XC13 is elite series, the 13ACX is the merit series.

The 13ACX might be all you need for your climate, cheaper up front install cost. The elite series will cost more, marginally more efficient... but that efficiency really won't matter that much for such a small window of use.

The AC equipment made 28 years ago is in a league by itself... not likely you will match that record no matter which brand you choose. That merit line is likely to have a Korean compressor in it.

This compressor above was in a Lennox 14ACX model... compressor failed unit 7 years old. (hot sticky climate here with upwards of 10 months of use per year)

Check the warranty difference...the XC series is a better cabinet...i don‘t care for the Lennox brand but the low end ACX may be a better overall value considering your climate and how it will be used....of course either way you will need a matching Lennox Evap coil...

Thank you so much for your comments!!!

tigerdunes : Lennox website says that XC has 10 year warranty while ACX has 5 yrs.

And may I ask what an evaporation coil is? None of the installers mentioned it yet... Is it part of the AC unit already or would you say that I need to enquire it separately?

Austin Air Companie : Do both of these models have the same compressor that you mention? the price difference for me for these two units is about USD300. I completely agree with you that the energy cost is not a factor in consideration in our case (use for such short period of time), however I do want a long lasting AC unit. Would you say that XC13 may have longer life, or would you say that they are the same? EL18XC1 came about $2K more, so we have rulled that one out...

I also have another installer pushing for Payne. if all same, then should I consider that unit?

For Happy Jaye...you must have an Evap coil...did dealer plan on using old?....a mistake...you want a matching Evap coil...how do you heat your home?..post back....what‘s the price difference between the two models?...

tigerdunes , house is heat using gas furnace. Price difference between two models is about $300. Evaporator coil, no installers have mentioned it. That is odd. Does it go inside the house? Do I have to purchase it separately from the AC?

for §300 and the better warranty, I would go with the XC model...and you will need a new matching Evap coil...using existing would be a mistake plus it is most likely a R22 refrigerant...your new AC condenser will need a new matching R410 coil. See what dealer says and do this replacement install correctly...sorry, just trying to steer you right...don‘t make another problem...

tigerdunes , thanks for the tip! Installer confirms that there is new Evap coil. He says that it is part of a standard installation. Phew~

They are also saying that I have 10 year warranty on both AC units?

Odd... I have a different installer now offering to install XC13 about 650$ cheaper. So confusing... I just want a unit that is hassle free, and that it lasts me at least 15 years...

make certain the warranty is a Lennox manufacturer warranty not a dealer or 3rd party warranty. and that new condenser and coil is registered properly and you get a copy of warrranty for your records...

mike_home , thanks for good advice. One quote included line set replacement in the quote; and other one (cheaper quote) didn't include.

The ACX comes with a 10 year warranty when it is properly registered.

Payne brand is another Carrier brand that has since been discontinued for my area. They were OK units years ago... but things change with time.

Given your climate I don't think I would go with the elite line... more money for nothing really.

Completely different story in my service area of Katy, Texas.

In terms of what compressor is used? Your dealer should know. The unit in which I show in the picture above was assembled in Mexico.

Lennox has a manufacturing facility in Toronto, Canada so the compressors used in those 'could be' different.

I'm not a manufacturer, just a guy who is well aware of all the tricks in play. The con is you not knowing these things. Thinking you're buying something... when that something isn't all it should be.

Austin Air Companie , thanks for the advice!!!