Our Lennox heat pump buyer’s guide is your source for comprehensive and accurate information about Lennox heat pump models. We’ve produced guides for other brands for you to compare pros & cons, top heat pumps from each and their technical specifications. See guides for these brands and more:
Lennox is on a mission to produce the most energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Its top heat pump, the Lennox XP25, its top air conditioner (XC25) and gas furnace (SLP98V) lead the industry. This brand is unique in that Lennox makes its own replacement parts, and we’ll have more to say about that later.
Lennox Heat Pump Brand Overview
There are seven Lennox heat pump models divided into three series:
- Best: Dave Lennox Signature Collection: 3 models;
- Better: Lennox Elite Series: 3 models;
- Basic: Lennox Merit Series: 1 model.
The differences give you options ranging from affordable, basic units to costlier high-performance Lennox heat pumps.
Lennox Heat Pumps Technical Specifications
Let’s dig deeper into the seven Lennox heat pump models:
- Lennox makes single-stage models, two-stage and variable-capacity heat pumps;
- Single-stage Lennox Merit Series 14HPX delivers 16 SEER air conditioning and 8.2 HSPF heating. Also, it is the most efficient base model in the industry;
- Three Lennox Elite heat pumps are the single-stage 16 SEER/9.5 HSPF Lennox XP14, the two-stage 17 SEER/9.5 HSPF XP16 and the top pick, the modulating XP 20. It has a 20 SEER/10 HSPF efficiency, all Energy Star rated;
- Three Signature Series heat pumps are Energy Star rated, the single-stage SL18XP1 (18.5 SEER/10.2 HSPF), the two-stage XP21 (19.2 SEER/9.7 HSPF) and the variable-capacity XP25 (23.5 SEER/10.2 HSPF);
- The two variable-capacity models, XP20 and XP25, have compressors that fluctuate from 40% to 100% of capacity like cruise control. This is to keep temperature precisely balanced. It aims to also remove more humidity during air conditioning than single- or two-stage units;
- Several Lennox heat pump models (14HPX, XP14, XP16, XP21 and XP25) are dual-fuel compatible which means they can be installed in a split system with gas furnace. Consequently, the heat pump will provide the heating in temperatures above freezing and the furnace will automatically take over in colder temperatures.
Pros and Cons of Lennox Heat Pumps
There are plenty of reasons to consider Lennox and few potential disadvantages too.
Lennox Heat Pump Pros
- This is the most efficient lineup of heat pumps on the market. So, your energy use and cost can reduce by 30 to 60 percent when replacing an old heat pump;
- Single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity models give you options to match your indoor comfort preferences and budget;
- The diverse range of efficiency levels allows homeowners to match their heat pump choice to their climate. They can also support their commitment to heat and air condition their homes with eco-friendly technology;
- Lennox makes compatible components for its heat pumps. This includes air handlers, gas furnaces, HRV and ERV ventilation units, indoor air quality systems, humidity control systems and thermostat controls for complete, coordinated split systems;
- Lennox Elite Series and Signature Collection heat pumps are well built. They should last 17-22 years when properly maintained;
- The SL18XP1 is the industry’s most efficient single-stage model. So, it provides premium efficiency at a lower cost than most two-stage heat pumps;
- Six of the seven Lennox heat pump models are certified by Energy Star. They also might be eligible for utility rebates from your energy provider;
- Dual fuel Lennox heat pumps installed in a split system with a Lennox gas furnace are an ideal choice for climates where freezing winter temperatures are common;
- Lennox SunSource solar modules can produce enough energy to run a complete HVAC system.
Lennox Heat Pump Cons
- The brand makes its own replacement parts, and they are mostly of superior quality. But periodic supply-chain problems cause delays in repair times;
- There seems to be an issue with the quality of some Lennox coil models, with a large number of reported failures. Also, it is unclear whether the quality-control issue has been resolved;
- A Lennox heat pump will cost more than most comparable models. Part of the higher cost is superior quality, but it is partly due to brand recognition and an expensive marketing program;
- While SunSource modules reduce energy cost, they are expensive. Also, the payback time could be 12 years or more in some climates;
- Lennox heat pump warranties are not as long or comprehensive as those from Amana, Goodman, Heil, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, Maytag, Tappan and several other brands.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Lennox Heat Pump
Your first consideration is climate. The more extreme your climate is, the more efficient the Lennox heat pump you choose should be. Where winters are harsh, a heat pump alone is a poor option. This is because you’ll use space heaters to stay warm, and they produce costly heat. If your winter weather is often freezing, then a gas furnace alone or a dual fuel heat pump and gas furnace combination is a better choice. A dual fuel system costs more upfront but produces the lowest heating costs.
With single-stage, two-stage and modulating heat pumps available, whether you’re willing to pay more to get improved climate control is a consideration. Your costs rise 10-15 percent with each step up in performance.
Be sure your heat pump is properly sized for your home. Some HVAC technicians oversize the units. But that leads to imbalanced temperatures and higher incidences of mechanical failure. Ask that a load calculation be done. Also, if your home’s insulation has been increased, most commonly in the attic, or if energy-efficient windows have been installed since the last heat pump was purchased, it’s possible the replacement Lennox heat pump should be smaller than the original.
Before you settle on a Lennox heat pump, browse our other heat pump guides to compare pros, cons and technical specifications for today’s top brands.
Invest in Quality Installation
Take time to find a qualified installer for your heat pump. Moreover, installation quality is essential to the durability, efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. We suggest getting written estimates from several licensed and insured installers to find one with skill and experience.
Thank you for researching your next heat pump here. If our Lennox heat pump guide has been useful or interesting, consider sharing it with family, friends and followers! And please join the conversation below if you have questions, comments or experience with a Lennox heat pump.
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