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Carrier Versus Lennox Gas Furnaces. Both Lennox and Carrier are major brands that have many different HVAC products to offer. Here we will compare the Lennox gas furnace with a Carrier gas furnace. These are similar models with similar efficiency ratings. In our comparison matrix, we will highlight various components and features of each gas furnace.
Then we will explain these features and components below our comparison matrix. If you are deciding to purchase a Lennox or a Carrier gas furnace we hope this comparison guide will help you in making a wise decision.
Carrier Versus Lennox Gas Furnaces
In making our selection we chose the top-of-the-line models for both Carrier and Lennox. These units, while being similar, are of course, different in a few ways. They both share the same type of technology to get the efficiency of the furnaces to a higher level than other furnaces. This technology has been perfected over the last decade for gas heating systems to increase the efficiency of gas furnaces.
Both Lennox and Carrier have adopted this technology into their gas furnaces. This technology allows the furnace to modulate in very little increments causing the gas furnace to use only what is necessary to maintain demand. Of course, this requires proper setup and control but it works to give you maximum efficiency.
Modulating and Condensing - Carrier Versus Lennox Gas Furnaces
Modulating gas furnaces are condensing furnaces. The furnace uses much of the heat produced in the primary heat exchanger. It uses so much of the heat that much of the moisture contained in the gas and surrounding air used for primary combustion is condensed. Typically the condensing part happens in the secondary heat exchanger before the combustion gases are vented up the flue. Since combustion gasses are very caustic the secondary heat exchanger needs to be made of special materials to prevent corrosion. So it is good that both of these furnaces, the Carrier and the Lennox, both come with lifetime warranties on the heat exchangers.
| Carrier Versus Lennox Gas Furnaces | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Carrier | Lennox |
| Top Efficiency | 98.5 AFUE | 98.7 AFUE |
| Modulating or Staging | Modulating 40% to 100% | Modulating 35% to 100% |
| Thermostat | Conventional or Communicating compatible | Conventional or Communicating compatible |
| Blower Options | Variable-speed blower | Variable-speed blower |
| Gas Ignition | Pilot-free, hot surface PowerHeat ™  ignition | Silicon Nitride Hot Surface Ignition |
| Dual Fuel Compatible | Hybrid Heat Compatible | Compatible with Heat Pump System |
| Inducer | Variable-speed ECM inducer motor | Variable-speed ECM inducer motor |
| Heat Exchanger(s) | Aluminized steel primary heat exchanger with stainless steel fin-and-tube design secondary heat exchanger | Steel heat exchanger that Lennox refers to as Duralok Armortuf |
| Energy Star Rated | Yes | Yes |
| Heat Exchanger Warranty | Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty | Lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty |
| Warranty (Parts) | 10-year parts limited warranty | 10-year parts limited warranty |
| Extended Warranty Available | Check with dealer - Recommended | Check with dealer - Recommended |
- Carrier Warranties as Compared to Other Brands 90%
- Carrier Quality as Compared to Other Brands 95%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 90%
- Carrier Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 93%
- Overall Carrier Opinion from a Technical Perspective 85%
- Lennox Warranties as Compared to Other Brands 97%
- Lennox Quality as Compared to Other Brands 99%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 90%
- Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 100%
- Overall Lennox Opinion from a Technical Perspective 90%
Carrier Versus Lennox Gas Furnaces
Based on each manufacturer’s AFUE ratings from AHI testing data. (2017) Both Lennox and Carrier have mid-grade models rated between the high and low AFUE ratings listed in the chart.
And the Winner is? The Decision
As you can tell by looking at the above table the comparisons are nearly the same. From a professional standpoint, it’s a coin flip on the decision. From experience, both are quality produced systems with lots of good engineering going into the design and materials. The two also have a reputation for quality testing to ensure the furnaces’ live up to their standards.
This one boils down to the installation contractor. This is a basis for most of my recommendations anyhow. No matter the brand always choose the best contractor to get the best installation. Most manufacturers stand behind their products and quality test any equipment before the send out the factory door. This means when the contractor gets the equipment from the manufacturer’s distribution facility it, 99% of the time, be in perfect condition and ready to run with no defects. The rest is up to the contractor to properly install the new system. That is not a cut and dry procedure and does require a level of competence and skill that some contractors do not have.
Finding skilled trained labor is one problem contractors face. In this case, both Carrier and Lennox require the contractor’s technicians to be trained and both offer classes, both factory training, and other technical courses to sharpen the skills of the technicians. In that regard, most, not all Carrier or Lennox contractors can be counted on to be competent and skilled in service and installation. Is the contractor going to install the equipment up to all safety code standards including the Mechanical Code? The Electrical Code? The Fuel Gas Code?
Conclusion
You still need to do your homework and seek out the best contractor when buying new heating and cooling equipment. We have provided for free an HVAC Equipment Buyers Guide here at the site. Also, see the Buyers Advice Category for tons of other information concerning this matter.
For other gas furnace reviews see our Gas Furnace Reviews Category or:
See Lennox Gas Furnace Reviews or
See Carrier Gas Furnace Reviews
Carrier Versus Lennox Gas Furnaces
