Lennox and Goodman both make central air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces, but they’re sold in very different ways. That difference shapes how you’ll buy one, and probably what you’ll pay. Here’s what we could confirm about each. We sell Goodman, so we’ve tried hard to keep this even-handed.
Who they are
Lennox is the flagship residential brand of Lennox International. Lennox sells its namesake equipment directly to a network of independent installing dealers rather than through outside distributors.
Goodman has been owned by Daikin since 2012. Goodman equipment reaches homeowners through contractors and distributors, and through stores like ours that sell the equipment itself.
Lineups
Lennox splits its equipment into three collections: Merit, Elite and the Dave Lennox Signature Collection at the top. Goodman’s air conditioners run from single-stage R-32 models up through two-stage and variable-speed units.
Warranty compared
Lennox publishes its basic limited warranty by collection, and registration within 60 days adds more parts coverage on eligible units. Goodman ties its 10-year parts warranty to registration within 60 days too.
| Parts (basic) | Compressor | With registration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lennox Merit | 5 years | 5 years | Eligible units extend to 10 years parts |
| Lennox Elite | 5 years | 10 years | Eligible units extend to 10 years parts |
| Lennox Signature | 10 years | 10 years | Eligible units extend to 12 years parts |
| Goodman | 5 years | Lifetime on select higher-efficiency ACs (original registered owner) | 10 years parts; 10-year unit replacement on select models |
Lennox also lets owners of eligible equipment swap part of the parts extension for a few years of labor coverage. With Goodman, labor is typically between you and your installer. Both brands handle registration differently in a few states, so read the certificate for your model.
Price and how you buy
No prices here. In general, Lennox is positioned as a premium brand, and because it sells through its own dealer network, you’ll typically buy it as part of an installed job from a Lennox dealer. Goodman is known as a value brand, and you can buy the equipment on its own and hire the licensed contractor of your choice. Add a Goodman system to your cart to see your price.
Who each suits
Lennox suits homeowners who want a premium brand and like having one dealer handle the sale, the install and the service.
Goodman suits homeowners and contractors who want dependable matched equipment with solid parts coverage, and who’d rather pick their own installer.
Whichever way you go, get the system sized properly. Our sizing guide explains how.
About refrigerant
The industry has moved away from R-410A in new residential equipment. Goodman’s current air conditioners are built around R-32. If you’re comparing quotes, ask each contractor which refrigerant the system uses and whether they’re set up to service it. Our guide to the R-32 and R-454B changeover explains why it matters.
A few practical differences
Because Lennox runs most of its sales through its own dealers, your choice of installer and your choice of brand tend to come as a package. That has upsides. One company handles the sale, the install and any warranty calls.
With Goodman you can separate the two. Some homeowners like that, because they can hire the contractor they already trust and buy the equipment wherever they want. Some contractors like it too, since they can quote the job their way.
Either route works. Just be clear about who’s responsible for what before the old system comes out:
- Who registers the warranty, and when you’ll get the confirmation
- Whether the indoor and outdoor units are a rated match
- What the installer covers on labor, and for how long
- Whether a load calculation was done
If you want to see how efficiency tiers compare in plain language, our good, better, best guide breaks it down.
Common questions
Can I buy Lennox equipment online?
Lennox sells its namesake equipment through its dealer network, so most people buy it through a local Lennox dealer. We don’t carry Lennox.
Which has the longer compressor warranty?
It depends on the model. Lennox Elite and Signature carry 10 years on the compressor. Select higher-efficiency Goodman air conditioners carry a lifetime compressor limited warranty for the original registered owner.
Do I have to register either brand?
For the longest parts coverage, generally yes, within 60 days of installation. A few states treat registration differently.
Want to talk through a Goodman system? Call (877) 843-4822, look at our AC and furnace systems, or see more brand comparisons.