combed through over 100 reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Lennox, searching for trends and themes in customer feedback. The review section is often flooded with negativity, as customers often only review products when they’re dissatisfied. This can create a skewed perception of the brand as a whole, so it’s important to keep this in mind as you search.
In our evaluation of the brand’s reviews, we found a mixture of positivity and negativity. Satisfied reviewers praised the quiet efficiency of these units, and several mentioned a downward trend in their energy bills since they switched.
On the other hand, there are quite a few dissatisfied customers. Again, this is relatively standard, as many customers don’t review a product when there aren’t any issues. We noticed a few common issues across several reviews, with multiple customers citing issues with the warranties, slow response times, and spotty or rude customer service.
All in all, given the mixture of reviews and since feedback varies based on the model, we recommend looking through reviews on the product you’re interested in to get a better idea of what to expect.
Features To Consider for Lennox Furnaces
As you consider Lennox’s furnaces, it’s important to keep all aspects of your options in mind. Here are a few key things to consider as you search:
- AFUE rating: Lennox’s furnaces come in varying efficiencies, from 80% AFUE to 99% AFUE. Ensure you choose a model that matches your efficiency needs and expectations.
- Blower type: Lennox offers Power Saving constant torque and variable-speed blower motors.
- Capacity: Like most brands, Lennox offers its furnaces in varying sizes to accommodate houses with varying layouts. As you sift through your options, ensure you choose an option that can adequately heat your home according to the DOE’s recommendations (12,000 BTU per 400-500 square feet of living space).
- Fuel type: Lennox furnaces are available in gas and oil models.
- Physical size: When searching for your next furnace, remember to consider the unit’s physical size — especially if it needs to fit in a tight space like a compact closet or maintenance room.
- Warranty: Lennox’s warranty varies in length from 5-10 years on parts, 5-10 years on the compressor, and a 20-year or limited lifetime on the heat exchanger.
So, Is a Lennox Furnace Worth It for Your Home?
Lennox has an impressive reputation in the HVAC industry as a reliable, premium brand. However, while Lennox furnaces might be the perfect solution for some homeowners, they might not be ideal for every situation.
Ultimately, it hinges on factors specific to you, like your budget and efficiency expectations. For example, if you prefer premium models with high efficiency ratings, the SLP99V might be an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer solid efficiency ratings without bells and whistles, the ML196E could be the perfect pick. Be sure to ask your Lennox dealer for any rebates you may qualify for. In the end, the choice is yours, so pick the model that best meets your needs!
FAQs About Lennox Furnaces
Is Lennox a good furnace brand?
Lennox has an excellent reputation in the HVAC industry and is known to produce reliable and highly efficient models with infrequent issues and breakdowns. While the brand’s offerings might not be the best choice for every homeowner, they’re a strong contender to consider. That said, while Lennox HVAC products are high-quality, hiring an experienced HVAC contractor is essential to avoid problems with poor installation.
How long does a Lennox furnace last?
Like most furnaces, a well-kept Lennox furnace can last anywhere between 15 and 20 years. However, maintenance plays a major role in the system’s longevity — so if you fail to maintain it, the system might not even reach the 10-year mark.
What is the average cost of a Lennox furnace?
On average, most homeowners pay around $5,600 for their Lennox furnaces. However, some homeowners may pay as little as $2,900 — while others might pay $8,300 or more. The exact cost hinges on factors specific to your installation, including what model you choose, the size of the unit, and the installation difficulty.
What is the cost of a Lennox furnace installation?
Installing a Lennox furnace usually costs several thousand dollars, although the cost hinges on factors specific to the installation. For example, if you’re simply switching an old furnace for the new one, you might only pay around $1,000 for the installation. However, if your installation is more complex — such as new ductwork installation — you’ll likely pay considerably more.
Methodology: How We Rank Furnace Brands
A furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home. We do the research, talk to experts, and analyze customer reviews, so all you have to do is choose the furnace that best fits your needs and budget.
A company can score a total of 100 points in five categories. This score is then converted into a five-star scale used in our reviews. To develop this methodology, we compared the leading furnace brands in the HVAC industry:
- Products (25 points): We look at what types of furnaces each brand makes, including gas furnaces, oil furnaces, packaged systems, and heat pumps. The more types of furnaces a brand offers, the better it does in this category.
- Efficiency (25 points): Energy-efficient furnaces save you money on energy bills, so our efficiency category accounts for 25 points. The most efficient furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90% or higher. However, if a furnace brand offers models with an AFUE rating of 98% or more, it receives full points in this category.
- ENERGY STAR (10 points): A furnace can be efficient but not efficient enough to earn an ENERGY STAR rating. The furnace brand must offer at least one ENERGY STAR-rated model to score well in this category.
- Affordability (20 points): You shouldn't have to pay too much for a new furnace. That's why we look at how expensive each furnace brand is. Most brands have a range of prices, but to do well in this category, a furnace brand must have at least one model that costs less than $3,000 for the unit alone.
- Warranty (10 points): The best furnace brands offer 10- to 15-year warranties that cover parts, manufacturer defects and, in some cases, replacement of a broken or defective furnace.
- Company Reputation (10): A company's reputation is as important as the quality of its products. We analyze each furnace brand's rating from the Better Business Bureau and rank them based on that rating. The companies with an A+ rating perform the best in this category.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
