If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, Payne and Lennox are two of the biggest names in the business. But which brand is better for your home? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Payne and Lennox AC units on performance, features, warranties, prices and more.
Read on for the full breakdown so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your new cooling system.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Payne | Lennox |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 13-21 SEER | 13-27 SEER |
| Features | Entry-level to advanced multi-stage units. Humidity control and programmable thermostats on some models. | Signature and Elite series offer premium features like humidity control, HEPA filtration, noise reduction. |
| Warranties | 10 years on parts and compressor. 5 years on coil. | 10 years on compressor and all covered components. Lifetime heat exchanger warranty. |
| Smart Connectivity | Lacks native app control but some basic WiFi capability. | Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit. Lennox iComfort smart thermostat. |
| Noise Levels | Aim for quiet operation but no specific ratings. | SilentComfort models as low as 55 dBA. |
| Cost | $1,200-$4,000+ | $2,000-$8,000+ |
| Availability | Over 50 AC unit models. More size and configuration options. | About 25 units available. Less diversity. |
Key Takeaways:
- Lennox air conditioners offer higher efficiency ratings, advanced features and ultra-quiet operation but at a premium cost.
- Payne provides reliable performance, decent features and good warranties at a more affordable mid-range price point.
- Lennox is ideal for large homes needing zoned systems and hot/humid climates benefitting from humidity control.
- Payne offers wider selection of models and capacities to match different needs and spaces.
- There is no universally “better” choice – compare your specific needs and budget to choose the better brand for your situation.
- Both Lennox and Payne are made by leading manufacturers and will provide many years of cooling when properly installed and maintained.
Overview of Payne Air Conditioners
Payne is a brand of residential and commercial HVAC systems owned by carrier Corporation, the largest manufacturer of air conditioners in North America. Payne has been around since 1914 and offers air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces and other heating and cooling products.
Some key things to know about Payne air conditioners:
- Efficiency: Payne has units ranging from 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) to 21 SEER. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the AC.
- Features: Entry-level Payne models offer basic cooling with limited features. Higher-end models have advanced features like variable-speed operation, multi-stage compressors and smart thermostats.
- Warranties: Payne AC units come with 10-year parts and compressor warranties. Optional extended warranties are available.
- Cost: Payne is considered a mid-range brand in terms of upfront cost. Pricing can range from $1,200 to $4,000 or more depending on the model and capacity.
Payne air conditioners offer a good balance of affordability and features from a leading brand. They may be a good option for budget-conscious homeowners looking for reliable cooling.
Overview of Lennox Air Conditioners
Lennox is one of the most popular and recognized brands in air conditioning. Founded in 1895, it’s another HVAC leader known for innovation and energy efficiency.
Here are some key Lennox AC stats:
- Efficiency: Lennox offers units from 13 SEER all the way up to 27 SEER, some of the most efficient ACs available.
- Features: Lennox’s Signature and Elite series include premium features like built-in humidity control, multi-stage compressors and HEPA-grade air filtration.
- Warranties: Most Lennox ACs come with 10-year parts and compressor warranties. Lifetime heat exchanger warranties are also offered.
- Cost: Lennox is considered a premium brand. Expect to pay $2,000 to $8,000+ depending on the model, features and installation.
Lennox ACs are ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who want maximum efficiency, advanced features and superb cooling power. They come at a higher upfront cost than Payne units.
Payne And Lennox AC Comparison
Now let’s dig into a detailed side-by-side comparison of Payne and Lennox air conditioners across several categories:
Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, Lennox is the clear winner.
Payne’s top units reach 21 SEER, while Lennox goes up to 27 SEER, the highest rating possible.
This means Lennox ACs will use significantly less electricity to produce the same amount of cooling.
Lennox also offers dual-fuel (gas and electric) heat pump air conditioners up to 24 SEER for added efficiency savings.
Payne does not currently offer heat pumps.
Winner: Lennox
Features
Both Payne and Lennox offer basic single-stage AC units as well as advanced multi-stage compressors. The key differences are in the premium tech offered on upper-tier models:
- Lennox Signature series features built-in humidification, HEPA filtration, smart home integration and SilentComfort noise reduction.
- Top-end Payne models have humidity control, multi-speed fans and compatibility with basic programmable thermostats.
For the widest range of cutting-edge features, Lennox takes the prize. But Payne still provides solid features for the price.
Winner: Lennox
Durability and Warranties
The warranties offered by Payne and Lennox ACs are largely similar:
- Payne offers 10 years on parts and compressors, 5 years on the coil.
- Lennox offers 10 years on the compressor and all covered components.
- Extended warranties are available for both brands.
The lennox lifetime heat exchanger warranty does give them a slight edge in the durability category. But both are leading brands that make units meant to last 10-15+ years.
Winner: Lennox
Smart Connectivity
When it comes to smart home integration and remote control via mobile apps, Lennox again has a noticeable advantage.
- Lennox ACs work with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, plus Lennox’s own iComfort smart thermostat.
- Most Payne AC units lack native smart connectivity, though basic WiFi control is available.
Having an air conditioner you can control from your phone or voice command is a major perk for many homeowners today. Lennox certainly delivers more on that front.
Winner: Lennox
Sound Levels
Excess AC noise can be an annoyance, especially in bedrooms. Here’s how Payne and Lennox compare:
- Payne offers multi-speed fan motors to allow quieter operation. But specific decibel ratings aren’t listed.
- Premium Lennox models with SilentComfort technology produce as low as 55 dBA, quieter than typical conversation.
While both brands aim to minimize noise, Lennox ACs appear to have the edge in providing ultra-quiet operation based on the specs.
Winner: Lennox
Cost and Budget
Here is a pricing comparison of entry-level and high-end units from both brands:
| Brand | Entry-Level | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| Payne | $1,200-$1,800 | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Lennox | $2,000-$2,500 | $5,000-$8,000+ |
As you can see, Lennox air conditioners come at a significantly higher cost, often double a comparable Payne unit. Lennox does offer more premium materials, features and efficiency, but the pricing is something buyers on a tight budget will want to strongly consider.
Payne provides very solid AC performance and reliability at a more affordable price point for most homeowners.
Winner: Payne
Availability of Models
Being able to find a unit suited to your specific needs is also important. Payne and Lennox differ in model diversity:
- Payne has over 50 AC units available in a range of types and capacities.
- Lennox’s lineup is smaller at around 25 units. There are fewer options for larger, complex projects.
Payne ultimately provides more size and configuration options in its AC catalog compared to Lennox. You’re more likely to find an ideal match for your home’s requirements.
Winner: Payne
Payne Or Lennox: Which Is Better For You?
So when all factors are considered, which brand comes out on top – Payne or Lennox?
Here are some quick conclusions:
For budget-focused buyers, Payne provides excellent value.
You get reliable cooling, decent features and great warranties at a reasonable price from a leading manufacturer.
For maximizing efficiency and performance, Lennox is hard to beat.
If you want the absolute highest SEER ratings, ultra-quiet operation and smart connectivity, Lennox delivers top-of-the-line air conditioners.
There are also situational factors to consider:
- Smaller homes and living spaces fare well with entry-level Payne units.
- Larger homes that need multi-zone systems benefit from Lennox’s strengths.
- Hot, humid climates make Lennox’s humidity control features more useful.
Ultimately, choosing the right brand comes down to assessing your budget, cooling needs, usage requirements and more. Both Payne and Lennox make excellent, time-tested air conditioning units, just with different strengths.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons before deciding which is better suited for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To recap the key points covered, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Payne and Lennox AC units:
Lennox air conditioners are generally considered to be a step above Payne in some aspects: higher efficiency ratings, more advanced features and premium components. However, Lennox units also come at a higher initial cost. So “better” depends on your needs and budget.
Yes, Payne air conditioners are comparable to Carrier units in terms of reliability, warranties and overall quality. This makes sense since Payne is owned by Carrier’s parent company. Payne offers similar performance to Carrier at a more affordable price point in most cases.
Absolutely. Payne is one of the top air conditioner brands in the industry and has an excellent reputation for producing durable, efficient AC systems. While not premium-tier like Lennox, Payne is still a fantastic mid-range choice for many homeowners.
Yes, Payne is owned by Carrier Corporation and serves as their mid-priced residential AC line, while Carrier is positioned as the premium brand. The brands share technology and components in many Payne and Carrier products.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Payne vs. Lennox air conditioners, there’s no universally “better” choice. Lennox offers maximum features and efficiency, while Payne provides great value at lower cost.
Carefully consider the pros, cons and your specific needs. This will lead you to the best AC unit for your home.
With proper installation and maintenance, both Payne and Lennox ACs can provide decades of reliable cooling comfort. If you have any other questions about choosing the right air conditioner, don’t hesitate to contact a local HVAC professional for advice.
Stay cool out there!