Case Studies

When EJ, a homeowner in Quakertown, PA, reached out to ECI Comfort Solutions after being referred by one of our employees, he was in urgent need of help. He had been facing consistently high electric bills each winter, often exceeding $1,000 per month because his home relied on a 25-year-old heat pump system, which had become increasingly unreliable and inefficient over time. The heat pump’s electric backup was running almost constantly just to keep up with demand, driving utility costs through the roof. This type of situation is all too familiar in the Bucks County and Lehigh Valley areas, where many older homes still operate with outdated heating technology that struggles to deliver efficient, cost-effective comfort during Pennsylvania’s harsh winters. For EJ and other local homeowners, addressing these high energy bills starts with a comprehensive solution tailored to aging systems that can no longer keep pace with modern efficiency standards.

Why His Old Heat Pump Cost $1,000+ per Month

Older heat pumps, especially 20 to 30 year old units use outdated single-stage technology. This leads to:

• Heavy reliance on expensive electric resistance backup

• Loud, inefficient operation

• Difficulty heating in Pennsylvania’s freezing temperatures

• Long run times resulting in huge utility bills

In EJ’s case, the heater was so inefficient that winter bills reached around $1,000 per month, which is typical for aging heat pumps in Quakertown and Upper Bucks County.

The Solution: Daikin Fit + 97% Propane Furnace Dual-Fuel System

We replaced the old heat pump with a high-efficiency Daikin Fit inverter system and Daikin 97% AFUE propane furnace. 

The Daikin Fit is one of today’s most advanced cold-climate heat pump systems, designed to deliver high efficiency, quiet operation, and reliable performance even in freezing temperatures. Its inverter-driven, variable-speed technology allows it to modulate smoothly instead of constantly turning on and off, which dramatically reduces energy use and eliminates the need for expensive electric backup heat. When paired with a 97% AFUE propane furnace in a dual-fuel setup, homeowners get the ideal combination for Pennsylvania winters: low-cost, efficient heat pump operation during mild and moderate temperatures, and powerful, clean-burning propane heat when conditions drop into the teens or single digits.

This setup not only increases comfort and airflow throughout the home but also slashes monthly utility bills, reduces noise, and provides longer equipment life thanks to less wear and tear. Together, the Daikin Fit and high-efficiency furnace create one of the most reliable, cost-effective heating solutions available today.

Instant results: utility bills dropped by $300–$400 per month

Once the propane tank was connected and the new system was up and running, EJ saw immediate improvements: his utility bills dropped by $300 to $400 per month, the home no longer required electric backup heat. Once the propane tank was connected and the new system was up and running, EJ saw immediate improvements: his utility bills dropped by $300 to $400 per month, the home no longer required electric backup heat, comfort and quiet were noticeably enhanced, and the addition of modern thermostat control further improved air circulation throughout the living space. The variable-speed Daikin Fit system precisely matches heating output to the home’s needs, eliminating the wasteful on/off cycling common in older systems.rt and quiet were noticeably enhanced, and the addition of modern thermostat control further improved air circulation throughout the living space. The variable-speed Daikin Fit system precisely matches heating output to the home’s needs, eliminating the wasteful on/off cycling common in older systems.

Rebates, tax credits & discounts applied

This project qualified for substantial savings through a combination of valuable incentives, including a Federal Heat Pump Tax Credit up to $2,000 provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as Daikin manufacturer rebates such as the 2025 Daikin Fit Instant Rebate of and an additional Daikin thermostat rebate.

Why Replacing a 20–30 Year Old Heat Pump Makes a Huge Difference

Upgrading an outdated heat pump to a modern, high-efficiency system delivers significant benefits for homeowners across Bucks County, Lehigh County, and the Philadelphia suburbs. Today’s inverter-driven, cold-climate heat pumps are engineered to reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, ensuring reliable performance and consistent comfort—even during the harshest Pennsylvania winters. These systems operate more quietly and efficiently, resulting in immediate reductions in monthly utility bills, as seen in EJ's experience, where savings ranged from $300 to $400 per month. Plus, homeowners can maximize their investment with available federal tax credits and manufacturer rebates, which substantially lower the upfront cost of installation while driving long-term energy and cost savings. Ready to upgrade your HVAC system and start saving today? Give us a call at 215-245-3200 or visit us online at ecicomfort.com!