Release Details

DALLAS, April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To meet consumers' growing demand for quieter heating and cooling equipment, Lennox Industries, a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. (NYSE: LII), has introduced the quietest furnace and central air conditioner on the market, based on independent laboratory testing. Innovative new technology developed by Lennox is making it possible for the company to introduce home cooling systems as much as 16 times quieter than current products on the market, as well as home heating systems up to 84% quieter than current systems.

Lennox developed the new technology in response to what they were hearing from consumers. "Sound is becoming more and more important to homeowners and their neighbors," said Bob Schjerven, LII CEO. "When consumers were asked if they would be interested in purchasing a quiet cooling system, more than two-thirds said yes. There's no question about it: consumers want quiet."

The need for quiet has continued to increase because houses are growing larger, lot sizes are shrinking, and noise laws are becoming tighter. Virtually every community prohibits excessive or unreasonable noise and many have made laws more stringent. According to the Noise Pollution Clearing House, air conditioners are the fifth most common municipal noise complaint.

Innovative new cabinet and air movement system key to SilentComfort(TM) technology

Several key engineering developments -- part of Lennox' SilentComfort(TM) technology -- made critical advances in sound reduction a practical reality. To aid in sound reduction, Lennox developed the HushTone(TM) cabinet design. This unique innovation encapsulates the air conditioning unit's entire compressor mechanical section in a sound insulated enclosure.

Lennox engineers also reduced air movement noise with an innovative new air movement system. The "forward swept" fan design looks similar to the screws used to power submarines and surface ships. Operating by essentially "slicing" through the air, the fan's shape causes less air disturbance than traditional fans, resulting in lower amplitude sound waves.

By carefully studying the fan's operation, engineers were able to make additional important, patentable improvements to reduce sound levels, such as making small indentations in the trailing edge of the fan.

New Lennox furnace designs also incorporate numerous new noise-reduction features, including a patent-pending burner box that surrounds the gas burners to minimize sound. Special insulation further reduces sound for even quieter operation.

Independent test results: industry's quietest air conditioner and furnace

Lennox products featuring the new sound-reduction technology are part of the new Dave Lennox Signature(TM) Collection of home comfort products, including the HSX15 air conditioner. According to independent test results quoted by company officials, a typical air conditioning unit is 16 times louder than the HSX15. Officials also cite independent data showing the Lennox G60V gas furnace to be the quietest gas furnace on the market, with similar competitive furnaces ranging from 53 to 84% louder than the G60V. The new quieter products are available now.

"These new products reflect the continued drive for practical innovation and technological advances which has made our Lennox Industries subsidiary a comfort leader for more than a century," Schjerven said.

Lennox Industries is a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. (LII). A Fortune 500 company operating in over 70 countries, LII is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets. LII stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII". Additional information is available at www.lennoxinternational.com or by contacting Karen O'Shea, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations, at 972-497-5258.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. For information concerning these risks and uncertainties, see Lennox' publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lennox disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here

http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X24341180
SOURCE Lennox International Inc.
Web site: http: //www.lennoxinternational.com
Photo: NewsCom: http: //www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020304/DAM053LOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
Company News On-Call: http: //www.prnewswire.com/comp/140632.html
CONTACT: Karen O'Shea, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations of Lennox International Inc., +1-972-497-5258
CAPTION: DAM053LOGO LENNOX INTERNATIONAL LOGO Lennox International Inc. corporate logo. (PRNewsFoto)[TK] DALLAS, TX USA 03/06/2002