Lennox Rooftop Units: Reliable HVAC for Calgary Businesses
Lennox is North America’s largest commercial HVAC manufacturer. If your business uses a Lennox rooftop unit, you’re part of a trusted legacy. Thousands of Calgary commercial buildings rely on Lennox systems.
At Next Air, we’ve installed, serviced, and repaired more Lennox commercial systems than any other brand. This guide covers everything about maintaining and optimizing your Lennox RTU.
At Next Air, we’ve installed, serviced, and repaired more Lennox commercial systems than any other brand. This guide covers everything about maintaining and optimizing your Lennox RTU.
FAST FACTS: Lennox Commercial RTUs
- Most Popular in Calgary: 40% of commercial buildings
- Expected Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper maintenance
- Efficiency (SEER): 15-18.5 (solid mid-to-high range)
- Typical Size: 3-10 ton units (common commercial range)
- Installed Cost: $8,000-$18,000 (varies by capacity)
- Annual Maintenance: $1,200-$2,000 (4 quarterly services)
- Reliability: Proven track record, parts readily available
- Next Air Expertise: Deep experience, quick diagnostics
Why Lennox Rooftop Units
Proven Performance in Calgary
- Cold Weather Reliability
- Designed for Canadian climate extremes
- Compressor starts reliably at -30°C
- Oil circulation optimized for cold
- No special winterization needed (standard maintenance sufficient)
- Build Quality
- Heavy-duty outdoor construction
- Corrosion-resistant materials (important in Calgary’s dry climate)
- Components rated for 20+ year lifespan
- Proven longevity
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Lower equipment cost than Carrier
- Competitive with Daikin for value
- Good ROI over system lifetime
- Affordable maintenance parts
- Service Availability
- Parts stocked at most HVAC suppliers in Calgary
- Multiple technicians trained on Lennox
- Repair turnaround fast (parts usually same-day)
- Support network strong
Popular Lennox RTU Models
Standard Rooftop Units
- Lennox XC Series – Entry-level, reliable, SEER 15
- Lennox Energence Series – Mid-range, SEER 16-18
- Lennox Signature Series – Premium efficiency, SEER 18+
Heating RTUs
- Lennox G Series – Gas heating rooftop unit
- Lennox Heat Pump Series – Electric heating (growing in popularity)
Maintenance Schedule for Lennox RTUs
Monthly Tasks (DIY)
Visual Check (10 minutes)
- Look at unit from ground
- Check for debris, leaves, dirt
- Listen for sounds
- Verify fan operation
- Remove leaves/branches
- Use low-pressure water to rinse
- Keep 18 inches clear around unit
Quarterly Professional Service
What We Check Every 3 Months:
- Refrigerant pressure and charge level
- Electrical connections (corrosion, tightness)
- Filter inspection and replacement
- Condenser coil condition (visual)
- System performance measurement
- Ductwork visual inspection
Annual Deep Service
Comprehensive Check (September/October):
Total Annual Investment: $1,800-$2,400 Expected Savings: $3,000-$5,000 in prevented repairs + energy efficiency gains
- Professional coil cleaning (chemical + pressure wash)
- Full ductwork inspection and sealing check
- Thermostat calibration and testing
- Safety inspection (electrical, gas safety if applicable)
- Flame sensor cleaning (if furnace component)
- Detailed written report with photos
Total Annual Investment: $1,800-$2,400 Expected Savings: $3,000-$5,000 in prevented repairs + energy efficiency gains
Common Lennox RTU Issues & Solutions
Issue #1: Refrigerant Leaks
Symptoms:
- System runs but doesn’t cool/heat efficiently
- Oil staining around connections
- Hissing sounds
- Frost on outdoor unit
- Connection corrosion (salt/mineral deposits in Calgary air)
- Vibration loosening seals over years
- Age-related seal degradation
- Poor installation (rare)
- Call us for leak location
- Seal the leak (braze/solder connection)
- Evacuate and recharge refrigerant
- Test system
Issue #2: Dirty Coils (Calgary Dust Problem)
Symptoms:
- System running but not reaching setpoint
- Energy bills climbing
- Unit running constantly
- Calgary’s dry climate = dust/dirt accumulation
- Outdoor air + coil cooling = dust sticks
- Happens faster than other climates
- Even 6 months can show buildup
- Chemical coil cleaner (EPA-approved)
- Pressure wash (low pressure, proper technique)
- Compressed air drying
- Performance test after
Issue #3: Electrical Problems
Symptoms:
- Unit won’t start
- Breaker tripping
- Intermittent operation
- Burnt smell
- Contactor (relay) failure (common after 10+ years)
- Capacitor failure (typical after 8-12 years)
- Compressor electrical issue
- Wiring degradation
- Check breaker (flip to ON if OFF)
- If breaker trips again: STOP. Call us
- If smell: Evacuate and call emergency
- Capacitor: $200-$400
- Contactor: $300-$600
- Compressor electrical: $1,500-$3,000
Energy Efficiency Tips for Lennox RTUs
Quick Wins (Do This Week)
- Filter Changes
- Check monthly, replace when gray/dirty
- Cost: $15-$40 per filter
- Savings: $100-$200/month in electricity
- Thermostat Optimization
- Winter: 68-70°F during business, 62-65°F after hours
- Summer: 76-78°F during business, 82°F after hours
- Savings: 3-5% per degree = $100-$300/month
- Condenser Cleaning (DIY)
- Monthly debris removal
- Low-pressure water rinse
- Cost: Free
- Savings: Prevent efficiency loss
Medium-Term Upgrades (3-6 months)
- Upgrade Filters to Higher MERV Rating
- Current: Standard MERV 8 filter
- Upgrade: MERV 11-13 filter
- Cost: $30-$60 per filter (still cheap)
- Benefit: Better indoor air quality + slight efficiency boost
- Savings: $20-$40/month in energy
- Professional Ductwork Sealing
- Have us inspect ductwork for leaks
- Seal with mastic/tape if leaks found
- Cost: $500-$1,500
- Payback: 3-8 months (from energy savings)
Lennox RTU vs. Competitors
| Feature | Lennox | Amana | Daikin | Carrier |
| SEER Rating | 15-18.5 | 15-17 | 18-20 | 18-19 |
| Lifespan | 15-20 | 15-18 | 18-20 | 16-20 |
| Cold Weather | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Parts Cost | Low-Medium | Low | Medium-High | High |
| Service Cost | Low-Medium | Low-Medium | Medium | Medium-High |
| Installed Cost | $$ | $$ | $$-$$$ | $$$ |
| Best For | Value + reliability | Budget | Efficiency | Premium |
Lennox RTU Upgrade Path
If Your Lennox is 12-15 Years Old
Consider upgrading to higher-efficiency model:
- Current: SEER 15
- New: SEER 18-20
- Cost: $15,000-$25,000 installed
- Energy savings: $2,000-$3,000/year
- Payback: 5-12 years
- Federal rebates available: $3,000-$5,000
Get Professional Lennox RTU Service
NEXT AIR LENNOX SERVICES:
✓ Emergency repair 24/7 ✓ Quarterly maintenance plans ✓ Professional coil cleaning ✓ Efficiency assessments ✓ Upgrade consultations ✓ System design & installation (if replacing)
CALL NOW: (587) 329-8603 CONTACT US EMERGENCY? 24/7 Available We’ve serviced more Lennox RTUs in Calgary than anyone else. You’re in good hands.
CALL NOW: (587) 329-8603 CONTACT US EMERGENCY? 24/7 Available We’ve serviced more Lennox RTUs in Calgary than anyone else. You’re in good hands.