Today the Lennox Merit Series consists of two air conditioner models: the 13ACX and the 14ACX. The 13ACX has a SEER of 13 while the 14ACX can reach a SEER of 14 and is Energy Star-qualified. The manufacturer calls this series an “economical” option for efficiently cooling your home.
The Merit air conditioners employ a high-efficiency scroll compressor and direct-drive fan. This fan is precision-balanced for longevity and quiet operational noise. Merit units are designed to work with the manufacturer’s indoor dehumidification system, Humiditrol.
The outdoor coil transfers heat efficiently and is protected by a PermaGuard cabinet. This cabinet is made of heavy-gauge galvanized steel and has louvered coil guards. Furthermore, the base pan is protected from corrosion by its zinc-coating.
I bought a Merit Series air conditioner, Model 13ACX in May 2016. The air conditioner condenser fan motor would not turn when we started the air conditioner in the spring of 2017. The motor was replaced under warranty. In July 2018, the AC condenser fan motor sounded significantly more noisy inside the house than the previous months of use since installed. The motor was diagnosed as bad and replaced again! The noise is still the same as before the replacement, but I was assured the motor is okay now. This is the third motor in 26 months! The service technician said Lennox "ran into a batch of bad motors." I am now paying for the diagnostic and labor calls ($210 to fix this most recent). Think twice when choosing a system.
M. Harding
Albany, OR
"Bad Evaporator Coil"
1.0 rating
Very Unsatisfied
If you are considering purchasing a Lennox a/c until I'd advise doing research on their evaporator coils and class action settlement several years back. While the coil may be covered under warranty you need to cover labor and refrigerant out of pocket which is typically > $1000. Ours broke within 3 years and an extra $1500 on top of $5400 paid for the install. Beware!
Joe Tran
Philadelphia, PA
"So far so good"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
I know this I a cheaper unit but its 4 years now and its been great. After reading other reviews I guess I can expect some issues in the next 2-3 years. For now, it cools fine and it was reasonably priced.
ronny tucker
Denver, CO
"Lennox Air Conditioners Are Amazing"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
We have had this air conditioner for going on 6 years, and we love it. We are a family of people who can never agree on how to keep the house, warm or cold or somewhere in-between. So over these years we have set it to 65 at night and woken up a few hours later to pump it up. Then again turn down the temperature a few hours later when the sun comes out and it gets hot outside. It detects when there's a temperature flux very quickly, as there have been times when someone in the house is a bit cold and opens a window in their room, and just a few minutes later the air conditioner comes back on. We make sure to have it checked once every six months, and we replace the filter every six months also. Another bonus is the filters are not expensive, and since we have kept up the maintenance on our Lennox air conditioner we have never had an issue with it. Nothing broken, nothing ever having to be fix or replaced. It wasn't expensive to begin with and again, 6 years later and it's still going strong, It was worth every penny.
McHenry, IL
"Ten Years and Running Smooth"
5.0 rating
Very Satisfied
I am very satisfied with this Lennox unit. We live in a very hot climate and it has never failed to keep up with the heat. If I ever buy another air conditioner, it will be a Lennox.
Reviews on Lennox Merit air conditioners are varied. One contributor to an hvac-talk.com discussion forum suggests that this is a bottom-of-the-line unit. He cites problems such as an exposed coil, a stamped top and noisy operation. However, a homeowner posting a review of the product says that the “solidly built” 13ACX is a good value for what it is. Dealers emphasize the need for homeowners to work with a well-respected dealer for a good installation and to understand the details of the warranty.
Merit Warranty
The Lennox websites indicate the unit is covered by a 5-year limited warranty on covered parts and homeowners may be able to purchase a 10-year limited extended warranty. Online registration is required for full warranty terms to apply. Homeowners should discuss warranty information with the dealer for clear details and consider additional purchases that are needed for the warranty to apply.
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