Murray Family Home Complete HVAC Replacement Case Study

Murray Family Home Complete HVAC System Replacement: Vine Street Duplex

Customer:
Lin K. (consent for documentation given)
Address area:
Murray, Vine Street — established 1990s subdivision near Murray Park
Home characteristics:
1998 duplex residential property. Lin K. owns both units (occupies one, rents out the other). Each unit approximately 1,420 sq ft on single level with shared utilities only at exterior connection points (each unit has separate gas meter, separate electric meter, separate HVAC equipment). Vinyl siding exterior with brick veneer accent. Vinyl double-pane windows (original to 1998 construction). Concrete slab foundation. Standard 1998 Murray residential construction representative of the Vine Street neighborhood. This case study documents the full HVAC system replacement at Lin K.’s occupied unit (the rental unit was scheduled for replacement summer 2025, separate project).
Project type:
Complete HVAC system replacement — 2003 Bryant 90 Plus furnace heat exchanger crack forced emergency replacement decision; matched Bryant 113A AC also replaced concurrently (both at end of expected service life)
Project completion date:
February 26-27, 2025 (emergency context — original furnace declared unsafe to operate during diagnostic visit)
Total cost:
$14,800 installed ($8,400 furnace + $6,400 AC matched). Rebates: $200 Dominion ThermWise + $1,200 IRA 25C tax credit = $1,400 reduction. Net cost: $13,400.

Background

Lin K. is one of our longest Murray customers, customer since 2014 when she switched from her previous HVAC service provider following our company’s founding. (Lin’s relationship transferred to us partly through Timothy Baxter’s Mountain Air Heating & Cooling history on State Street — she had been a Mountain Air customer for years before Tim’s company transition.) She has multiple service relationships across her properties: this Vine Street duplex (both units), a Sandy bench property (separate case study planned), and routine service across her household members. The Vine Street unit replacement followed a documented pattern of aging 2003 equipment service issues that built up over 2023-2025, eventually forcing an emergency replacement decision when the heat exchanger crack was identified.

Existing Equipment (Replaced)

Furnace (replaced):
2003 Bryant 90 Plus furnace. Model 350MAV048080. 80,000 BTU/hr input, 90% AFUE. 22 years service at time of replacement. Located in mechanical closet off kitchen. PVC concentric venting through south exterior wall. Variable-speed PSC blower (not modulating; basic 1990s-era variable-speed). Single-stage gas valve.
AC (replaced concurrently):
2003 Bryant 113A 2.5-ton AC condenser. Model 113ANA030. Original matched system with the furnace. R-22 refrigerant. 22 years service. Located on south side of home on concrete pad. Operating but increasingly inefficient; refrigerant pressure investigation in 2023 indicated minor leak resulting in periodic refrigerant addition during annual tune-ups.
Ductwork (retained):
1998 sheet metal trunk and branch ductwork. Round trunk descending from basement utility area to floor system, branches to room registers. R-6 insulation on exposed crawlspace runs. Manual D analysis during pre-installation: static pressure 0.58″ WC (within acceptable range), no modifications required.
Thermostat (replaced):
2003 Bryant programmable thermostat (original equipment-matched). Replaced during this project.
Filtration:
1-inch MERV 8 filter at return air. Replaced during installation; retained the MERV 8 cabinet.

Diagnostic Process and Emergency Discovery (February 25, 2025)

Initial service call (February 24, 2025):
Lin called us reporting that the furnace seemed to be cycling unusually — running longer than expected during morning warm-up, with what she described as “a slight smell when it ran.” Outdoor temperature: 28°F. Lin had been a Comfort Care plan member for years and was familiar enough with normal system operation to recognize something was off.
Diagnostic dispatch (February 25, 2025):
Marcus Halverson dispatched as Comfort Care priority. On-site at 9:30 AM Tuesday morning.
Initial assessment:
  • Furnace operating — flame visible, blower running, draft fan operating
  • Indoor temperature reached setpoint but took 35-40 minutes (slower than typical 15-20 minutes)
  • Mild combustion-product odor detectable when standing near the equipment cabinet
  • Initial combustion analysis with Testo 320:
    • CO at flue: 245 ppm (elevated — should be under 100 ppm for properly maintained equipment)
    • Ambient CO in mechanical closet: 8 ppm (concerning — should be 0 ppm)
    • Ambient CO in adjacent kitchen: 4 ppm (concerning — should be 0 ppm)
Heat exchanger borescope inspection:
Critical finding. Visible crack on primary heat exchanger section 2 (middle of three sections). Crack length approximately 1.5 inches running parallel to the section’s water tube. Smoke pencil test confirmed combustion product escape through the crack into the heat-side air stream (the air that gets blown into living spaces). This was the source of: (1) elevated ambient CO measurements, (2) the combustion-product odor Lin had noticed, (3) the extended runtime as combustion efficiency was compromised, (4) potential carbon monoxide exposure to Lin and any visitors to the home.
Safety decision:
Heat exchanger crack with confirmed CO escape = equipment must be taken out of service immediately. Continuing operation poses carbon monoxide exposure risk to occupants. Marcus advised Lin to:

  1. Turn off the furnace immediately (Marcus shut off gas supply at the equipment)
  2. Open windows on opposite sides of the home to ventilate
  3. Plan for emergency replacement — not a “schedule for next week” situation
  4. Use portable electric space heaters for temporary heat (Lin already had two units in storage from previous use)
Carbon monoxide assessment:
Active CO measurement in living spaces using Industrial Scientific Ventis Pro 5 portable analyzer:

  • Master bedroom: 6 ppm (below WHO 9 ppm chronic exposure threshold but elevated)
  • Living room: 4 ppm
  • Kitchen: 5 ppm

None of these exceeded the UL 2034 detector alarm threshold of 70 ppm, but all were elevated above expected 0 ppm. This was a real but pre-alarm exposure situation. Lin’s home CO detectors (UL 2034 compliant) had not yet alarmed.

Replacement decision sequence:
  • February 25, 11:30 AM: Diagnostic complete. Lin understood replacement was non-discretionary.
  • February 25, noon: Marcus reviewed equipment options with Lin. Three tiers presented (cost-conscious, mid-tier, premium).
  • February 25, 2:00 PM: Lin selected mid-tier Bryant 925SA + matched Bryant 113A AC combination. AC replacement included because: (1) 2003 R-22 system at end of service life with documented refrigerant leak, (2) matched system installation more efficient than future separate installation, (3) avoids future R-22 refrigerant cost exposure on aging equipment, (4) Lin willing to address both at once given the unplanned timing.
  • February 25, 4:00 PM: Parts ordered for next-day delivery. Standard residential mid-tier equipment available in Salt Lake County distributor inventory.
  • February 26, morning: Installation begins.

Decision Framework

Equipment replacement timing decision:
Cracked heat exchanger created emergency context. Customer’s typical replacement decision-making process (analysis, comparison, deliberation) compressed into 2 hours during the diagnostic visit. Despite emergency context, Lin had the advantage of: (a) 11 years of relationship history with us, (b) familiarity with our equipment recommendations from her previous projects, (c) trust that Marcus’s recommendations weren’t pushing toward unnecessary upgrade. Decision quality maintained despite time pressure.
Equipment tier evaluation (compressed during emergency):
  1. Cost-conscious tier: Goodman GMVM97 furnace + Goodman GSX140 AC = $11,400 total installed. Adequate for the home but no Comfort Care plan member discount applicable to cost-conscious tier already at minimum margin. 15-18 year service life.
  2. Mid-tier (selected): Bryant 925SA furnace + Bryant 113A AC = $14,800 total installed. Better part-load performance, longer expected equipment life, Bryant manufacturer familiarity for Lin (she’d had Bryant equipment since 1998). 20-25 year service life expected.
  3. Premium tier: Carrier 59TP6 modulating furnace + Carrier Infinity 24VNA9 variable-capacity AC = $21,800 installed. Significant cost increase for marginal additional benefit. Lin not seeking maximum premium tier; mid-tier adequate for her use patterns.
  4. Heat pump conversion: Considered briefly but rejected: Lin’s gas service economics in Murray are favorable, and her existing comfort with gas heating made conversion a larger lifestyle change than she wanted during an emergency replacement.
Lin’s rationale for mid-tier selection:
“I’ve been a Comfort Care customer for years. I know what mid-tier Bryant equipment looks like in service — my previous unit at Vine Street ran from 2003 to 2025, that’s 22 years which is excellent. I trust mid-tier to give me another 20 years of reliable service. The premium tier costs $7,000 more for what really is just a few more efficiency points and modulating capability that I don’t need for my usage. The cost-conscious tier would save me $3,400 but the equipment service life is shorter and warranty support less robust.”

Equipment Specifications

Furnace selected: Bryant 925SA
  • Model: 925SA60080V17 (80,000 BTU/hr input, 96% AFUE, modulating output 35-100%)
  • Variable-speed ECM blower
  • Compatible with Bryant Evolution communicating thermostats (Lin chose standard Honeywell T6 Pro programmable for simplicity)
  • PVC concentric venting (intake + exhaust)
  • 10-year parts warranty, 5-year labor warranty
  • Altitude-derated for Murray elevation (4,355 ft, 17.4% derate): nameplate 80,000 BTU/hr delivers approximately 66,080 BTU/hr effective output
AC selected: Bryant 113A
  • Model: 113ANA030 (2.5-ton, 30,000 BTU/hr nameplate, 16 SEER2)
  • Bryant Preferred series mid-tier platform
  • R-410A refrigerant
  • Two-stage scroll compressor
  • Matched to Bryant 925SA furnace via Bryant matched coil
  • 10-year parts warranty
Evaporator coil (matched):
Bryant CNPVP3024 (matched 2.5-ton coil for Bryant 925SA furnace cabinet). A-coil configuration. R-410A compatible.
Manual J calculation results:
  • Total heating load: 52,400 BTU/hr at ASHRAE 99% winter design (9°F at Murray elevation)
  • Total cooling load: 26,800 BTU/hr at ASHRAE 1% summer design (96°F at Murray elevation)
  • Bryant 925SA at 80,000 BTU/hr nameplate (66,080 BTU/hr altitude-derated) appropriately sized with reasonable margin
  • Bryant 113A at 2.5-ton (30,000 BTU/hr) appropriately sized with slight oversizing for design margin (typical practice)
Refrigerant lines:
3/8″ liquid line, 7/8″ suction line copper. Approximately 28 ft from outdoor condenser through south foundation wall to basement furnace. Existing 2003 R-22 lineset NOT reused (incompatibility with R-410A oils, lineset flush procedure not adequate for 22-year-old lineset). New copper lineset installed.
Thermostat:
Honeywell T6 Pro programmable thermostat. Replacing 2003 Bryant programmable thermostat. Standard 5-2 day programming. Customer preferred non-Wi-Fi simplicity over smart thermostat functionality.
Electrical:
Existing 200A service. New 30A 240V dedicated circuit for AC outdoor unit. Furnace circuit existing 15A 120V retained. Service capacity adequate; no panel upgrade required.

Installation Scope and Timeline

Day 1 (February 26, 2025):
  • 8:00 AM: Marcus Halverson and Dakota Whitfield arrived (2-technician crew given complete system scope). Equipment delivered.
  • 8:30 AM: R-22 refrigerant reclamation per EPA Section 608. Approximately 3.8 lbs recovered from aging AC system (slightly below the original 4.0 lbs charge, consistent with documented slow leak).
  • 9:30 AM: Existing AC condenser removal. Brazed connections cut, condenser lifted from concrete pad.
  • 10:30 AM: Existing furnace removal from mechanical closet. Wiring disconnected, gas supply confirmed off, PVC venting removed.
  • 11:30 AM: Existing evaporator coil removal from furnace cabinet.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch break.
  • 1:15 PM: Site preparation for new equipment.
  • 2:00 PM: New furnace installation in mechanical closet. PVC venting installation through south exterior wall.
  • 3:30 PM: New evaporator coil installation in furnace cabinet.
  • 4:30 PM: New AC condenser placement on existing concrete pad. New refrigerant lineset installation (replaced existing 22-year-old lineset).
  • 5:30 PM: Electrical work (new 30A 240V circuit for AC, outdoor disconnect).
  • 6:00 PM: Day 1 completion. System partially installed; full commissioning Day 2.
Day 2 (February 27, 2025):
  • 8:00 AM: Marcus and Dakota arrived for Day 2.
  • 8:30 AM: System pressure test (300 PSI nitrogen for 30 minutes). No leaks identified.
  • 9:00 AM: System evacuation (24-hour deep vacuum to 250 microns).
  • 11:00 AM: R-410A refrigerant charge to manufacturer specification (5.0 lbs).
  • 11:30 AM: Furnace gas connection. Leak test with manometer.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch break.
  • 12:45 PM: Honeywell T6 Pro thermostat installation. Programming.
  • 1:30 PM: System startup and commissioning. Combustion analysis verification. Refrigerant charge verification.
  • 3:00 PM: Operational testing across heating and cooling modes. Multiple cycle verification.
  • 4:00 PM: Customer education on system operation, thermostat programming, filter changes.
  • 4:30 PM: Final paperwork. Permit documentation for AHJ inspection.
  • 5:00 PM: Installation complete. Heating restored after 60-hour gap from equipment shutdown to system operation.
Commissioning measurements (after installation):
  • Manifold pressure: 3.4″ WC (altitude-adjusted from nameplate 3.5″ WC)
  • CO at flue: 14 ppm (excellent — well within acceptable range)
  • Ambient CO in mechanical closet: 0 ppm
  • O₂ in flue gas: 8.0%
  • CO₂ in flue gas: 8.8%
  • Flue gas temperature: 126°F (typical for 96% AFUE condensing furnace)
  • Steady-state efficiency: 95.9% (within manufacturer expected range)
  • AC subcooling: 10°F (Bryant specification: 8-12°F)
  • AC superheat: 13°F (Bryant specification: 10-15°F)
  • Static pressure at supply plenum: 0.51″ WC (improved from 0.58″ pre-installation with new variable-speed ECM blower)
AHJ inspection:
Murray Building Department inspection March 3, 2025. Passed inspection. Permit documentation: Murray permit #M-2025-03447. Inspector noted the upgraded equipment exceeds 2021 IECC minimum efficiency standards.

Cost Breakdown

Itemized project cost:
  • Bryant 925SA furnace equipment: $4,200
  • Bryant 113A AC equipment: $3,200
  • Bryant CNPVP3024 matched evaporator coil: $640
  • Furnace installation labor: $1,400
  • AC installation labor: $1,200
  • Existing equipment removal and disposal (furnace, AC, evaporator coil): $385
  • R-22 refrigerant reclamation (3.8 lbs per EPA Section 608): $245
  • New refrigerant lineset (28 ft 3/8″ + 7/8″ copper): $385
  • R-410A refrigerant (5.0 lbs at $50/lb): $250
  • PVC venting materials and installation: $385
  • Gas connection and leak testing: $245
  • Electrical work (new 30A 240V circuit, outdoor disconnect): $585
  • Honeywell T6 Pro thermostat: $185
  • Permit fees: $385
  • System commissioning (combustion analysis, refrigerant verification, operational testing): $385
  • Subtotal: $14,072
  • Comfort Care plan member discount (15%): $0 (already at competitive multi-component pricing)
  • Long-term customer loyalty adjustment: -$272
  • Multi-component project pricing: included
  • Total customer cost: $14,800 installed
Note on pricing structure:
The $14,800 represents combined furnace + AC + ancillary work pricing. Equivalent separate furnace replacement: $8,400. Equivalent separate AC replacement (at later date): $7,200. Combined: $15,600. Multi-component project pricing reduced to $14,800 ($800 savings from combined scope vs. separate timing).
Rebates and incentives:
  • Dominion Energy ThermWise rebate (Bryant 925SA 96% AFUE eligible): $200
  • Federal IRA 25C tax credit: 30% of qualifying furnace cost ($4,200) capped at $1,200 = $1,200 federal tax credit
  • Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart AC rebate (Bryant 113A 16 SEER2 eligible): $400
  • Total rebates and credits available: $1,800
Net out-of-pocket cost:
$14,800 – $200 ThermWise – $400 Wattsmart = $14,200 net cost after immediate rebates. Federal tax credit additional $1,200 reduction at 2025 tax filing. Final net cost: $13,000.

Post-Installation Outcomes

Immediate (post-installation February 27, 2025):
Lin’s home reached 70°F (from 58°F starting after 60-hour furnace shutdown) by approximately 6:30 PM same day. Ambient CO measurements throughout the home: 0 ppm (down from 4-8 ppm with cracked heat exchanger). Combustion safety verified. System operational for first full winter night.
Health follow-up:
Lin checked in with her doctor following the CO exposure documentation. No medical intervention needed; CO exposure had been below acute toxicity threshold but the 8 ppm ambient level in the mechanical closet was a concerning pre-alarm exposure. Her UL 2034 CO detector had not alarmed (70 ppm threshold), highlighting an issue with detector limits below chronic exposure concerns. Lin upgraded to a low-level CO monitor (Nighthawk KN-COPP-3 with 30 ppm sensitivity) for added safety monitoring.
Winter 2024-2025 partial season operation (February-April 2025):
  • New furnace performed within manufacturer specifications
  • Modulating output provides better part-load comfort than the previous 2003 fixed-speed equipment
  • Variable-speed ECM blower significantly quieter than previous PSC blower
  • Gas bill comparison (February-March 2025 vs. equivalent period 2024): -28% reduction primarily attributable to 96% AFUE vs. 90% AFUE plus heat exchanger crack inefficiency
Summer 2025 cooling season performance:
  • New AC performed well throughout summer 2025
  • R-410A operating efficiency notably better than the leak-prone R-22 system in its last year of service
  • Two-stage scroll compressor provides better part-load humidity control than previous single-stage
  • Electric bill comparison summer 2025 vs. summer 2024: -$32/month average July-August (R-22 inefficiency in final year + heat exchanger crack indirect cooling impact eliminated)
Annual savings calculation:
  • Annual gas savings (96% AFUE vs. 90% AFUE on functioning equipment, plus eliminated efficiency losses from cracked heat exchanger): approximately $185/year
  • Annual electric savings (R-410A vs. R-22, two-stage scroll vs. single-stage): approximately $290/year
  • Combined annual savings: $475/year
  • Payback period on $13,000 net cost: 27.4 years on energy savings alone
  • Note: payback period long because Lin’s equipment was already 22 years old; replacement was forced by safety rather than energy efficiency. Energy savings are real but the payback math reflects emergency replacement context.
Lin’s overall assessment:
“The replacement was forced timing, not what I would have chosen for budget reasons. But Marcus’s diagnostic was clear, and I trust him after 11 years of relationship. The new system is significantly better than what I had. I should have proactively replaced years ago when I knew the equipment was aging, rather than waiting for an emergency.”
Ongoing service relationship:
Lin continued Comfort Care plan into 2025-2026 with new equipment. Annual tune-ups scheduled. Plan provides 15% discount on parts and labor for any future repairs. Rental unit replacement scheduled for summer 2025 (now executed, separate project documentation).

Why This Case Study Illustrates Important Patterns

Heat exchanger crack safety priority:
Cracked heat exchangers are non-negotiable safety hazards. CO escape through cracks creates pre-alarm exposure levels (below 70 ppm UL 2034 threshold but above 0 ppm safe ambient). Continuing operation poses cumulative carbon monoxide exposure risk. This is why annual furnace tune-ups include borescope heat exchanger inspection on equipment over 12-15 years old. Lin’s 22-year-old furnace was at elevated risk; the crack was identified during a service visit, but the timing was emergency rather than proactive.
Proactive replacement vs. emergency replacement:
Proactive replacement allows time for: (a) careful equipment comparison, (b) seeking competitive bids, (c) scheduling around personal calendar, (d) budget planning. Emergency replacement compresses all decisions into hours. Lin had been considering replacement for 1-2 years but had been postponing for budget reasons. Her decision to defer was rational at the time but the emergency context cost her decision-making flexibility. Pattern observation: customers who had been postponing planned replacements while equipment ages past 18-20 years are at elevated risk of forced emergency replacement.
UL 2034 CO detector limitations:
UL 2034 CO detectors alarm at 70 ppm sustained or higher concentrations. Designed to prevent acute carbon monoxide poisoning. They do NOT alarm at lower chronic exposure levels (4-8 ppm sustained). Lin’s home detectors had not alarmed despite the cracked heat exchanger because the CO levels were below the 70 ppm threshold but above the chronic exposure concern level (WHO 9 ppm chronic exposure guideline). Low-level CO monitors (Nighthawk KN-COPP-3 with 30 ppm sensitivity) provide earlier warning for chronic exposure situations. We sometimes recommend low-level monitors for homes with aging gas equipment.
Long-term customer relationship value during emergency:
Lin’s 11-year relationship with us, including her transition from Tim’s Mountain Air service prior to our company founding, meant: (a) Marcus was familiar with her equipment history, (b) Lin trusted Marcus’s diagnostic and recommendation, (c) priority dispatch given Comfort Care plan member status, (d) loyalty discount applied to project pricing. Emergency replacements are stressful enough; established trust relationships reduce decision-making stress.
Matched system replacement timing:
When forced furnace replacement happens with aging matched AC, customers face decision: replace AC concurrently or defer? Concurrent replacement advantages: (a) matched system installation (factory-matched coil + condenser), (b) avoids future R-22 refrigerant cost exposure, (c) avoids second installation labor charge, (d) potentially better multi-component project pricing. Lin chose concurrent replacement; standard recommendation when AC is also 18+ years old with documented refrigerant leak.
Bryant brand familiarity bias:
Lin chose Bryant for replacement partly because her previous Bryant equipment had served 22 years of reliable service. This is reasonable customer preference; equipment brand performance has not changed dramatically between major manufacturers (Bryant, Carrier, Trane, Lennox), but customer experience with specific brands creates legitimate preference. Lin’s selection logic was sound.

Code and Standards Compliance Documentation

Applicable codes for this project:
  • 2024 IMC with Utah amendments: Mechanical equipment installation
  • IFGC Section 304.1: Altitude derate at Murray 4,355 ft elevation (17.4% derate)
  • UMC Section 510: Combustion air provision (sealed-combustion design)
  • ACCA Manual J: Heating and cooling load calculation
  • ACCA Manual S: Equipment selection
  • ACCA Manual D: Ductwork analysis
  • 2021 IECC: Energy efficiency requirements (96% AFUE / 16 SEER2 significantly exceed minimum)
  • NEC 250.104(B): CSST bonding verified compliant
  • NEC Article 440: Air-conditioning equipment
  • EPA Section 608: R-22 reclamation and R-410A handling (lead technician certification)
  • UL 2034: CO detector standards (informational reference for safety discussion)
Permit number:
Murray Building Department permit #M-2025-03447
Permit issuance:
February 26, 2025 (issued same day as installation start given emergency context)
Inspection passed:
March 3, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a heat exchanger cracks?
Combustion products (carbon monoxide, water vapor, nitrogen oxides, particulates) escape from the burner side of the heat exchanger into the air side that gets distributed throughout the home. This creates carbon monoxide exposure risk to occupants. Severity depends on crack size and combustion characteristics. Lin’s 1.5-inch crack created elevated but pre-alarm CO levels (4-8 ppm) — below UL 2034 detector threshold but above chronic exposure concern levels. Continued operation increases risk of acute exposure as the crack grows. Equipment must be taken out of service immediately upon crack confirmation.
How often should heat exchangers be inspected for cracks?
Annually for equipment 12+ years old. Borescope inspection during tune-up provides visual verification. Some cracks are obvious; others require careful inspection. Combustion analysis (CO measurement at flue and in living spaces) provides secondary verification — elevated CO often indicates heat exchanger issues. Equipment under 12 years old: visual inspection during tune-up usually adequate; borescope on case-by-case basis if combustion analysis indicates concerns.
Should I proactively replace aging equipment to avoid emergencies?
Yes, for equipment 18+ years old approaching end of expected service life. Proactive replacement at 20-22 years allows: (a) careful decision-making, (b) seasonal timing for off-peak pricing, (c) budget planning, (d) competitive bidding. Emergency replacements at 25+ years often cost the same or more (no budget time, limited equipment availability during cold weather peak demand) and create stress that proactive replacement avoids. Lin’s experience reflects this pattern: she had postponed planning for 1-2 years and ended up making emergency decisions.
Are low-level CO monitors worth installing?
For homes with gas equipment over 15 years old, yes. Standard UL 2034 detectors alarm at 70 ppm sustained, which is designed to prevent acute carbon monoxide poisoning but is well above chronic exposure concerns. Low-level CO monitors (Nighthawk KN-COPP-3, CO Experts 2014 series) alarm at 30 ppm or lower, providing earlier warning of equipment issues. They don’t replace standard UL 2034 detectors (which provide acute exposure warning) but supplement them. Combined detection provides protection across both exposure scenarios.
Why was the rental unit replacement deferred to summer 2025?
Different equipment condition. The rental unit’s 2003 Bryant equipment was operating without identified safety issues. Marcus inspected the rental unit’s equipment during a regular service visit; heat exchanger borescope showed surface oxidation but no cracks. Equipment was approaching end of service life but not in emergency context. Lin scheduled summer 2025 replacement for: (a) off-peak pricing season, (b) tenant convenience (no winter heating disruption), (c) budget planning following the unexpected occupied-unit replacement.

Project Details Summary

Customer:
Lin K. (Comfort Care plan member, customer since 2014, multi-property service relationship)
Property:
Murray Vine Street 1998 duplex, owner-occupied unit (1,420 sq ft single-level on slab)
Project:
Complete HVAC system replacement — cracked heat exchanger emergency replacement of 2003 Bryant 90 Plus furnace + concurrent matched 2003 Bryant 113A AC replacement
Diagnostic discovery:
February 25, 2025 routine service call identified heat exchanger crack via combustion analysis (245 ppm flue CO, 4-8 ppm ambient CO in living spaces) and borescope inspection (1.5-inch crack on primary section 2 with smoke pencil test confirmation)
Completion date:
February 26-27, 2025 (60-hour gap from emergency shutdown to system restoration)
Total cost:
$14,800 installed, $14,200 after immediate rebates ($600 ThermWise + Wattsmart), $13,000 net after federal tax credit
Equipment installed:
Bryant 925SA60080V17 96% AFUE modulating furnace, Bryant 113ANA030 2.5-ton 16 SEER2 AC, Bryant CNPVP3024 matched evaporator coil, Honeywell T6 Pro programmable thermostat, new R-410A refrigerant lineset
Outcome:
Heating restored after 60-hour emergency gap. Carbon monoxide exposure eliminated (0 ppm ambient post-installation). System operating at design specifications. Annual energy savings $475 ($185 gas + $290 electric). Lin’s 11-year service relationship continued.
Ongoing service relationship:
Comfort Care plan continued. Rental unit replacement subsequently completed summer 2025 (separate project documentation). Multi-property service across Lin’s Murray and Sandy properties continues.

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