Case Studies

THE PROBLEM: An aging single-stage heat pump had required repairs almost every year over the past several years. The customer wanted to move beyond recurring service issues and invest in more dependable heating and cooling.

THE SOLUTION: Replace the existing equipment with a two-stage heat pump that can operate at a lower capacity during milder conditions and increase output when needed. The upgrade gave the customer a fresh start with equipment designed to better match the home’s changing comfort demands.

THE PROBLEM: An approximately 18-year-old high-velocity HVAC system was ready for replacement. The customer wanted to explore ways to manage heating costs while reducing reliance on the home’s existing natural gas boiler.

THE PROBLEM: The customer’s existing 80% efficient boiler was still working, but the chimney it used for venting had begun to deteriorate. A costly chimney repair estimate prompted the customer to compare the complete cost of a conventional boiler replacement with a high-efficiency upgrade.

THE PROBLEM: The customer’s aging high-velocity air-conditioning system still cooled the second and third floors, but its age raised concerns about an unexpected summer breakdown. The customer wanted to replace it proactively, improve third-floor heating control, and explore ways to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

THE SOLUTION: A new Unico variable-speed air handler paired with a Ruud two-stage heat pump replaced the aging equipment. Two additional high-velocity supply feeds improved air distribution, while replacement steam radiator valves provided better third-floor heating control. Completing the installation during the fall allowed the customer to take advantage of off-season pricing before the next cooling season.

THE PROBLEM: After more than 20 years in their early-1900s home, the homeowners were tired of installing, removing, and storing noisy window air conditioners every year. They wanted central air and more daylight through their windows, without extensive demolition or major changes to the home’s finished spaces.

THE SOLUTION: A high-velocity air-conditioning system was designed for the second and third floors. Its small, flexible supply ducts offered a way to bring central cooling to the homeowners’ priority spaces while working around the home’s existing structure.

THE PROBLEM: An aging HVAC system with recurring problems was becoming less reliable, while uneven temperatures left the second floor uncomfortable. Household allergy concerns created an additional need for better filtration and cleaner indoor air. 

THE SOLUTION: The homeowners chose a Ruud two-stage gas furnace with a variable-speed blower, a Ruud 2-ton air conditioner, an electronic air cleaner, UVC air treatment, and an Ecobee thermostat with a room sensor. The complete system was designed to provide reliable heating and cooling, more balanced temperatures, and improved indoor air quality.

THE PROBLEM: The homeowner’s approximately 30-year-old, 80% efficient boiler had shut down while she was traveling during previous winters. Although the system was still operating, its age and history made reliable home heating a growing concern whenever she was away.

THE SOLUTION: The aging boiler was replaced with a 96% high-efficiency Lochinvar condensing boiler. A new water heater and Honeywell T10 smart thermostat completed the upgrade, giving the homeowner efficient heating, remote temperature monitoring, and greater peace of mind while traveling.

THE PROBLEM: An older air-conditioning system stopped working during the August heat after its blower motor failed. Although the immediate repair restored cooling, the home's 1997 furnace, 2004 air conditioner, and aging R-22 system made long-term reliability, efficiency, and future repair costs growing concerns.

THE PROBLEM: An aging window air conditioner had failed, leaving the homeowners looking for a more permanent cooling solution. Their biggest concerns were noise and comfort, as the old window unit could be loud enough to interfere with conversations when family and friends were visiting. 

THE PROBLEM: An aging HVAC system was becoming more expensive to repair, while the homeowner was also dealing with high first-floor humidity and uneven temperatures throughout the home. They wanted better comfort and reliability, but they also had another goal: reduce their reliance on natural gas and use less fossil fuel without completely giving up the comfort of gas heat during a Pennsylvania winter.