Lennox XC20 Review

The XC20 is the top model in Lennox’s mid-range series, and it boasts the best efficiency rating and features of all the models in the Elite series.

Thanks to the variable-speed compressor, the XC20 has a great SEER rating and extremely accurate temperature control capabilities. It was also awarded the 2022 Most Efficient ENERGY STAR® certified products designation, so you know you'll save plenty of money and energy by upgrading to this model.

This Lennox Elite XC20 model review will help you decide if this air conditioner is a wise investment for your house. It will cover all the important information you need to understand the pros and cons of this model, including pricing, features, warranty details, design elements, and more.

Plus, it will compare the Elite XC20 to three other Lennox models so you can see how it stacks up against the brand’s other products.

About the Lennox XC20

Average Price (with installation): $5,000 - $7,500+

Top Features

• Decibel rating as low as 65, which is quieter than a vacuum cleaner
• Specially designed corrosion-resistant exterior cabinet that allows easy access for maintenance and repairs
• Built-in humidity and temperature control thanks to the variable-speed compressor
• A highly efficient outdoor coil that will save hundreds of dollars on cooling bills each year
• Lab tested for durable and reliable operation
• Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2022
• Compatible with Lennox’s smart thermostat
• Equipped with a precise and efficient inverter compressor
• Standard air conditioner warranty

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a mid-range air conditioner that offers reliable, quiet, and efficient performance, then the XC20 might be an ideal option. This model is designed to provide lasting comfort in the harshest environments, and it has many great features and technological compatibilities that set it apart from other mid-range offerings from competitor brands.

One of the most appealing features about this model is the variable-speed inverter compressor. A variable-speed compressor is always working at a lower rate to keep your home at the perfect temperature, and this means you'll have a steadier indoor climate and you'll save money on cooling bills. Plus, the XC20 can still increase cooling output as necessary to keep you comfortable on even the hottest of days.

Air conditioners with variable-speed capacity are also quieter than regular A/C units, and they're better at eliminating excess moisture inside. This not only makes your home more comfortable, but it also means the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

One thing to know about the Elite XC20 is that it’s a high-efficiency Lennox product, so even though it’s a mid-range model, you'll still need a significant investment to buy this air conditioner.

In Depth Review

Lennox XC20 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Variable-Speed
• SEER: Up to 20
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 65

Features Overview

Quiet operation: The XC20 is equipped with many sound-reducing features to ensure quiet and smooth operation. This includes a sound-dampening insulation system around the compressor and a swept-wing, a direct-drive fan that’s precision balanced to reduce noise and vibrations.

iComfort enabled: This Elite model from Lennox is compatible with the brand’s own iComfort smart thermostat, and when you pair the two, you unlock a number of additional features that you wouldn’t get with the air conditioner alone. For example, the thermostat can give you even more precise control over the air quality, temperature, and humidity levels in your home, but it can also give you access to real-time system monitoring, geofencing, and more.

Other Key Features

• Uses a chlorine-free refrigerant that doesn’t deplete ozone
• Cabinet is protected by PermaGuard to prevent rust and corrosion that could reduce the lifespan of the unit
• Coil can be accessed and cleaned easily thanks to the SmartHinge coil protection
• High-quality cabinet design and materials make for a long-lasting unit
• Air conditioner has been designed for safe and easy installation

Warranty Information

Elite series Lennox models like the XC20 come with a five-year warranty that protects covered components and the compressor.

You can also take advantage of the 10-year limited extended warranty by registering your cooling system after installation. Once the unit is installed, you'll have 60 days to register it.

The additional five years of warranty coverage could save you a lot of money, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of the extra coverage.

To register, all you have to do is go to the Lennox website and provide them with your contact information, the serial/model number of the air conditioner, and the installation date.

Comparable Models by Lennox

Model Comparison by Price: Lennox XC20 versus Dave Lennox Signature Collection SL28XCV

The Elite XC20 is one of Lennox’s more expensive air conditioners, but it’s not the priciest. That honour goes to their top-of-the-line SL28XCV. It falls into the same general price range as the XC20, but it will still cost significantly more.

The reason is the SL28XCV is a variable-speed air conditioner with a SEER of 28. It also has a few additional features and design elements, including Lennox’s proprietary Quantum Coil and Precise Comfort technology.

The thing to know about the SL28XCV is that while it is a more sophisticated air conditioner, it’s far more powerful than anything you would generally need in Canada. Canadian summers tend to be shorter and milder than places like the Southern States, which is where an air conditioner like the SL28XCV is designed for.

You probably won’t ever recoup the extra money you'll spend on the premium-tier unit through energy savings, so this unit might not be worthwhile for most Canadian homes.

Model Comparison by Features: Lennox XC20 versus Merit 16ACX

The Merit 16ACX is an entry-level offering from Lennox, and while it’s not as advanced as the XC20, there are several reasons why Canadian homeowners might consider the Merit model a viable contender.

For one thing, it’s a more affordable air conditioner. That’s because it has a less sophisticated two-stage compressor, a lower SEER of 17, and it’s not iComfort enabled.

The thing is, for most homes in many parts of Canada, the more affordable Merit model is going to be more than sufficient at cooling your home. It also falls into the ideal SEER range for most of Canada, which is 16 to 18 SEER.

Further, it has ENERGY STAR certification and a high-efficiency SEER, so it will likely be eligible for the same rebates as the XC20.

Model Comparison by Tier: Lennox XC20 versus Lennox XC13

Both the XC20 and the XC13 are part of the Elite series, but there are several reasons why the

Both the XC20 and the XC13 are part of the Elite series, but there are several reasons why the XC20 is superior.

Although the XC13 comes with a lower price tag and is more appropriate for people on a budget, the XC20’s better design and efficiency rating could end up saving you more money in the long run.

The XC13 only has a SEER rating of 15.5, isn't ENERGY STAR certified (and may not be eligible for some rebates that might apply to the XC20), and only has a single-stage compressor.