Lennox Vs. Carrier: Which System Is Best for My Arizona Home?
Imagine a battle arena, not with fighters, but with two giants of the HVAC world, cheered on by a crowd of homeowners and comfort enthusiasts alike.
In one corner, we have Lennox, a trailblazer since 1895, known for introducing the first two-speed hermetic compressor and achieving a groundbreaking 15 SEER efficiency rating in air conditioning. Give it up for Lennox!
In the opposite corner stands Carrier, the creator of the first modern air conditioner in 1902 and a trusted provider for critical climates like the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Let’s hear it for Carrier!
As the excitement settles, we at Champion Air know that choosing between these two titans is a common quandary for homeowners. That’s why we did all of the homework for you and will now review the most important facts to help you decide which manufacturer fits your Arizona home needs in efficiency, longevity, and cost.
Explore our guide on:
- Efficiency & performance
- Longevity & reliability
- Pricing & other considerations
Jump to the section that interests you the most, or start from the top to get the full picture. And remember, if you have any questions or need personalized advice, our experts are just a phone call away.
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Efficiency & Performance
Lennox Systems
Lennox is renowned for its high-efficiency HVAC systems. The company offers units with SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings as high as 26, which is among the best in the industry. Lennox’s top-tier furnace models, such as the SL280V Variable-Speed gas furnace, has an AFUE rating of 99 (very difficult to achieve) while the XC21 air conditioner offers a SEER2 score of up to 19.2. Many of these systems use variable-speed technology to provide precise temperature control and optimal energy efficiency.
It gets better. Lennox systems have raised the bar in recent years by providing advanced comfort features such as:
- PureAir™ S Air Purification System: This system delivers superior, whole-home air purification. Equipped with the Lennox Healthy Climate™ Carbon Clean 16® air filter, it provides hospital-grade filtration and can eliminate more than 99% of the virus that causes COVID-19, along with other viruses, bacteria, and fungal spores. Its filter is specially designed to reduce airflow resistance, enhancing efficiency and ensuring the air remains consistently clean and pristine.
- S40 Ultra-Smart Thermostats: Lennox makes it easy to monitor and adjust your home temperature, whether you’re home or away. Just use your phone as a remote, and you’re good to go! When combined with a Lennox Home Allergen Monitor, the S40 thermostat actively guides with the Lennox Pure Air System to destroy specific allergens in your home. Other brands use a local weather report based on the general area; Lennox responds to your specific home air to provide the cleanest air possible.
Carrier Systems
Over 100 years ago, Mr. Willis Carrier invented the first modern air conditioner. While there have been numerous advancements and upgrades, he cemented his legacy by guiding his company simply named Carrier. Since Carrier invented the modern air conditioner, they know a thing or two about cooling efficiency. They tend to offer SEER2 ratings on par or slightly lower than Lennox systems. In addition, Carrier’s Infinity series, like the Infinity 26 Air Conditioner, employs Greenspeed intelligence, which adjusts cooling output in small increments to maintain consistent temperatures and maximize efficiency.
Carrier units are known for their quiet operation thanks to features like the Silencer System II. Furthermore, Carrier’s systems are compatible with their own smart thermostat, the Infinity Touch, which offers advanced control and energy-saving capabilities.
Longevity & Reliability
Lennox Systems
Lennox heating and cooling systems have a reputation for reliability. The company is legendary for its rigorous engineering processes and it tests every system under high heat environments (which is great if you live in Phoenix as we do!). Multiple years ago, Lennox did experience a well known defect regarding their coils. However, with the release and redesign of their Quantum Coil ®, Lennox turned the chapter to current day.
Lennox offers extensive warranties on its products, including a 10-year limited warranty on compressors and covered components (and 12 years with their Signature Collection!). Regular maintenance and proper installation are key to extending the lifespan of Lennox systems, which can often exceed 15 years, with good care.
In Arizona, Lennox is selective in partnering with local companies to sell and repair their systems. This allows a consistent repair quality due to the advanced nature in the ultra-energy efficient market space. Due to this, some Valley companies might struggle to secure replacement parts. However, with Champion Air, you have a Lennox Premier Partner who will ensure timely repairs and service if needed.
By the way, if you’re looking for a great maintenance plan to go along with your new system, consider becoming a Champion Care member!
Carrier Systems
Carrier also has a great reputation for engineering long-lasting HVAC systems. We’ve heard good things about Carrier’s quality control. Like their competitors at Lennox, they only work with the highest-quality parts and equipment.
Carrier offers strong warranty coverage, including a 10-year limited warranty on parts. Carrier systems are designed for long-term performance, and with regular maintenance, they can also last upwards of 12-15 years.
Pricing & Other Considerations
Lennox Systems
After decades of service in the Phoenix area, we’ve found that Lennox systems offer great systems at every “price bracket” in the industry. Their base systems offer excellent SEER ratings without neglecting other essentials like system longevity and warranties. Some of their most advanced systems maintain that price advantage and offer a TON of additional features that homeowners absolutely love.
Lennox also offers various financing options to make their systems more accessible. We’d recommend checking out our financing page to see what’s available to you!
Carrier Systems
Carrier offers a wide range of products that cater to different budgets, making it easier to find a system that meets both performance needs and financial constraints. Carrier’s high-end models are comparable in price to Lennox models. On the lower and mid-range, they tend to be a bit more expensive.
Carrier also provides flexible financing options and rebates to help reduce the overall cost. Additionally, Carrier systems are widely available through a large network of dealers, ensuring competitive pricing and access to professional installation and support services.
Conclusion
Lennox and Carrier offer high-quality HVAC systems with excellent efficiency, performance, longevity, and reliability. Your choice between the two will largely depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences for certain features.
That said, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that Champion Air proudly installs Lennox systems in our customers’ homes. While Carrier manufactures great heating and cooling systems, in our experience, Lennox delivers better value for your dollar than any other manufacturer in Arizona due to current energy costs.
Finance a New Lennox System for as low as $106 per month!
Champion Air has partnered with some of the most reputable lenders in the country to offer exceptional financing deals for our customers. You can learn more about our financing options here. Or you can schedule your free estimate with Champion Air below!
