Lennox Merit ML14XC1 Review

The ML14XC1 may be in Lennox’s low-tier Merit series, but it still has a great efficiency rating, ENERGY STAR® certification, and some excellent perks and features compared to some other cooling systems on the market.

Because it’s part of the Merit series, the single-stage ML14XC1 is a much more economical choice if you want a high-quality and high-efficiency Lennox air conditioner without paying a premium price.

This model review of the Lennox Merit ML14XC1 will make it easier for you to decide if this air conditioner is a worthwhile investment for your home. It will discuss pricing so you can budget wisely, key features and efficiency ratings to help you decide if it has enough cooling power for your home, and warranty details so you can understand what protects your investment.

The ML14XC1 review will also compare this model to three other Lennox units based on price, features, and tier.

About the Lennox ML14XC1

Average Price (installed): $3,500 - $5,000

Top Features

• Uses a chlorine-free refrigerant that’s more environmentally friendly compared to competitor brands
• Is equipped with a heavy-gauge exterior cabinet made from galvanized steel with a baked-on powder finish for lasting performance
• ENERGY STAR® certification for lower monthly cooling bills
• Industry-standard warranty protection

The Bottom Line

The ML14XC1 has some decent features and selling points that make it a popular choice for homeowners looking for a Lennox cooling system.

It’s a more affordable option than many other models in the Lennox line, but it’s still highly efficient, reliable, durable, and made with lasting and high-quality materials and components.

This model is equipped with Lennox’s proprietary Quantum Coil, but beyond that, it doesn’t come with any of the brand’s special features or technologies. But it is still a quality air conditioner with a high-efficiency rating that will help to reduce your annual cooling bills.

In Depth Review

Lennox ML14XC1 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: 73

Features Overview

Whole-home humidification option: The ML14XC1 is compatible with technologies such as the Healthy Climate whole-home dehumidifier. When paired with a dehumidification system like this, the ML14XC1 will be able to keep your home cooler and more comfortable, and the system won’t have to work as hard. Not only will this increase the unit’s longevity, but it will also lower your cooling bills and keep your home more pleasant on hot and humid days. Plus, the added moisture control will prevent things like mold and mildew, thereby improving the indoor air quality in your home.

A more environmentally responsible choice: The R-410A refrigerant that the ML14XC1 requires is chlorine-free and doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion, making it a better choice for the environment compared to air conditioners that use different refrigerants. This model is also equipped with a high-efficiency outdoor coil, and the reduced energy requirements of the unit also make it a more environmentally responsible system.

Other Key Features

• Scroll compressor for quiet and more reliable operation
• A direct-drive fan that’s perfectly balanced to reduce noise and increase the unit’s lifespan
• Fortified aluminum alloy Quantum Coil for rust- and corrosion-resistance, even in severe climates like coastal cities
• The PermaGuard exterior cabinet is designed for durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of access
• High-quality cabinet materials ensure lasting operation
• Unit is designed for easy and safe installation
• Has a specially designed fan for better airflow

Warranty Information

The ML14XC1 comes with a standard five-year limited warranty that covers the cost of replacing or repairing covered components, and this includes the compressor.

If you register the cooling system within 60 days of installation, you may be eligible for the limited extended warranty, which increases the terms from five years to 10.

Registration only takes a few minutes and is well worth the extra warranty coverage. You can go online to register the unit with Lennox, and all you have to do is provide your contact details, the serial/model number of the air conditioner, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by Lennox

Model Comparison by Price: ML14XC1 versus Dave Lennox Signature Collection SL28XCV

The ML14XC1 is one of Lennox’s most affordable air conditioners, and the SL28XCV is their most expensive. It’s also their most efficient and sophisticated model, and it comes with every feature and technological compatibility that sets Lennox apart.

The SL28XCV is a variable-speed air conditioner with a SEER of 28 and ENERGY STAR certification. It comes with the Quantum Coil, Precise Comfort technology, compatibility with the iComfort smart thermostat, and more.

Even if you have the budget for the SL28XCV, this model is way more efficient (and expensive) than what any Canadian needs to stay cool in the summer. Air conditioners that are this efficient are meant for places like the Southern States, which have longer and hotter summers, and where the ultra-high efficiency rating will pay off over the years.

Model Comparison by Features: ML14XC1 versus Lennox Elite XC20

Lennox’s XC20 is at the high end of their mid-tier Elite series, and as such it has a lot more features compared to the ML14XC1.

For example, the XC20 has a more efficient variable-speed compressor that’s constantly working to keep your home at the perfect temperature while also costing less to operate. As a result, it has a higher SEER rating of 20.

It also has more sound-reducing features than the ML14XC1, and it’s compatible with other technologies, including the iComfort smart thermostat and the Humiditrol whole-home dehumidification system.

Model Comparison by Tier: ML14XC1 versus 13ACX

Another model in the Merit series is the 13ACX, which is very similar to the ML14XC1, but there are some important differences.

The 13ACX is slightly more affordable, but it only has a SEER rating of 13, it isn't ENERGY STAR certified, and it doesn’t have the more durable and corrosion-resistant Quantum Coil.

The lower efficiency rating means the 13ACX will likely be better suited for smaller spaces or homes in milder parts of Canada that don’t have lots of humidity or extended heat waves in the summer.

Something else to be aware of is that the 13ACX may not qualify for all the rebates that the ML14XC1 might. With rebates, the ML14XC1 might actually be the same price or cheaper, and you’d get a high-efficiency air conditioner that will save you more on electricity bills.