Ducane Vs.Lennox: Which One To Select For Your HVAC System?

If you’re currently in the market for HVAC systems, you’ve probably noticed the similarities between the Lennox and Ducane brands and may be wondering which one would be the better choice. Rest assured, as we have conducted the research to provide you with a convenient comparison.

If you have the financial means to invest in high-quality HVAC equipment with excellent SEER ratings, low noise levels, and extensive warranty coverage, then Lennox should be your preferred option. However, if you’re looking for reliable equipment at a reasonable price point with adequate warranty coverage, then Ducane is the brand for you.

Ducane is a subsidiary brand of Lennox, which benefits from the established reputation of Lennox for quality and performance. Many buyers trust Ducane due to this association.

Lennox is known as the premium brand, while Ducane caters to the economy segment. Despite the difference in price, both brands offer comparable reliability and performance. Regardless of the brand you choose, you can be confident that you’ll receive a product that meets industry standards.

To assist you in making an informed purchasing decision, we have created this guide to provide you with comprehensive information on the products offered by each company. By exploring their product ranges, features, and customer feedback, you will be able to determine the right choice that aligns with your needs and budget. Read on to gain insights into both brands and make an informed decision.

Comparison Between Ducane And Lennox

Selecting an HVAC system for your home is a significant decision due to the substantial investment involved in the equipment and installation. It’s crucial to have proper guidance to ensure that the chosen unit will serve you effectively for years to come.

Two of the most widely discussed HVAC brands in the market today are Ducane and Lennox. Both brands offer highly reliable, efficient, and durable HVAC systems designed to keep your home comfortable during extreme weather conditions, whether it’s the cold days of winter or the scorching heat of summer.

If you find yourself torn between these two brands, consider the following factors to facilitate your decision-making process.

Ducane

Ducane, as a subsidiary of Lennox, is positioned as the more budget-friendly product line. Although it may not enjoy the same level of recognition as Lennox, Ducane is gradually establishing its name through its association with Lennox and favorable reviews. Its relatively lower price compared to Lennox makes it an attractive option for the average consumer.

Does the lower price of Ducane mean a compromise on durability and reliability? Not necessarily. Ducane produces high-efficiency units that consume less power while delivering the same cooling and heating capacity as other standard-efficiency HVAC products.

Ducane’s product lineup includes the following:

• 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 comparing the price ranges of Ducane and Lennox products, a significant difference can be observed. For instance, a Ducane 13 SEER air conditioner may cost $1,649 at Walmart, while a fully installed Lennox 13 SEER unit starts at $2,300 at Lennox dealers. (Please note that these costs may vary.)

As a side note, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, which measures cooling efficiency. When evaluating the SEER rating of air conditioners and heat pumps, a higher rating indicates better efficiency. Each US state has different SEER requirements, so it’s advisable to consult with your local dealer regarding the minimum standard in your area.

What sets Ducane apart from Lennox products? Here are some of its notable features:

SEER Rating
While the government’s current minimum requirement for a SEER rating is 13, Ducane’s air conditioners and heat pumps offer ratings of up to 18.0 SEER, surpassing the minimum standard.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE):
AFUE is a rating used to determine the heating efficiency of a furnace. The US minimum requirement is 78%, but Ducane furnaces offer AFUE ratings of up to 96%. This ensures more efficient heat for your home with lower energy consumption.

Omniguard Technology:
All Ducane units feature Omniguard Total Corrosion Protection Technology, which safeguards against outdoor corrosive elements and extends the lifespan of the product. Ducane has developed a new coil protected with Omniguard technology, making it resistant to corrosive elements from both outdoor and indoor air.

Extended Warranty:
Ducane provides a default limited warranty of 5 years on parts and 20 years on heat exchangers and other equipment. This offers longer coverage compared to warranties provided by other brands.

You should choose Ducane if:

• You are seeking a practical HVAC unit at a reasonable price.
• You desire a furnace with a high AFUE at a fair price.
• You are looking for an air conditioner with a SEER rating ranging from 13 to 18 at a fair price.
• You prefer a practical and straightforward unit without complex features but still capable of getting the job done.

Lennox

Lennox HVAC products are renowned for their superior performance, quiet operation, and aesthetic appeal. As a premium brand, Lennox lives up to its reputation and has been a leader in HVAC innovation for over 125 years.

Lennox’s product lineup encompasses the following:

• 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 has gained the trust of homeowners and commercial property owners alike due to their exceptional quality, efficiency, and reliability. What sets Lennox apart from Ducane? Here are its notable features:

Energy Star Recognition
Lennox products consistently dominate Energy Star’s Most Efficient list, which recognizes units that are highly energy-efficient and designed to provide optimal comfort with minimal energy consumption. Energy Star is a government-run program that certifies HVAC units meeting and exceeding energy efficiency standards.

Highest SEER Rating
Lennox units offer unmatched energy efficiency, with some products reaching SEER ratings as high as 28. Notable examples include the SL28XCV air conditioner and the MLB Mini-split heat pump.

Warranty Your Way
Each Lennox product comes with an average warranty of 5-10 years on covered components, 10 years on compressors, and 10-20 years of limited lifetime warranty on heat exchangers. Additionally, Lennox provides an optional comprehensive limited warranty called Warranty Your Way. This enables you to avail 3-year labor coverage automatically and extend the warranty period for your products.

Warranty Your Way allows you to choose the following coverage options:

• Merit and Elite products: Choose between a 5-year parts-only warranty or a 3-year labor and 2-year parts extension.
• Dave Lennox Signature Collection: Opt for 3 years of labor coverage or an additional 2 years of parts-only coverage (resulting in a total of 12 years of parts coverage).

Healthy Climate Solutions
Lennox has been involved in the air filtration business for decades and is an industry leader in innovating solutions to improve indoor air quality. Their Healthy Climate products ensure clean air without generating harmful ozone.

Quantum Coil

Lennox products incorporate Quantum Coil technology, which utilizes a proprietary aluminum alloy designed to protect coil components from indoor and outdoor corrosion. As a result, these units have a longer lifespan, enhanced cooling performance, and provide peace of mind, even in harsh outdoor environments.

Did Lennox Acquire Ducane?

In September 2000, Lennox International Inc. expressed their intent to acquire the HVAC assets of Ducane, and in November 2000, they successfully completed the acquisition of Ducane’s air conditioning and heating division. Lennox found Ducane to be a valuable addition to their core HVAC products due to its high quality. They saw Ducane as a rapidly growing brand in the HVAC industry, which would help them penetrate a larger market and expand their manufacturing capacity.

Where Are Ducane Air Conditioners Manufactured?

Ducane air conditioners, along with other HVAC products, are manufactured in the same factories and by the same workforce that produces Lennox equipment. Consequently, they share similar components and are built to the same quality standards.

Lennox has factories in Mexico, Iowa, and Arkansas, where Ducane products are also manufactured. The company has a long-standing history of producing high-quality heating and cooling equipment. All air conditioning units, replacement parts, and other products undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards before being distributed in the market.

Ducane air conditioners, along with other HVAC products, are manufactured in the same factories and by the same workforce that produces Lennox equipment. Consequently, they share similar components and are built to the same quality standards.

Lennox has factories in Mexico, Iowa, and Arkansas, where Ducane products are also manufactured. The company has a long-standing history of producing high-quality heating and cooling equipment. All air conditioning units, replacement parts, and other products undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards before being distributed in the market.

Are Ducane Air Conditioners Quiet?

Based on product reviews, Ducane air conditioners are known for their quiet and efficient operation. If you refer to the technical specifications in the brochure of their air conditioning units, you will find that the estimated sound pressure levels range from 60 to 70 decibels. This noise level is similar to that of a regular conversation between two people.

Ducane follows the Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute standards when rating the sound power of outdoor equipment.

Conclusion

To summarize, if you have the budget to invest in a premium HVAC system that will enhance your property’s value, offer flexible warranty options, operate quietly, and provide energy efficiency, then Lennox is the brand for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a product that offers comparable durability and performance, with straightforward features, reasonable warranty coverage, and a lower price range, Ducane is the brand to consider. We hope this comparison has provided you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about which product to choose for your HVAC needs.