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Feeling confused about the differences between Goodman vs Lennox central air conditioners?
Don’t worry, this is a common issue. When it comes to choosing a central air conditioner to stay cool during summer, things can get tricky.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for answers.
Lennox central air conditioners offer high efficiency and quiet operation but have a higher price and shorter warranties. Goodman, on the other hand, is more affordable and has lifetime warranties for certain components, but may not be as efficient.
Read on to learn more about their differences!
Goodman vs Lennox Central Air Conditioners
With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is why in this section we’ll compare Lennox vs Goodman ACs across 4 categories.
This way you can relax knowing you’re making an informed decision.
#1 Efficiency
With air conditioners, efficiency is measured in a specific way. To measure efficiency of air conditioners, we use a SEER system. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, is a standard regulated by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.
An A/C system’s SEER is calculated by “dividing the British thermal units, or BTUs, of heat removed from the air by the total amount of energy required by the air conditioner in watt-hours.”
Simply put, it measures how long it takes for the air conditioning to actually cool down the house.
The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit is. Currently, the minimum SEER for air conditioners is 13. However, if you’re reading this after 2023, it will be no lower than 14 for the Northern half of the US and 15 or higher for Southern states.
With that being said, let’s take a look at what SEER Goodman and Lennox have to offer.
For Goodman, their products range from 14 to 24.5. Lennox starts with a 13 SEER and maxes out at an impressive 28 SEER.
The 28 SEER capability comes with their SL28XCV air conditioner from the Dave Lennox Signature Collection. This particular unit boasts a reputation as the “most precise and efficient air conditioner available.” It is, as you can imagine, their priciest offering as well.
If you ask almost anyone in the industry which brand to go with for efficiency, you’ll likely be told Lennox. However, you won’t hear that same answer when you’re instead seeking out an affordable option.
#2 Cost
Make no mistake – Goodman is the undisputed winner of this category. We’ll delve deeper into the details, but it was best to get that out right away.
Let’s take an average offering from both companies. For a unit with a 14-rated SEER unit from Goodman, expect to shell out $1,200. For a similar Lennox model, you can also pay $1,200 – if you buy it secondhand. For a new unit, it will be over $1,000 more.
The difference in price boils down to the efficiency we discussed in the previous section. Lennox is a company that strives for the best of the best. Goodman, as a whole, focuses on reliability.
#3 Reliability & Warranty
For air conditioning units, reliability comes down to how long it will last. Considering the price point of these systems, this isn’t something you want to have to replace any sooner than you have to.
In general, modern air conditioners should last 15 to 20 years. Things like maintenance frequency (change those filters and clean that outdoor coil!) and the outdoor elements can affect the lifespan of your appliance.
Warranties also play a role. A good warranty can be all that stands behind you and a useless unit. For instance, compressors, the main component of an air conditioner, can cost as much as a new A/C unit itself!
Warranties are vital with expensive appliances, so let’s break down what Goodman and Lennox have to offer.
Goodman offers a limited warranty on their air conditioners. Compressors and heat exchangers are covered under lifetime warranties (specifically, as long as you own your home the unit is installed at). For other parts, you’re good for 10 years.
For replacing the entire unit, some products have a whopping 10-year warranty, while others are covered by a two-year warranty.
Lennox, meanwhile, has a few different warranty policies. Their air conditioners have tiers in terms of quality and price. To sum it up, here’s a quick chart.
| Lennox Tier | Warranty Length |
| Dave Lennox Signature® Collection Series products | 10 years on covered components 10 years on compressor 20 years or Limited Lifetime on heat exchanger |
| Lennox Elite® Series products | 5 years on covered components 10 years on compressor 20 years or Limited Lifetime on heat exchanger |
| Lennox Merit® Series products | 5 years on covered components 5 years on compressor 20 years on heat exchanger |
Obviously, warranties are important and both companies offer strong policies. However, it’s hard to defeat a lifetime warranty, especially on something as vital as the compressor. For this reason, Goodman takes the win in the reliability category.
#4 Features
When it comes to features, you’ll find Goodman and Lennox comparable. Both have the features one would expect to have in an air conditioning unit. There are two big features worth pointing out.
For instance, now, most of our homes are run by smart technology. We expect our thermostats to be just as advanced. If I can’t operate my thermostat through my phone even when I’m away from home, then it’s just not worth it.
In all seriousness, smart thermostats save some serious cash. According to studies, those with smart climate control in their homes save up to 12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs.
Luckily, both Goodman and Lennox systems are smart thermostat compatible. Goodman units come pre-installed with Comfortbridge technology and Lennox has their own smart thermostat named the iComfort S30. The downside? These are only available with both company’s higher-end air conditioner models. That being said, a smart thermostat can be retrofitted onto almost any system.
The second feature is subjective and limited to only Lennox. Lennox units are known for being quiet. We are talking so quiet, you forget you even have the A/C running. Goodman units, while certainly not loud, don’t quite match up.
Goodman and Lennox: A Brief History
If you still haven’t made up your mind, delving into the histories of Goodman and Lennox may help.
Both companies have their own set of values and strengths. As a whole, Goodman is a company that focuses on being accessible and affordable, while Lennox leans on innovation and technology. Amongst experts, Lennox is typically known for spending a lot on Research & Development.
Keep reading to learn more about their history!
All About Goodman
Goodman is a known name in the HVAC world. While the company is an industry leader now, it had humble beginnings. Its founder, Harold Goodman, began a contracting career in 1954. After great success, he entered the HVAC manufacturing universe by creating the Goodman Manufacturing Company, LP in 1975.
Soon, Goodman recognized a problem and made his company the solution. He realized customers needed high-quality HVAC systems at affordable prices. Goodman decided to run his business with that ideal as his company’s mission.
Goodman Manufacturing enjoyed decades of prosperity before catching the attention of a global Fortune 1000 company. In 2012, Daikin Industries Ltd. purchased Goodman. This brought the company into the global arena.
While Goodman is internationally known, it hasn’t forgotten its roots. Instead of outsourcing its factories, Goodman invested $400 million into a manufacturing facility right in Houston, Texas. According to Goodman’s website, “Goodman believes that HVAC workers in the U.S. can compete with anyone in the world, and we prove it every day.”
All About Lennox
If you were impressed with Goodman’s almost 50 years of manufacturing, wait until you hear about Lennox.
Lennox International was founded by Dave Lennox over one hundred years ago in 1895. Lennox was actually in the business of railroad repair. He more or less stumbled into HVAC when he acquired a patent for, and later designed, the world’s first riveted steel furnace.
Needless to say, that initial offering made the company kind of a big deal, but Lennox International wasn’t content with just that one achievement. The corporation later became the first HVAC manufacturer to offer solar-powered air conditioners in 1978.
With solar power conquered, Lennox then set its sights on energy efficiency. In 984, it released the first air conditioning system with a rating of 15.00 SEER. 20 years later, they introduced the first 19.00 SEER unit. To round it out, Lennox produced the XC25, a system with a SEER rating of up to 26, in 2013.
Pros & Cons: A Quick Summary
I know this was a lot! This is why I want to make it easy for you to decide.
In this section, we’ll summarize all the pros and cons we’ve discussed so far. This way, you’ll have a clear overview.
Goodman Air Conditioners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Lower efficiency |
| Lifetime warranties for compressor and heat exchanger |
Lennox Air Conditioners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher efficiency | Expensive |
| Quiet | Shorter warranties |
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s answer the most frequently asked questions. Who knows? You may even find the answer to the question that has been holding you back from making a decision.
How Long Do Goodman Air Conditioners Last?
They typically last between 10–15 years. But this may vary depending on the frequency of use and maintenance.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Lennox?
With proper maintenance, Lennox air conditioners can last up to 20 years. However, just like any other appliance, certain components may require replacement during the unit’s lifespan.
Should I Replace My 20-Year-Old Air Conditioner?
If your air conditioner is 20 years old or older, I recommend replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. This way, you’ll be able to save money on your energy bills, and you’ll avoid the need for frequent repairs.
What Is the Best Month to Buy an Air Conditioner?
I recommend buying your air conditioner unit during the off-season, which is usually in the fall or spring.
Some retailers offer special deals or promotions when demand is lower to increase their sales. But before choosing an air conditioner brand or model, please do some research and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Conclusion
When high temperatures hit, a reliable and efficient air conditioning system becomes a must-have.
When choosing the best central air conditioner for your home, many factors come into play, like cost, efficiency, and features. With any luck, this guide has helped you make steps toward a decision between a Goodman and a Lennox unit.
Remember, Lennox ACs are more efficient but can be pricier and offer shorter warranties. Goodman, on the other hand, is more affordable but not as efficient as Lennox.
The ultimate decision will vary depending on your needs and preferences.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. If you found it helpful, please make sure to read our other related guides below.
Good luck!
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