If you're in the market for HVAC systems, you've probably encountered the similarities between the Lennox and Ducane brands and wondering which is better to purchase. Wonder no more because we did the research for your convenience.
You should choose Lennox if you have the budget to buy premium HVAC equipment with the best SEER rate, low-noise, and long-term warranty coverage. If you're looking for reliable equipment at a reasonable price and warranty coverage, then go for Ducane.
Ducane is a brand owned by Lennox. Since Lennox is established and known for quality and performance, many buyers give that same trust to Ducane.
Lennox is the premium brand while Ducane is the economy. Despite the price difference, they are at par when it comes to reliability and performance. Whichever brand you choose, you are assured of a product that meets industry standards.
To help you make more informed purchasing decisions, we've created this guide so you can get all the information on each company's products, and find out which one is the right choice for your needs and budget. Continue reading below as we show you each brand's product range, features, and what consumers are saying.
Ducane Vs. Lennox Comparison
Purchasing HVAC for your home is a major decision because of the high cost of the equipment and installation. It is important to be guided with the right purchasing decision to ensure you will be using the unit for years to come.
Two of the most talked-about HVAC brands on the market today are Ducane and Lennox. Both have some of the most reliable, efficient, and durable HVAC systems designed to keep your home warm during cold winter days and cool during the hot season.
If you are trying to decide between one of these brands, consider the following points to make your choice easier.
Ducane
Ducane is a subsidiary of Lennox and is the more economical product line. Although a lesser-known brand, it is slowly building its name by association with Lennox and through good reviews. Its relatively lower price compared to Lennox is what makes it attractive to the average consumer.
If Ducane is cheaper, does it mean it is less durable and reliable? Not necessarily. Ducane produces high-efficiency units, which means they use less power but deliver the same cooling and heating capacity as other standard-efficiency HVAC products.
Ducane's product lineup includes:
- Gas furnaces
- Oil furnaces
- Air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Air handlers
- Mini-split systems
- Packaged units (all-in-one heating and cooling unit)
- Traditional and Omniguard coils
When compared to Lennox products, the price range is a significant difference. For instance, a Ducane 13 SEER air conditioner can cost $1,649 at Walmart, while a fully installed Lennox 13 SEER starts at $2,300 in Lennox dealers. (Note, these costs may fluctuate.)
As a side note, SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, which is the measurement of cooling efficiency. When looking for the SEER rating of air conditioners and heat pumps, the higher the better. Each US state has different SEER requirements, so it's best to ask your local dealer about the standard minimum in your location.
To learn more about SEER, you can read this article: "SEER Vs. EER: What’s The Difference?"
What makes Ducane different from Lennox products? Here are some of its significant features:
SEER Rating
The current minimum requirement by the government for a SEER rating is 13 but Ducane's air conditioners and heat pumps offer up to an 18.0 SEER.
Check out this review below of a Ducane 14 SEER heat pump.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
AFUE is the rating used for a furnace's heating efficiency. The U.S. minimum requirement is 78% but Ducane offers furnaces with an AFUE of up to 96%. This means more efficient heat for your home with less energy consumption.
Omniguard Technology
All Ducane units feature Omniguard Total Corrosion Protection Technology to guard against outdoor corrosive elements, extending the product's life. Ducane developed a new coil that is protected with Omniguard technology to resist corrosive elements coming from both outdoor and indoor air.
Longer Warranty
Ducane offers a default limited warranty of 5 years on parts, and 20 years on heat exchangers and other equipment. This covers your equipment for a longer period compared to other brands.
You should choose Ducane if:
- You're looking for a practical HVAC unit at a reasonable price
- You're looking for a furnace with a high AFUE at a fair price
- If you're looking for an air conditioner with a 13-18 SEER rating at a fair price
- You're looking for a practical and straightforward unit, without complex features but will get the job done
Lennox
Lennox HVAC products are known for good performance, quiet operations, and aesthetical appearance. It is a premium brand that lives up to its reputation. Lennox has been in the industry for more than 125 years making them a leader in innovation in the HVAC industry.
Lennox's product lineup includes:
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Air handlers
- Garage heaters
- Air conditioners
- Boilers
- Packaged Units
- Mini-split systems
- Thermostat controls
- Zoning controls
- Air purifiers
- Humidity controllers
- Filters
- Ventilators
- Other HVAC system solutions
Lennox is trusted by homeowners and commercial property owners alike due to their superior quality, efficiency, and reliability. What makes it superior to Ducane? Here are its notable features:
Energy Star Recognition
Every year, Lennox products have consistently dominated Energy Star's Most Efficient list, recognizing the most energy-efficient units well-designed for comfort with less use of energy. Energy Star is a government-run program that certifies and gives an Energy Star seal of approval to HVAC units that comply with and exceed energy efficiency standards.
Highest SEER Rating
Lennox units are quite unmatched when it comes to energy efficiency, providing as high as 28 SEER on their products. Check out the SL28XCV air conditioner and the MLB Mini-split heat pump.
Warranty Your Way
Every Lennox product has an average warranty of 5-10 years on covered components, 10 years on compressors, and 10-20 years of a limited lifetime warranty on heat exchangers. However, as an additional option, Lennox offers a comprehensive limited warranty through Warranty Your Way. This gives you automatic 3-year labor coverage and allows you to extend the warranty of your products.
Warranty Your Way allows you to choose your coverage as follows:
- Merit and Elit products - Choose between a 5-year parts-only warranty or 3-year labor and 2-year parts extension
- Dave Lennox Signature Collection - 3 years labor coverage or additional 2 years on parts only (for a total of 12 years on parts coverage) extension
Healthy Climate Solutions
Lennox has been in the air filtration business for decades and they are leaders in innovation when it comes to improving indoor air quality. Their Healthy Climate products ensure you get your air cleaned without producing harmful ozone.
Quantum Coil
Lennox products use their very own Quantum Coil technology featuring a proprietary aluminum alloy engineered to protect coil components from all types of indoor and outdoor corrosion. As a result, the unit lasts longer, you get better cooling performance, and peace of mind knowing your unit is safe even from harsh outdoor environments.
Did Lennox Buy Ducane?
Lennox International Inc. signed an intent to buy the HVAC assets of Ducane in September 2000. Several months later, in November 2000, Lennox successfully completed the acquisition of the air conditioning and heating division of Ducane.
Lennox International found the Ducane brand a good complement to their core HVAC products because of its high quality. They saw it as a rapidly growing brand in the HVAC industry that will help penetrate a larger market and expand their manufacturing capacity.
Where Are Ducane Air Conditioners Manufactured?
Ducane air conditioners, along with its other HVAC products, are manufactured in the same factory and handled by the same people that make Lennox equipment. Therefore, they share similar components and are built with the same quality standards.
Lennox has factories based in Mexico, Iowa, and Arkansas, where Ducane is also produced. The company has a long history of producing high-quality heating and cooling equipment. Their air conditioning units, replacement parts, and other products are tested thoroughly to make sure they meet or exceed industry standards before they are ready for distribution in the market.
Check out this X6670 Lennox OEM Merv 11 Filter on Amazon.
Are Ducane Air Conditioners Quiet?
According to product reviews, Ducane air conditioners are quiet and efficient. If you check the technical specifications on the brochure of their air conditioning units, you will see that the estimated sound pressure is around 60 to 70 decibels. This is just the same noise level as two people having a regular conversation.
Ducane follows the Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute standards when it comes to rating the sound power of outdoor equipment.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, you should choose Lennox if you have enough budget to pay for a premium HVAC system that will help increase the value of your property, has flexible warranty options, low noise levels, and is energy-efficient. If you want a product that delivers the same durability and performance but with straightforward features, a reasonable warranty, and a lower price range, then Ducane is the brand for you.
We hope this comparison was able to help you decide which product you should invest in. If you want to know more about Lennox and Ducane product performances, do check out more articles below.
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