Lennox and Carrier are two of the biggest names in air conditioning, and both make high-quality systems. But that doesn’t mean they’re equal. If you’re deciding between the two, here’s a quick guide.
Lennox is all about high efficiency. Their best models have some of the highest SEER2 ratings in the industry. That sounds great—until you have to replace a part. Lennox uses a lot of proprietary components, which means repairs can be expensive and take longer if the part isn’t in stock.
Carrier units, on the other hand, aren’t quite as efficient, but they’re slightly cheaper to repair and easier to install. Carrier systems also tend to cost less upfront, running between $4,600 and $8,000, while Lennox units range from $5,000 to $13,000.
So which one is better? If you live in a hot climate and plan to stay put for 15+ years, Lennox might be worth the investment. The efficiency can save you money over time—if you can stomach the higher repair costs.
But for most homeowners, Carrier is the smarter buy. It’s efficient enough, easier to maintain, and more affordable to install. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how these two brands compare so you can decide which one is worth your money.
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Lennox Overview
Lennox has been a major player in the HVAC industry for over 100 years, originally making its name with durable, heavy-duty furnaces. Today, the brand is best known for pushing the limits of air conditioner efficiency, offering some of the highest-rated systems on the market.
Lennox systems are designed for homeowners who prioritize cutting energy costs and reducing their carbon footprint, with models that outperform most competitors in efficiency and noise reduction. We highly recommend the brand overall.
While Lennox units come at a higher upfront cost, they deliver long-term savings—especially in hot climates where AC systems run constantly. Their focus on advanced technology makes them a strong choice for homeowners who want ultra-quiet performance and precise climate control.
However, their use of proprietary parts means repairs can be more expensive and take longer than brands with widely available components.
For an in-depth look at Lennox, check out our Lennox air conditioner review.
Lennox
4.3
Our Rating
Key Takeaways
- Top-of-the-line efficiency
- Great for hot climates and long-term energy savings
- Higher upfront costs than mid-tier brands
- Proprietary parts can make repairs slower and more expensive
Carrier Overview
Carrier invented the air conditioner, and today, it’s our top-rated brand. It sits in the same high-end price tier as Lennox: Not cheap, but the best balance of efficiency, durability, and smart home features that we’ve found for homeowners who want a long-term investment.
Carrier is perhaps slightly easier to repair than Lennox, but still not as simple or cheap to fix as brands like Trane or American Standard. You’ll still need a certified installer to keep the warranty intact.
For most homes, Carrier’s efficiency is more than enough, even in hot climates. It also beats Lennox in consumer tech, with better smart home integration and room-by-room temperature control. If you want reliable cooling, strong but not world-beating efficiency, and a system that won’t be a nightmare to service, Carrier is the way to go.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our full review of Carrier air conditioners.
Carrier
4.9
Our Rating
Key Takeaways
- Our highest-rated AC brand
- More than efficient enough for most climates
- Certified installer required for warranty
- Still not as cheap or easy to fix as mid-range brands
Lennox Vs. Carrier: Comparison
Although both Lennox and Carrier have been in business for over a century and are reputable brands, their key differences could influence your air conditioner purchase. You should compare both brands across the following factors.
Maintenance
Both Lennox and Carrier air conditioners require very little maintenance, but we give Carrier a slight edge.
Most units from both brands will only need an annual tuneup to keep them running properly. However, they use different air filters, each with a different service requirement. Lennox air conditioners use disposable filters that you’ll need to replace regularly (usually every two to three months). Carrier’s washable filters only have to be cleaned once a year. With Carrier, you’re paying less for air filters and saving time on replacing them.
Additionally, Lennox parts are notoriously difficult to find, but Carrier parts tend to be more widely available.
Read also: York Vs. Carrier AC Comparison
Energy Efficiency
In energy efficiency, Lennox wins over Carrier thanks to its SEER results.
Every air conditioner comes with a SEER or a SEER2 rating. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) introduced SEER2 in 2023. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner.
Lennox units have exceptionally high SEER and SEER2 ratings. The SL28XCV is its highest-efficiency air conditioner, clocking in at a SEER rating of up to 28. Lennox hasn’t published the SL28XCV’s SEER2 rating yet, but the SL25KCV has a SEER2 of up to 26.
Carrier’s products all have SEER2 energy efficiency ratings, but its most efficient model—the Infinity® Variable-Speed Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence—is rated up to 24. Most of its models are rated “up to 16.”
Read also: Lennox Vs. American Standard: Which AC Products Are Better?
Features
Both Lennox and Carrier offer a variety of features that can make your home more comfortable and save you money on your energy bills. Here’s a quick look at how some of these features compare:
- Humidity control: Both Lennox and Carrier air conditioners come with built-in humidity control, but Carrier models tend to be more effective.
- Wi-Fi: Many newer Lennox and Carrier air conditioners have Wi-Fi capability, so you can control them from your smartphone or tablet.
- Smart thermostat: Each brand offers models with smart thermostats, which can learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Compatibility: Lennox is compatible with Alexa, whereas Carrier air conditioners are compatible with Alexa & Côr Smart Home.
Read also: American Standard Vs. Carrier Air Conditioning Comparison
Performance
Carrier air conditioners have a slight edge over Lennox units in terms of cooling power. Carrier units often cool slightly faster and maintain a cooler temperature in hot weather, but you’d be giving up the extra energy efficiency that comes with Lennox ACs.
Lennox units are usually the quieter of the two, but Carrier’s quietest model has a lower dB rating than Lennox’s quietest air conditioner.
Read also: Tempstar Vs. Carrier AC Comparison
Technology and Product Availability
Carrier and Lennox are generally neck and neck in technology, but Lennox takes the slight lead thanks to its product and technology availability.
Carrier was the first company to introduce variable speed compressors in its air conditioners, which allows the compressor to adjust its speed based on the cooling needs of the home, resulting in more efficient operation. Lennox followed suit with this technology a few years later.
Plus, both Lennox and Carrier offer air conditioners with scroll compressors, which are more efficient than traditional piston compressors. They run cooler, resulting in longer compressor life.
Carrier is a leading provider of geothermal heat pumps, which are a type of air conditioner that uses the earth’s temperature to heat and cool your home. Lennox also offers geothermal heat pumps, but they are not as widely available as Carrier’s units.
Lennox wins out in product availability. It has a variety of air conditioners for just about every need, from small apartment units to commercial buildings. Carrier also has a wide range, but its units are not as widely available as Lennox’s.
Cost
When you look at the price tags, Lennox air conditioners are more expensive than Carrier air conditioners. Carrier units tend to cost between $4,600 and $8,000, while Lennox products are priced between $5,000 and $13,000.
This table breaks down the average installation costs for each brand:
| Model Type | Carrier | Lennox |
| Low-end | $4,600 | $5,000 |
| Average | $5,500 | $9,000 |
| Premium | $8,000 | $13,000 |
However, Lennox models are more energy-efficient, which means you must determine whether the energy savings are worth the higher upfront price point.
Warranty
Carrier offers customers two warranty options no matter the air conditioner model: a 10-year parts-only limited warranty or a five-year parts limited warranty plus a three-year labor warranty on eligible equipment.
Lennox only offers 10-year warranties for its Signature Series units and five-year policies for its other air conditioners.
Elite, Merit, and Bryant air conditioners have a warranty of at least five years.
Lennox Vs. Carrier: Final Showdown
Both Lennox and Carrier are excellent HVAC brands, and both are fine options for your home. They’re roughly in the same product tier.
“The overall brand name for both is seen as high-end,” said Jacob C., a 25-year veteran of the plumbing and mechanical industry we spoke to.
But we can see some clear differences between the two brands. Lennox is a bit more expensive, but its products tend to be more energy-efficient. Carrier has a lower upfront cost and, generally, a longer product warranty, which could also save you money in the long run.
Jacob C. recommends Carrier. “I have personally owned both,” he said. “My current Carrier units have had no reliability issues in the six years of ownership. My previous Lennox air conditioners had issues, so the feeling of higher reliability is there with Carrier.”
Ultimately, the decision of which brand to choose is up to you and your specific needs, but whichever brand you choose, you can be confident that you are getting a quality product.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Lennox Vs. Carrier
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating represents the cooling output of the system and the total energy used. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit, resulting in lower utility costs.
SEER2 was introduced by the DOE in 2023 and uses higher standards. As a result, an older air conditioner may have a 21 SEER rating but only a 19 SEER2 rating.
The DOE requires that air conditioners have at least a 13.4 SEER2 rating in the North and a 14.3 or higher in the Southeast and Southwest.
Homeowners can find out more about their current unit’s rating by checking the yellow and black EnergyGuide sticker or referencing the model number, which typically references the SEER rating.
If you have an older air conditioner, you could save up to 40% on energy costs by purchasing a new system with a higher SEER rating.
In general, Lennox tends to have quieter air conditioners. However, Carrier’s quietest model available, the Infinity® Variable-Speed Air Conditioner with Greenspeed® Intelligence, is less noisy than Lennox’s quietest model, SL25KCV. Carrier’s Infinity is as low as 51 decibels (dB), and Lennox’s SL25KCV has a sound rating of as low as 58 dB.
The loudest part of an air conditioning unit is the compressor. Too loud, and it could disrupt your home’s quiet and comfort level. You shouldn’t have to turn up the television volume excessively if the AC comes on while you’re watching.
In comparison, normal sounds you encounter every day will be around 10 dB. A whisper is 30 dB, and a normal conversation is 60 dB. A vacuum’s noise level can range between 75 dB and 85 dB.
You should look for the air conditioner features that matter most to you and your home. Some can include easy-to-use controls, dehumidifying mode, programmable timers, and remote control.
Choosing an AC unit with programmable timers and remote control access can help you save on energy costs. You can use programmable timers to set when you want the AC to run or to turn off. The AC could be off while you’re at work but be programmed to turn on 30 minutes before you come home. As a result, you arrive to a comfortable home without excessive energy bills. Some models can even turn off if they don’t sense anyone in the home.
Remote control access allows you to control your home’s comfort level from anywhere, as long as you have internet access. You can check energy usage levels and adjust the settings as needed. For example, if you’re on vacation and a cold weather snap puts your pipes at risk of freezing, you can remotely change the thermostat settings.
