From Aging Equipment to a Smarter, Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Solution
At GEN3 Electric & HVAC, we take pride in helping Philadelphia homeowners keep their homes safe, efficient, and comfortable. Recently, our team worked with a repeat customer and Maintenance Plan member in the Fishtown neighborhood to perform a full HVAC system replacement.
This project was led by our skilled technicians Rome, Luis, and Cush, and it included replacing the furnace, evaporator coil, and air conditioning unit with a new Carrier Performance two-stage gas furnace and inverter-driven AC system.
About the Home
This Fishtown residence is a traditional single-family row home built in 1920, with approximately 2,600 sq. ft. of interior space across three stories. The home features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hardwood flooring, a fireplace, and a finished basement.
Like many older Philadelphia homes, the property’s stone and brick façade has plenty of character, but it also means modern upgrades are essential for long-term comfort and efficiency. By investing in a complete HVAC system upgrade, the homeowner is protecting both their comfort and their property’s value.
Why the System Needed Replacement
During inspection, our technicians noted several issues with the existing system:
Evaporator coil and drain pan had significant debris buildup.
Flame sensor showed carbon buildup.
Blower wheel was dirty and impacting airflow.
Combustion analysis revealed high carbon monoxide (CO) levels, requiring immediate shutdown for safety.
While the system was still operational, these problems indicated the equipment was aging, inefficient, and unsafe to continue running. A full HVAC system replacement was the best solution.
GEN3’s Installation Process
The replacement was completed with precision and care, including:
- Safe Removal: Disconnected the old indoor and outdoor units, wiring, and ductwork. All equipment was disposed of responsibly at GEN3’s facility.
- Indoor Upgrade: Installed a Carrier Performance two-stage variable-speed furnace and matching evaporator coil in the unfinished basement, providing ample space for future service.
- Outdoor Upgrade: Set a Carrier Performance side-discharge AC condenser in the rear side alley, connected with updated electrical wiring, new safety disconnect, and surge protection.
- Thermostat Upgrade: Replaced the existing Nest with a Wi-Fi enabled EcoBee thermostat for smarter control and compatibility.
- Ductwork Modifications: Fabricated custom transitions and added a new 6” supply duct and decorative grille to improve comfort in the first-floor living room.
- Final Testing: Performed leak checks, airflow measurements, voltage testing, refrigerant charging, and thermostat calibration to ensure the system was tuned to manufacturer specifications.
Before & After Transformations
Outdoor Condenser Replacement
Before: The home’s rear alley housed an older Gibson condenser connected with dated wiring and an aging disconnect box.
After: GEN3 replaced it with a sleek Carrier Performance side-discharge condenser, paired with a new safety disconnect and surge protection. The new unit operates quieter, more efficiently, and safely in the tight alley space.
Living Room Vent Addition
Before: The living room featured a decorative floor grille near the marble fireplace, but it wasn’t connected to the HVAC system, leaving the space under-conditioned.
After: Our team added a new 6-inch supply duct and vent, centered in front of the fireplace. This ensures better airflow, improved comfort, and balanced temperatures in one of the home’s most-used rooms.
Furnace Replacement
Before: In the basement, an aging Armstrong Air furnace was struggling with buildup, dirty components, and unsafe CO levels.
After:GEN3 installed a Carrier Performance two-stage variable-speed furnace. The new system improves efficiency, reduces noise, and offers better humidity control while being fully tested for safe, reliable operation.
Thermostat Upgrade
Before: The home’s HVAC system relied on a Nest thermostat that wasn’t fully compatible with advanced Carrier features.
After: We installed an EcoBee smart thermostat, giving the homeowner remote control, energy tracking, and room sensors for precision comfort. This simple upgrade maximizes both efficiency and convenience
Equipment Installed
The homeowner now enjoys the benefits of a fully matched Carrier Performance system, including:
Gas Furnace: Two-stage adaptive control with variable-speed motor, Energy Star rated.
- Evaporator Coil: 2.5-ton multi-positional coil with TXV, designed for consistent performance.
- Outdoor AC Unit: Variable-speed inverter condenser with compact side discharge profile, featuring the updated R454 refrigerant.
- EcoBee Smart Thermostat with room sensor technology.
Surge Protection to safeguard against electrical damage.
This complete system provides quiet operation, improved humidity control, reduced energy use, and year-round comfort.
Benefits for the Homeowner
By replacing the entire system at once, the homeowner received several key advantages:
- Lower Energy Bills: A properly matched system operates more efficiently, saving money each month.
- Fewer Repairs: New components work together seamlessly, avoiding mismatched system issues.
- Increased Comfort: Variable-speed technology provides steady temperatures, better airflow, and humidity control for heating and cooling.
- Long-Term Value: Modern upgrades protect the home’s resale potential in a competitive Fishtown market.
- Peace of Mind: Backed by a 10-year parts and 2-year labor warranty (extendable to 5 years with GEN3’s Maintenance Plan).
Exclusive Discounts & Membership Perks
Because this homeowner is a loyal GEN3 Maintenance Plan member, they received:
- 10% off suggested repairs during inspection.
- Access to ongoing savings of up to $500 per year on service calls.
- Seasonal promotional discount for scheduling the project before the end of September.
Conclusion
This project in Fishtown showcases why so many Philadelphia homeowners trust GEN3 Electric & HVAC. By combining technical expertise, premium Carrier equipment, and customer-focused service, we delivered a safe, efficient, and long-lasting comfort solution tailored to this historic home.
If your HVAC system is aging, inefficient, or showing signs of trouble, now is the perfect time to schedule an inspection or replacement. Our Maintenance Plan members enjoy exclusive discounts, priority scheduling, and extended warranties.
Contact GEN3 today to book your HVAC service or replacement.
