Lennox has an assortment of heat pump models in its Signature (premium), Elite (mid-tier) and Merit (entry-level) lines.
The models covered in this review range all the way to high-end Signature models (such as the SL25XPV and XP25) to low-end Merit models (such as the ML17XP1).
In general, premium Signature models are the most efficient and have the latest features, including variable-capacity compressors that provide precise comfort and ultra-quiet operation, at a premium price. The mid-range Elite models are in-between performance and price, providing good efficiency and a few high-end features at a reasonable price. Merit series models are oriented towards low prices and the basic comfort they provide
The major distinction between the high-end and intermediate models is the efficiency rating, compressor technology, noise, and cost.
All the subsequent sections will explore the efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages of each of the Lennox heat pump models mentioned in the title, as well as the most suitable use cases and the estimated price range.
Comparison of Lennox Heat Pump Models
| Model | Series | Efficiency Rating* | Compressor | Sound Level | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL25XPV | Signature (Premium) | Up to 24 SEER / 11.8 HSPF (23 SEER2 / 10.3 HSPF2) | Variable-speed (Precise Comfort®) | ~58 dB | $$$$ (Highest) |
| XP25 | Signature (Premium) | Up to 23.5 SEER / 10.2 HSPF | Variable-speed (65 levels) | ~58 dB | $$$$ (Highest) |
| XP22 | Signature (Premium) | ~22 SEER / ~10 HSPF | Variable-speed (assumed) | ~60 dB (est.) | $$$$ (Highest) |
| XP21 | Signature (Premium) | Up to 19.2 SEER / 9.7 HSPF (17.8 SEER2 / 8.2 HSPF2) | Two-stage | ~67 dB | $$$ (High) |
| SL22KLV | Signature (Premium) | Up to 21.1 SEER2 / 10.5 HSPF2 | Variable-speed | ~58–59 dB | $$$$ (Highest) |
| EL21KLV | Elite (Mid-tier) | Up to 21.0 SEER2 / ~10.0 HSPF2 | Variable-speed | ~55 dB | $$$ (Moderate-High) |
| EL18XPV | Elite (Mid-tier) | 18 SEER / 10.0 HSPF (≈17 SEER2 / 8.7 HSPF2) | Variable-speed | ~61 dB | $$$ (Moderate-High) |
| ML17XP1 | Merit (Entry) | 17.0 SEER2 / 8.5 HSPF2 | Single-stage | ~74 dB | $ (Lowest) |
Lennox SL25XPV Heat Pump
Lennox SL25XPV is the most popular heat pump of the Dave Lennox Signature Collection.
It is a high-end, ultra high-efficiency variable-speed heat pump with efficiencies as high as 24 SEER and 11.8 HSPF (approximately 23 SEER2 and 10.3 HSPF2).
The SL25XPV has a variable-capacity compressor that can vary output as little as 1 percent at a time to keep your desired temperature at an exact level. It is promoted as the most accurate and effective heat pump that can be purchased and is fitted with Lennox TruHeat Performance that ensures that there is a constant output of heat even in low temperatures. The model has a Price Guide of $$ on the Lennox scale (top of the line), which means that it is a high-end product that costs accordingly. This unit is a serious investment to the homeowner, usually costing more than 10,000 dollars installed, but the homeowner receives one of the most efficient heat pumps in the market.
Best suited to:
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Homeowners who want the best comfort and efficiency possible, and are prepared to pay the top dollar to save energy in the long run and to perform. The SL25XPV is perfect in areas that have very hot summer or high heating requirements in winter, where its efficiency and TruHeat cold-weather performance excel. It is ideal when you want a whisper-quiet, high-tech system, e.g. when the outdoor unit is close to a bedroom or patio and you are concerned about noise, or when you are going to connect renewable energy and smart home systems with your HVAC.
Lennox XP25 Heat Pump
The Lennox XP25 is another Signature series flagship that up until the introduction of the SL25XPV was the highest rated heat pump of Lennox. It is still a high-end variable-capacity heat pump that is as efficient as 23.5 SEER and 10.2 HSPF. The XP25 has a similar inverter-driven compressor that can modulate in 1 percent increments, marketed as Precise Comfort®, that Lennox compares to having 65 air conditioners in one because of the 65 possible speed levels. This produces incredibly steady indoor temperatures and better dehumidification- the unit can maintain the thermostat at +/- 0.5 degrees F and much more humidity than a typical single-stage unit. Similar to the SL25XPV, the XP25 has a $$ price tag (top of the line) and is quite an investment.
It is feature-packed and has been rated as an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient model in the past years, which is an indication of its advanced efficiency.
Best Suited To:
Customers who desire the best heat pump but may get a good bargain in case the XP25 is sold at minor discount compared to the latest model. It is ideal where homeowners live in hot and humid climates where they desire the maximum cooling efficiency and dehumidification, or in areas with moderate winters where its 10.2 HSPF offers good heating capabilities. When you want a whisper-quiet system that you can use all year long and you appreciate award-winning efficiency that has proven itself, then the XP25 is the right choice.
It can also be used by home owners who intend to install a dual-fuel system or incorporate the system with solar panels (the XP25 is SunSource solar-ready to incorporate renewable energy).
Lennox XP22 Heat Pump
Lennox XP22 is a model that is sometimes mentioned as a part of Lennox Signature line, which is between XP21 and XP25 in its performance. (Note: Lennox does not currently have an XP22 in its catalog by that name; this could be a high-efficiency unit in the 22 SEER range, or a shortcut to newer variable-capacity models.)
Basically, an XP22 model heat pump would mean a top-of-the-line variable-speed with an approximate 21-22 SEER and ~10 HSPF, a bit less efficient than the top-of-the-line XP25/SL25XPV but more efficient than a two-stage system such as the XP21. It would have a similar inverter-driven compressor to allow accurate modulation and probably have the Lennox Signature features such as SilentComfort noise reduction and iComfort communications.
Best Fit: Hypothetically, an XP22 heat pump would be a good fit with homeowners who desire almost the best efficiency and comfort but maybe do not need the very best SEER of the XP25. It is appropriate to those with warm climates who want to reduce cooling costs substantially, or in mixed climates where the high-efficiency heat pump will do the work in most of the year. It is an excellent option to a person who desires variable-speed comfort and quiet operation in a large house, but perhaps at a slightly reduced price than the flagship version (assuming that such a price difference exists).
Lennox XP21 Heat Pump
The Lennox XP21 is an old-time favorite of the Signature series, and it was the quietest multi-stage (two-stage) heat pump in the Lennox lineup at its best.
The XP21 is very efficient with efficiency ratings of up to 19.2 SEER and 9.7 HSPF 17.8 SEER2, 8.2 HSPF2), but not as efficient as the variable-speed models. It has a two-stage compressor that can run on the low stage to suit most conditions and increase to high stage to suit extreme weather to balance comfort and energy consumption. A two-stage design and Lennox engineering produce high performance: the XP21 was named an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient product in 2022 and can reduce energy costs by a significant margin as compared to older, less efficient models. It is also SunSource solar-ready, which means that it can be fitted with solar panels to run the unit and minimize operating cost further.
Best Suited To: Homeowners seeking a high-quality Lennox heat pump experience at a price that is not as high as the highest SEER rating or the complexity of a variable-speed unit. The XP21 will suit perfectly to people living in the climate, where summers are not extreme but rather warm and winters are moderate, since the two-stage design will cope with such climate very effectively. It is ideal to families who are noise sensitive or those whose living places are close to the outdoor unit.
Also, in case you decide to add solar later, the XP21 will give you a way in as it is solar-ready. In general, the XP21 is a good fit to the person who wants a high-quality, comfortable unit in a more basic, reliable form than the newest variable-speed models.
Lennox SL22KLV Cold Climate Heat Pump
The Lennox SL22KLV is a more recent Signature series heat pump which is the Lennox cold climate expert.
It is built to the ground up to provide superior heating capabilities in very low outdoor temperatures as low as -20 o F (approximately -29 o C) and still maintain high efficiency cooling during the summer. The SL22KLV brings to market the most advanced cold-climate heat pump technology by Lennox, such as a variable-speed compressor with Electronic Refrigerant Injection (ERI) that enhances heating capacity in the coldest weather. In terms of efficiency, the model has a maximum of 21.1 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2, which is excellent considering that it is cold-weather oriented (it is an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 heat pump).
Best Suited: People in extreme cold climates (northern US, Canada, mountain regions) who wish to take advantage of a heat pump to have heating and cooling all year round without the compromise of winter warmth. The SL22KLV is ideal to the homeowner who wants to electrify his heating (get out of oil/gas furnaces) but still wants to be comfortable even on the coldest of nights. It is also a good option to be used by environmentally conscious consumers – it has a low-GWP refrigerant and is highly efficient, making it one of the most environmentally friendly ones. In case you own a bigger house in a cold region and wish to have a single HVAC system capable of both summer and winter, then the model is a perfect match. On the other hand, in case you just need the newest and the best Lennox technology, and the price does not matter to you, the SL22KLV will provide you with high-quality comfort in any weather.
Lennox EL21KLV Heat Pump
The Lennox EL21KLV is a member of the Elite line and is basically the little brother of the SL22KLV, and introduces much of the cold-climate, high-efficiency technology into the mid-range Elite family.
It is a digital-prepared, variable-capacity cold climate heat pump, which is created to provide efficient comfort under a variety of circumstances. The EL21KLV has a maximum SEER2 of 21.0 and an approximate HSPF2 of 10.0 (actual HSPF2 varies by size, up to 10) making it one of the most efficient in the Elite series. It also applies R-454B refrigerant, which has less impact on the environment and new regulations.
The EL21KLV also has the cold weather capability: it has Lennox cold climate technology to provide furnace-like heat even in low temperatures (though it does not have as much heating capacity as the SL22KLV since some of the components are different).
It also has a compact design and is very quiet (down to 55 dB) even quieter than some Signature models, so it is highly attractive to noise-sensitive installations.
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How to Get the Best HVAC Prices
- 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.
