Furnace Brand Comparison
Lennox, Trane, and Carrier are probably the 3 most popular brands of new furnaces in British Columbia. (Note that Trane also makes American Standard and Carrier also makes Bryant, Tempstar, and other brands.) This page will provide a quick overview of the furnaces offered by these brands, according to their published specifications.
Each of these 3 manufacturers offer a similar lineup of furnaces which can be divided into 4 different classes: furnaces with modulating gas valves and variable speed blower motors, furnaces with two stage gas valves and variable speed blower motors, furnaces with two stage gas valves and constant torque blower motors, and furnaces with single stage gas valves and constant torque blower motors.
Carrier makes a furnace that doesn’t exactly fit into any of these categories: a single stage furnace with a variable speed blower. They also don’t make a two stage furnace with a constant torque blower.
Note: If you want to learn what the terms above mean and the importance of the different features, then visit our furnace info page or watch our 5 minute video on new furnace options.
Class 1: Modulating Variable Speed Furnaces: A comparison of each manufacturer’s top of the line systems
Lennox SLP99 | Trane XC95m | Carrier Infinity 98 | |
Efficiency | 97.5-99% | 95-97.3% | 97.2-98.5% |
Burner modulation | From 35% to 100% | From 40% to 100% | From 40% to 100% |
Fan motor | Variable Speed | Variable Speed | Variable Speed |
Noise level | Quietest furnace available (mfr’s claim)* | Does not claim to be quietest available | Quietest furnace available (mfr’s claim)* |
Heat exchanger warranty | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited |
Warranty on other covered parts | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
*Both Lennox and Carrier claim their higher-end furnaces are the quietest on the market. This is probably due to their different testing procedures.
It is apparent that Lennox is equal to or better than Trane or Carrier when it comes to the published specifications. But it isn’t by a large margin: The Lennox SPL99 (when looking at the 90-100K models, as this is a common size) is up to 3% more efficient than the comparable Trane and Carrier models, and has a burner which can operate at a slightly wider range of outputs (it can operate at as low as 35% capacity, compared to 40% for the competition).
Class 2: Two Stage Variable Speed Furnaces
Lennox EL297V & ML296V | Trane S9V2 | Carrier Infinity 96 | |
Efficiency | 96-97% | 96-97% | 95-96.7% |
Burner Stages | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Fan motor | Variable Speed | Variable Speed | Variable Speed |
Heat exchanger warranty | Lifetime Limited (EL297V) 20 years (ML296V) | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited |
Warranty on other covered parts | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Class 3: Two Stage Constant Torque Furnaces
Lennox EL296E | Trane S9X2 | Carrier Performance 96 2-Stage | |
Efficiency | 96% | 95-96% | 95-96.5% |
Burner Stages | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Fan motor | Constant Torque | Constant Torque | Constant Torque |
Heat exchanger warranty | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited |
Warranty on other covered parts | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Class 4: Single Stage Constant Torque Furnaces
Lennox EL196E, | Trane S9X1, | Carrier Performance 96 | |
Efficiency | 96% (EL196E) | 95-96% (S9X1) | 95-96.5% |
Burner Stages | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Fan motor | Constant Torque | Constant Torque | Constant Torque |
Heat exchanger warranty | Lifetime Limited (EL196E) 20 Years (ML196E, ML193E) | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited |
Warranty on other covered parts | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
The Importance of a Quality Installation
Although brand differences do exist, installation quality is usually the most important factor. Some brands of furnace may be rated at 2 or 3% more efficient that others, but improper installation can reduce performance by up to 30%!
The EPA has stated that, when it comes to heating and air conditioning systems, “more than half of new systems in U.S. homes do not perform to their rated efficiency as a result of improper installation. In fact, improper installation can reduce performance by as much as 30%.”
As the EPA says: “ A contractor who follows good sizing and installation practices may cost more, but the results can dramatically affect how well your new equipment will deliver comfort and savings.”
To schedule a free quote on a new furnace, call 604 GOOD GUY (604 466 3489) or use our online form.
Learn more about new furnaces on our furnaces page.
Questions? Email us or call 604 GOOD GUY (604 466 3489) | Sitemap | Airco Furnace Repair