Lennox Elite EL16XC1 Review

The Lennox EL16XC1 is one of the company’s mid-range models in the Elite series. Even though it has a standard single-stage compressor, it still has a SEER rating of 17 and is ENERGY STAR® certified.

This air conditioner is built for reliable performance, and the high-efficiency design will also save you money on your monthly cooling costs. The EL16XC1 is also specially engineered for corrosion-resistance, making it an ideal choice if you live in a coastal area or a climate that’s tough on appliances.

This Lennox Elite EL16XC1 model review will cover all the basics of this air conditioner. It will talk about pricing, features, warranties, and important design elements. The EL16XC1 review will also compare this model to three others from Lennox, just in case you're interested in what else the brand has to offer.

About the Lennox EL16XC1

Average Price (with installation): $4500 - $6000

Top Features

• Quiet operation
• Corrosion-resistant design
• Compatible with programmable thermostats
• Compatible with Lennox dehumidification systems
• Industry-standard warranty coverage
• Equipped with Lennox’s proprietary coil
• Has a reliable scroll compressor

The Bottom Line

The EL16XC1 is more affordable than the premium models in the Lennox line, but it still has some interesting design features that make climate control more convenient and ensure your home will always be comfortable. 

This model is a single-stage air conditioner, so it will be less efficient and not as high-performing as two-stage or variable-speed models. At the same time, it has an efficiency rating—SEER 17—that’s in a good range for keeping most homes in Canada cool through the summer.

Plus, the ENERGY STAR certification ensures the efficiency and performance of this model. It could also mean the EL16XC1 is eligible for more rebates than a standard-efficiency air conditioner.

Ultimately, the Elite EL16XC1 is a Lennox product, so it’s well-built and designed to last, but it will also cost more than a lot of other mid-range air conditioners on the market.

In Depth Review

Lennox EL16XC1 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: 71

Features Overview

Quantum Coil: One unique thing about the EL16XC1 is that it’s equipped with the Lennox Quantum Coil, which is made from a special fortified aluminum alloy that prevents corrosion and increases the lifespan of the unit. The Quantum Coil is ideal for coastal regions where salt in the air could cause premature damage to important components.

ComfortSense thermostat: The EL16XC1 is compatible with the ComfortSense touchscreen programmable thermostat. This device helps you make sure your house is always at the right temperature, and it can help you save money and energy by having various temperature settings for different times of the day, including away modes for when nobody’s home.

Quieter operation: This Elite model from Lennox isn't the quietest air conditioner out there, but it does have features to reduce operational noise. That includes a sound-dampening system in the compressor compartment and a direct-drive fan that’s been perfectly balanced to reduce noise and increase efficiency and airflow.

Other Key Features

• The EL16XC1 uses an environmentally responsible R-410A refrigerant
• The unit is outfitted with a PermaGuard exterior cabinet and SmartHinge louver design for rust- and corrosion-resistance and better durability
• The SmartHinge also makes it easy to clean the coil
• Cabinet has been constructed with high-quality materials that are designed to last

Warranty Information

Air conditioners in Lennox’s mid-range tier like the EL16XC1 come with a five-year limited warranty for covered components, plus a 10-year limited warranty for the compressor. Upon registration of the unit, the five-year parts warranty extends to 10 years.

Registering the unit is easy, and you'll have 60 days to complete the process after the air conditioner is installed. You'll need to provide Lennox with the serial/model number, the installation date, and your contact information.

Comparable Models by Lennox

Model Comparison by Price: Lennox EL16XC1 versus Merit 16ACX

The XC25 is the leading cooling system that Lennox offers. It’s part of the Dave Lennox Signature

The Merit 16ACX is an entry-level Lennox air conditioner, so it falls into a lower price range than the Elite model. On average, the Merit 16ACX costs Canadian homeowners between $3,500 and $5,000.

There are a few design elements you'd have to give up with the Merit model, including the Quantum Coil.

At the same time, the 16ACX has a superior two-stage compressor that can operate in a lower speed for longer periods to save you money and deliver a more consistent supply of cool air. When the temperatures rise, the compressor also has a higher speed to keep up with the increased demand.

Two-stage air conditioners tend to operate more efficiently, though the 16ACX has the same 17 SEER and ENERGY STAR certification as the Elite model. However, the 16ACX will perform better in terms of humidity management and keeping your home a more consistent temperature.

Model Comparison by Features: Lennox EL16XC1 versus Dave Lennox Signature Collection SL28XCV

The SL28XCV is Lennox’s top-of-the-line unit, so it’s also their most expensive, most efficient, and most feature-laden.

For one thing, the SL28XCV is a variable-speed air conditioner, so it will offer the best performance in regards to moisture management, hot/cold spot elimination, and quiet and efficient operation.

The SL28XCV also has every additional technology that Lennox offers, including the Quantum Coil, Precise Comfort technology, an inverter compressor, and more.

That being said, the SL28XCV is likely going to be way more powerful than any Canadian home would need to keep comfortable in the summer. It has a SEER of 28, and air conditioners like this are designed for much hotter climates and places with longer summers, such as the Southern States.

You’d have to make a significant investment for a premium-tier Lennox furnace with this kind of efficiency, but you may never get that money back from energy savings.

Model Comparison by Tier: Lennox EL16XC1 versus Lennox XC13

The XC13 is also part of the Elite series, but unlike the EL16XC1, the XC13 is less efficient (SEER 15.5), it isn't ENERGY STAR certified, and it doesn’t have the corrosion-resistant Quantum Coil, meaning it’s not as well-equipped for coastal and other harsh environments.

It does, however, have a similar warranty and many of the same design elements as the EL16XC1, so it may be a more affordable alternative if you're on a tighter budget.

Just know that the EL16XC1’s higher SEER and ENERGY STAR certification could mean it’s eligible for more rebates than the XC13, and those rebates could help you afford the more powerful and energy-saving model.