Lennox vs. Rheem Furnaces
A furnace is one of the most important purchases you’ll make as a homeowner to ensure your family’s comfort. However, many homeowners struggle with deciding which brand of furnace to install, as Lennox and Rheem are both reliable options.
In this article, we’ll break down the main differences between Lennox furnaces and Rheem furnaces by looking at:
- Heating efficiency and performance
- Technology and smart features
- Durability and system lifespan
- Upfront costs vs. long-term savings
- Selecting the best furnace for your home
By the end, you’ll understand how to choose a furnace that will keep your home warm and cozy while minimizing running costs.
Upgrade to a Lennox Furnace With Champion Air — Call Today!
Discover the Champion Air difference. As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we know how to get maximum performance out of your new Lennox furnace. Book your furnace installation today!
Heating Efficiency and Performance
Heating efficiency for gas furnaces is based on the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which measures how efficiently furnaces convert fuel into heat energy. Using the legally mandated 80% minimum AFUE rating for new furnaces as a guide, 80% of the gas — and therefore the money spent on that gas — converts into heat.
Most Lennox and Rheem furnaces beat the minimum 80% AFUE rating. However, Lennox products excel in efficiency. The SLP99V — one of Lennox’s most advanced furnaces — delivers an exceptional fuel efficiency of 99%, meaning you can expect almost zero wasted dollars. Rheem’s best furnaces, in comparison, tend to hover more around maximum AFUE ratings of about 96%.
Technology and Smart Features
When comparing Rheem furnaces vs. Lennox, both offer a slew of unique technologies alongside smart features that integrate into Google and Amazon smart home systems.
Precise Comfort, one of Lennox’s most impactful technologies, allows temperature adjustment by 1% increments, helping you achieve your ideal comfort level. Rheem furnaces also feature multi-stage heating through a programmable thermostat, but the temperature increments are slightly wider.
Looking at smart technologies, both brands provide energy monitoring and system diagnostics to enhance performance, reduce running costs, and assist with maintenance planning. Uniquely, Lennox’s iComfort technology can also adjust to the weather to anticipate your comfort needs.
Durability and System Lifespan
Lennox has built a reputation on consistent build quality, resulting in furnace lifespans of about 15 to 20 years. While all Lennox furnaces include durable components and a sturdy casing, higher-tier products from the Elite and Signature lines also offer:
- Variable-speed blower motors to reduce wear
- ArmorTuf heat exchangers to improve corrosion resistance
- Precise temperature control to minimize cycling
In contrast, Rheem furnaces tend to have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years, according to reviews, but some premium models edge closer to the longevity of Lennox products. Rheem furnaces, while relatively durable, feature fewer high-end components. Lennox furnaces also often come with longer warranties.
Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings
Between Lennox and Rheem furnaces, Rheem is more budget-friendly. However, the initial cost of an HVAC system should rarely be the main factor in choosing a furnace. This is because high running costs eventually dwarf installation expenses.
Comparing mid-tier furnaces from both brands, many Classic Plus furnaces from Rheem have base 80% efficiency ratings. In contrast, many Lennox Elite furnaces have AFUE ratings up to 96% alongside Lennox’s Power Saver technology.
The efficiency difference alone saves you 16% off your annual running costs. When you also factor in the longer lifespan of Lennox systems, it’s clear why a higher initial investment can pay off down the line.
Selecting the Best Furnace for Your Home
Choosing the best furnace for your home ultimately comes down to your budget, what features you’re looking for, and your location. For example, metro areas in Arizona often have warmer nights because of the heat island effect. In addition to these factors, consider your home’s:
- Size
- Layout
- Insulation
- Ductwork
- Air movement
Larger homes require more heating output. Older ductwork and poor insulation can also necessitate a high-efficiency furnace to mitigate your increased energy costs.
Given how many factors go into furnace selection and sizing, asking a professional for advice is often the best idea. Reach out if you have any questions, and we’ll help ensure you make the right choice.
Looking for Reliable Heating? Choose Lennox With Champion Air!
Book a furnace installation with the team that won Lennox Partner of the Year. In business since 1982, Champion Air is Arizona’s most trusted HVAC company, as reflected in our Better Business Bureau A+ rating.
