Lennox Furnace EL297V, SL280V, SLP99V, SLP98V, EL296V, ML180V, ML180E Price & Review 2025

Lennox is a famous American furnace manufacturer with a high-efficiency and innovative HVAC products.

This paper gives an in-depth analysis of some of the most common Lennox gas furnace models -EL297V, SL280V, SLP99V, SLP98V, EL296V, ML180V, and ML180E.

The features, prices, installation charges and warranty of each model are explained in a neutral and informative tone.

The comparison of these models will help homeowners to realize which Lennox furnace is the most suitable in terms of efficiency, budget, and comfort.

Model	Efficiency (AFUE)	Heating Stage	Key Features	Installed Price Range	Warranty
EL297V	Up to 97%	Two-stage	Variable-speed blower, Elite Series	$5,000–$6,500	Lifetime HX (orig.), 10-year parts (reg.)
SL280V	80%	Two-stage	Variable-speed blower, SilentComfort™	$5,500–$7,000	20-year HX, 10-year parts (reg.)
SLP99V	Up to 99%	Modulating	Variable-speed blower, Precise Comfort®	$7,000–$10,000+	Lifetime HX, 10-year parts
SLP98V	Up to 98.7%	Modulating	Variable-speed blower, SilentComfort™	$6,000–$7,500	Lifetime HX, 10-year parts
EL296V	96%	Two-stage	Variable-speed blower, Condensing design	$4,250–$5,600	Limited Lifetime HX, 10-year parts (reg.)
ML180V	80%	Single-stage	Variable-speed blower, Merit Series	$3,200–$4,450	20-year HX, 5-year parts (extendable to 10 years)
ML180E	80%	Single-stage	Power Saver motor, Budget-friendly	$2,900–$4,250	20-year HX, 5-year parts (extendable to 10 years)

Lennox EL297V Gas Furnace

Overview: Lennox EL297V is a high efficiency Elite Series furnace with up to 97 percent AFUE.

This is the high-end two-stage model of Lennox furnace, a two-stage variable-speed model that is basically the replacement of the EL296V. The EL297V has its real variable-speed blower motor, which offers very steady temperatures and low sound all over the house.

• Efficiency: As much as 97 percent AFUE, which is an Energy Star qualified furnace. The outstanding efficiency can reduce heating costs by ~20 percent in comparison with old standard furnaces.
• Performance: Has two-stage heating (high and low output), variable-speed blower. It operates mostly in the low stage that is quieter and minimizes temperature fluctuations and enhances comfort. The variable-speed fan gradually increases and decreases to provide a consistent heat and improved air circulation, and avoids the blasts of hot air.
• Price: Being a mid-high end furnace, the EL297V will run between $5,000 to $6,500 installed in an average home depending on the size of the furnace and the difficulty of the installation. The real prices can change depending on the local labor rates and any other upgrades.
• Warranty: The EL297V has a Lifetime heat exchanger warranty (on the original owner) and a 10-year limited parts warranty upon product registration. (Parts are insured 5 years without registration.) This is a strong warranty that shows the confidence that Lennox has on the build quality of the Elite series.

Reviews: According to homeowners, the EL297V is very quiet and maintains the indoor temperatures. It is commonly commended as providing almost the best performance at a slightly reduced cost than the Signature series.

The EL297V can also be eligible to federal energy tax credits due to its high 97 percent efficiency, which makes it a good option in case you want to save energy and feel comfortable in the long term.

Lennox SL280V Gas Furnace

Overview: The SL280V belongs to the Dave Lennox Signature Collection, which is very quiet and dependable. It is a two-stage 80 percent AFUE furnace that has a variable-speed blower.

Although it is not a high-efficiency (condensing) furnace, it is a high-efficiency furnace in the moderate-efficiency range. Indeed, Lennox is marketing the SL280V as the quietest furnace in its class, and this furnace would be a good choice by homeowners who desire a quieter and more even heat with an 80 percent furnace.

• Efficiency: 80 percent AFUE. The SL280V is a non-condensing furnace (it vents through a chimney or flue) and it is an 80 percent efficient model. It will not save as much fuel as a 95%+ AFUE unit, but it is appropriate in milder climates, or installations where a high-efficiency furnace is not warranted.
• Performance: Two-stage heating, a real variable-speed fan motor, like the EL297V. The combination implies that the SL280V can operate at a reduced heat level most of the time, which leads to longer, quieter heating cycles and reduced temperature fluctuations. The variable blower is also better in air filtration and humidity control when operating at low speed continuously.
• Noise Level: It is a selling point that it is whisper-quiet. The SL280V is very quiet, and with Lennox SilentComfort technology and insulated blower compartment, it is one of the quietest 80% furnaces on the market, an upgrade to standard single-stage 80% furnaces.
• Price Range: The cost of installation is usually around $5,500 to $7,000 in an average house on the SL280V. The advanced blower and two-stage system make the price more than the basic 80 percent models. Prices will depend on the size (BTU output required) and any installation issues (e.g. new ductwork or venting modifications).
• Warranty: Being a Signature series model, it has a 10-year limited warranty on parts and a 20-year or Lifetime heat exchanger warranty (Signature series furnaces have a lifetime on heat exchangers on the high-efficiency models, and 20 years on 80 percent models). Practically, the heat exchanger of the SL280V is guaranteed 20 years to the original owner and 10 years with registration.

Reviews: Customers who own the SL280V frequently report on how much noise the system is reduced and how the heating is distributed more evenly as compared to their previous single-stage furnaces.

Most people like the added comfort, no more cold spots in the house and claim the furnace is so quiet they hardly know it is on. All in all, SL280V is an excellent option when you need high-quality comfort features but do not need the most efficient one.

Lennox SLP99V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace

Overview: The SLP99V is the top of the line furnace of Lennox, a modulating, variable-capacity gas furnace in the Signature Collection.

It has an AFUE of up to 99 percent making it one of the most efficient furnaces in the market. The V means a variable-speed blower, and the modulating gas valve can be adjusted in small steps (not just high/low) to provide exactly the amount of heat needed. The SLP99V basically establishes the standard of energy efficiency and comfort and it came out as an improvement of the SLP98V.

• Efficiency: Up to 99.0 percent AFUE – very little heat is lost. This furnace takes almost all the heat out of its natural gas fuel, which makes it the most efficient Energy Star furnace in Lennox line. The SLP99V will reduce gas bills of homeowners and they may also receive rebates or credits because of its outstanding efficiency.
• Performance: Variable capacity fully modulating burner and variable-speed blower. The SLP99V uses Lennox Precise Comfort technology to maintain the indoor temperature at setpoint thermostat with a minimal variation by varying the heat output in increments as small as 1 percent. The variable-speed fan accelerates and decelerates gradually, without the shock of air and the sound. The effect of this is excellent comfort- rooms remain at very even temperatures with improved humidity control.
• Noise Level: The SLP99V is designed to be very quiet even though it has heating power. Lennox sells it as the quietest furnace you can purchase. The blower and burner are at low capacity most of the time and the unit is insulated to muffle the sound. Another feature that impresses many users is the ability of such a powerful furnace to operate virtually without noise.
• Price Range: The SLP99V is a high-end product that has a high price. The cost of the SLP99V with installation is approximately $7,000 to 8,300 on average to homeowners. In bigger houses or more complicated installations, the overall costs may increase to 10,000-12,000 dollars. The advanced technology alone makes the unit alone to be in the ~$7,000+ range. The initial cost is expensive but it is considered as an investment that will save energy and comfort in the long run.
• Warranty: Lennox offers a Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger and 10-year limited warranty on parts on the SLP99V (registration is required to have the 10-year parts coverage). This is typical of Signature Collection. Other dealers will even provide longer labor or parts warranties than those provided by Lennox. All in all, the warranty is good, but now some of the competing premium furnaces have unit replacement warranties, which Lennox does not have.

Reviews: SLP99V has received positive reviews due to its unmatched efficiency and comfort. After upgrade, homeowners report a big drop in heating bills and a marked increase in comfort inside the house, no more cold spots, and very quiet running.

When used with Lennox iComfort S30 smart thermostat, advanced scheduling and remote monitoring is also available, further enhancing efficiency. The high initial price is the main negative aspect mentioned, but to those who want the best furnace in the market, the SLP99V will not disappoint in terms of performance and savings.

Lennox SLP98V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace

Overview: The SLP98V was the former top of the line furnace of Lennox with up to 98.7 percent AFUE efficiency.

It is also a modulating, variable-speed blower furnace of Signature line. The SLP98V was marketed by Lennox as the most efficient and quietest furnace that one can purchase during its peak. Although it was recently replaced by the SLP99V, there are still a lot of units in use or with dealers. It is an excellent furnace both in technology and comfort.

• Efficiency: 98.7 percent AFUE. This is almost the best that can be achieved with a gas furnace, i.e. less than 1% of the heat is lost up the flue. The SLP98V is ENERGY STAR certified and, similar to the SLP99V, has the potential of saving homeowners a lot of money on heating bills when they replace their older furnaces. In other instances, it may save up to 800 dollars or more annually in energy as compared to a 60 percent AFUE furnace.
• Performance: Adjustable burner (variable capacity of ~35 to 100 percent output) and a variable-speed fan. It shares the Precise Comfort modulating technology of the SLP99V that maintains indoor temperatures very stable. The constant flame and airflow adjustments remove the temperature fluctuations and may enhance the quality of indoor air by filtering the air more frequently at slower rates.
• Sound: Very quiet. The design of SLP98V includes the SilentComfort technology of Lennox. Lennox said it is up to seven times quieter than similar models. Most homeowners say that they barely notice the furnace; no more loud start-ups or blower noise banging through ducts. Such a degree of silence made the SLP98V stand out among the majority of furnaces of that time.
• Price Range: In the days when it was widely available, the SLP98V generally retailed at about $6,000 to $7,500 installed, in average applications. Prices were size-dependent; the larger output models (in large homes) or new-venting installations might reach the upper end or more. The SLP98V was almost the same in design as the present SLP99V and so it was and still is a premium priced item. Should they still be in stock, some dealers may be willing to give some slight discounts on the SLP98V over the newer SLP99V, but it is still a huge investment.
• Warranty: The SLP98V also has the same warranty as the SLP99V: Lifetime heat exchanger warranty and 10-year parts warranty (with registration). Lennox will continue to honor warranties of existing SLP98V owners on a normal basis even though it has been discontinued. This implies that even when you buy an SLP98V off the remaining stock, you are still supposed to register it to enjoy the complete 10 years parts coverage. The high warranty reaffirms that the SLP98V was a premium product that was made to last.

Reviews: Lennox SLP98V received positive feedback among customers and HVAC professionals. It was frequently praised due to its silent work and the capacity to maintain the temperature inside the room at the ideal level.

It was regarded by many as the best home heating technology before the minor efficiency improvements of the SLP99V appeared. In case a homeowner finds an SLP98V at a good price (maybe as old stock), it is still an excellent furnace with almost all the benefits of the SLP99V. Simply remember that it has been replaced by newer models in the Lennox line-up, which may affect the long-term availability of parts, though Lennox usually supports parts over decades.

Lennox EL296V High-Efficiency Gas Furnace

Summary: The EL296V is a high efficiency furnace of the Lennox Elite Series. It provides 96 percent AFUE two-stage heating with variable-speed blower, which is almost identical to the EL297V (except that it has a lower efficiency rating).

The EL296V was a very popular model in the Elite category of Lennox that lasted many years because of its combination of efficiency, comfort options, and reasonable cost. It is a fully condensing furnace (that is, it has a second heat exchanger to recover additional heat in flue gases) and ENERGY STAR qualified.

• Efficiency: 96 percent AFUE. This efficiency rate makes the EL296V a high-efficiency furnace; the heat is lost by ~4%. It will save a lot of gas consumption as compared to an older 80 percent unit. Although a little less than the 97% of the EL297V, in real life the fuel savings are comparable and it can still receive many energy rebates or credits that demand 95% AFUE or higher.
• Performance: 2 stage burner and variable speed blower motor. The furnace may operate at low stage to produce less heat in milder weather or when it is not required to operate at full capacity, which gives longer and more even heating cycles. The variable-speed fan increases comfort by delivering a constant stream of warm air and accelerating gradually at start. It also aids in reducing the cold air rush at start up as well as enhancing the overall temperature balance within the home as other Lennox variable models.
• Features: The EL296V has all the standard high-efficiency features of Lennox: a sealed combustion system, heavy-duty stainless steel heat exchangers and the ability to work with advanced thermostats (iComfort®-enabled). It also possesses a fully insulated cabinet to minimize the operating noise. A lot of these features were transferred into the EL297V. Basically, the EL296V established the standard that was expanded by its successor.
• Price Range: The average cost of installation of the EL296V is in the range of $4,250 to 5,600 most of the time. This places it in the middle of the furnace price range of Lennox, more costly than Merit series furnaces but less costly than Signature series furnaces. The average mid-sized EL296V furnace unit can be found in the mid-$2,000s with the remaining expenses being the professional installation, venting, and any necessary alterations. The bigger capacity units or installations in hard to reach spaces will be on the upper side of the range (or a little bit higher).
• Warranty: The EL296V is a member of the Elite Series, it has a Limited Lifetime heat exchanger warranty (original owner) and 10-year limited warranty on parts (registration required). Lennox Warranty Your Way program will enable you to extend the coverage upon registration and in the case of Elite models, you will have that complete 10-year parts coverage. Such warranty conditions are basically identical to the EL297V and in accordance with the industry standards of high-quality furnaces.

Reviews: The Lennox EL296V has been very well received as providing near-Signature level comfort at a reduced cost. Most of the reviewers and homeowners observe that it made their home much more comfortable since it operates quietly and maintains constant temperatures.

It has been found to be reliable in general, particularly when installed by knowledgeable Lennox dealers. With the EL297V now on sale, there are those who will buy the latest model but the EL296V is a good performer and can be found at slightly reduced prices as it is an out-going model. It is an excellent option of people who desire high efficiency and comfort but are not willing to upgrade to the most costly Signature furnaces.

Lennox ML180V Gas Furnace

Overview: The ML180V is a low-end furnace in Lennox Merit Series, yet it has a significant comfort enhancement: a variable-speed blower motor. It is a one-stage 80 percent AFUE furnace.

The model is aimed at homeowners that seek better comfort and efficiency than a basic furnace but at a low cost. The V means the variable-speed fan, something that is not common in a furnace with only single-stage heat, and that makes the ML180V have an advantage in airflow control and quietness compared to a standard 1-stage furnace.

• Efficiency: 80 percent AFUE. The ML180V is a typical efficiency furnace (non-condensing). It will exhaust to a chimney or metal flue and does not recapture any additional heat of exhaust. Although it will not be eligible to energy rebates, 80 percent can be appropriate in warmer climates or where high-efficiency furnaces are impractical. It is up to the minimum DOE standards of U.S. furnace efficiency.
• Performance: Single-stage heating implies that the furnace is either ON with full capacity or off, there is no mid-stage. The single-stage operation can be softened, however, by the use of a variable-speed blower motor. The fan may be turned on and off slowly and operate at slower speeds during circulation, lessening temperature fluctuations and spreading heat more evenly. You obtain some of the comfort advantages of more costly furnaces (quieter start-ups, steady airflow) despite the fact the burner is single-stage.
• Motor and Electrical Efficiency: The ML180V has a high-efficiency electronically commutated motor (ECM) which consumes significantly less electricity than older furnace motors. It has the capacity to cut down on the electrical use by approximately 2/3 of a normal blower motor. Not only does this save money but also allows the blower to operate longer at a low cost which is excellent when using the fan continuously or to filter the air better.
• Price Range: Being one of the most economical models of Lennox and having a variable-speed option, the ML180V will cost about $3,200 to $4,450 installed to most homes. The cost will be based on the size of a furnace (BTU rating) required and installation specifications. It is only a little more costly than the entry-level ML180 (with a standard motor) would be, so it is a high-value choice of many considering entry-level furnaces.
• Warranty: The Merit Series warranty is a little more straightforward: the ML180V comes out of the box with a 20-year heat exchanger warranty on the original homeowner and a 5-year parts warranty. The parts warranty is 10 years by registering the product once it has been installed. This is identical warranty provided on ML180E and other Merit furnaces.

Reviews: The owners of the ML180V like the fact that it provides very good comfort at an economy furnace. Numerous people report significantly more balanced heat and less noise of the fan working than their previous furnace, owing to the variable-speed fan.

It is usually suggested in smaller houses, moderate climates or those who are on a tight budget but still want Lennox quality. It is single-stage, so it will be full-blast during heating, so the gas usage is not modulated, although the blower is smart. Nevertheless, being an upgrade to the simplest models, the ML180V is a good combination of price, efficiency, and comfort characteristics.

Lennox ML180E Gas Furnace

Overview: The ML180E is a similar Merit Series 80 percent AFUE furnace to the ML180V. The main point of difference is the blower motor: the ML180E has a Power Saver™ constant torque motor (marked by the letter E) instead of a fully variable-speed motor.

It is a kind of high-efficiency ECM which runs at fixed speeds and has improved electrical efficiency compared to the old-style motors. The furnace itself is single stage and 80 percent efficient, as is the ML180V. Basically, the ML180E is the less expensive model and offers a few of the energy saving advantages of an ECM blower but not the entire comfort range of a variable-speed unit.

• Efficiency: 80 AFUE (standard efficiency, non-condensing). The ML180E will also consume fuel in a similar way as the ML180V: both use gas with an 80 percent efficiency. It is built to perform simple heating duties reliably and efficiently, and lacks the fuel savings of condensing furnaces.
• Performance: Single-stage burner (on/off full capacity). The constant torque blower motor has several speeds which vary according to demand (i.e. a lower speed when the fan is running continuously or when the furnace is first started). It is not as adaptive as a real variable-speed, but it gives a more consistent airflow than a conventional single-speed fan. This may make it a little more comfortable and use less noise and electricity. Lennox states that the Power Saver motor is approximately 33 percent more efficient in the airflow energy consumption than the standard motors and therefore homeowners will save a little on the electricity both in heating and cooling cycles.
• Price Range: ML180E is among the cheapest Lennox furnaces that have an ECM motor. The average installed price is in the same league as the ML180V at about $2,900 to 4,250 with installation. The ML180E could be a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the ML180V in most instances, as the motor is not as advanced. The ML180E is typically the base model that a contractor would quote to those who are looking to have a reliable Lennox furnace at the lowest possible price.
• Warranty: The warranty of the ML180E is similar to that of the ML180V. Its heat exchanger has a 20-year limited warranty and 5-year part (which can be extended to 10 years with registration). The functional difference in warranty between the V and the E versions is nil – they are both Merit Series and receive the same terms. After the furnace is installed, it is always advisable to register it so as to get the maximum protection of the parts.

Reviews: The ML180E has been selected frequently due to its ease of use and price. It lacks flashy modulating capabilities, but it is a good, efficient furnace at the price.

The constant torque motor is said to provide reliable performance and some homeowners like the energy savings it provides during winter and summer (when the furnace blower is also used to circulate air to the air conditioner). The level of noise is usually acceptable, quieter than very old furnaces, but a bit louder on start than the ML180V because of the absence of a smooth ramp-up. To conclude, ML180E is a decent option when you want to have Lennox quality at a low-end price, and you are comfortable with simple comfort features.

Installation Costs and Warranty Comparison

In these Lennox furnace models, the cost of installation and warranty are some of the factors to be considered. The cost of installation differs greatly according to the model among other factors.

As an example, an entry level 80 percent furnace such as the ML180E or ML180V may cost approximately $3,000-$4,000 installed, a high end modulating furnace such as the SLP99V may cost $7,000-$10,000 or more installed. These are the prices of the equipment and professional labor of installation. More expensive furnaces are not only more expensive to buy, but may also need more complicated installation (such as installing PVC venting on condensing furnaces, or installing sophisticated thermostats) which may add to labor costs.

Installation Cost Factors are the heating capacity (BTU rating) required by the furnace to heat the home, any ductwork or venting adjustments, local labor costs, and whether other upgrades are performed at the same time (e.g. a new thermostat or air purifier).

It is always prudent to obtain a detailed quote of a certified Lennox dealer who will be able to evaluate your home. In some cases, local utility rebates or seasonal Lennox promotions can be used to defray the cost of high-efficiency models.

In the case of warranty comparison, Lennox has a good coverage particularly in their higher end products. Each of the models discussed here are out of the box with at least 20 years heat exchanger warranty and 5 years parts warranty.

The warranty of the parts is 10 years on all models by registering the product after installation (which is free and done via the Lennox website). The significant variation is the length of the warranty of the heat exchanger:

• The Lifetime heat exchanger warranty applies to high-efficiency furnaces (condensing models, such as the EL297V, EL296V, SLP98V, SLP99V). This implies that Lennox will replace a new heat exchanger to the original owner in case it breaks down regardless of the time the furnace was installed (limited to the original owner).
• The 80 percent AFUE furnaces (non-condensing such as the SL280V, ML180V, ML180E) have a 20-year heat exchanger warranty. In case the heat exchanger cracks or breaks after 20 years, it would not be covered. Nonetheless, 20 years is most of the anticipated lifespan of a furnace.

All models uniformly get 10 years on parts with registration, which covers components like the blower motor, gas valve, control board, etc. It’s worth noting that Lennox’s top competitors often have similar 10-year parts warranties. Some brands offer additional perks like “unit replacement” warranties (if the heat exchanger fails in the first decade, they replace the entire furnace), but Lennox has not included that in these models’ standard warranties. Homeowne