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What Is The Difference Between The Lennox El296E And El296V?

What Is The Difference Between The Lennox El296E And El296V?

Are you in the market for a new furnace and debating between the Lennox EL296E and EL296V? Both have nearly identical specifications, so what are the differences between the two?

The most significant distinction between the Lennox EL296E and EL296V furnaces is their motor. The Lennox EL296E has a constant torque Power SaverTM motor, whereas the EL296V has a variable speed motor.

Continue reading to learn more about these motor types. We’ll also go over how each furnace differs in terms of performance.

Lennox EL296E vs. Lennox EL296V Furnace

Lennox furnaces are well-known for their low energy consumption and quiet operation. For their furnaces, they currently have three product category lineups:

  • The Elite Series
  • The Merit Series
  • Signature Collection of Dave Lennox

We’ll concentrate on the first, the Elite series. This category’s products are known for their high efficiency and low emission performance.

This product series includes the Lennox EL296E and EL396V. This means they’re very similar in a lot of ways. So, when deciding between the two, what distinguishes them?

What Are The Differences Between The Lennox EL296E And EL396V?

The motor is the primary distinction between the Lennox EL296E and EL296V. The EL296E has a constant torque Power SaverTM motor, while the EL296V has a variable speed motor.

Both motors are extremely efficient, so you can’t go wrong with either. Your choice, however, should be based on what you want to get out of your furnace.

Another distinction is that the EL296V has improved humidity control while the EL296E does not.

Constant Torque Power SaverTM Motor

The Power SaverTM motor in the Lennox EL296E works like a standard motor but is more efficient. As the conditions in the air duct change, this type of motor can adjust its airflow.

For example, if the air in the ducts becomes restricted due to dirty filters, the system’s static pressure rises and the airspeed decreases. It equates to less energy consumption.

This feature reduces the likelihood of the system overheating or shutting down. To avoid overheating, replace filters on a regular basis according to product recommendations.

Motor With Variable Speed

A variable-speed motor powers the EL296V. Because of its “smart” feature and high efficiency, this type of motor is the premium option in many HVAC systems.

Variable speed motors enable their system to run at a low speed for a short period of time before increasing its capacity to 100%. Other advantages include quiet operation, humidity control, air filtration, and significant cost savings.

Let Us Contrast These Two Systems

Contact torque motors have preset speeds that are determined by the thermostat.

Variable speed motors, on the other hand, can automatically switch between low and high speeds due to their brushless design.

It is highly efficient because it can detect changes in duct system conditions, such as a dirty filter.

As a result, if you live in an area with varying, humid, and sticky weather, the EL296V is ideal. The system’s fan speed can be adjusted in response to changing environmental conditions.

The EL296E is ideal for people who live in areas with extreme hot or cold weather.

Check out the highly informative comparison video of the three motors used in the HVAC industry below to learn more about how these motors work.

The Furnace’s Energy Efficiency

What does the term “efficiency” in furnaces mean? This is the ratio of fuel input to energy output.

Standard furnaces only convert about 80% of their fuel to heat. Because high-efficiency furnaces convert 90% to 98% of their fuel to heat energy, they use less fuel.

The Similarities Of These Two Furnaces

We’ve already discussed the differences, but you might be wondering about the similarities between the two products.

To summarize, they both have the following features:

  • Energy efficiency of 96% AFUE
  • Energy Star rated
  • Dual-stage heating
  • Cabinets that are completely insulated for quiet operation
  • Blower compartment is sealed
  • Compatible with air filters and humidifiers
  • Continuous ultra-low fan
  • Dual-fuel capabilities
  • Silicon Nitride SureLight ignition
  • Primary heat exchanger Duralok Plus
  • Natural gas or propane compatibility
  • The heat exchanger has a limited lifetime warranty.
  • Parts have a five-year limited warranty.

Both models are gas furnaces with two stages. The unit’s two-stage heating allows it to produce two levels of heat output at varying intensities.

This means you can set it to high heat on cold winter days and low heat on mild winter days. Because most furnaces only have one heat setting, this high-efficiency feature provides more comfort.

Specifications For The Lennox EL296E

What Is The Difference Between The Lennox El296E And El296V?

The Lennox EL296E furnace has two stages and Power Saver technology. It has two heat output intensities for improved comfort and energy efficiency.

When paired with a heat pump, it has dual fuel capability, which means it can switch between electricity and gas.

The EL296E can save you up to 37% on your annual utility bill. It can save you hundreds of dollars, which you can put towards more important things.

Specifications For The Lennox EL296V

What Is The Difference Between The Lennox El296E And El296V?

The Lennox EL296V is a two-stage gas furnace with variable speed. This means that airflow will be consistent and that you will not experience the typical blasts of air upon system startup.

This, like the EL296E, has a 96% AFUE, which means that for every dollar spent on fuel, 96 cents is used efficiently for heating and does not go to waste.

The EL296V’s variable speed motor provides more controlled airflow during the hottest months of the year, increasing the efficiency of any outside cooling unit.

Is The Lennox EL296V Quiet?

The Lennox EL296V has a sound-absorbing cabinet that is fully insulated. It also has a combustion chamber that is sealed.

Because of these features, as well as its extremely low continuous fan speed, it is one of the quietest furnaces on the market.

Is A High-Efficiency Furnace A Good Investment?

What Is The Difference Between The Lennox El296E And El296V?
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Happy loving family sitting by the window and making paper snowflakes for decoration windows. Mother and child creating decorations.

A high-efficiency furnace can be thousands of dollars more expensive than a standard-efficiency furnace.

Here are the estimated installed costs of high-efficiency (AFUE 90% or higher) furnaces to give you an idea:

  • The Lennox Elite EL296E costs between $6,200 and $9,995.
  • Lennox Elite EL296V costs between $6,550 and $10,700.

Prices for standard efficiency (AFUE 80%) furnaces are as follows:

  • Merit ML180E costs between $3,400 and $5,900.
  • Merit ML180V: $4,550 – $6,200

Depending on the brand and model, installation costs can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars. Is it worthwhile to spend the extra money?

Winter electric bills can save you hundreds of dollars, according to reviews on the Lennox website.

Because it is more fuel efficient, it can also save you money on natural gas. This type of savings can be significant as fuel prices continue to rise.

While the initial installation cost may be daunting, the yearly energy savings will be more practical in the long run once the total cost is calculated.

On a side note, the actual price of Lennox products is difficult to determine because it is not displayed on their website. Their dealers and distributors handle sales and pricing.

If you need more pricing information, contact a Lennox dealer near you.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Lennox furnace?

A Lennox furnace has a 15 to 20-year lifespan.

However, its dependability and longevity will be heavily influenced by how well it is maintained and the harsh weather conditions in which it is located.

Lennox, fortunately, offers generous and flexible warranties. Here are the Elite Series products available:

  • Warranty on covered components is valid for five years.
  • The compressor has a ten-year warranty.
  • Heat exchangers have a 20-year or limited lifetime warranty (depends on the furnace model)

For their Elite Series products, Lennox offers the option to upgrade from a Basic Limited Warranty to an Extended Limited Warranty. More information is available on their Warranty Your Way page.

Conclusion

The constant torque motor in the Lennox EL296E and the variable speed motor in the EL296V are both extremely efficient. Whatever you choose, a Lennox product will provide only the best performance.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope that our conversation helped you understand the motors and functions of the two Lennox furnaces.

What Is The Difference Between The Lennox El296E And El296V?

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Written by HVAC Contributor

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