Lennox Elite EL296V Review

🔥Lennox EL296V Furnace Review

This Lennox EL296V Furnace Review takes a close look at one of Lennox’s most popular mid-range, high-efficiency gas furnaces, designed for Canadian homeowners who want quiet operation, strong performance, and smart-home compatibility—without paying Signature Collection prices.

Positioned in the Elite Series, the EL296V sits comfortably between entry-level Merit models and Lennox’s premium furnaces. It combines two-stage heating, a variable-speed blower, and 96% AFUE efficiency, making it well suited for cold Canadian climates and medium-to-large homes.

⭐ In a Nutshell

• Average Installed Price (Canada): $6,800 – $7,400

• Efficiency: 96% AFUE

• Burner Type: Two-stage

• Blower Motor: Variable-speed

• ENERGY STAR® Certified: Yes

• Best For: Homeowners seeking quiet, efficient, mid-range comfort

💡 Key Benefits

• 96% AFUE efficiency helps lower heating costs

• Two-stage heating reduces temperature swings and noise

• Variable-speed blower improves airflow, comfort, and humidity control

• Quiet operation with sound-absorbing insulation

• Smart thermostat compatibility with advanced automation features

• Dual-fuel capability when paired with a compatible heat pump

⭐Top Features

• High fuel efficiency with a secondary heat exchanger to reduce heat waste

• Variable-speed blower motor for quieter, more efficient operation

• Two-stage burner for consistent heating and reduced energy use

• ENERGY STAR® certified for potential rebate eligibility

• Compatible with Lennox’s iComfort® E30 smart thermostat

• Excellent humidity control (especially when paired with a compatible AC unit)

• Sound-absorbing insulation for whisper-quiet operation

• Dual-fuel capability when combined with an electric heat pump

• Designed for long-lasting performance with Lennox-exclusive parts like the SureLight® ignitor

• Backed by Lennox’s standard limited warranty

🏆 The Bottom Line

The Lennox EL296V Furnace Review is a strong choice for homeowners who want high efficiency, consistent comfort, and quiet performance without stepping into Lennox’s ultra-premium tier. While its warranty coverage is standard rather than class-leading, the EL296V stands out for its two-stage heating, variable-speed operation, and ENERGY STAR® certification, making it a dependable long-term option for Canadian homes.

⚙️ Product Specifications

🛠️ Design & Performance Features

The EL296V is engineered for durability, quiet operation, and service-friendly maintenance:

• Secondary heat exchanger improves fuel efficiency by capturing more heat

• Duralok Plus™ clamshell heat exchanger minimizes air leaks and maximizes heat transfer

• SureLight® silicon nitride ignitor ensures reliable, long-lasting ignition

• Sealed blower compartment reduces heat loss and air leakage

• Sound-absorbing insulation helps keep operating noise low

• Seven-segment LED diagnostic display stores up to 10 service codes

🆕 New & Notable Features

• Variable-speed blower motor adapts airflow precisely to heating demand

• Advanced humidity control when paired with a compatible air conditioner

• Factory-designed installation features help reduce setup time and errors

⚙️ Core Performance & Efficiency

With a 96% AFUE rating, the EL296V converts most of the fuel it consumes into usable heat. Its two-stage burner allows the furnace to run at a lower output most of the time, improving comfort and reducing energy waste.

The variable-speed blower motor further enhances efficiency by delivering smooth, consistent airflow, helping eliminate hot and cold spots throughout the home.

🔇 Noise & Quiet Operation

Quiet performance is a highlight of the EL296V:

• Sound-absorbing cabinet insulation

• Sealed blower compartment

• Two-stage heating avoids abrupt on/off cycling

This makes it ideal for homes with living spaces near the furnace.

🛡️ Design, Protection & Serviceability

• Proprietary Lennox components for reliability

• Easy-access service panels

• Diagnostic memory helps technicians troubleshoot faster

👁️ Optional / Smart Features

When paired with the iComfort® E30 smart thermostat, the EL296V supports:

• Energy-saving “Away” mode

• Geofencing-based temperature adjustments

• Outdoor air quality monitoring with automatic fan control

• Voice control via Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant

It’s also compatible with Lennox PureAir™ air purification systems and home humidifiers.

🧾 Warranty Coverage

• Lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger

• 10-year limited warranty on covered parts

Registration within 60 days of installation is required for full coverage. Warranty terms may vary by province.

➕ Pros & Cons

Pros

• High 96% AFUE efficiency

• Quiet, consistent heating

• Variable-speed comfort control

• ENERGY STAR® certified

• Smart thermostat compatibility

Cons

• Higher upfront installation cost

• Warranty coverage is standard for the price tier

• Not a modulating furnace

🔍Comparable Lennox Models

1. Price Comparison: EL296V vs. SLP99V (Signature Collection)

The SLP99V is Lennox’s most premium model, costing around $7,200–$7,800 with installation.

For the higher price, you get a modulating burner, variable-speed blower, and an industry-leading 99% AFUE rating. It’s the most efficient furnace Lennox offers—but the price difference may not justify the small efficiency gain for every homeowner.

Summary: The SLP99V offers maximum efficiency and comfort at a higher cost. The EL296V delivers excellent value for most homeowners.

2. Feature Comparison: EL296V vs. EL195NE

The EL195NE is also part of the Elite series, but it features ultra-low NOx emissions, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

However, it’s a single-stage furnace with a constant torque motor and a 95% AFUE, so it’s not as efficient or as quiet as the EL296V.

If eco-friendliness and low emissions are your main concerns, the EL195NE may appeal more—but for performance and comfort, the EL296V wins easily.

Summary: Choose the EL195NE for lower emissions; choose the EL296V for better comfort and efficiency.

3. Tier Comparison: EL296V vs. EL196E

The EL196E is another mid-range Elite model with the same 96% AFUE, but it’s a single-stage furnace with a constant torque motor.

While both are ENERGY STAR® certified, the EL296V’s two-stage heating and variable-speed fan give it a big advantage in comfort, quietness, and energy efficiency—especially for larger homes or colder climates.

✅Final Thoughts

The Lennox EL296V Furnace Review is a strong mid-tier option that offers a great mix of efficiency, quiet performance, and smart-home compatibility.

It’s ideal for homeowners who want:

• A reliable, high-efficiency furnace

• Balanced performance and value

• Advanced comfort features without paying premium-tier prices

While its warranty could be more generous, its two-stage heating, variable-speed operation, and ENERGY STAR® certification make it one of Lennox’s most dependable and efficient mid-range furnaces.

📞Get Quotes – Fast & Free

Considering the Lennox EL296V Furnace Review ?
Compare licensed Canadian HVAC contractors, receive accurate installation quotes, and ensure your system is properly sized and professionally installed.

👉 Request free furnace quotes today