Lennox Furnace Review

Our updated comprehensive Lennox furnace review buying guide, complete with the latest information for 2021, including top models compared, efficiency ratings, top features, warranty info, and more. Get a free quote quickly & easily!

Updated: November 2020

Article Contents

• At a Glance:
  • Strong Points
  • Room for Improvement
  • Bottom Line
• Price Range
• Model Tiers
  • Basic
  • Better
  • Best
• Model Breakdown and Comparison
• Exclusive Features
  • Power Saver
  • SilentComfort Technology
  • AirFlex
  • iComfort S30 Thermostat compatibility
  • Duralok Plus
  • Ultimate Comfort System
• Warranty
• About the Company

If you’re interested in purchasing a new Lennox furnace, this hub page will help you make smarter decisions when you’re weighing your options.

This guide features an overview of the Lennox brand, various furnace options at different price points and it showcases some of Lennox’s key features, provides warranty information, and goes over a model comparison so you can easily see the differences between the Lennox furnaces currently available.

Our guide will help you on your journey to a new high-efficiency heating system, and help you make an informed decision about a furnace upgrade that matches your budget, your needs, and your comfort specifications.

Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians

Lennox, at a glance

Strong Points

Lennox has provided top quality HVAC products for over a century. Their premium models, primarily found in the Dave Lennox Signature Series, are industry leaders when it comes to efficiency, with some models able to operate at a almost 99 percent AFUE.

Their furnaces are also built to a high standard with exceptional materials, ensuring durability and reliability during periods of heavy usage.

Unlike the HVAC manufacturers who focus on quality and efficiency at the expense of novel technologies, Lennox provides Canadian homeowners with the best of all worlds.

Not only are their furnaces dependable and well-made, but they're also equipped with numerous exclusive features that Lennox has developed to improve comfort, convenience, and efficiency.

Room For Improvement

When compared with other premium brands like Carrier, Lennox can be found wanting in one or two areas, such as the warranty coverage on its entry-level models (some have parts warranties as short as five years).

Further, Lennox currently doesn’t technically offer the unit replacement warranties that have recently been adopted by many other premium brands.

And although Lennox has exclusive features like SilentComfort and Airflex technology, Carrier gives them a run for their money in this category with their Greenspeed Intelligence, Ideal Humidity System, Smart Evap, Comfort Heat and Comfort Fan technology.

Another thing about Lennox is that they're considered a premium brand, and that means you'll pay a premium price for one of their furnaces. It is possible to get an entry-level Lennox furnace at a reasonable price, but if you want a mid-range or top-tier model, then expect to pay at least $5,000 including installation.

The Bottom Line

Lennox set themselves apart from the competition by delivering high-end heating solutions, model after model, year after year. Lennox features reliable and well-designed options at different price points, and the company covers a lot of ground within the HVAC marketplace with both entry-level and premium-tier models.

Lennox markets themselves as the top-tier, borderline ‘luxury’ furnace brand (if there is such a thing!). They invest heavily in technology as well as marketing and use their strong brand name to set themselves apart.

While it’s certainly debatable whether paying a premium price for a top-tier furnace is worth it, homeowners generally won’t be disappointed as long as they can afford the relatively high price point.

However, Lennox’s best performance and warranty coverage are reserved for their top models, which come at a much steeper price.

➤ Get the BEST Prices on Lennox furnaces: Fill out a free quote request here

Lennox Average Price Range

$3,500 – $7,500 (including installation)

It’s difficult to set an exact price as manufacturers or local distributors may often promote deals on certain units throughout the year, and government or utility company rebates may be available as well.

With any furnace, the final cost of the unit will vary based on where you live, the model you choose, your home size and the unit’s installation, and the tier of furnace you want.

Lennox has entry-level Merit series furnaces, mid-range Elite series furnaces, and top-tier Dave Lennox Signature Collection furnaces. Furnace price ranges increase as you go up in tier, and the higher the tier, the more perks the furnace will have, such as better features and longer warranties.

Here's an estimate of Lennox furnace tier price ranges:

• Entry-level models: $3,500 – $4,835
• Mid-range models: $4,835 – $6,170
• Top-tier models: $6,170 – $7,500+

Lennox Furnace Series

Basic – Merit Series

The entry-level Merit series includes some of Lennox’s most affordable offerings. Featuring tightly sealed blower compartments to reduce air leakage and 93 percent efficiency ratings and higher, the Lennox Merit Series still saves you money while entering the market at a more affordable price point.

Some of the models in this series also have secondary heat exchangers to reduce heat loss, and they're all dual fuel capable, meaning they can be paired with an electric heat pump to save more money and energy.

All the furnaces in this series are built with heavy-duty components and materials that are made to last. They're also backed by good warranties, so if anything should happen, you know your investment will be covered.

Better – Elite Series

The mid-range Elite Series maintains the high standards of the Merit series while improving overall AFUE ratings and adding features such as the Power Saver technology, which is a constant-torque motor that automatically adjusts airspeed to maximize comfort and reduce costs.

Some of the models in the Lennox Elite series are single-stage, but there are also more advanced two-stage furnaces available as well. These furnaces are also compatible with smart thermostats, which can save you time and money when you customize them according to your schedule.

Further, the models in this series have even more advanced features that reduce noise while optimizing performance.

Best – Dave Lennox Signature Collection

The top-tier Dave Lennox Signature Collection includes some of the finest furnaces ever produced by Lennox, and some of the best on the market today.

The furnaces in this tier have among the highest AFUE ratings of all the furnaces in Canada, and that means less energy wasted and lower operating costs.

These variable-speed furnaces are also packed full of extra features and backed by the best warranties Lennox offers, so Dave Lennox Signature Collection furnace models come in at a higher up-front price.

Lennox Top Models Comparison

Dave Lennox Signature Collection SLP99V

The SLP99V is a recently released Lennox furnace, and it hit the world by storm. It’s one of the most advanced furnaces on the market, is equipped with the most features, and has a 99 percent AFUE rating, boasting nearly zero energy waste. Not only is it the most energy-efficient furnace available, but it’s also the quietest. This modulating furnace also has sensors to eliminate cold spots, and it’s part of the Lennox Ultimate Comfort System, meaning it’s equipped with every technology Lennox has to create and maintain perfect comfort levels throughout your home, all year round.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 99 percent
Furnace type: Modulating
ENERGY STAR® rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $6,170 – $7,500
What's good: The most efficient furnace on the market (and awarded the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2020), the SLP99V is also one of the most sophisticated furnaces ever made in terms of design, specifications, features, comfort levels, quiet operation, and new technologies.

Lennox Dave Lennox Signature Collection SLP98V

Formerly the premier model from Lennox, the SLP98V is still an industry-leading furnace when it comes to efficiency and features. It has an AFUE rating up to 98.7 percent, and was awarded the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2018. This model is very similar to the SLP99V that has supplanted it as the premium Lennox model, including that it’s a modulating furnace with most of the same great features as the SLP99V, including the SilentComfort and AirFlex technologies.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 98.7 percent
Furnace type: Modulating
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $6,170 – $7,500
What's good: A comparable but slightly more affordable model compared to Lennox’s premium model, so the SLP98V is also one of the most advanced furnaces on the market.

Dave Lennox Signature Collection SL297NV

The SL297NV is another top-tier furnace from Lennox, and like the others in this tier, it promises excellent efficiency, quiet performance, and consistent temperatures throughout the house, all winter long. The SL297NV was awarded the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2019, and it reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 65 percent compared to other low NOx furnaces, so it meets the strictest of air quality standards.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 97.5 percent
Furnace type: Modulating
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $6,170 – $7,500
What's good: Not only is the SL297NV an extremely efficient furnace, but it also boasts the lowest emissions of any furnace on the market, making it ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Lennox Elite Series EL296E and EL296V

The EL296E and EL296V is an impressive two-stage unit that can operate at two different heat output intensities, helping to eliminate temperature swings in your home and allowing improved control over the humidity levels in your home. Although a two-stage operation is not as effective as a modulating unit like the SLP98V, it is far superior to single-stage units such as the Lennox Merit Series ML195.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96 percent
Furnace type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,835 – $6,170
What's good: More affordable high-efficiency furnaces from Lennox that deliver reliable, low-cost, and quiet heating performance for many years.

Lennox Merit ML296V

The ML296V may be one of Lennox’s entry-level furnaces, but that doesn’t stop it from promising excellent efficiency and performance, thanks to the two-stage operation and variable-speed blower motor. These features also deliver better humidity control, more consistent temperatures, and improved energy efficiency, which translates to more money in your pocket at the end of each winter.

Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96 percent
Furnace type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: The ML296V is quite advanced for an entry-level furnace, and boasts a two-stage gas valve, variable-speed blower motor, ENERGY STAR certification, and the same quality you would expect from all Lennox products.

Other Furnace Models from Lennox

Lennox Elite EL196E Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96 percent
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,835 – $6,170
What's good: A high-quality and highly efficient mid-range furnace that’s quiet, equipped with the Power Saver constant-torque motor, and compatible with the iComfort E30 smart thermostat.

Lennox Elite Series EL195E Furnace Stats

AFUE: 95 percent
Furnace type: Single-Stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,835 – $6,170
What's good: A high-performing furnace with great efficiency, a good warranty, and the Power Saver technology for improved temperature consistency and comfort.

Lennox Elite EL195NE Furnace Stats

AFUE: 95 percent
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,835 – $6,170
What's good: Another ultra-low NOx furnace from Lennox that promises excellent efficiency, environmentally friendly performance, quiet operation, and a secondary heat exchanger for reduced heat loss.

Lennox Merit ML196E Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96 percent
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: A reliable and efficient entry-level furnace that promises excellent cost-savings and maximum comfort, with some additional features like the Power Saver technology.

Lennox Merit Series ML195 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 95 percent
Furnace type: Single-Stage
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: This dual fuel compatible furnace is highly efficient, has been tested rigorously for performance, and has a tightly sealed blower compartment to reduce air leakage to nearly zero.

Lennox Merit Series ML193 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 93 percent
Furnace type: Single-Stage
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: A dependable, durable, high-quality, and energy-efficient furnace that will provide many years of cost-saving comfort.

Lennox Merit ML193E Furnace Stats

AFUE: 93 percent
Furnace type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes, but only in the Southern States
Tier – Basic
Price range: $3,500 – $4,835
What's good: A more affordable high-efficiency Lennox furnace that still has the Power Saver technology, dual fuel operation, and sealed blower compartment for excellent efficiency and comfort.

Lennox Exclusive Features

Feature 1 – Power Saver

The Power Saver technology included in some Lennox Elite and Merit series furnaces refers to a constant torque motor which can adjust airspeed based on demand. This helps the furnace consume less energy while heating your home.

Feature 2 – SilentComfort Technology

By combining advanced engineering, variable-speed technology, and gradual start-up with sound-absorbing insulation, Lennox is able to create furnaces that run at an exceptionally low decibel level while operating.

Unfortunately, the SilentComfort technology is only available with Lennox’s top-tier furnaces, but they do take measures to reduce the operational noise of all their furnaces.

Feature 3 – AirFlex

AirFlex is a special technology from Lennox that enables your local HVAC specialist to customize the blower settings based on things like your location and climate, the design and layout of your home, and your lifestyle and comfort requirements.

Feature 4 – iComfort S30 Thermostat compatibility

The iComfort S30 is a smart programmable thermostat that lets you monitor your HVAC system, adjust temperature and humidity settings, keep an eye on performance, get problem reports, and diagnose and troubleshoot maintenance issues.

Moreover, the thermostat can send updates to your local HVAC expert to reduce service time and make repairs faster and easier, which could save you on labour costs.

Feature 5 – Duralok Plus

The Duralok Plus heat exchanger, which is found on most Lennox furnaces as either the primary or secondary heat exchanger, is a clamshell heat exchanger that’s made from high-quality ArmorTuf steel, giving the unit a higher degree of reliability and efficiency.

Feature 6 – Ultimate Comfort System

Lennox’s Ultimate Comfort System isn't so much a special feature as it is a collection of different technologies that comes with their premium model, the SLP99V.

The system combines their iComfort S30 thermostat, PureAir air purification technology, iHarmony zoning capabilities, and other features to deliver the ultimate in home comfort and air quality.

Warranty

Lennox warranties are good—not the best in the industry, but they still protect your investment for several years. The exact warranty terms vary slightly based on furnace tier, and the different Lennox series furnaces come with these warranties:

Lennox Dave Lennox Signature Collection – includes a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year limited warranty on covered components.

Lennox Elite Series – includes a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger and a 5-year limited warranty on covered components – this can be upgraded to a 10-year limited extended warranty on components with the registration of the unit within 60 days of installation

Lennox Merit Series – includes a 20-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger a 5-year limited warranty on components. Again, the merit series may be eligible for a 10-year limited extended warranty with registration.

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LENNOX- ABOUT THE COMPANY

David Lennox, an American businessman, founded the furnace manufacturing business now known as “Lennox International” in 1895.

Lennox has consistently pushed technological boundaries, and year after year they’ve produced furnaces with consumers’ top priorities in mind.

With various options that are tiered to appeal to as many people as possible, chances are there’s a Lennox furnace that could suit your needs and home.

Lennox has moved from strength to strength since 1895, and with their loyal fanbase following their newest technology and products with passionate interest, making Lennox a safe bet if you’re looking for a brand-new high-efficiency furnace.

Eager to learn more about Lennox’s high-efficiency natural gas furnace line up? Fill out our online form, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.