Lennox Elite XC13 Review

The XC13 is part of Lennox’s mid-tier Elite series of air conditioners. This single-stage cooling system has a SEER rating as high as 15.5, so upgrading from an older air conditioner to the XC13 will save you plenty of money on your summer cooling bills.

Like all Lennox products, this air conditioner is built for durability, reliability, and efficiency, and it’s an excellent choice for anybody who wants to ensure their family’s comfort during the hot summer months. 

This Lennox Elite XC13 model review will compare the XC13 to three other Lennox models, and tell you about pricing, important features, design elements, and warranty details. All of this will help you decide if the XC13 is in your budget and if it would be a good fit for your home.

About the Lennox XC13

Average Price (with installation): $4,500 - $6,000

Top Features

• Uses an environmentally responsible refrigerant
• Many sound-reducing features for quiet operation
• Has features and technologies that improve performance and efficiency
• Can be paired with a humidification system for ultimate comfort and climate control
• Backed by a standard warranty

The Bottom Line

The XC13 is a good contender for anybody who’s looking for a dependable and efficient cooling system that has a few additional features, as long as you have a decent budget to spend on an upgrade.

This Elite model from Lennox is only a single-stage air conditioner, and that means it won’t be as powerful or as efficient as two-stage or variable-speed models. It also has a SEER that falls just shy of the perfect range for Canadian summers, which is 16 to 18 SEER.

Nonetheless, this model could be ideal for slightly smaller spaces, and it will still reduce your monthly cooling costs compared to an older and less efficient system.

Finally, this model is backed by a decent warranty that will give you peace of mind, and it’s also backed by the high-quality standards that Lennox is known for.

In Depth Review

Lennox XC13 Product Specifications:

Compressor: Single-stage scroll compressor
SEER: Up to 15.5
ENERGY STAR® certified: No
Decibel rating: As low as 74

Features Overview

Humiditrol compatibility: The XC13 is compatible with Lennox’s Humiditrol whole-home dehumidification system, and this means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. Along with making your house cooler and more comfortable on even the most humid days, the humidity control also means you'll get a longer life from your air conditioner and reduce your cooling bills.  

Scroll compressor: The scroll style is a more advanced compressor design that allows the XC13 to operate efficiently and quietly, so you can always count on your A/C to keep your home at the right temperature without any excessive noise. 

Other Key Features

• Quiet operation thanks to the sound-dampening system
• Has a specially designed and balanced direct-drive fan for quieter operation
• Scroll compressor operates with minimal noise and vibrations
• Lesser environmental impact because of the chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant that doesn’t deplete the ozone layer
• Corrosion- and rust-resistance from the PermaGuard cabinet and SmartHinge louver design, which also provides ease of access when the system requires maintenance
• Cabinet is durably built and designed for safe and easy installation

Warranty Information

Every air conditioner in Lennox’s Elite series comes with a parts warranty and a compressor warranty.

The limited warranty for the compressor lasts 10 years. The standard limited warranty for covered components (parts) lasts five years, but you're eligible for an extended 10-year parts warranty if you register the unit after installation.

Lennox gives customers 60 days to register an air conditioner after installation. You'll have to provide your contact details, the model number, and the installation date.

Registration is well worth the few minutes it takes because it gives you an extra five years of warranty coverage, and that could translate to cost-savings.

Comparable Models by Lennox

Model Comparison by Price: XC13 versus Merit ML14XC1

The Merit ML14XC1 is an entry-level model from Lennox, so it’s going to be more affordable than the Elite model. To buy and install the ML14XC1 in Canada, it usually costs homeowners between $3,500 and $5,000.

While you might expect to make some sacrifices because of the lower price, the ML14XC1 is actually a superior air conditioner in a few ways.

It has a single-stage compressor like the XC13, but it has a higher SEER of 17 and ENERGY STAR certification, so it has a perfect efficiency range for most parts of the country. Not only that, but it will save you more on summer cooling costs than the Elite model would.

Another thing about the improved efficiency and certification is that the ML14XC1 could be eligible for additional rebates, and that could make it an even more affordable option for homeowners on a budget who still want the prestige of the Lennox name.

Model Comparison by Features: XC13 versus Dave Lennox Signature Collection XC21

The XC21 is one of Lennox’s premium-tier air conditioners, and while it’s not the brand’s most sophisticated or expensive, it’s definitely close.

The XC21 has a more advanced two-stage compressor, a SEER of 21, and ENERGY STAR certification. Not only is it more powerful and efficient than the XC13, but it will also be better equipped at cooling larger spaces, it will save you more on energy bills, and it could be eligible for more rebates.

Beyond that, the XC21 is also quieter than the Elite model, with a decibel rating as low as 69. Finally, it’s compatible with Lennox’s most advanced smart thermostat, the iComfort, which can give you access to features like geofencing, learning capabilities, maintenance reminders, and more.

Model Comparison by Tier: XC13 versus Elite XC21

The Elite XC21 is in the same mid-range tier as the XC13. It falls into the same price range, but it will be more expensive because it’s a more advanced air conditioner.

The Elite model has variable-speed capacity, meaning it offers the most efficient and quietest operation, the best humidity control, and the best temperature consistency throughout the house.

The XC21 has a SEER of 18, so it’s in the ideal efficiency range for Canada. It will cost more to buy this air conditioner, but it will also save you more money in the long-term on energy bills and could qualify for more rebates.

Last but not least, the XC21 also has iComfort capabilities, so you can get a lot more features when you pair the air conditioner with Lennox’s premium smart thermostat.