Lennox Vs Carrier: Which Is Better? (A Comparison Guide)

Kenneth Wilson

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, you’ve come to the right place. Two of the biggest AC brands in the US are Lennox and Carrier, so we’ve put together this comparison to help you decide which is best for your property.

To help you make your decision, we compare: energy efficiency, features, compressors, warranties, and price. By the end of the piece, you will have a clear picture of the slight differences between the two brands and be in a much better place to make your final decision on which to go for.

Overview of Lennox & Carrier HVAC Systems


Before we dive into our comparison of the two brands, we thought it would be helpful to explain precisely what you can expect from both of them. After all, Lennox and Carrier HVAC units are regarded as the best in the business!

Carrier Infinity 17

Lennox XC20

While the models of each brand vary slightly, you can expect:

  • Multiple options in terms of HVAC tier - basic, better, and best - which is determined by the unit’s SEER rating
  • The ‘best’ models come with WiFi and touchscreen thermostats, making them easier to control from an energy efficiency standpoint
  • Each model benefits from compressor sound-reduction insulation and operates quietly
  • The refrigerant within the HVAC systems is environmentally friendly (R-410A)
  • Both companies offer warranties of ten years on installed systems.

Ultimately, Lennox and Carrier manufacture a range of HVAC systems that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. But how are they different? Let’s find out.

Comparing Lennox & Carrier HVAC Systems


Energy Efficiency


  • Basic performance – SEER 13-15
  • Better performance – SEER 16-19
  • Best performance – SEER 20-26

An HVAC’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is how to determine how efficient your chosen system is. Helpfully, both Lennox and Carrier publish the SEER ratings of their units on their websites, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. (Related: Air Conditioner Efficiency: How Is SEER Rating Calculated?)

Below is an overview of some of the most popular units within each range with their SEER ratings listed:

Tier

Make & Model

SEER

Basic performance

Lennox XC14

 Carrier 24ABC6

16 SEER

 16 SEER

Better performance

Lennox XC20

 Carrier Infinity 17

20 SEER

 17 SEER

Best performance

Lennox XC25

 Carrier Infinity 21

26 SEER

 21 SEER

As the table illustrates, Lennox units outperform those of Carrier in the better and best tiers. The Lennox XC25, in particular, is one of the most energy-efficient HVAC units out there and is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a system that will save you money in the long run.

The winner: Lennox

Features


Although Lennox and Carrier HVACs are both rich in features, there are some slight differences that are worth considering, depending on what you’re looking for in an AC unit. Let’s look at some of the features now:

  • Humidity control – Carrier has a feature known as Comfort-R, while Lennox systems benefit from Climate IQ. This ensures all of their models are capable of removing additional humidity when the climate calls for it, which contributes to the comfort of your home as a result.
  • Smart thermostat & WiFi capability – The best models within the Lennox range can connect to WiFi, while all of Carrier’s units can. Carrier uses a smart thermostat called Infinity, while Lennox is connected to the iComfort S30. Essentially, this means you can manage your HVAC system from your smartphone.
  • Smart home compatibility – Both Carrier and Lennox models connect with Amazon Alexa, which allows you to sync your HVAC to your smart home automation system. This assists with temperature control and enables you to easily change the settings on your unit.

We’re impressed by the range of smart features within Carrier and Lennox HVAC systems and it’s hard to split the two brands!

The winner: Tie

Compressors


The compressor is the beating heart of any air conditioning unit. Its job is to circulate refrigerant within the system, connecting the indoor and outdoor coils and enabling the system to cool your property.

The most advanced compressors are known as variable stage compressors, which provide you with much greater control over the way your HVAC system operates. Let’s take a look at the differences between the compressors found in Lennox and Carrier units:

Compressor Type

Carrier

Lennox

Single-stage

Copeland

Copeland

Two-stage

1 compressor with 2 stages

1 compressor with 2 stages

Variable stage

Range 25%-100% (5-speed)

Range 35%-100% (65-speed)

Lennox and Carrier use Copeland scroll compressors in their basic tiered AC units, which is regarded as a top-performing brand that has a low failure rate. Variable stage compressors enable you to exert much more control over your HVAC unit by changing the speed in small increments. Ultimately, this allows you to better manage the cooling of your home.

Carrier’s Infinity 19VS is their quietest model and has five speeds between 25% and 100%. While this isn’t bad, the speed goes up in 18.75% increments. Conversely, the Lennox XC25 ranges from 35%-100% and has 65 speeds. As such, it enables changes in just 1% increments. The key to Lennox’s high performance where variable speed is concerned is a result of their use of LG and converter technology.

When it comes to variable cooling precision, Lennox is the clear winner. That being said, Carrier units are slightly quieter, which is worth taking into account before making your decision.

The winner: Lennox

Warranties


As you would hope when you’re investing in a brand-new HVAC unit, both Lennox and Carrier provide their customers with good warranties.

Carrier offers ten-year parts and compressor warranty on all their models, making it nice and easy to understand. Lennox does things slightly differently, as illustrated in the table below:

Model

Compressor

Parts

Signature

10 years

10 years

Elite

10 years

5 years

Merit

5 years

5 years

If you’re going for a high-end Lennox model then you will receive the same level of warranty as Carrier offers on all their models.

If you want to extend your warranty, both companies allow you to do so. While the terms and conditions of extended warranties vary significantly, you can expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $2,000 for a policy. Overall, Carrier’s ten-year compressor and parts warranty on all models is the clear winner!

The winner: Carrier

Price


Last but not least, it’s time to look at the different price points between Carrier and Lennox HVAC units. According to Home Advisor, it costs the average American homeowner $7,000 to install a new HVAC system at their property. So, how do Lennox and Carrier compare?

Brand & model

Average cost 

Lennox Merit AC

$3,100 – $7,340

Carrier Comfort AC

$4,892 – $7,224

Source: HVAC 2021

As you can see, both Lennox and Carrier units are available in and around the price point that is considered to be average.

However, if you elect for the best tier product (Signature) with Lennox, you will understandably pay significantly more. You will also need to take into account things like installation, labor costs, and the removal of your current AC system, if required.

The winner: Tie

For best prices: I recommend using HomerAdvisor to get quotes.  Why?  Well as a consumer you'll typically find the best prices when the service providers are competing to earn your business -- that's what HomeAdvisor does.

Get quotes from HomeAdvisor contractors

The Verdict: Which is Better - Lennox or Carrier?


From our comparison, it’s evident that both Lennox and Carrier manufacture energy-efficient and environmentally friendly AC units.

If we were pushed to choose one over the other, we would probably go for Lennox, as they boast a higher SEER rating and their variable speed compressor is capable of increments of just 1%, compared to Carrier’s 18.75%. But ultimately, you can buy from both Carrier and Lennox in the confidence that you will be receiving one of the best AC units on the market.

Kenneth Wilson
February 8, 2022
HVAC, Reviews

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

Ask The Author Your Question In The Comments!


  • Our unit is 10 years old, we would like to be pro active, and replace before it becomes an emergency. We are told of new regulations and specifications for these appliances that will go into effect next year. My question: should we wait until 2023?, or purchase a 2022 model?

    • Good question. Replacing it now is fine, but make sure the new system uses refrigerant R-32 or R-454B… those are what is going into effect.

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