Luxaire began as the C.A. Olsen Manufacturing Company in 1939 which made coal and gas furnaces. More than 60% of U.S. army barracks during WWII were heated by Luxaire units.
The company grew with the industry, including the manufacturing of central air conditioning units in the early 1950s. In 1955, Westinghouse bought the company and a decade later the name was changed to Luxaire.
Luxaire was purchased by Johnson Controls in 1981 and remains one of its brands along with York and Coleman HVAC brands. Luxaire, Coleman and York product lineups are essentially the same.
Luxaire Residential HVAC Equipment
Luxaire is considered a medium-large manufacturer. It has a very good product lineup and makes a full range of HVAC equipment. The brand produces:
- Gas furnaces
- Central air conditioners
- Air-source heat pumps
- Air handlers
- Ductless systems
- Packaged units
- Indoor air quality ventilators and air cleaners
Like many companies, Luxaire makes three distinct tiers of products. The Acclimate Series is the best; the LX Series is next and the Climasure offers lower prices. We review many of the individual models, so see our HVAC reviews for more information including HVAC prices.
Luxaire Acclimate Series: Luxaire has stepped it up in the last generation of products to make the Acclimate Series competitive with the better brands in the industry. Top gas furnaces offer modulating heat and variable-speed blowers. Air conditioners and heat pumps are two-stage models that produce better climate control and comfort.
Efficiency levels are good but not fantastic. Many models are Energy Star rated, though top models can’t compare the best from Lennox, Carrier, Maytag and others. Warranties are good, though they’re not among the best in the industry for a brand’s best line.
Luxaire LX Series: This line offers good equipment at a reasonable price. Most models are single stage, but a few two-stage models for heating and cooling are available.
Luxaire Climasure: This line offers the most competitive prices in the Luxaire stable of products. Warranties are not great, and efficiency levels are pretty basic. However, these units provide a low-cost alternative when price savings are more important than high efficiency or outstanding quality.
Reasons to Buy Luxaire HVAC Equipment
When you compare the top Luxaire products to the top models from Lennox, Carrier, Trane and a few other top brands, you won’t get the same efficiency or quality, but you will get lower prices.
This reality makes Luxaire a good choice for those who don’t intend to live in their homes more than 7-10 years and don’t want to spend the extra money for better equipment they won’t get use from. Your best bet with Luxaire equipment is to have it installed by a qualified contractor and then keep it maintained regularly in the years ahead.
If you want good equipment, good warranties and good efficiency, and don’t need the best of anything, Luxaire residential HVAC products can provide a very good 10-15 year heating and cooling solution.