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Lennox Versus Carrier Heat Pumps. Whenever we compare any type of equipment we need to compare similar models between the brands. In this case, we are comparing Lennox to Carrier which are major brands that compete for your business.
All the major manufacturers make similar models with various levels of efficiency. They also have various levels of bells and whistles. These bells and whistles make the equipment more efficient and easier to troubleshoot with advanced diagnostics.
Of course, there are more categories for bells and whistles and we will endeavor to explain everything here. This is written from the perspective of a licensed HVAC Master who has several years of field experience and not a journalist. I have also been to manufacturer’s training course and worked on these products.
Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps
The various levels of heat pumps from both manufacturers include several economy-grade models, several mid-grade models, and several top-grade models. Of course the higher the grade level the higher the efficiency but so are the initial installation costs.
If you really want to save a lot of money on your power bill you will want to get the top-of-the-line model. However, not everyone has the budget for the top-of-the-line model so they choose the economy models or a mid-grade level model for their new heat pump.
Lennox Grade Levels:
- Signature Series - Top
- Elite Series - Mid
- Merit Series - Economy
Carrier Grade Levels:
- Infinity Series - Top
- Performance Series - Mid
- Comfort Series - Economy
Air Source Heat Pump Tips | Dual Fuel Heating
A dual fuel heat pump is a heat pump with a gas furnace for backup heating rather than electric heat strips.
Air source heat pumps have a backup heating source. In most installations, the backup heating source is electric heat strips. Electric heat strips are very cheap to install in most cases. However, while electricity is generally regarded as 100% efficient, producing it is more costly than other heating methods. For a more efficient heat pump, consider a dual fuel heat pump, or a heat pump with a gas furnace for the backup heat source. It will be more costly to install, but your monthly bills will be reduced.
Mid Grade - Split the Difference From Top To Bottom
We are going to split the difference here and compare mid-grade models for Lennox and Carrier. These are side-by-side comparisons with everything explained for you after the comparison matrix. We are endeavoring to create more of these comparison matrixes as they have become hugely popular among our readers. Some manufacturers have a difficult time being descriptive about certain options and features.
Instead, they gloss over details and show you more than what you are seeking. These products are for up-sale possibilities. Some of these other products are great products. They serve very useful purposes but let us focus on what we need and worry about the other stuff later. Focus on what you really need. Cutting through the clutter will help you make an informed decision.
Lennox produces their equipment here in the USA. Carrier also produces their residential equipment here in the USA but has plans to relocate their manufacturing facilities to Mexico.
Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps Comparison Matrix
Lennox Elite Series XP16 Heat Pump | Carrier PerformanceTM Series Performance 16 |
---|---|
Dual Fuel Capable | Dual Fuel Capable – Carrier calls it Hybrid Heat |
Humidity control with a matched indoor air handler/gas furnace with ECM blower | Humidity control with a matched indoor air handler/gas furnace with ECM blower |
Copper coils with aluminum fins | Copper coils with aluminum fins |
Full-Side Louvered Panels for coil protection | Full-Side Louvered Panels for coil protection |
Two-Stage Scroll Compressor | Two-Stage Scroll Compressor |
High and Low Pressure Refrigeration Switches for pressure control | High and Low Pressure Refrigeration Switches for pressure control |
Not listed – Assume single speed condenser fan motor (optimum would be ECM condenser fan motor and the two-speed fan motor in the condenser) | Not listed – Assume single speed condenser fan motor (optimum would be ECM condenser fan motor and the two-speed fan motor in the condenser) |
R410A Refrigerant | R-410A refrigerant |
Rugged durable cabinet | Rugged durable cabinet |
Engineered for quiet operation – sound blankets on compressors | Engineered for quiet operation – sound blankets on compressors |
Advanced diagnostics not mentioned | Advanced diagnostics not mentioned |
10 Year Parts limited warranty | 10 year parts warranty |
Energy Star Rated | Energy Star Rated |
Up to 17 SEER and 9.5 HSPF depending on size | Up to 17.5 SEER and 9.5 HSPF |
Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps Similarities
These models are very similar, as you can see, from the data we gleaned from the manufacturer’s websites. As mentioned above sometimes it is difficult to get the information necessary to make appropriate comparisons. It seems the web designer made the product specifications for both of those manufacturers. Versus someone who really knew the specifications of the equipment.
Remember, just because the literature says it is a certain efficiency level does not mean you will get that level. That will depend on several factors including the capacity of the unit purchased. Additionally, it will depend on whether you get a matching indoor system.
Dual Fuel Capable - is when you have a gas furnace rather than electric heat strips. It is considered better to have a dual fuel than just electric heat strips. Simply make sure you get a high-efficiency gas furnace if you choose this option.
Installation – Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps
Your overall efficiency of the system will also depend on the ductwork system. People commonly overlook ductwork when purchasing new equipment. The price for the installation of a new system generally does not include any modifications to the ductwork.
That is aside from attaching the new air handler/gas furnace to the established ductwork. Old ductwork often leaks and lacks proper insulation. Purchasing new equipment without doing anything to the ductwork will not get the rated efficiency for new equipment. Leaky ductwork loses the extra efficiency you are buying the equipment.
Control - Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps
Both Lennox and Carrier have their own thermostats. These thermostats typically come with the units when you purchase a new heat pump. These thermostats are a higher level of control. More so than the typical thermostat you can purchase off the shelf at the hardware store. Therefore if something happens when the warranty expires then you need to get a replacement thermostat from the dealer.
These thermostats are proprietary. That means you will only be able to purchase this thermostat from that particular manufacturer or a licensed dealer. There is a higher level of complexity to install. Therefore, requiring you to get the dealer to install the thermostat for you.
After the warranty expires you will likely pay a much higher price to purchase a new thermostat. Then pay the dealer to install the thermostat. That’s not like running down to the local hardware store and purchasing an off-the-shelf thermostat. Ask the salesman about this and if there is another option.
Final Advice
What would I buy if I were you? Go with the best HVAC contractor that I know is going to do a quality job over any brand. While I would lean to Lennox Carrier is a good brand also. The most important part of this whole endeavor you are about to undertake is choosing the best contractor. A contractor that does quality work. For that, you can see our HVAC Buyers Guide Page help guide you through this process.
What is better than the good advice we give is that the HVAC Buyers Guide is absolutely free of charge. We only ask that you share this site on social media using the buttons provided. Like us on Facebook or tweet our page on Twitter or Google Plus. We appreciate it!!
You might also want to visit our Heat Pump Reviews pages for these manufacturers.
Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps
Lennox Elite Series XP16
Heat Pump- Dual Fuel Capable
- Humidity Control
- Two-Stage Scroll Compressor
- Modulating
- R410A Refrigerant
- 10 Year Parts limited warranty
- Energy Star Rated
- High SEER
Carrier Performance Series 16
Heat Pump- Dual Fuel Capable
- Humidity Control
- Two-Stage Scroll Compressor
- Modulating
- R410A Refrigerant
- 10 Year Parts limited warranty
- Energy Star Rated
- High SEER