Is Rheem furnace better than Lennox?

Is Rheem furnace better than Lennox depends on whether you prioritize value pricing and cheaper repairs or highest efficiency and quietest operation. Lennox furnaces like ML296V two-stage 96 percent AFUE, EL296V two-stage variable speed 96 percent AFUE, and SLP99V modulating 99 percent AFUE most efficient are premium brand made in Marshalltown, Iowa, offering highest efficiency in industry at 99 percent AFUE versus Rheem max 98 percent AFUE, quietest operation at 60 decibels with SilentComfort versus Rheem at 68 to 72 decibels, modulating gas valve that adjusts from 35 to 100 percent capacity for ultimate even heating, and innovative features like iComfort communicating, costing 3,000 to 9,000 dollars installed, with service rates around 9 to 12 percent similar to Rheem. Rheem furnaces like R92, R96V, and R98V are value mid-range brand made in Fort Smith, Arkansas, offering 92 to 98 percent AFUE efficiency, service rates around 9 to 12 percent similar to Lennox, but 10 to 20 percent cheaper upfront at 3,000 to 6,500 dollars versus Lennox at 3,000 to 9,000 dollars for comparable, and standard parts that cost 20 to 30 percent less than Lennox proprietary parts, for example control board at 300 to 600 dollars versus Lennox at 400 to 700 dollars, making repairs cheaper. Both offer 10-year parts and lifetime heat exchanger warranties. For homeowners wanting most efficient and quietest and staying long term, Lennox is slightly better. For budget-conscious wanting decent reliability at lower cost, Rheem is better value.