Goodman vs Lennox: the short answer
Neither brand is “better” across the board. They are built for different buyers, and both make furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps that hold up in Ottawa when they are sized and installed properly.
Choose Lennox
If you want the highest efficiency available (furnaces up to 99% AFUE, air conditioners up to 26 SEER2), the quietest operation and a fully connected system with the Lennox S40 smart thermostat.
Choose Goodman
If you want dependable equipment at a lower installed price, simple parts availability and one of the strongest registered warranties in the industry (lifetime heat exchanger and 10-year unit replacement on its top furnaces).
At the same efficiency tier
, the two are closer than most comparisons admit. A 96% two-stage Goodman furnace and a 96% two-stage Lennox furnace heat a house the same way.
The installer matters more than the logo.
Correct sizing, duct static pressure, gas pressure, venting and refrigerant charge decide comfort and lifespan far more than brand.
Full disclosure: Oria Heating and Cooling is a Lennox authorized dealer, and we also install Goodman every week. We repair both, so this comparison is based on what we see in Ottawa basements, not on a sales script.
Who makes Lennox and Goodman?
Lennox is an American manufacturer that started in 1895 in Marshalltown, Iowa. It sells only through dealers and splits its residential line into three tiers: the premium Dave Lennox Signature Collection, the mid-range Elite series and the entry Merit series.
Goodman is a Texas brand owned by Daikin, the large Japanese HVAC manufacturer, since 2012. Amana is its sister brand. Goodman’s strategy is value: proven designs, wide parts distribution and long warranties at a lower price point.
Both brands sell through HVAC contractors rather than big-box stores. That matters because a manufacturer warranty only covers parts; the labour to diagnose and install them comes from your contractor.
Side-by-side comparison table (2026 model lines)
Ratings below are the “up to” figures published on each manufacturer’s current product pages. Actual system ratings depend on the matched indoor coil, furnace and thermostat.
| Category | Lennox | Goodman |
|---|---|---|
| Top gas furnace | SLP99V, variable-capacity (modulating), up to 99% AFUE | GMVM97, modulating, up to 98% AFUE |
| Mid-range furnace | EL297V two-stage, variable-speed, 97% AFUE; EL296V 96% | GMVC96 two-stage, variable-speed, 96% AFUE |
| Entry high-efficiency furnace | ML196E single-stage, 96% AFUE | GMES96 single-stage, 96% AFUE |
| Top air conditioner | SL25KCV variable-capacity, up to 26 SEER2 | GXV9S inverter, up to 19 SEER2 |
| Mid / entry air conditioner | EL22KCV up to 22.5 SEER2; ML17KC2 two-stage up to 18 SEER2 | GLXT7C two-stage up to 17.2 SEER2; GLXS4B up to 15.2 SEER2 |
| Cold-climate heat pump | SL22KLV up to 21.1 SEER2 / 10.5 HSPF2; EL18KSLV up to 10.0 HSPF2 | GZV7S inverter up to 19.0 SEER2 / 8.8 HSPF2; GZV9S up to 21 SEER2 |
| New refrigerant | R-454B | R-32 |
| Smart control | Lennox S40 smart thermostat (required for top communicating models) | ComfortBridge on-board controls; works with most standard thermostats |
| Typical installed cost | Upper half of the Ottawa ranges below | Lower half of the Ottawa ranges below |
| Best fit | Long-term owners who want maximum efficiency and quiet | Value-focused buyers, rentals, homes you may sell in 5–10 years |
Furnaces: Lennox vs Goodman for Ottawa winters
For a house that has to hold 21 °C at −25 °C, the furnace is the bigger decision. All new gas furnaces sold in Canada must be at least 95% AFUE, so you are choosing between good and slightly better efficiency, plus comfort features.
Lennox furnaces
The SLP99V is the most efficient furnace either brand makes, rated up to 99% AFUE with a modulating gas valve, SilentComfort quiet features and a fully insulated cabinet. Lennox lists a 10-year limited warranty on covered components for Signature models and a 20-year or lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger, depending on the model.
The trade-off is complexity. The top Lennox models communicate with the S40 thermostat, and some parts are Lennox-specific, so you want a dealer who stocks them and is trained on the system.
Goodman furnaces
The GMVM97 modulates and reaches up to 98% AFUE, only one point below the SLP99V. Goodman’s mid-range GMVC96 is a two-stage, variable-speed 96% furnace that we install often in Barrhaven, Kanata and Nepean townhomes.
Goodman’s warranty is its strongest card. Registered online within 60 days, these furnaces carry a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, 10 years on parts and a unit replacement if the heat exchanger fails in the first 10 years. Unregistered, coverage drops to 20 years on the heat exchanger and 5 years on parts. Like most manufacturers, Goodman does not pay labour, and the lifetime term lasts only while the original registered owner lives in the home.
What the AFUE gap is really worth
Going from 96% to 99% AFUE cuts gas use by about 3%. In a typical Ottawa home that is real but modest, so the stronger reason to buy a modulating furnace from either brand is comfort: longer, gentler cycles, fewer cold spots and quieter airflow. Our guide to high-efficiency furnaces compares the top models from five brands.
Air conditioners: Lennox vs Goodman
Ottawa’s cooling season is short but humid, with summer days over 30 °C and humidex readings of 35–40. That makes dehumidification and correct sizing more important than chasing the highest SEER2 number.
Lennox SL25KCV
Up to 26 SEER2 with a variable-capacity compressor and R-454B refrigerant. It is very quiet, but it must be paired with a Lennox communicating indoor unit and thermostat, which raises the system price.
Lennox Elite and Merit
The EL22KCV (up to 22.5 SEER2) and ML17KC2 two-stage (up to 18 SEER2) are where most Ottawa buyers land for a good balance of cost and comfort.
Goodman GXV9S and GXV6S
Inverter-driven, variable-speed units on R-32, up to 19 and 17.2 SEER2. They bring variable-speed dehumidification to a lower price point.
Goodman GLXS4B / GLXS5B
Simple single-stage workhorses at 15.2 to 16.5 SEER2, a sensible pick for a smaller home or a tight budget.
Older posts on this site claimed Lennox cuts cooling bills by around 40% versus Goodman. That is not a fair comparison. Savings depend on the SEER2 of the specific models, and a 19 SEER2 Goodman uses about the same electricity as a 19 SEER2 Lennox. See AC installation cost in Ottawa for current pricing.
Heat pumps: which brand handles −25 °C better?
If you are considering a heat pump, cold-climate performance is the deciding factor. Lennox has the deeper cold-climate line in 2026: the SL22KLV (up to 10.5 HSPF2), EL21KLV and EL18KSLV are all marketed as cold-climate models.
Goodman’s inverter heat pumps, such as the GZV7S and GZV6S (up to 19.0 SEER2 and 8.8 HSPF2), work well in Ottawa when paired with a gas furnace as a hybrid system. The heat pump carries the load down to roughly the balance point you set, then the furnace takes over in deep cold.
Either way, a heat pump in Ottawa needs backup heat, a proper load calculation and a contractor who sets the switchover temperature correctly. Read do heat pumps work in Ottawa winters? before you decide.
Cost: what each brand typically costs installed in Ottawa
We don’t publish brand-by-brand prices because the install (venting, gas line, ductwork, electrical, coil) can swing the total more than the brand does. These are typical Ottawa installed ranges in CAD, before rebates:
| System | Typical installed range | Where each brand usually lands |
|---|---|---|
| High-efficiency gas furnace (96–98% AFUE) | $4,500 – $8,500 (variable-speed/modulating up to ~$10,500) | Goodman lower to mid; Lennox Signature at the top |
| Central air conditioner | $4,000 – $8,000 | Goodman single-stage at the low end; Lennox variable-capacity at the high end |
| Furnace + AC combo | $8,000 – $15,000 | Brand plus efficiency tier decides the position |
| Ducted cold-climate heat pump (existing ducts) | $9,000 – $18,000 | Lennox cold-climate models toward the upper end |
The final price depends on your home, the equipment and the venting and ductwork involved. Oria gives free quotes on any equipment purchase, and financing starts from $49/month on approved credit. Rebates may be available; we check current programs for your home on every quote.
Reliability, noise and parts availability
Reliability: In our service calls, failures track installation quality and maintenance far more than brand. Dirty filters, poor drainage, low gas pressure and undersized return ducts kill furnaces and compressors from every manufacturer.
Noise: Lennox’s Signature and Elite equipment is noticeably quieter, especially the variable-capacity outdoor units. Goodman’s inverter models closed much of that gap; its basic single-stage condensers are louder, which matters if the unit sits beside a patio or a neighbour’s bedroom window.
Parts: Goodman parts are widely stocked by Ottawa supply houses, which helps on a cold January night. Lennox uses more proprietary parts on its communicating models, so it pays to use a Lennox dealer that keeps common components on hand.
Which one should you buy? Four common Ottawa scenarios
Forever home, comfort first
Lennox Signature or Elite with a modulating or two-stage furnace and a variable-capacity AC or cold-climate heat pump. Highest comfort and efficiency, highest price.
Best value for a family home
Goodman GMVC96 two-stage furnace with a GXV6S or GLXT7C AC, or a Lennox Merit/Elite mid-tier pairing. Most Ottawa homeowners land here.
Rental or selling within 10 years
Goodman single-stage 96% furnace and a 15–16 SEER2 condenser. Low upfront cost and solid parts coverage. Note that Goodman’s lifetime heat exchanger term applies only while the original registered owner lives in the home.
Planning to cut gas use
Hybrid system: a cold-climate heat pump from either brand paired with a 96%+ furnace. Lennox has more cold-climate options; Goodman costs less.
Questions to ask any contractor quoting Lennox or Goodman
- Did you do a room-by-room heat-loss calculation, or are you matching my old furnace size? (See our furnace sizing guide.)
- Which exact model numbers are quoted, and what is the matched AHRI rating for the system?
- Will you register the warranty for me, and who pays labour on a warranty repair in years 2–10?
- Are your technicians gas-licensed (TSSA) and refrigeration-licensed, and is the job permitted?
- Are venting, condensate drain, gas line, electrical, thermostat and haul-away included?
A good quote answers all five in writing. If the answers are vague, the brand on the box won’t save the install.
The bottom line
Lennox wins on peak efficiency, quiet operation and cold-climate heat pump choice. Goodman wins on upfront cost, parts availability and registered warranty value. In the middle tiers, they are close enough that the installer, sizing and price should decide.
Oria has installed and serviced both brands across Ottawa since 2014. If you want a straight comparison for your house, book a free quote for furnace installation or AC installation and we’ll quote both side by side, or call (613) 866-1869.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lennox better than Goodman?
Lennox is better for maximum efficiency and quiet operation: its SLP99V furnace reaches up to 99% AFUE and its SL25KCV air conditioner up to 26 SEER2. Goodman is better for value, with lower installed prices and a strong registered warranty. At the same efficiency tier, both perform similarly, so installation quality usually matters more than the brand.
Is Goodman a good furnace brand for Ottawa winters?
Yes. Goodman’s 96–98% AFUE furnaces are common in Ottawa and handle −25 °C design temperatures when sized correctly. The GMVM97 modulates for steady heat, and registered Goodman furnaces carry a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, 10 years on parts and a 10-year unit replacement if the heat exchanger fails. Annual maintenance keeps them reliable.
Why is Lennox more expensive than Goodman?
Lennox invests in premium features: variable-capacity compressors, modulating furnaces up to 99% AFUE, heavy sound insulation and communicating controls with the S40 thermostat. Its top models also need matched Lennox indoor units. Goodman focuses on proven, simpler designs built at large scale by parent company Daikin, which keeps equipment cost lower.
Who makes Goodman, and is it the same as Daikin?
Goodman has been owned by Daikin, the Japanese HVAC manufacturer, since 2012. Daikin also owns Amana. Goodman keeps its own product line and pricing, but shares engineering and manufacturing resources with Daikin. Some Daikin-branded furnaces and Goodman furnaces use similar platforms, with different warranties and price points.
Which lasts longer, a Lennox or a Goodman furnace?
Both typically last 15 to 20 years in Ottawa when installed correctly and maintained every year. Lifespan depends far more on correct sizing, airflow, gas pressure, venting and regular filter changes than on brand. A well-installed Goodman will outlast a poorly installed Lennox, and the reverse is also true.
Does Oria install both Lennox and Goodman?
Yes. Oria Heating and Cooling is a Lennox authorized dealer and also installs Goodman and other major brands. We repair all makes and models. On a free quote we can quote both brands side by side for the same house so you can compare price, efficiency and warranty directly.
Do Lennox and Goodman air conditioners use the new refrigerants?
Yes. New Lennox air conditioners and heat pumps use R-454B, and Goodman’s current line uses R-32. Both replace R-410A, which is being phased down. If you have an older R-22 system, it cannot be recharged economically, so replacing it with an R-454B or R-32 system is usually the better choice.
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