Well, the Lennox is a slightly higher spec single stage unit while the Carrier is a mid level 2 stage unit. Post the model numbers of the furnace and coil also - that can make a big difference in the performance of the AC condenser.

Lennox and Carrier are comparable quality brands.

Thank you the furnace for Carrier in the Infinity 80 Gas Furnace- model #58CVA and for Lennox it is SL280V

Walter, both furnaces are rated at 80% efficiency, The SEER ratings for both condensers are similar. You can't tell the rated SEER without knowing the sizes of the equipment.

Char_Lynn, which contractor do you feel more comfortable with? Which one spent more time at your house reviewing your current system, measuring duct work, and asking you questions? The installation is actually more important than the equipment.

Do you have the complete model numbers? This would indicate the sizes. Sizing of the equipment is also very important.

What brand is your current 23 year old equipment? Have you had to do any major repairs?

I own a Lennox unit and it needs repairs every other year. I've paid for it twice in repair costs. Lennox recently settled a class action lawsuit that their customers brought against them for defective evaporator coils. Here's the link to information on that court case if you want to review it.

Lennox Facebook page used to have a customer review section, but the reviews were so consistently bad that Lennox removed that section. However you still can review customer comments on the Lennox Facebook page by clicking the "Posts" section on the left and then reading "Visitor Posts" on the top right. Here are a few recent customer comments from the Lennox Facebook page.

Comment by Bailey Gilligan on Aug. 13th, "Lennox overall has very low quality products. Just replaced my 5 year old Lennox system with a new HVAC system with newer Lennox equipment. Well after one month coils problems again!! So now after spending 10,000 dollars on a new Lennox system, I have a patched together system. What a big big MISTAKE!!!!! So I have replaced 3 coils on my Lennox HVAC systems. I would avoid Lennox systems, they are expensive, low quality and low reliability."

Comment by Amanda Soto on Aug. 12th, "Your AC unit sucks! My unit isn’t even 3 years old and had to replace the fan motor (Thursday) and now I’m having someone come back out because it’s blowing hot air." If you want to review these comments then here's the link and then click "Posts" on the left and then read the "Visitor Posts" on the top right.

For these reasons, I would choose Carrier over Lennox.

stay away from Lennox...the bottom of the big three...

Thanks all, looks like we'll go with Carrier--- the installer also had slightly better customer service and was faster in responding to our questions so that coupled with your advice helped steer the decision!

Let's check Lennox reviews and then not check Carrier reviews LOL.

Are people really this easily swayed / duped thinking something like this?

Recent Carrier Reviews....

Rex of Ponder, TX Verified Reviewer

Original review: July 25, 2018

Built new home in 2012, evaporative coil needs replacing now. The installer never left any owner's manual so I was unaware that the unit needed to be registered to get the 10yr warranty. Contacted Carrier and they basically said, "That's too bad. We can't help you." Almost $2500.00 to buy and install new coil. OUCH. Talked with the installer and he has quit using Carrier equipment due to warranty problems.

Stephen of Tulare, CA Verified Reviewer

Original review: July 16, 2018

The Carrier HVAC system was installed, new, in March of 2015. It seems unreasonable that the evaporator coil should fail within three years, but it (and my neighbor's) did after about three years. Sure parts are warranted, but the labor was excessive for the repair. I'd look elsewhere for a good unit if you have the opportunity.

Michele of Palm Coast, FL Verified Reviewer

Original review: July 9, 2018

I bought my heating and air conditioner on 7/18/16. On 6/24/18, the compressor stopped working and the tech found that the plug and compressor had melted. Although the compressor was covered, my bill was $734. The $4070 Carrier unit did not even work for two years. I think since it was Carrier's fault their unit was at fault that they should have been responsible for the bill since the compressor has a warranty for ten years and didn't even last for two years. They should have at least been responsible for the freon that the unit lost because of their inferior product. I will never buy another Carrier product!

Elizabeth of Wellington, FL Verified Reviewer

Original review: July 3, 2018

We purchased a brand new home from DR Horton in August 2012. They installed Carrier A/C model #FB4CNF642. This unit is a piece of garbage! We had to strong arm the original installer into honoring the warranty. So far we've spent >$1500 on a new capacitor, fan blower and freon leak. Unit continues to freeze up. Once we get it going again, it keeps running and won't shut off. The unit is broken again. Needless to say we are at our wit's end. Yippie, Carrier decided to keep manufacturing in the US. THEY SUCK! DO NOT BUY CARRIER. They are not what they were years ago.

If you think a 'BRAND' any brand is going to lead you to the land of 'milk and honey' -- WAKE UP --- snap out of it.

so then which brand do you suggest?

I choice CARRIER... They have an economic brand, its name is Midea. Great option for Less money.

https://www.cooling-heating.net/