Lennox ML196 vs ML296: Single-Stage or Two-Stage Furnace?

Short answer: Both Lennox Merit furnaces are 96% AFUE, so they burn about the same gas. The ML296 adds two-stage heating and a variable-speed blower, for quieter, more even heat. Mr. Heating & Home installs the ML196 from $4,945 and the ML296 from $5,495, a difference of $550 at the smallest and largest sizes.

Side by side

Prices in CAD, before HST, with standard installation.

What "two-stage" really changes

A single-stage furnace runs at full power every time it turns on. On a mild November day, that means short, loud blasts of heat and bigger swings in temperature.

A two-stage furnace runs on its low setting most of the time and only goes to high fire on the coldest days. Paired with a variable-speed blower, it moves air more gently and for longer. In practice that means:

• More even temperatures between floors and rooms
• Quieter operation, because the blower isn't at full speed every cycle
• Better air filtration, because air passes through the filter more often
• Better comfort with central air, because the variable-speed blower helps pull humidity out in summer

What it doesn't change much

Gas use. Both furnaces are rated 96% AFUE, meaning about 96 cents of every gas dollar becomes heat. You may save a little on electricity with the variable-speed blower, but the ML296 is mainly a comfort upgrade, not a gas-saving one.

Which should you choose?

Choose the ML196 if your old furnace kept the house comfortable, the home is a bungalow or compact layout, and the upfront price matters most.

Choose the ML296 if you have an upstairs that runs cold, a finished basement, noisy vents, central air, or anyone at home who's sensitive to drafts and dry air.

Sizing: bigger isn't better

An oversized furnace short-cycles, wears out sooner and feels less comfortable. We size by your home's heat loss, not just its square footage. Each product page shows the home size each BTU rating typically suits, and we confirm the right size with you before install day. Your current furnace's rating plate is a useful starting point, so send us a photo of it.

What's included

• Installation by certified, insured gas technicians
• Removal and haul-away of your old furnace
• Connection to your existing ductwork, gas, venting and thermostat for a standard replacement
• Start-up, safety checks and testing
• Lennox warranty registration, handled for you
• Our 10-day money-back guarantee

If your home needs extra work, such as new venting, a condensate pump or gas line changes, we quote it before we start.

Frequently asked questions

Is a two-stage furnace worth it?

For most two-storey homes and homes with central air, yes. The extra $550 buys noticeably more even, quieter heat. For a compact bungalow, a single-stage furnace is often all you need.

Are the ML196 and ML296 equally efficient?

Yes. Both are rated 96% AFUE. The ML296's advantage is comfort and quiet, not lower gas use.

How long does a furnace replacement take?

A standard replacement usually takes most of a day. Same-day installs are often available in the GTA when you order early in the day.

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Specifications from Lennox's Merit Series ML296UHV product specifications (2026). Features vary by model suffix; your installer confirms the exact model.