York LX Series – TM9E Review

York furnaces like the LX Series TM9E are economy models, and that means they're relatively affordable and don’t have too many extras. The TM9E is a single-stage furnace, so it’s one of the most basic York furnaces you can get in Canada.

The best York furnace reviews are comprehensive, so this guide will cover the model’s main features, important specifications, warranty details, and more.

And to make sure you get the right York furnace for your home in Canada, the review will also compare this model to three others from the brand.

About the TM9E

Average Price (installed): $3,300 to $3,900

Top Features

• Five-speed blower motor for more precise airflow
• ECM blower motor is reliable and efficient
• Backed by a great warranty
• Equipped with self-diagnostics
• Compact cabinet is perfect for smaller spaces
• Designed for fast, easy installation
• Has superior external air filters
• Aluminized steel primary heat exchanger that’s temperature and corrosion resistant

The Bottom Line

The YORK LX Series TM9E is an excellent single-stage furnace that offers ENERGY STAR-certified efficiency. This affordable option is perfect for Canadian homeowners who require a hardworking, reliable furnace that will cut energy bills compared to an older furnace.

This unit is also equipped with a secondary heat exchanger and hot surface ignition system that reduce fuel waste while improving efficiency and reliability.

However, any York high-efficiency furnace that only has single-stage operation will be best suited for smaller homes or Canadian climates with shorter, milder winters.

In-Depth Review

YORK LX Series TM9E Specifications

• AFUE: 95 percent
• Burner type: Single-stage
• Blower type: Five-speed ECM
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Heating input: 26,000 to 120,000 BTUs

Features Overview

The TM9E is an affordable, high-efficiency furnace that will fit into just about any home thanks to the space-saving design. The unit stands at just 33 inches, making for easy installation and flexible installation options.

Moreover, it has several features that will make installation and repairs easier and possibly cheaper, including easy-access controls and a blower that can be easily removed.

And the best part is that York furnace troubleshooting is a breeze thanks to the built-in self-diagnostic control module and LED fault code display.

Other Key Features

• Insulated blower compartment for quieter operation and less heat loss
• Multiple safety features, including a main gas valve shut-off and blower door safety switch
• Corrosion-resistant secondary heat exchanger
• Most models can be fuelled with propane
• Multi-position installation applications
• Has a quiet inducer motor
• Controls and wiring are easy to access
• Gasketed doors and reinforced cabinets reduce air leaks and improve air distribution

Warranty Information

The TM9E is backed by multiple warranty types and has some of the most comprehensive protection around. Here are the warranties:

• Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
• 10-year parts warranty
• Five-year Complete Assurance warranty
• One-year labour warranty

With the Complete Assurance pledge, York will give you the option of a replacement furnace if the heat exchanger fails during the coverage period.

When you install the TM9E, York gives you 90 days to register the unit on their website, and you must do this to be eligible for the full warranty terms. If you don’t register, then you will lose the labour warranty, the Complete Assurance warranty, and some of the heat exchanger and parts warranty coverage.

Comparable Models by YORK

Model Comparison by Price: TM9E versus TM9Y

The TM9E is one of the most affordable high-efficiency furnaces that York makes, so if your main priority is budget, then the TM9E could be your best bet.

The TM9Y is in a slightly higher price range, but it has some attractive features that could make it a better investment.

For one thing, the TM9Y has a two-stage burner, meaning it’s more efficient, quieter, better at managing humidity, and promises more even heat distribution. It’s also more powerful and better for larger homes and colder climates.

The TM9Y has a slightly higher 96 percent AFUE rating, so you'll save a tiny bit more on operating costs in the long run, but the difference in savings won’t be too noticeable compared to a 95 percent AFUE.

Model Comparison by Features: TM9E versus Affinity YP9C

The YP9C is the only furnace in York’s premium Affinity tier. This is a modulating furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower motor and a 98 percent AFUE.

Thanks to the modulating, variable-speed operation, it can make incremental adjustments to the heating output and airflow for precise temperature and humidity control.

The Affinity model will be powerful enough for any Canadian home and efficient enough to reduce heating bills compared to older furnaces. You'll also save more with the YP9C than you would with a 95 AFUE model.

This model also comes with some premium features, including a longer 10-year Complete Assurance warranty, ClimaTrak technology that enables the installer to customize the blower setting for your climate, and compatibility with communicating thermostats like York’s Hx™3 smart thermostat.

Model Comparison by Tier: TM9E versus TL9E

The TL9E is a slightly more expensive model than the TM9E. The TL9E is also a compact single-stage furnace with a five-speed ECM blower motor and 95 percent AFUE rating, but it has a shorter 20-year heat exchanger warranty.

The reason it’s more expensive, however, is because the TL9E has a special premix burner that reduces emissions, so this model qualifies as an ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions furnace.

For Canadian winters, the TL9E will be great for more temperate parts of the country or smaller homes, especially for environmentally conscious homeowners. Otherwise, this model is also perfect for places with air quality and emissions restrictions.