| 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 |
This Lennox Elite EL296E Furnace Review covers a high-efficiency, mid-range gas furnace designed for Canadian homeowners who want quiet performance, consistent comfort, and lower energy bills without stepping into Lennox’s premium price tier.
Part of the Lennox Elite Series, the EL296E is ENERGY STAR® certified and built to handle cold Canadian winters with ease. Its two-stage heating system and Power Saver™ constant torque motor allow it to run efficiently at lower speeds most of the time, improving comfort while reducing noise and fuel consumption.
Average Installed Price (Canada): $6,600 – $7,200
Efficiency: 96% AFUE
Burner Type: Two-stage
Blower Motor: Constant torque (multi-speed)
ENERGY STAR® Certified: Yes
Best For: Medium-to-large homes needing efficient, quiet, and reliable heating
96% AFUE efficiency helps reduce annual heating costs
Two-stage heating delivers steady temperatures and quieter operation
Constant torque blower motor automatically adjusts airflow for comfort and humidity control
Durable Lennox construction designed for long service life
Smart thermostat compatibility unlocks advanced comfort features
Dual-fuel capable when paired with a compatible heat pump
Secondary heat exchanger for better fuel efficiency
Constant torque motor with multiple airflow speeds
ENERGY STAR® certified, with a 96% AFUE rating
Quiet and efficient performance
Durable components and construction
May qualify for energy rebates
Proprietary Lennox heat exchanger, blower motor, and ignition system
Compatible with air filters and humidifiers
Standard industry warranty coverage
The Lennox Elite EL296E Furnace Review is an excellent choice for homeowners who want high efficiency, reliable performance, and quiet comfort—without paying for top-tier modulating technology. While the upfront installation cost in Canada is on the higher side, its energy savings, comfort consistency, and strong warranty coverage make it a smart long-term investment for cold climates.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| AFUE | 96% |
| Burner Type | Two-stage |
| Blower Motor | Constant torque |
| ENERGY STAR® | Yes |
| Heating Technology | Condensing gas furnace |
The EL296E is built with practical, service-friendly design elements that enhance reliability and ease of installation:
Secondary heat exchanger improves fuel efficiency
Duralok Plus™ heat exchanger enhances heat transfer and durability
Clamshell heat exchanger design reduces air leaks and improves efficiency
Factory-prepared flanges and flue collars help reduce installation time
LED diagnostic display allows technicians to quickly identify service codes
Insulated blower compartment minimizes operational noise
Power Saver™ constant torque motor automatically adjusts airflow for comfort and efficiency
Ultra-low continuous fan option supports efficient air circulation
SureLight® silicon nitride ignitor ensures reliable, long-lasting ignition
Factory-tested reliability for consistent long-term performance
With a 96% AFUE rating, the EL296E converts most of the fuel it consumes into usable heat. Its two-stage burner allows the furnace to operate at a lower output during milder conditions and ramp up only when needed—reducing energy waste and improving comfort.
The constant torque blower motor helps maintain even temperatures throughout the home while supporting better humidity control during cooling seasons.
Quiet performance is a strong point of the EL296E:
Sound-absorbing insulation
Insulated blower compartment
Two-stage heating reduces loud start-stop cycles
This makes it well suited for homes with finished basements or living spaces near the furnace.
Proprietary Lennox heat exchanger and ignition system for reliability
Easy-access panels simplify maintenance
Factory-tested components ensure long-term durability
When paired with the iComfort® E30 smart thermostat, the EL296E supports:
Energy-saving “away mode”
Geofencing for automatic temperature adjustment
Outdoor air quality monitoring with automatic fan control
Voice control via Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and other platforms
The furnace is also compatible with air filters, humidifiers, and the Lennox PureAir™ purification system.
Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger
10-year limited warranty on covered parts
Registration within 60 days of installation is required to maintain full warranty coverage. Warranty terms may vary by province.
Pros
High 96% AFUE efficiency
Quiet, consistent heating
Strong lifetime heat exchanger warranty
Smart thermostat compatibility
Suitable for cold Canadian climates
Cons
Higher upfront installation cost
Not a fully modulating furnace
Premium pricing compared to entry-level models
| Model | Series | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Lennox Merit ML296V | Merit | Lower price, shorter heat exchanger warranty |
| Lennox Elite EL195NE | Elite | Single-stage, lower AFUE, ultra-low NOx |
| Lennox Signature SLP99V | Signature | 99% AFUE, modulating burner, premium pricing |
The ML296V, part of Lennox’s entry-level Merit series, offers similar performance for a lower price—typically $4,200–$4,800 installed.
Although the ML296V is from a lower tier, it still offers:
| Feature | EL296E | ML296V |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Elite | Merit |
| AFUE | 96% | 96% |
| Heating | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Installed Price (Canada) | $6,600–$7,200 | $4,200–$4,800 |
| Heat Exchanger Warranty | Lifetime | 20-year |
| Best For | Long-term value | Lower upfront cost |
The main difference is warranty coverage—its 20-year heat exchanger warranty is shorter than the lifetime coverage offered with the EL296E.
The SLP99V is Lennox’s top-tier model and one of the most efficient furnaces in the industry with a 99% AFUE rating.
It features a variable-capacity modulating burner and superior noise reduction. The SLP99V also pairs with the iComfort® S30 thermostat, which offers advanced automation and climate control features beyond what the E30 provides.
If maximum comfort and energy efficiency are your priorities, the SLP99V is the best choice—but at a higher cost
| Feature | EL296E | SLP99V |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Elite | Signature |
| AFUE | 96% | 99% |
| Heating Type | Two-stage | Modulating |
| Noise Level | Quiet | Ultra-quiet |
| Smart Thermostat | iComfort® E30 | iComfort® S30 |
| Price Tier | Mid-range | Premium |
Both models belong to the Elite series, but they differ in performance and environmental impact.
The EL195NE has a single-stage burner and 95% AFUE, making it better suited for smaller homes or milder climates. Its key advantage is its ultra-low NOx burner, which produces fewer emissions and is more eco-friendly.
If environmental impact is a priority, the EL195NE is a good choice. For better performance and efficiency in colder regions, the EL296E remains superior.
| Feature | EL296E | EL195NE |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Elite | Elite |
| AFUE | 96% | 95% |
| Heating | Two-stage | Single-stage |
| Emissions | Standard | Ultra-low NOx |
| Best For | Cold climates | Eco-focused homes |
The Lennox Elite EL296E Furnace Review offers a strong balance of efficiency, comfort, and performance. Its two-stage heating, constant torque motor, and smart thermostat compatibility make it ideal for homeowners seeking reliable, quiet, and energy-saving comfort — without stepping up to the premium price tier.
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.
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Is the Lennox EL296E a high-efficiency furnace?
Yes, it offers a 96% AFUE efficiency rating.
Is the EL296E quiet?
Yes, sound insulation and two-stage heating keep noise levels low.
Does it support smart thermostats?
Yes, it works with the iComfort® E30 thermostat.
Is this furnace good for Canadian winters?
Yes, it’s designed to perform reliably in cold climates.
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