If you’ve got a Lennox air conditioner, and especially if its evaporator coil has leaked or failed—you’re not alone. Lennox settled a class‑action lawsuit over faulty copper coils used in units built between 2007 and 2015. Even after the settlement and warranty coverage, many owners report repeated failures and high out‑of‑pocket costs. Here’s the lowdown in simple terms.
Which Lennox Coils Were Affected?
Lennox (and its related brands: Aire‑Flo, Armstrong Air, AirEase, Concord, Ducane) used uncoated copper coils in many units from October 29, 2007 through July 9, 2015. These coils corroded over time, leading to pinhole leaks and refrigerant failure.
That defect triggered a class‑action lawsuit, and Lennox agreed to cover up to three replacements per unit and up to $1,100 in labor reimbursement per coil—but only if claims were submitted during the settlement window and matched specific models.
What Is the Manufacturer Offer?
- Up to **three replacement coils** if corrosion caused refrigerant leaks.
- Up to **$1,100 labor reimbursement** per replacement coil.
- No admission of fault—but still a payment to settle claims.
Qualifications depended on purchase dates and specific model numbers. After 2015, Lennox switched to aluminum “Quantum” coils that are more resistant to corrosion.
Why Are Owners Still Upset?
Despite the settlement and warranty coverage, many owners report ongoing headaches:
- Repeated failures: Coils leaking again after replacement.
- High labor costs: Warranty covers parts, but labor for removal, disposal, refrigerant, and reinstall can still run into hundreds—or thousands—per repair.
- Denied warranty service: Original installer or Lennox sometimes refuses to replace coils if serial numbers or specs don’t match exactly.
- Settlements closed: Eligible systems sold after 2015 aren’t covered at all.
Real Stories from Users
Voices from Reddit illustrate just how frustrating it can be:
“I installed 2 new Lennox HVAC systems in May 2018. I had to replace the coil on 5‑ton unit last year (2024) and the 3 ton unit a few days ago (2025). Yes, both were under warranty but just for the evaporation coil — I still had to shelve out money from my pocket for labor and refrigerant.”
“We’re now looking at a 3rd coil replacement in 7 years, and the cost is blowing our mind. $3 000 for just the part. Doesn’t include install, refrigerant, delivery…”
One homeowner vented bluntly: “Yes it all leaks—it’s all garbage. I’ve done 20‑year old coils and 15‑day old coils. Manufacturing is terrible in modern equipment.”
What Causes the Coil Failures?
HVAC pros explain the culprit: the thin, uncoated copper tubes were prone to “formicary corrosion.” That’s a chemical reaction that eats tiny tunnels into the tubing, causing leaks under inflation pressure like R‑410A.
When exposed to moisture or contaminants, these copper coils corrode—even in just a few years—leading to refrigerant loss, ice‑ups, poor cooling, and higher power bills.
Replacement or Full System Swap?
Some homeowners wonder: should I replace just the coil or swap the whole AC system?
Experts suggest this rule of thumb: multiply the age of the unit by the cost of repairs. If the total exceeds $5,000, replacement may make more sense—especially if the condenser or compressor is old and mismatched efficiency ratings could hurt performance and lifespan.
Lennox has since rolled out an aluminum coil (Quantum Coil) that resists corrosion and improves longevity—but mixing old and new parts can reduce efficiency and reliability if not matched carefully.
What About a Recall?
While not officially labeled a “recall,” the 2015 class action was effectively a remedy program for defective coils. Owners with qualifying units could receive replacement coils and labor credit—but many who learned too late or couldn’t confirm eligibility lost out.
There’s talk of fresh legal action in 2025 for newer failures, but no confirmed new nationwide recall as of mid‑2025.
What You Should Do if You’re Affected
- Check purchase date—if unit was bought between Oct 2007 and Jul 2015, you may be eligible.
- Review model and coil numbers (e.g. cbx26uh, c33, cx34, ch35).
- Contact Lennox or go through the settlement administrator with documentation of leak repairs.
- If labor wasn’t reimbursed fully, file for reimbursement up to $1,100 per claim.
- Document every repair and communication—serial numbers, invoices, emails.
- If your system leaks again after replacement—even in 2024–2025—ask whether newer claims or compensation programs exist.
Preventive Tips & Long-Term Planning
Even newer Lennox systems with Quantum Coils need regular upkeep:
- Annual coil and refrigerant line inspections.
- Clean air filters and maintain proper airflow.
- Check refrigerant pressure and signs of moisture inside the system.
- Replace matching outdoor condenser within 5–7 years if issues recur.
If the equipment is quiet, cooling well, and repair costs are low—that’s a good sign. Otherwise, consider switching to a more corrosion‑resistant design from another brand.
Final Thoughts — Should You Be Concerned?
If your Lennox system was manufactured before mid‑2015 and its coil leaks—or has leaked more than once—you’re looking at a known defect. While the class action offers some relief, ongoing failures, labor costs, and warranty denials leave many owners feeling trapped and frustrated.
If your system is newer than 2015 and still using copper coils, keep a close eye on cooling performance and refrigerant levels. And if your warranty has expired or you weren’t eligible for the settlement—prepare for possible repeat expenses.
Many homeowners decided to replace the entire system after repeated coil failures cost thousands. On the other hand, those with a single warranty replacement and careful maintenance have seen their systems run 10–15 years smoothly.
In short: know your purchase date, model numbers, and warranty rights. If problems arise, get detailed documentation. And when repairs get too frequent or expensive—sometimes the right move is to replace the whole thing. Your peace of mind, quiet cooling, and staying on budget matter more than hanging onto a faulty coil.