Your HVAC system is one of the most important appliances you will ever buy. If you are looking into the best system for a new home build or a heating or AC upgrade to an existing system in your home, you may be looking to compare Goodman vs Lennox air conditioners and Goodman vs Lennox furnaces to determine which is the better choice.
To help you understand the difference between the two brands, let’s examine Goodman vs Lennox HVAC systems. We’ll start by briefly discussing the companies themselves. Also, you can check out our other blog post if you’re looking to view other air conditioner brands on the market.
Goodman Manufacturing
Harold Goodman, the founder of Goodman Manufacturing Company, began working in the field of air conditioning contracting in 1954. After nearly twenty years of enjoying a successful career, he invested his money in creating his own HVAC manufacturing company in 1975. Goodman aimed to offer customers quality HVAC systems at a price they could afford.
Goodman Manufacturing continued to grow and accomplish this founding goal and eventually was sold to Daikin Industries in 2012, bringing the company into the international world of HVAC manufacturing. Goodman products continue to be manufactured at their facility in Houston, Texas, adhering to the same standards of quality and affordability on which the company was founded.
Lennox International
Dave Lennox began his career as a blacksmith and machinist. When two of his customers were working on a patent for a furnace using riveted steel as a heating surface, they sought his assistance in creating certain parts of their appliance. They were unable to pay Lennox and he accepted their patent as compensation. Lennox then reworked their original design and created his version of the furnace, which became quite popular.
By 1904, Lennox had caught the eye of local businessman David Norris, who purchased the company and named it Lennox Furnace Company in honor of its creator. When the company began producing air conditioning systems in the 1950s, the name was changed to Lennox Industries and then to Lennox International in 1984. After private ownership by the Norris family for nearly a hundred years, the company began trading publicly on the New York Stock Exchange in 1999.
Goodman vs Lennox
Both Lennox and Goodman have a solid set of manufacturing standards that ensure they offer quality products to their customers. Their core differences lie in their focus. Goodman is dedicated to making products that are readily available and reasonably priced. Lennox prefers to focus on pioneering new ideas and utilizing the latest technology.
Both companies produce solid products, so the real question lies in what you are looking for in an HVAC system. Let’s look at some key points.
Energy Efficiency
The efficiency at which HVAC systems operate is measured using the standard Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The simplest explanation of SEER is that it measures how long it takes for your HVAC system to heat or cool your home to the desired temperature. The higher the SEER, the more efficiently the system heats or cools.
When comparing Goodman vs Lennox you should consider the SEER assigned to their products. Goodman products range from 14 to 24.5. Lennox products range from 13 to 28. Depending on the system you are purchasing, you might find Lennox to have a better efficiency rating, but you will also pay more upfront to purchase the system.
Let’s talk a bit more about costs.
Affordability
You will be hard-pressed to beat Goodman HVAC systems on the purchase price. For the purposes of comparison, let’s use a Goodman AC vs Lennox AC as an example. A Goodman vs Lennox AC with similar SEER ratings will vary greatly in price. A 2.5-ton Goodman AC unit will run you around $2,500. A similar model from Lennox will cost about $3,800.
However, you’ll see a difference between these two models when it comes to efficiency. The Goodman carries a 15.5 SEER while Lennox carries a 17.8 SEER. If you are willing to give up a bit in efficiency, Goodman is the clear winner when it comes to upfront costs, but which brand is more reliable?
Dependability
Whether you choose Goodman or Lennox, a new HVAC system is a significant purchase for the average household. You’ll want to be sure that your choice is affordable to buy, but also inexpensive to operate. You will also want to know that the system you choose is going to last for years to come without breakdowns and repair costs.
Though an HVAC unit should last at least 15 years, proper caretaking such as routine air filter changes and scheduled maintenance, as well as factors within your home that may affect the health of your system may shorten or extend the lifespan of your system. Both Goodman and Lennox have a reputation for longevity.
Another important factor is the warranty that covers your HVAC system. Let’s see what the two brands have to offer.
Warranties
Goodman provides a lifetime warranty on certain components such as compressors and heat exchangers. These will cover your unit for as long as you own the home in which it is installed. They also offer between 2 years for some parts and 10 years for other parts or full replacements.
Lennox provides warranty terms based on tiers related to which system you purchase, but their warranties for most units only cover compressors for 5-10 years and heat exchangers for 20 years. Additional parts are either covered for 5 years and some aren’t covered by warranty.
Always read the warranty information for details on the particular unit you are buying before purchasing or ask your HVAC technician to provide you with a copy of the systems you are considering.
In terms of warranty, Goodman is the better choice for the long haul. Now, let’s talk about features.
Features
Goodman and Lennox are fairly equal in terms of what features they offer. Both incorporate smart technology like programmable thermostats and remote operation capabilities into their higher-end models. Not only are these a convenience, but they will also save you money in the long term.
One notable feature you’ll find only in Lennox units is that they run extremely quietly. Though Goodman units aren’t excessively loud, they don’t compare to the almost non-existent sound you’ll get with a Lennox.
The conclusion when comparing Goodman vs Lennox is that both HVAC systems are quality appliances. You’ll want to choose the HVAC system that best suits your needs and budget.
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