Expertises: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), HVAC control system, Air conditioning, Humidiers, Dehumidifiers
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While Trane offers some of the most expensive yet reliable models that may last for more than 15 years, Carrier is known for its brand reputation and noise-efficient HVAC systems. Likewise, Lennox models have high SEER ratings for better energy efficiency.
Choosing the right HVAC system can get a tad bit difficult, considering the vast number of brands available out there.
However, Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are the most popular and reputable ones in the HVAC industry. All three brands offer top-notch quality, innovation, and reliability, along with prompt customer service. But which of the three is the right pick for your air conditioning and heating requirements?
Let’s find out!
What Is An HVAC System?
An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is designed to regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality in buildings, homes, and other enclosed spaces. The system consists of multiple components that work in synergy to offer efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation, hence, the name!
Typically, HVAC systems feature a furnace or heat pump, a thermostat, vents, ductwork, and an air conditioning unit. As you may already guess, the heat pump heats the air while the air conditioner cools the air. Similarly, the ductwork allows the cool/warm air to pass through, while the vents let the air enter the rooms.
The ventilating component of an HVAC system circulates fresh air while eliminating stale air. This, in turn, regulates humidity levels and prevents the buildup of bacteria, mold, and dust. Notably, the ventilation unit may include a heat recovery ventilator or energy recovery ventilator, which helps boost the energy efficiency of the system.
Other parts of an HVAC unit include the compressor, filer, blower, exhaust outlets, air return, and coils.
Trane At A Glance
Boasting a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 14.5-22, Trane is the international leader in the HVAC industry. The brand started off in 1885 by producing low-pressure heating systems and later tried its hand at selling air conditioners.
Today, I must say that Trane offers some of the most expensive systems. However, considering the consistent standard of quality and durability against harsh climates, the brand’s AC units are worth the splurge. Notably, Trane HVAC units last over the industry average of 15 years.
Trane State Availability
Trane HVAC systems are available worldwide, as the brand operates through dealers across the United States. Besides the units, you can find spare parts in supplies in over 360 stores in the US.
Trane Warranties
- Optional Extended Warranty: covers manufacturer’s defects and cost of labor to fix them, but you will have to purchase this warranty separately
- Registered Limited Liability: covers manufacturer’s defects for products registered within two months of installation and lasts for ten years
- Base Limited Liability: covers manufacturer’s defects for products not registered within the aforementioned period and lasts for five years
Carrier At A Glance
Incepted in 1902, Carrier boasts a lineup of 16 HVAC unit systems, some of which are the most energy-efficient and quietest units on the market. Carrier central air conditioners are also priced on the steeper end, but the brand’s reputation and quality make up for it.
Typically, a Carrier unit features single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed compressors and must be installed by North American Technician Excellence (NATE)-certified technicians. As such, you can rest assured that the unit will be installed properly. Plus, you can reap the benefits of the 10-to-15-year warranty from a qualified technician.
Carrier State Availability
Although Carrier central air conditioners are available all over the country, you must find a brand expert and authorized dealers to validate the warranty.
Fine Print
Unfortunately, Carrier’s warranty is not very favorable as it is relatively short and only backs the functional parts of the unit. Another bummer is the fact that the 10-year warranty does not include normal wear and tear and labor. And if you fail to register the product within three months of installation, the period comes down to five years.
Lennox At A Glance
Lennox International was founded in 1895 and has continued to woo homeowners with its energy-efficient HVAC systems. Most Lennox models boast the ENERGY STAR rating, and some were tagged as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient in 2022.
Besides the durable, high-end Lennox air conditioners, the brand offers various lower-end models, too, all of which are just as efficient. As such, the high upfront cost of Lennox AC units turns into a valuable investment for many.
Lennox State Availability
You can find a certified Lennox International dealer in all 50 states, so accessibility is never an issue. I suggest checking out the brand website to find a dealer or contractor near you.
Fine Print
- Dave Lennox Signature Collection: comes with a 20-year warranty/limited lifetime on the heat exchanger, and a 10-year warranty each on the AC compressor and covered parts
- Lennox Elite Series: comes with a 20-year warranty/limited lifetime on the heat exchanger, 10-year warranty on the compressor, and 5-year warranty on covered parts
- Lennox Merit Series: comes with a 20-year warranty/limited lifetime on the heat exchanger, 5-year warranty on the compressor, and 5-year warranty on covered parts
What Do These Three Brands Have In Common?
Albeit unique, all of these brands have a fair share of similarities. Some of them are as follows:
- Most of their AC units feature a noise-minimizing insulation
- All of their units use R-410A refrigerant
- All three brands offer certified installers for quality installation
- All units feature variable fans
- All AC cabinets boast a corrosion-resistant enamel layer
- All three brands divide their products into three pricing tiers
- All of their AC units come with a standard limited warranty
- All three brands offer single-stage, dual-stage, and variable-stage compressors
- All ACs are compatible with digital assistants and smart thermostats
Trane vs Carrier vs Lennox - A Comparative Study
1. Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of an AC unit is determined with the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or Rating) scale. This measure takes an entire season into account, precisely speaking, from April 15 to October 15.
The SEER of an air conditioning system is calculated by dividing the cooling output by the total energy consumption of the system during the same period. As such, a higher SEER rating implies better efficiency.
The SEER range of each brand according to the different price tiers are as follows:
| Brand | Model | SEER |
|---|---|---|
| Trane | XR | 14.5-16 |
| XL | 17-18 | |
| XV | 18-22 | |
| Carrier | Performance | 13-17 |
| Comfort | 13-17 | |
| Infinity | 16-26 | |
| Lennox | Merit | 13-17 |
| Elite | 15.5-21 | |
| Signature | 20-28 |
As you can see, a Lennox air conditioner is likely to offer more energy efficiency than any model from the other two brands. In fact, Lennox’s SL28XCV air conditioner boasts the highest rating of 28.
That said, other factors like insulation quality, regular maintenance, and more can affect the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. But if the SEER range is your utmost priority, go for Lennox.
2. Compressors
The compressor is the most vital part of your central air conditioner. It allows the refrigerant to move through the entire system to absorb warm air from the room and expel cool air through the ducts. The types of compressors offered by all three brands are as follows:
A. Variable Stage
This compressor type delivers the best performance and energy efficiency. Plus, it consists of at least three different settings, allowing it to operate at as low as 25-30% of its maximum capacity.
During hotter months, these compressors can function throughout the day while changing between low and high settings as and when required. Because of these favorable factors, these highly energy-efficient compressors are the priciest in the lot.
B. Double Stage
Also known as dual-stage compressors, this variety can run in both low and high-speed settings. Besides operating at its maximum capacity, a double-stage compressor can run just as well at 60-70% capacity.
Although double-stage compressors operate more often than single-stage compressors, they are more energy-efficient and hence, more cost-efficient. This is because the unit mainly uses the lower speed setting.
C. Single Stage
This type of compressor gets triggered as soon as the room temperature exceeds the thermostat setting. For instance, if the room is set at 70 degrees, the compressor will start operating when the room temperature hits 71 degrees.
Single-stage compressors are only capable of running at their maximum power, which means they start at 100%. Then they turn on and off frequently throughout the day. So, these compressors are quite affordable but also the least energy-efficient.
Trane vs Carrier vs Lennox Compressors
Trane
Trane air conditioners feature Climatuff compressors, and most of them use single or double-stage options. However, two of the premium tier models contain a variable-stage compressor. Notably, Climatuff compressors are well known for their quality and noiseless operation.
Carrier
Carrier air conditioners feature Copeland compressors, and most of the basic and middle-tier units employ a single-stage compressor. But Performance 17 is an exception here with a dual-stage compressor. The brand’s premium tier uses single and double-stage compressors, and only one air conditioning system offers variable capacity.
Lennox
This brand uses Copeland compressors. While the premium tier of AC systems features variable and dual-stage options, the basic tier consists of single and dual options. That said, the middle tier consists of variable-stage and single-stage compressors.
Now, choosing between a single or dual-stage compressor and a variable-stage compressor depends upon your budget, climate, and energy consumption. Overall, in my opinion, Lennox offers the best compressor types across its various models, as both Trane and Carrier offer limited-capacity compressors.
3. Digital Assistant Compatibility
In today’s fast-paced world, when an average person has the attention span of a goldfish, convenience is a must. And what’s better than having your smartphone linked to your AC and other smart home appliances with the help of digital assistant compatibility?
That said, all three brands offer this feature, with Trane’s Nexia, Carrier’s Cor Smart Home, and Lennox’s iComfort technology. Whereas Trane’s technology is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you can connect your Carrier AC with Alexa. Lastly, Lennox’s digital assistant can be paired with all of the above as well as Siri.
Smart Thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can operate your air conditioner from your phone, allowing you to regulate the temperature and check the energy consumption of the system. You can also stay updated about the overall state of your AC, thereby preventing issues from lingering or being overlooked.
Tip
Different brands offer different types of smart thermostats. So, if you upgrade your HVAC system, I recommend calling the same HVAC technician to install the smart thermostat as well. This is because the wireless system performs best when matched with the right HVAC unit.
Trane vs Carrier vs Lennox Smart Thermostats
Trane
Trane offers four types of smart thermostats, with the priciest options employing ComfortLink II technology. On the brand website, the thermostats have received ratings between 3.6-4.8 stars. The Nexia app also boasts a 4.8-star rating from almost 67,000 Apple app store users, indicating their user satisfaction with its quality.
Carrier
Carrier comes with six types of smart thermostats, which may enable you to control up to three or more separate zones in your house. As such, the brand may be a better choice for those living with loved ones who might have different preferences when it comes to comfortable temperatures.
The high-end models use the brand’s Infinite technology to operate. But it’s important to note that the Carrier Cor Thermostat app is not as highly rated as Trane’s Nexia app. In fact, users have complained about the app crashing and not being user-friendly.
Lennox
Lennox offers only three types of smart thermostats that employ its proprietary iComfort technology. Each has received mixed reviews from consumers, with ratings ranging between 2.2 and 3.5 stars.
To sum up, while Carrier offers more in terms of variety, both Carrier and Lennox somehow fail to meet the expectations of their customers. In my opinion, Trane emerges as the winner with its user-friendly app and the ability to integrate easily with other smart home equipment.
4. Warranty
Reliability should be at the top of your priority list when choosing an AC system for your home. After all, HVAC systems are a significant investment, so it makes sense to consider the brand warranty on offer before making a decision. Warranties serve as safety nets, allowing you to trust that the new central air conditioner you invest in will last for years to come.
That said, all three air conditioner brands offer limited warranties for each of their AC models. Just remember that the warranties don’t cover the labor costs to repair any of the faulty parts.
| Brand | Models | Compressor Warranty | Parts Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trane | XI and XV | 12 years | 10 years |
| XL | 10 years | 10 years | |
| Carrier | All Models | 10 years | 10 years |
| Lennox | Elite and Signature | 10 years | 5 years |
| Merit | 5 years | 5 years |
While both Trane and Carrier offer similar warranties, Trane’s 12-year warranty on XL and XV models gives it an edge over Carrier. A few Trane models also come with a 20-year heat exchanger warranty, which beats what many other brands offer.
It’s also important to note that the 10-year warranty offered by Carrier is only applicable if you register the AC unit within 90 days of installation. Failing to do so will reduce the warranty to 5 years.
On the other hand, you’ll have to invest in a high-end Lennox air conditioner if you want a 10-year warranty on Lennox parts. So, if you ask me, I’d say purchasing an AC unit from the Trane brand would be a better option in the long run.
Tip
If required, you can purchase extended warranties for all three brands from third-party HVAC companies.
5. Price
There’s no way to pinpoint the exact pricing for AC units from Trane, Carrier, or Lennox since there are many factors that determine the final cost. For instance, the installation cost of a model may vary based on the weather and location. Other factors, such as additional efficient equipment, installing more than one HVAC system, and pre-installed ductwork, influence the final pricing.
Moreover, all three brands partner with HVAC companies, acting as service providers between customers and the brand. The authorized dealers tend to set their own prices when it comes to materials and labor.
That said, the total price range (installation fee + unit price) for Trane AC models is the highest compared to Lennox and Carrier, with the cost mentioned on its website. On the contrary, Carrier and Lennox models are comparatively lower (mid-range). But Carrier doesn’t list its pricing stating the influence of varying factors on the total cost of the air conditioner.
Choosing The Right HVAC Technician
It’s not just about choosing the right AC brand and model. Finding the right HVAC tech is equally crucial. After all, poor AC installation can lead to problems, such as leaking ducts, which in turn, may lower the energy efficiency of the unit by 30% or even more. Consequently, the SEER rating will fall, and your energy bills will soar.
The best way to find the right tech to install the air conditioning system is by getting quotes from local HVAC contractors. And cross-check the quotes with two or more contractors from the neighborhood. It’s also important to remember that a very low quote might be too good to be true. They might not be thorough or experienced enough for the job at hand.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you hire provides proof of being licensed and insured to carry out AC installations.
There are several types of HVAC systems, including central air conditioning systems, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and ductless mini-split systems. ‘ Besides upgrading to a more energy-efficient system, you can try sealing air leaks, improving insulation, and regularly maintaining and cleaning your HVAC system. Using a programmable thermostat and adjusting your temperature settings can also help save energy and lower your utility bills. It is best to have your HVAC unit serviced by a professional at least once a year, ideally before the start of the heating or cooling season. HVAC Related FAQs
What are the different types of HVAC systems?How can I improve the energy efficiency of my HVAC system?How often should I have my HVAC serviced?
Final Words - Trane Vs Carrier Vs Lennox - The Clear Winner?
Only you can decide on the clear winner in this comparative guide based on your cooling needs. For instance, a Trane air conditioner model may be your best bet if you don’t plan on shifting in the next decade. The brand offers a lengthy warranty of 12 years on certain models, and its highly-rated Nexia app is hard to beat.
On the contrary, a Lennox system will ensure better energy efficiency, allowing you to save money on energy bills. It’s a more affordable investment in the long run.
Likewise, Carrier, known as an industry leader for a long time, offers some of the most noise-efficient AC units. Moreover, its parts are easily available, making repairs inexpensive and more convenient. And, of course, make sure you find a qualified and licensed HVAC technician to get your AC unit properly installed.
If you’ve found this article helpful, you may also consider checking out my Amana Air Conditioner Troubleshooting guide.
