The Lennox is a 14 SEER / Trane XR13 would be 13 SEER.

I suppose the higher blower efficiency might turn the Trane into a 14 Seer or maybe just below that. (I'm guessing)

However, The Lennox is a 14 SEER out of the box paired with something that is likely to have a somewhat efficient motor too because the older less efficient PSC motors in air handlers and furnaces are no longer used circa July 2020 or so all furnaces and air handlers required to use ECM motors.

All that said... the installation / design of such is more important than the brand. The downside with either of these brands is the cost of repair parts. Once that part warranty runs out in 10 years or so won't matter much.

Also any new AC systems being sold right now will be more or less obsolete within a few years (New Freon phase out). In that sense I guess I'd have to say cheaper is better for now because another replacement is coming in short order.

Thanks so much for the reply. I wasn't aware of this phase out. We technically could hold off on replacing the system for another year as it's still working It's just on its last legs. Do you think waiting until next winter would give it enough time for the newer models to come out? This is not our forever home and we will probably move in about 4 to 5 years.

Thanks

Good question. I *THINK* we will start seeing new equipment sometime later this year.

But there is alot of uncertainty. If your plan is to move in 4 to 5 years. Buy a cheaper solution now. The new proposed refrigerants likely will be short lived as well as none of them are a perfect solution and almost all of them are "mildly flammable".

How flammable? "mildly" LOL.

Currently there is only R410a systems to choose from.

If you do not have plans to live more then you should go for the cheaper option. And you will not regret it.