After a major snowstorm hit the Delaware Valley, Harry found himself without reliable heat during some of the coldest temperatures of the season. With outdoor temperatures dropping to near zero, PECO was called out to inspect his gas furnace.
After the inspection, PECO red tagged the furnace due to unsafe exhaust gas conditions. This meant the system could not be operated and required immediate attention from a licensed HVAC company.
Like many homeowners, Harry had handled smaller repairs himself in the past. But this time, the issue was beyond basic tools and DIY fixes. With no heat and dangerous conditions, he needed professional help — fast. A trusted plumber recommended ECI Comfort, and Harry made the call.
Same-Day Response During a Snowstorm
Despite the storm conditions and high call volume, ECI Comfort dispatched Jason, one of our experienced service technicians, out the same day.
After a full inspection, Jason confirmed what Harry feared:
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The furnace was unsafe to operate
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Repairs would be extensive and costly
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Given the system’s age (34 years), repairs would not be a long-term solution
Jason took the time to walk Harry through what was happening in clear, straightforward language. With the system red tagged and winter temperatures at dangerous levels, replacing the furnace became the safest and most practical option.
Immediate Replacement Options — No Waiting Days
Understanding the urgency, Evan, one of our Project Managers arrived the same day to review replacement options.
Rather than overwhelming Harry with technical jargon, Evan focused on:
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Reliable heating for extreme cold
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Efficiency improvements over a 1991 system
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Matching the right-sized equipment to the home
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Speed of installation during a weather emergency
Once the best option was selected, ECI Comfort immediately secured the equipment and scheduled installation for the following day.
The New System ECI Installed
After reviewing Harry’s home and heating needs, we replaced his 34-year-old furnace with a new, high-efficiency Trane gas heating system paired with a matching central air conditioner.
The focus was simple: reliable heat in extreme cold, improved efficiency, and long-term peace of mind.
Benefits of His New Trane System
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Strong, dependable heat even during near-zero temperatures
The new gas furnace heats the home faster and more evenly than the original 1991 system ever could. -
Much higher efficiency
Compared to older furnaces, today’s systems use significantly less fuel to produce the same (or better) comfort, helping reduce monthly heating costs. -
A safer system
The previous furnace was red tagged due to exhaust gas issues. The new system meets modern safety standards and eliminates those risks. -
Reliable comfort year-round
While heat was the urgent need, the new system also includes a properly matched air conditioning unit so the home is ready for summer as well. -
Long-term warranties
The equipment includes strong manufacturer warranties, giving Harry confidence that this wasn’t just a quick fix, but a lasting solution.
Heat Restored Within a Day
On Saturday morning, Mike and Jason from our installation team arrived as scheduled. Despite snow and freezing conditions, the team worked efficiently and professionally.
By around 2:00 PM, Harry’s home was fully heated again.
While the air conditioning portion of the system required additional time to complete, the priority was clear: restore heat as quickly as possible. That goal was met, and the home was warm again within 36 hours of the initial service visit.
The Result: Warm, Safe, and Stress-Free
Harry later shared this fantastic 5 star review after everything was completed:
*“Thursday afternoon, after a major snowstorm, I was told by PECO that my furnace had to be repaired because of the exhaust gasses. A great plumber had recommended ECI Comfort.
We called and they sent an excellent technician (Jason) right out. He found that expensive repairs were needed to get running again. We decided to replace our 1991 system with a new one. Evan and team managed to get us the right setup. Mike and a different Jason showed up and installed it on Saturday. They had us heated again by about two.
They did an excellent job. All involved were friendly, polite and very qualified. They kept us informed about who was coming and when. We are very impressed by our experience with them! They completely exceeded our expectations and we would recommend them to anyone.”*
Conclusion
This situation is a reminder of how quickly an older heating system can fail, especially during extreme winter weather. When a furnace is red tagged, there is no time to wait — safety and comfort have to come first. By responding the same day and completing a full system replacement within 36 hours, we was able to restore safe, reliable heat when it mattered most. For homeowners facing no heat, a red tag, or an aging furnace during winter, having a trusted local HVAC company makes all the difference. Clear communication, fast action, and experienced technicians helped turn a stressful emergency into a positive experience.
If your furnace has been red tagged, stopped working, or is struggling to keep up in cold weather, ECI Comfort is here to help. Our team provides fast, honest emergency heating service and furnace replacement throughout Blue Bell, Bucks County, and the surrounding Delaware Valley area. Call ECI Comfort today to schedule emergency service or to discuss your heating options before the next cold snap arrives.
