Choosing the best HVAC system for your home isn’t always easy. Comparing the best HVAC companies can be challenging with so many excellent brands in the market. Homeowners value features differently and will choose an HVAC system based on their needs. But, in essence, it still streams down to customer service, reliability, durability and energy efficiency.
We’re comparing three of the top brands in the market: Lennox vs. Trane vs. Carrier and breakdown which brand makes the best system and what differentiates them from the rest.
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Lennox at a Glance
Via HomeAdvisor's Website 4.4 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team. Customer Happiness Good Pricing Good Lennox Customer Happiness Good Pricing Good SEER Rating 13 - 28 Via HomeAdvisor's Website Why We Picked It Pros & ConsLennox
Lennox has been around since 1895. Since then, Lennox has built a reputation around its energy-efficient HVAC units. Most of their models on all tiers have an ENERGY STAR® rating. A few have earned the designation of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient in 2022.
The company is known for reliable, efficient and durable air conditioning units that provide the same quality, including the lower-end models. Perhaps, this is why some Lennox products are priced higher than most comparable models. But, most customers feel the energy savings compensate for the extra upfront cost in the long term.
Lennox HVAC systems are broken down into three tears:
- Lennox Merit® Series: The low-price tier with a SEER rating up to 17.
- Lennox Elite® Series: The mid-price tier, efficiency ratings and features with SEER ratings up to 20.
- Dave Lennox Signature® Collection: The top-of-the-line series from Lennox. Models in this tier are ENERGY STAR certified and have SEER ratings up to 26.
Lennox State Availability
Lennox has dealers in all major cities across the United States and is available in all 50 states. You can find a certified Lennox dealer or contractor on the company’s website.
Fine Print
While Lennox HVAC systems come with a parts warranty, the length and terms of the warranty depend on the series. Here’s a breakdown of basic warranties based on series:
- Lennox Merit® Series: Five-year parts warranty, five-year warranty on compressor and 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger.
- Lennox Elite® Series: Five-year warranty on covered components, 10-year warranty on compressor and 20-years or Limited Lifetime on the heat exchanger.
- Dave Lennox Signature® Collection: 10-year warranty on covered components, 10-year warranty on compressor and 20-year warranty or Limited Lifetime on the heat exchanger.
In addition, Lennox offers Warranty Your Way™, which allows product owners to obtain three-year labor coverage at no additional cost. As well as Extended Limited Warranty Coverage for eligible equipment.
Trane at a Glance
Trane
4.3
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Customer Happiness
Good
Pricing
Okay
SEER Rating
14.5 - 22
4.3
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Trane
Customer Happiness
Good
Pricing
Okay
SEER Rating
14.5 - 22
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Trane dates back to 1885 when the company started selling low-pressure heating systems. In 1931, Trane entered the air conditioner market. Today, Trane is a leader in HVAC solutions worldwide. In 1984, Trane was purchased by American Standard, but it still produces and sells systems under the Trane brand.
Trane offers three product tiers, are all held to the same standards of quality and are celebrated for going thorough testing to guarantee resilience even among the harshest climates. Although Trane is considered one of the more expensive brands on the market, reviewers say it’s worth the investment, particularly for the durability and overall comfort that the units provide during their lifespan, well past the average 15 years of many HVAC brands.
Trane State Availability
One of the advantages of Trane HVAC systems is that they’re found virtually everywhere. Trane operates through dealers across the country to sell its units and has more than 360 stores throughout the United States for parts and supplies.
Fine Print
Trane counts with top-of-the-line warranties that are included with the purchase of specific units or available to purchase separately, including:
- Base Limited Liability: A five-year warranty that applies to units that aren’t registered or were registered 60 days after installation. This warranty covers parts that fail due to manufacturer defects but not the labor to repair them.
- Registered Limited Liability: A 10-year warranty that applies to products registered within 60 days of installation. This warranty covers parts that fail due to manufacturer defects, but not the labor to repair them.
- Optional Extended Warranty: Available to purchase, this warranty covers parts that fail due to a manufacturer defect and might also cover the cost of labor to fix them.
Warranties registered before August 2011 are not eligible for transferable. But warranties purchased after August 2011 are transferable. This allows homeowners to sell their HVAC systems with extended warranties, which could make the home a lot more attractive to buyers.
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Carrier at a Glance
Carrier
4.2
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Customer Happiness
Good
Pricing
Good
SEER Rating
13 - 26
4.2
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Carrier
Customer Happiness
Good
Pricing
Good
SEER Rating
13 - 26
Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Carrier has been in the HVAC industry since 1902 and has long been considered an industry leader. It has a lineup of 16 HVAC unit systems, including some of the quietest and most energy-efficient units on the market. While Carrier HVAC solutions are more expensive than other options in the market, it’s a great option for customers looking for reputable brands.
All Carrier units use either single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed compressors for superior efficiency. Unlike other brands, Carrier requires products to be installed by North American Technician Excellence (NATE)-certified technicians who have been trained at their Indianapolis factory. This guarantees the unit is installed properly and that a qualified technician services the unit throughout its 10- to 15-year lifespan.
Carrier State Availability
Carrier dealers are available nationwide. Remember that to validate the warranty, you must find a Carrier expert and certified dealer.
Fine Print
One of the biggest drawbacks of Carrier is its warranty, which is relatively short and covers only functional parts. The company’s 10-year warranty doesn’t include labor, Puron refrigerant or normal wear and tear. Also, failure to register the unit within 90 days of installation brings the warranty down to five years only
How These AC Companies Stack Up
Company | companylogo | Customer Rating | Pricing | SEER Rating | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
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Lennox | ![]() | Good | Good | 13 - 28 | |||
Trane | ![]() | Good | Okay | 14.5 - 22 | |||
Carrier | ![]() | Good | Good | 13 - 26 |
Key Differences Between Lennox, Trane and Carrier
Between these top HVAC companies, there are a few distinct aspects that make each one unique, such as:
- Energy Efficiency: In terms of efficiency, Lennox takes the lead with some units having a SEER rating up to 26.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Carrier has parts readily available and not overpriced when it comes to convenience in repairs and maintenance. Lennox doesn’t accept generic parts, which often extends repair times.
- Features: While all three companies boast different features, Carrier takes the lead for more smart features. Carrier has Wi-Fi on all models and is compatible with Alexa and other smart home devices.
- Contractors: In order for a dealer to buy and install the higher-end energy-efficient Lennox series you have to be a certified Lennox dealer.
Key Similarities between Lennox, Trane and Carrier
Even though they have differences, these three brands also have similar features and qualities, including:
- Most units are insulated to minimize noise
- Divide products into three tiers (basic, mid-tier, premium)
- Units come with variable fans
- AC cabinets are coated with baked-on enamel to protect them against corrosion
- Use R-410A refrigerant (now the industry standard)
- Offer premium installation through certified installers
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Choosing the Right HVAC Technician
Selecting the right HVAC technician is a critical decision that can potentially impact the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. Whether you need someone to repair a minor issue like a malfunctioning ice maker or to handle the complex task of installing a complete HVAC system, the stakes are high. Therefore, knowing how to select the best-suited HVAC technician for the job is essential.
- Research reviews: Check reviews across various platforms and contact references for insights. Although you should take online ratings with a grain of salt, a glimpse into a company’s overall reputation can give you great insights.
- Reference the Better Business Bureau (BBB): Search for the individual or company on the BBB website. Reviews and ratings listed there can help you decide.
- Get multiple quotes: Contact multiple HVAC contractors about their experience, rates and availability so you get a sense of the market and pricing.
- Review job-specific experience: Inquire about their past experiences with your job type and familiarity with the relevant equipment or brands.
- Check licensing and certification: Verify that the HVAC technician is appropriately licensed and certified to ensure they have the training to meet the required standards for the job.
- Receive written estimates: Obtain written estimates before hiring and clearly understand how changes to the estimate will be managed.
- Inquire about local regulations compliance: Confirm that the HVAC technician is familiar with and complies with local building codes and regulations. This ensures that the work meets the required standards.
Best Air Conditioner Company Overall
Overall, one of the best air conditioner companies is Lennox. With an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Lennox has been in the market for over 100 years and earned a reputation for being reliable, energy-efficient and silent. Expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,500 for a Lennox model, depending on the size, series and unit. Lennox has high customer ratings, affordable prices, excellent SEER ratings and superior installation availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Carrier heat pump better than Lennox?
Regarding the entry-level offering for heat pumps, Carrier is the clear winner. The Carrier Comfort® series is quieter and more energy efficient than its Lennox counterpart, the Lennox Merit® series.
What is the quietest furnace on the market?
With an efficiency rating of 98.7%, the Lennox SLP98V is considered the quietest, most efficient furnace available today. Likewise, the Lennox SLP99V gas forced air furnace is among the quietest systems on the market.
What is the most reliable air conditioner brand?
Five brands earned the title of the most reliable central air conditioning systems: Trane, American Standard, Bryant, Lennox and Carrier.