Lennox Merit 13ACX Review

The Merit 13ACX is an entry-level air conditioner from Lennox, and also their most affordable and most basic. It’s a single-stage model with a SEER 13, so it might be better suited for smaller spaces that don’t have high cooling demands during the summer months.

This model review of Lennox’s Merit 13ACX air conditioner will help you decide if this particular cooling system would be suitable for your home. The review will cover things like prices, main features, design elements, warranty details, and more.

And in case you find the Merit 13ACX isn't right for your home but you're still interested in a Lennox air conditioner, the model review will also compare this unit to three others from the Lennox line.

The Lennox Merit 13ACX in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3,500 to $5,000

Top Features

• Standard-efficiency air conditioner
• A more affordable Lennox product
• Basic warranty coverage
• Built with durable components that have been rigorously tested
• Has features to reduce operational noise
• Ideal for smaller homes with lower cooling requirements

The Bottom Line

The Merit 13ACX has a single-stage compressor, so it’s the most basic type of air conditioner on the market. Single-stage compressors can only operate at 100 percent capacity when they're running. This is in contrast to a two-stage air conditioner, for example, which has a high and low cooling output.

This model only qualifies as standard-efficiency because it has a SEER of 13. It also doesn’t qualify for ENERGY STAR®, and that could mean it’s not eligible for some of the rebates that a high-efficiency model with ENERGY STAR certification could qualify for.

Although this unit will cost less to buy than other Lennox air conditioners, it won’t produce the same energy savings as a high-efficiency model. Because of the design elements, it will also be better suited for a smaller home, or a home in a milder climate with more temperate summers.

That being said, the Merit 13ACX is still a high-quality product from Lennox, and that means it has a superior scroll compressor and a number of features to ensure longevity and reliability.  

In Depth Review

Lennox Merit 13ACX Product Specifications

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 13
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 76

Features Overview

The Merit 13ACX isn't the quietest air conditioner on the market, but it does have a few features to reduce noise coming from the unit.

For one thing, the fan has been expertly balanced to reduce vibrations that could cause excess noise. Plus, the fan and its blades have been designed to increase air circulation while also lowering sound levels.

Other Key Features

• Equipped with a long-lasting PermaGuard cabinet that’s rust- and corrosion-resistant
• High-quality, heavy-gauge cabinet materials like galvanized steel ensure a long life
• Designed for safe and easy installation
• Compressor has been rigorously tested to ensure it will withstand the elements and years of use

Warranty Information

The Merit 13ACX comes backed by Lennox’s standard warranty: a 10-year parts warranty, which includes the compressor.

Registration is required to get the full 10 years of protection. Unregistered air conditioners only come with a five-year warranty, but you'll have 60 days to register the unit with Lennox after you install it.

Registration is quick, easy, and well worth the time. The extra five years of protection could potentially save you a lot on repair costs.

To register, call Lennox or go to their website and provide your contact details, the model/serial number of the air conditioner, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by Lennox

Model Comparison by Price: Merit 13ACX versus Elite EL18XCV

The Elite EL18XCV isn't Lennox’s most expensive air conditioner, but it’s a mid-range model and will still cost more than the Merit 13ACX. On average, the Elite EL18XCV costs Canadians between $4,500 and $6,000 to buy and install.

There are several reasons why the Elite model might be worth the extra money, including that it’s powered by a variable-speed compressor that can make incremental adjustments to the cooling output.

These kinds of air conditioners can run almost constantly at a very low speed to provide your home with a consistent flow of cool air. The benefits of this include quieter operation, lower electricity costs, better humidity management, and fewer hot/cold spots throughout the house.

Other benefits of the Elite model include the higher 18 SEER, ENERGY STAR certification, and compatibility with one of Lennox’s iComfort smart thermostats, which can give you access to a few additional features, including communicating capabilities.

Model Comparison by Features: Merit 13ACX versus Dave Lennox Signature Collection XC21

The Dave Lennox Signature Collection is Lennox’s top-tier, and the XC21 is one of their most efficient and sophisticated air conditioners.

The compressor that powers the XC21 is two-stage, meaning it has two separate speeds at which it can operate, delivering quieter and more consistent cooling to your home while also costing less to operate. This unit has a SEER of 21, it has ENERGY STAR certification, and it was designated as a Most Efficient ENERGY STAR certified product in 2022.

There are also additional perks that come with the XC21, including quieter operation, improved humidity control, fewer hot and cold spots around the house, and technological compatibilities.

For example, the XC21 is compatible with Lennox’s most sophisticated smart thermostat, the iComfort, which has cool features like geofencing, diagnostics, and superior humidity and temperature control.

Model Comparison by Tier: Merit 13ACX versus Merit ML14XC1

The Merit ML14XC1 is also an entry-level Lennox air conditioner, but it will be a little pricier than the 13ACX because it’s superior in a few ways.

The ML14XC1 also has a single-stage compressor, but it has Lennox’s proprietary Quantum Coil, an aluminum alloy coil that’s been thoroughly tested and proven to withstand the elements.

As a homeowner, you'll probably find that the most important difference is the ML14XC1’s superior efficiency: it has a 17 SEER and ENERGY STAR certification. It qualifies as a high-efficiency air conditioner, so while it will cost more than the 13ACX, it will also cost less to cool your home during the summer months.

Furthermore, the ML14XC1 is more likely to qualify for additional rebates that could make the purchase price of the two units more similar.

Beyond that, the two models are comparable in terms of warranty coverage, cabinet design and construction, and noise reducing features, though the ML14XC1 is marginally quieter.