| Square Footage | Furnace BTU |
|---|---|
| 1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home | 40,000 - 60,000 BTU |
| 1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home | 60,000 BTU |
| 1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home | 60,000 - 80,000 BTU |
| 1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home | 80,000 - 100,000 BTU |
| 2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home | 100,000 to 120,000 BTU |
The Lennox EL196E Furnace Review focuses on a dependable, high-efficiency furnace from Lennox’s Elite® Series. Positioned in the brand’s mid-range lineup, the EL196E is designed for homeowners who want ENERGY STAR® efficiency, quiet operation, and Lennox build quality—without stepping up to the higher cost of the Dave Lennox Signature Collection.
With a 96% AFUE rating, condensing technology, and a constant torque blower, the EL196E delivers reliable heating and steady comfort for Canadian homes, particularly in moderate climates and mid-sized spaces.
Average Installation Cost (Canada): $4,200 – $4,800
AFUE Efficiency: 96%
Heating Stages: Single-stage
Blower Motor: Power Saver™ constant torque
ENERGY STAR® Certified: Yes
Best For: Mid-sized homes, moderate climates, quiet and efficient heating
96% AFUE efficiency helps reduce natural gas consumption
ENERGY STAR® certified for improved energy performance
Quiet burner and fully insulated cabinet minimize noise
Condensing heat exchanger recovers more usable heat
Constant torque motor delivers steady airflow and comfort
Smart thermostat compatibility for added convenience
Dual-fuel capable when paired with a Lennox heat pump
Quiet burner and insulated cabinet for reduced noise
Secondary heat exchanger for improved efficiency and reduced fuel waste
96% AFUE with ENERGY STAR® certification
Power Saver™ constant torque motor for steady, efficient airflow
Condensing technology for greater heat recovery
Compatible with air filters, humidifiers, and Lennox smart thermostats
SureLight® silicon nitride ignitor for reliable startups
Standard Lennox warranty coverage
The Lennox EL196E Furnace Review is a practical mid-range furnace that balances efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Its single-stage operation keeps the system simple and dependable, while its high AFUE rating and condensing design help lower heating costs compared to older furnaces.
That said, homeowners in very cold Canadian regions or larger homes may find better comfort and consistency with a two-stage or variable-capacity model. For moderate climates and average-sized homes, the EL196E offers strong value within Lennox’s Elite lineup.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| AFUE | 96% |
| Burner Type | Single-stage |
| Blower Type | Constant torque |
| ENERGY STAR® | Yes |
| Heat Exchanger | Duralok Plus® |
| Ignition | SureLight® silicon nitride |
| Dual-Fuel Ready | Yes |
Lennox equips the EL196E with proven, proprietary components focused on durability and efficiency:
Power Saver™ Constant Torque Motor – Adjusts airflow automatically for balanced temperatures and improved efficiency
SureLight® Silicon Nitride Ignitor – Reliable ignition with long service life
Duralok Plus® Heat Exchanger – Clamshell design reduces air leakage and improves heat transfer
Fully Insulated Cabinet – Helps contain heat and reduce operating noise
The furnace is also prepped for easier installation, with factory-installed flanges, flue collars, and pre-drilled mounting points that can help reduce labour time.
With 96% AFUE, the EL196E converts nearly all the fuel it uses into usable heat. Its single-stage burner operates at one consistent output level, which works well in homes with steady heating demands.
The condensing heat exchanger captures additional heat from exhaust gases, while the constant torque blower maintains even airflow across heating and cooling cycles—supporting comfort and efficiency year-round.
Quiet performance is a strong point of the EL196E. Sound-absorbing insulation, a sealed blower compartment, and a smooth-operating burner help keep operational noise low, making it suitable for homes where the furnace is installed near living areas.
The EL196E is compatible with the Lennox iComfort® E30 Smart Thermostat, which adds advanced control and monitoring features, including:
System diagnostics and active monitoring
Automatic service alerts
Geofencing temperature adjustments
Voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Air quality and pollen response with automatic fan adjustments
Lennox provides solid warranty protection on the EL196E:
Lifetime Limited Heat Exchanger Warranty
10-Year Limited Parts Warranty (registration required within 60 days)
If the unit is not registered, parts coverage drops to 5 years. Installation by a licensed HVAC professional is required to maintain warranty validity. Unlike some competitors, Lennox does not include a full unit replacement warranty.
Pros
High 96% AFUE efficiency
ENERGY STAR® certified
Quiet, insulated design
Reliable Lennox components
Smart thermostat compatibility
Cons
Single-stage heating only
Less consistent comfort in very cold climates
No unit replacement warranty
The SL297NV from the Dave Lennox Signature Collection costs significantly more — typically between $7,000 and $7,600 installed.
Here’s what the higher price gets you:
| Feature | EL196E | SL297NV |
|---|---|---|
| AFUE | 96% | 97.5% |
| Heating | Single-stage | Two-stage |
| Blower | Constant torque | Variable-speed |
| Best For | Moderate climates | Cold Canadian climates |
In short, the SL297NV offers quieter operation, higher performance, and better rebate opportunities — ideal for cold Canadian climates.
The SLP99V is Lennox’s top-of-the-line furnace and one of the most efficient models on the market with a 99% AFUE rating.
Key differences include:
Modulating burner and variable-capacity operation (fine-tuned in 1% increments)
Ultra-quiet performance
Smart thermostat integration with system diagnostics and air quality adjustments
Maximum rebate eligibility and energy savings
If you want the quietest, most advanced furnace available, the SLP99V is unmatched — though it comes with a steep price tag.
| Feature | EL196E | SLP99V |
|---|---|---|
| AFUE | 96% | 99% |
| Heating | Single-stage | Modulating |
| Comfort Level | Good | Excellent |
| Price Tier | Mid-range | Premium |
The EL195NE is another Elite series model that shares many similarities with the EL196E.
Key differences:
| Feature | EL196E | EL195NE |
|---|---|---|
| AFUE | 96% | 95% |
| Emissions | Standard | Ultra-low NOx |
| Best For | Efficiency-focused | Eco-focused homes |
Both models feature quiet operation, Lennox smart thermostat compatibility, and durable components.
If you value eco-friendliness, the EL195NE might appeal more; if you prefer slightly higher efficiency, go for the EL196E.
The Lennox EL196E Furnace Review offers a strong balance between cost, comfort, and efficiency. It’s reliable, quiet, and ENERGY STAR® certified, making it a practical choice for mid-sized homes in moderate climates.
However, homeowners in extremely cold regions — or those seeking maximum energy savings — should consider upgrading to a two-stage or variable-capacity model like the SL297NV or SLP99V.
For those who want Lennox quality without paying premium prices, the EL196E is a dependable, efficient option that delivers solid value for your investment.
The installation or replacement cost of any furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump in Canada can vary based on several important factors:
Size of the home and required furnace sizing
Your province and climate conditions (Ontario, hamilton, burlington, etc.)
Overall installation difficulty and labour hours
The need for ductwork upgrades
Pricing and experience of local HVAC contractors
We proudly help homeowners across Canada compare furnace prices, get installation quotes, and find trusted HVAC contractors. Here are some of the top cities where we provide service:
Hamilton • Burlington • Brantford • Cambridge • Kitchener • Milton • Oakville
Whether you’re upgrading your furnace, replacing an old system, or comparing HVAC quotes, our certified contractors are available to assist you in all major regions across Ontario and beyond.
Get free quotes from trusted HVAC professionals in your city and compare furnace installation costs instantly.
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These affiliations ensure reliable service, certified expertise, and consistent installation quality across Canada.
Q.Is the Lennox EL196E good for Canadian winters?
It performs well in moderate climates, but colder regions benefit more from two-stage or variable-capacity models.
Q.Does the EL196E qualify for rebates?
ENERGY STAR® certification may qualify for local incentives, depending on region and program availability.
Q.How loud is the EL196E?
It’s quieter than many entry-level furnaces thanks to its insulated cabinet and smooth operation.
Q.Can it work with a heat pump?
Yes, it supports dual-fuel configurations.
Homeowners in moderate Canadian climates
Mid-sized homes with steady heating needs
Buyers who want Lennox quality without premium pricing
Large homes in very cold regions
Homeowners seeking maximum comfort or modulating heating
Considering the Lennox EL196E Furnace Review?
Compare installation costs in Canada, efficiency, and warranty options—get free quotes from trusted local HVAC contractors and see if this furnace fits your home.
