Lennox air conditioner prices are high, especially in the Lennox Signature Series, but so is efficiency. Lennox makes the most efficient split system ACs available.
The brand has its pros, like the high efficiency, but cons too including higher repair costs and short warranties on most models. See our Lennox Air Conditioner Reviews for what’s unique about Lennox and comparison to other leading brands like Trane and Carrier.
What’s in this Lennox Air Conditioner Price Guide?
Lennox Air Conditioner Prices with Installation
Lennox makes 11 central air conditioner models compared with 9 for Trane and 17 Carrier air conditioners.
They are marketed in 3 series:
Basic: Lennox Merit Series air conditioners – 4 models, 5-year warranties
Better: Lennox Elite Series air conditioners – 4 models, 10-year compressor and 5-year parts warranties
Best: Dave Lennox Signature Collection air conditioners – 3 models, 10-year warranties.
Some Elite and Merit Series air conditioners are sold regionally, so they might not be available in your area.
Model | Top SEER | Performance | Unit Cost Range | Installation | Total Cost Range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Signature SL28XCV | 28 | Variable | $7,370 - $9,395 | $1,450 - $2,875 | $8,820 - $14,425 |
Signature Series XC25 | 26 | Variable | $6,270 - $8,695 | $1,450 - $2,875 | $8,020 - $13,025 |
Signature Series XC21 | 21 | 2-stage | $5,805 - $7,890 | $1,400 - $2,750 | $7,185 - $10,700 |
Signature Series SL18SC1 | 18.5 | Single-stage | $5,320 - $7,585 | $1,350 - $2,700 | $7,170 - $12,020 |
Elite EL23XCV | 22.4 | Variable | $6,370 - $8,400 | $1,450 - $2,875 | $7,520 - $12,375 |
Elite XC20 | 20 | Variable | $5,970 - $8,200 | $1,450 - $2,875 | $7,420 - $11,175 |
Elite EL18XCV | 18 | Variable | $5,470 - $7,800 | $1,450 - $2,875 | $7,010 - $10,670 |
Elite XC16 | 17.2 | 2-stage | $5,245 - $7,370 | $1,400 - $2,750 | $6,665 - $10,050 |
Elite EL16XC1 | 17 | Single-stage | $5,020 - $7,195 | $1,350 - $2,700 | $6,370 - $11,775 |
Elite XC13 | 16 | Single-stage | $4,770 - $7,035 | $1,350 - $2,700 | $6,120 - $9,715 |
Merit 16ACX | 18 | 2-stage | $4,670 - $6,795 | $1,400 - $2,750 | $6,070 - $9,625 |
Merit ML14XC1 | 17 | Single-stage | $4,505 - $6,620 | $1,350 - $2,700 | $5,855 - $9,300 |
Merit 14ACX | 16 | Single-stage | $4,370 - $6,365 | $1,350 - $2,700 | $5,720 - $9,085 |
Merit 13ACX | 13 | Single-stage | $4,120 - $6,105 | $1,350 - $2,700 | $5,470 - $8,825 |
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Each model is available in various sizes up to 60,000 BTUs, which in air conditioner terms, is 5 tons of cooling capacity.
Lennox Air Conditioner Cost Factors (AC Only)
The labor cost for installing a Lennox air conditioner is the subject of the next section.
This section is about the AC, or more technically, the condensing unit, and other key components.
Compressor Type: Your options are ACs with single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity (aka modulating) compressors. The more stages, the more efficient, the more balanced the temperatures and the better dehumidification. And the more the unit will cost.
Indoor comfort and related topics are covered in-depth in the PickHVAC Air Conditioner Reviews that will help you make a great choice on a central air conditioner.
Efficiency: This is partly an issue of compressor type, but you have efficiency options for each type. As you can see from the Lennox air conditioner price list, single-stage ACs are available from 13 to 18 SEER. Cost goes up with efficiency.
Condensing Unit and Coil Size: Each Lennox air conditioner models start at either 18,000 BTUs or 24,000 BTUs and is available in sizes up to 60,000 BTUs. The indoor coil must match the capacity of the outdoor unit, the condensing unit.
Thermostat: The more stages of cooling and the more components on your system, the more wires the thermostat needs. If you upgrade the performance of your HVAC system, you might also have to install a new thermostat that can handle it.
Lennox makes a range of thermostats, but you can use third-party brands on most systems too. See the Extras and Add-ons price list below for thermostat prices.
Lennox Air Conditioner Installation Cost Factors
We’ve covered cost factors related to the basic equipment.
Here are labor costs and factors for installation. As noted in the price table above, the installation cost ranges from $1,350 to almost $3,000. Average labor cost is about $1,750. Factors are:
- Difficulty of the installation: When condensing units are installed on a roof or the indoor unit – the furnace or air handler – is in an attic or crawlspace, installation cost is higher.
- Unit size: The larger the condensing unit, the larger the line set diameter and the more refrigerant might have to be added.
- Distance: The longer the line set that is needed to carry refrigerant from the outdoor coil to the indoor coil, the more it will cost.
- The performance of the AC: The more stages it has, the longer it takes to install and test. It’s a minor factor.
- Ductwork repair or replacement: These costs are not reflected in the pricing above. To repair gaps and insulate ducts cost $1.50-$3.50 per linear foot in most homes. To replace ductwork costs $10 to $17 per foot. Ductwork is replaced when it is very old or is the wrong size for the new system.
How to Get the Best Lennox Air Conditioner Price
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for a lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest rebates as we talked above.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.
Lennox Air Conditioner Add-ons and Accessories
The Lennox salesperson you speak with will probably ask you to consider upgrading your system for enhanced indoor comfort, air quality and efficiency.
Here are a few of the most common upgrades and what they cost.
Zoning: Large homes are often divided into heating and air conditioning zones using motorized dampers in the ductwork. This allows the homeowner to choose settings for each zone using a programmable control.
Keep living space cool during the day and bedrooms cool at night, for example. In winter, you can choose warmth settings. Energy efficiency is the goal.
To add one additional zone, the cost averages $1,500 for the equipment and the controller. Many homeowners spend more than $5,000 on multi-zone systems.
SunSource Solar: Lennox is the only manufacturer that offers a solar power option specifically with HVAC in mind.
SunSource equipment and installation is a $4,000-$6,000 upgrade for most homes. If the system creates more energy than the HVAC system needs, the power can be used to run lights and outlets in your home. Currently, there are federal tax credits for solar equipment, and SunSource qualifies. The credit is 30% now but is being stepped down and phased out. Learn more about the program from Energy Star.
Air Purification Equipment: Lennox offers a range of types at a range of costs.
PureAir S is the most advanced system and the most expensive. It has an air quality sensor removes particles down to .1 microns, kills germs using photocatalytic technology and neutralizes odors with an activated carbon filter. The system and installation cost more than $2,000.
Other options for improving indoor air quality include PureAir without a sensor, a MERV 16 cabinet-style media filter with carbon, an 11 MERV cabinet-style filter, a True HEPA box filter and a UV germicidal light to kill viruses, bacteria and active mold. See installed prices in Lennox Furnace Accessories Price List below. If you’d like to explore stand-alone room and zone air purifiers, see our Air Purifier Reviews and Buying Guide for comprehensive information and links to our reviews of major brands like Holmes, Winix, Dyson and Honeywell.
The ratings on the Lennox site for these components are generally good, except for the True HEPA filter.
Humidity Control: Lennox makes whole-house dehumidifiers and humidifiers that integrate into your HVAC system. If you run the furnace a lot in winter, then you know the advantage of a humidifier. In hot and humid climates, the air conditioner removes humidity. However, in cool, damp climates, a dehumidifier comes in very handy.
We noticed that the ratings for Lennox humidifiers and dehumidifiers on the Lennox site are poor.
Whole-house Ventilation: Finally, Lennox offers two ventilators. These units pull in fresh, outside air and exhaust polluted indoor air. Yes, they’ll raise your heating and air conditioning costs and your electric bill. But if you have concerns about indoor air quality, they are worth considering. This is especially true for new homes that have a very tight envelop. If you’ve had siding and windows replaced, and house wrap has been installed, this applies to you too.
The heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is designed for cold climates. The warm air it exhausts transfers some heat to the incoming air. The energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a better choice for humid climates. It uses cool air being expelled to help cool and dehumidify fresh, incoming air. See costs below.
Lennox HVAC Accessory Price List
Accessory | Installed Cost |
---|---|
Zoning & Controller | $1,500 - $5,000+ |
SunSource Solar | $4,000 - $6,000 |
PureAir Air Purifiers | $1,200 - $2,000 |
MERV Media Filters | $450 - $700 |
Humidifier | $600 - $950 |
Dehumidifier | $1,400 - $2,600 |
HRV and ERV Ventilators | $2,800 - $7,000+ |
Rebates & Deals
Promotions from Lennox and rebates from your energy supplier are available.
For example, at this writing, Lennox is offering a $1,600 manufacturers rebate on an entire Lennox system – heat pump or AC, furnace or air handler, thermostat and air purifier.
The company is also offering 0% financing for 6 months.
The second source of HVAC rebates is your local energy provider. Most offer rebates of $150 to $450 or more based on how efficient the air conditioner is that you have installed. Check with your energy company or see our guide to HVAC Tax-Credit vs Rebates. It discusses where to find the rebates and how to obtain them.
Lennox Air Conditioner FAQs
Here are common questions and our replies.
Q: Why are Lennox air conditioners so expensive?
A: There are two main reasons.
- Top Lennox air conditioners are extremely efficient. The XC25 with efficiency up to 26 SEER is easily the most efficient split system air conditioner available. The XC21 at 21 SEER is the most efficient two-stage AC, and the SL18XC1 at 18.5 SEER is the most efficient single-stage model available.
- Lennox has good name recognition and a big advertising budget. The brand still has a pretty good reputation for quality, but we have our concerns.
Q: Is Lennox as good as Trane or Carrier?
A: Not in our opinion and the opinion of many HVAC technicians that work on a wide range of brands.
See our Lennox Reviews for more details about Lennox quality and repair issues in the Pros and Cons section.
Q: Does Lennox provide financing?
A: Yes. If you decide on a Lennox, your salesperson will have details of financing options from Service Finance Company. They’re also available on this Lennox website page.
Q: How long does a Lennox air conditioner last?
A: Expect 15-20 years from Signature Collection air conditioners. Elite Series air conditioners last up to 17 or 18 years on average. Merit Series ACs should give you 15 years of service. With any of the lines, it is important to keep them maintained.
Q: Should I buy a very efficient air conditioner?
A: It depends on your climate and your values. The hotter and more humid your climate is, the more it makes sense to buy an efficient central air conditioner. You’ll pay more upfront, but you will recover the extra expense in 3-10 years through lower energy costs.
And if your environmental convictions move you to reduce your carbon footprint, then yes, an efficient AC is a good choice wherever you live. The Lennox SunSource system is ideal for green air conditioning.