Lennox Vs. Trane: Which System Is Best for My Arizona Home?
Homeowners considering a new HVAC system–whether it’s a furnace, an AC, or a heat pump–are bound to ask: which brand is best? After all, you’ll be relying on this system to keep you comfortable for years to come. It’s a big decision!
Lennox and Trane are two brands that compete particularly closely when it comes to innovation, efficiency, and performance. These two manufacturers have been duking it out for over 100 years, each trying to outdo the other in keeping us all comfortable. In the end, it’s the homeowners who win!
In this blog, the experts at Champion Air weigh in on which brand is best: Lennox or Trane. We’ll assess our competitors in three categories:
- Efficiency and performance
- Longevity and reliability
- Pricing and packages
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
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Efficiency & Performance
Lennox Systems
Lennox offers a range of high-efficiency HVAC systems designed to provide optimal performance and energy savings.
Take, for example, the company’s stance on SEER2. They wasted no time bringing their air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and single packaged units up to speed long before the 2023 deadline. Today you’ll find Lennox systems with SEER2 ratings ranging from 14 to 28, a fantastic range with a variety of price points for homeowners.
What does this mean for homeowners? Well, it means Lennox systems are some of the most efficient and environmentally-conscious products on the market. Lennox’s SL28 A/C and SL25 Heat Pump are now top-of-the-line, better than just about anything else you’ll find in today’s market, and unbeatable from a value perspective.
Homeowners looking for a more economical option should look into the Lennox Elite and Merit Series, both of which offer excellent energy effeciency SEER2 ratings for the cost.
Trane Systems
Trane is also renowned for its efficient HVAC solutions, with SEER2 ratings typically ranging from 14 to 28.
As of the first half of 2024, Trane’s highest-selling air conditioners include the Trane XV20i, which has SEER2 ratings up to 22 and potential energy savings of 64% per year—nothing to scoff at! The XV20i also relies on TruComfort technology to maintain consistent temperatures and minimize energy consumption even further.
In addition to the XV20i, Trane offers the Trane XV18 (SEER2 rating up to 18) and Trane XR14 (SEER2 rating up to 16) at slightly lower price points. The XV18 is known for being one of the quiet systems on the market, which for some homeowners is the real gold standard of an AC.
Longevity & Reliability
Lennox Systems
Lennox systems are built to last. In fact, with proper maintenance and professional installation, Lennox systems often exceed 15 years of reliable operation. The company uses high-quality components and re-invests heavily in R&D to ensure their products continue to exceed expectations.
And what about those warranties? Well, here, Lennox truly shines. While the standard warranty clocks in at a respectable ten years and covers compressors and covered components, the Lennox Signature Collection offers a 12-year warranty with identical coverage for eligible residential applications.
Trane Systems
Trane products undergo extensive testing and are built to withstand even the most extreme conditions.
Trane, like Lennox, offers competitive warranty coverage, including a 10-year limited warranty on compressors. Regular maintenance and professional installation are key factors in extending the lifespan of Trane systems, which can also last well beyond a decade with proper care.
System Packages & Options
Lennox Systems
As for system packages, Lennox does a great job of helping homeowners find a system within their budget range. You’ll find most HVAC systems (with the exception of packaged units) under three tiers:
- Merit Series (entry-level)
- Elite Series (mid-range)
- Dave Lennox Signature Collection Premium Energy Efficiency (Premium Energy Efficiency)
The Merit Series is the company’s entry-level pricing tier covering air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps. In Arizona, the base model available is the ML17XC1 system with a SEER2 rating of 15.2. This series also includes furnaces with impressive AFUE ratings up to 96, offering durable and efficient options for both heating and cooling needs. Some of the company’s highest-rated heat pumps are from the Merit Series, with the 16HPX, the ML16XP1, and the ML14XP1 all over 4 stars.
The Elite Series is Lennox’s mid-tier product lineup, combining exceptional value with unmatched efficiency. All Elite Series systems are ENERGY STAR Qualified with excellent sound ratings and strong efficiency scores. Take, for example, the Lennox EL18XPV, which has a SEER2 of up to 21.6 and a HSPF2 of up to 8.7. THe EL18XCV is also one of the highest value systems based on the cost in the market today. It is Lennox’s Elite Variable Speed system which delivers significant energy savings over a single or two-stage system, especially in Arizona. Or the ML18C2 Air Conditioner with a Seer2 of 17.8 and a perfect 5-star rating from customers.
The Dave Lennox Signature Collection is your ultimate comfort option. One of the company’s top-selling heat pumps, the SL25XPV, has a SEER2 score of 23–one of the highest of any system on the market–and a sound rating of 58 (also exceptional). The Signature Collection also includes the SL28 air conditioner, recognized by ENERGY STAR as the most efficient model currently available on the market, truly distinguishing Lennox as a leader in air conditioning technology. Both air conditioners and furnaces in this collection are highly acclaimed and ENERGY STAR Qualified.
Trane Systems
Unlike Lennox, Trane doesn’t offer tier options. But they have models that fit within the standard “good, better, best” price ranges of its competitors.
- Air Conditioners: The XR14 functions as the company’s entry-level tier option. Some of these air conditioners are ENERGY STAR Qualified with SEER scores ranging from 14 to 26.
- Furnaces: A number of furnace systems from Trane have AFUE ratings between 80 and 96. Lower-end systems such as the S8B1 share similar AFUE ratings to Lennox’s Merit Series, while the higher tier 90% efficiency S9V2 approximates Lennox’s Signature Collection furnaces.
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps for Trane are on par with comparable Lennox models. The company’s best-selling heat pump, the XR14, has a 4.7 / 5-star rating with a 14.8 SEER2 rating and a 7.8 HSPF2 rating.
Conclusion
Efficiency & Performance: We give the edge to Lennox for the mid-and upper-tier options. Trane may eke out a win in the lower brackets. But this is neck and neck, as both brands excel in this area.
Longevity & Reliability: Both Lennox and Trane have excellent longevity. With proper maintenance, you’ll easily get 15 years out of these systems and likely more.
Price and Packages: It’s neck and neck, but we ultimately give Lennox the edge, simply due to the simplified pricing model between the three tiers, and the slightly lower costs on air conditioners and furnaces for comparable models. Both manufacturers offer strong rebates and incentives to keep costs down, especially if you’re installing with a certified dealer of these brands.
Speaking of certified dealers…
We want to be upfront with our customers: Champion Air installs the Lennox brand exclusively. While we feel both brands do right by their customers, we believe Lennox is the overall better choice when it comes to performance, reliability, and price.
As certified partners of Lennox, Champion Air will get you the best deal possible on any HVAC system under this brand: furnaces, air conditioners, AND heat pumps.
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!
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Barry Farah is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader. He has served as CEO in various sectors, including professional services, technology, construction, and commercial development. In 2020, he acquired an HVAC company in Arizona and expanded it with his son, David, to nearly ten times its original size. Barry is also an author and thought leader, having written three books on customer success. He believes in operating ethically and treating his employees, vendors, and customers with respect. His extensive experience and strategic vision have been key to his success in growing and managing these businesses.
