Case Studies

What is the March Sadness Giveaway?

This year marks ECI's second March Sadness Giveaway, and it's been an exciting journey each time! Our goal is to help homeowners in our community by giving away a brand-new HVAC system that will improve their comfort and energy efficiency while ensuring a healthier indoor environment. With the previous winners and the runner-up benefiting greatly from their new systems, we were eager to continue the tradition and change another homeowner's comfort for the better.

March Sadness follows along with the exciting, nail-biting NCAA March Madness tournament in real-time. Contestants enter their "sad" HVAC unit for the chance to win a new one. They get a few weeks to gather votes for their "team" through Facebook, word-of-mouth, and other platforms. Each contestant has a couple of NCAA teams assigned to them based on popularity through the votes they received. The more votes your entry receives, the higher seeds you receive in the tournament. One of Kathleen's teams, UConn, came out on top -- winning her a brand new HVAC system worth up to $20,000. 😱Check out how our tournament works here. 

For Kathleen’s Penndel home, we knew we had to remove her outdated oil furnace and central air conditioner. These aging systems were not only inefficient but also costly to operate and maintain. To upgrade her game, we installed a Trane XR14 heat pump! This is a reliable, energy-efficient system that will save her money on her energy bills. 

Watch part one of our video series below to hear Kathleen explain why she needed a new HVAC system and how she got to enter our March Sadness HVAC Giveaway.

Why Install a Heat Pump? 

Heat pumps are the greenest HVAC systems currently on the market! They're fully powered by electricity, so they generate less carbon dioxide than traditional methods powered by oil or natural gas. With their extreme efficiency, they significantly reduce your home's environmental footprint and energy bill. 

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air or ground outside your home and transferring it inside. This means that they don't need to generate heat themselves, like traditional furnaces or boilers, which can be costly and emit greenhouse gasses. Plus, heat pumps can last up to 20 years or more, meaning they are a long-term investment that can save you money on energy bills while also being kind to the planet.

The Trane XR14 heat pump offers numerous advantages over traditional heating and cooling systems. Firstly, it operates as both a heating and cooling unit, eliminating the need for separate systems. This versatility allows homeowners like Kathleen to enjoy consistent comfort throughout the year without the hassle of switching between devices. Additionally, the XR14 boasts a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), ensuring significant energy savings compared to older systems.

Watch part two of our video series below to see Jeremy and Kathleen go over what we'll be removing and what new units we'll be installing in her home.

Watch the final part of our video series below to see the installation process and cover the benefits of her brand-new Trane heat pump!

Benefits of the Trane XR14 Heat Pump 

Energy efficiency 

The XR14 heat pump is designed to deliver impressive energy efficiency. It features a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which measures the cooling efficiency, and a high Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which indicates the heating efficiency. The XR14's high SEER and HSPF ratings help reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills.

Year-round comfort

One of the standout features of the XR14 heat pump is its ability to provide both heating and cooling. By combining both functions into a single system, homeowners can enjoy consistent comfort throughout the year without the need for separate units. The heat pump efficiently transfers heat from the air, either into the home during cooler months or out of the home during warmer months, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

Quiet operation

Trane is known for its commitment to quiet operation, and the XR14 heat pump is no exception. With advanced technologies that reduce noise levels, the XR14 operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed environment inside and outside the home.

Durability and reliability

The Trane brand is renowned for its durability and reliability, and the XR14 heat pump is built to the same high standards. With quality components and rigorous testing, the XR14 is designed to withstand the demands of regular use and provide reliable performance for years to come. This durability translates into peace of mind for homeowners, knowing they have a dependable heating and cooling solution.

Environmentally friendly

Heat pumps, including the Trane XR14, are environmentally friendly HVAC options. They operate by transferring heat rather than generating it, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps conserve energy. By choosing the XR14 heat pump, homeowners can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Enhanced comfort and air quality

The XR14 heat pump, when properly installed and maintained, can improve indoor air quality and overall comfort. With its efficient airflow and the ability to remove excess humidity during cooling mode, the XR14 helps create a more pleasant and healthier indoor environment.

More Improvements 

Indoor air quality

One of the major improvements we made to our winner's HVAC system was the addition of a new return. Previously, the only return was located in the basement, which resulted in subpar indoor air quality and inefficient airflow throughout the house. To resolve this, we strategically placed a return vent in a more central location, drawing in cleaner air from the living spaces. By doing so, Kathleen and her family will experience improved indoor air quality (IAQ) and better overall airflow and enhanced comfort in her home.

Thermostat upgrade

To further enhance the functionality and convenience of her new HVAC system, we upgraded their thermostat to a Google Nest thermostat: Nest Pro Edition. The Nest thermostat offers advanced features that allow homeowners to control and optimize their HVAC settings with ease. With its intelligent learning capabilities and remote access via smartphone, Kathleen can effortlessly adjust the temperature, create customized schedules, and even receive energy-saving tips. The Nest thermostat will undoubtedly provide our homeowners with greater control over their home comfort and energy usage. Plus, the Nest Pro Edition works seamlessly with other smart home devices and platforms, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This allows you to control your thermostat using voice commands or integrate it into broader smart home automation routines. 

Final Thoughts

Our deserving winner is a local homeowner who had been facing numerous challenges with her old HVAC system. We are delighted to have been able to make a positive impact on her life by providing a state-of-the-art HVAC system that will significantly improve her comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. 

At ECI Comfort, we remain committed to providing the highest quality HVAC solutions to our valued customers. Whether it's through contests like March Sadness or our day-to-day services, we strive to make an impactful difference in your home's comfort. 

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ECI Comfort specializes in installing Trane systems in and around Bucks County, PA. If you are interested or would like to know more, click the button above or reach us at (215) 245-3200 or info@ecicomfort.com!