Daikin 17.2 SEER2 Two-Stage Heat Pump System Replacement (4 Ton, Horizontal)

Single-Family Home | Irving, TX 75038

Greentech Engineering Heating & Air Conditioning recently completed a full high-efficiency HVAC system replacement for a single-family homeowner in Irving, Texas (ZIP 75038). The project involved replacing an aging, mixed-brand outdoor setup with a Daikin 17.2 SEER2 two-stage heat pump system, paired with a variable-speed horizontal air handler, upgraded ductwork components, and modern system controls.

This project was engineered and executed with a long-term ownership mindset—prioritizing comfort stability, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and warranty protection rather than a basic equipment swap.

Existing System Verification and Replacement Context

Based on visual inspection of the original installation prior to replacement, the outdoor equipment included which indicated that there are two systems in the house:

• One HEIL-branded condenser (foreground unit)
• One Goodman condenser located adjacent to it

This indicates a legacy mixed-brand configuration, a condition commonly seen in older North Texas homes where equipment was replaced at different times without a unified system design strategy.

While both HEIL and Goodman are established HVAC manufacturers, the replaced units reflected earlier-generation single-stage technology, which typically results in:

• Full-capacity operation during every cooling call
• Higher sound levels
• Reduced part-load efficiency
• Increased compressor wear due to frequent cycling

For a single-family residence in the Dallas–Fort Worth climate—where cooling demand dominates most of the year—this type of system often leads to uneven comfort and higher operating costs.This time the homeowner desicded to replace HEIL unit system first.

New System Overview: Designed for North Texas Conditions

The homeowner selected a Daikin split heat pump system engineered to meet modern DOE efficiency requirements while delivering improved real-world performance under high runtime conditions.

Installed Equipment

Outdoor Unit (Condenser)

• 48,000 BTU (4-Ton) Two-Stage Heat Pump
• Up to 17.2 SEER2 efficiency
• Two-stage operation optimized for extended cooling seasons

Indoor Unit (Air Handler)

• 60,000 BTU Multi-Position Air Handler
• Variable-speed ECM blower motor
• Internal TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve)
• Horizontal attic configuration

This combination allows the system to operate at lower capacity during most cooling cycles, improving humidity control, reducing noise, and minimizing temperature swings throughout the home.

Condenser Engineering Features and Performance Advantages

The Daikin two-stage heat pump condenser installed in this project includes a comprehensive set of factory-installed components designed to enhance durability and system intelligence:

• Two-Stage Copeland® UltraTech Scroll Compressor
  Enables high efficiency at partial load and reduced mechanical stress.
• ComfortAlert™ Built-In Diagnostics
  Provides real-time fault detection to reduce troubleshooting time and misdiagnosis.
• Copper Tube / Enhanced Aluminum Fin Coil
  Improves heat transfer efficiency and corrosion resistance.
• High-Density Foam Compressor Sound Blanket
  Significantly reduces outdoor operating noise—an important factor for single-family homes.
• Two-Speed ECM Condenser Fan Motor
  Matches airflow to system demand, improving seasonal efficiency.
• Factory-Installed Protection Components
  Including:
  • Bi-flow liquid line filter drier
  • Suction line accumulator
  • Compressor crankcase heater
  • High-capacity muffler
  • High- and low-pressure safety switches
• Time-Delay and Short-Cycle Protection Logic
  Protects the compressor during power interruptions and rapid thermostat calls.

Air Handler Design: Airflow Control Matters

The installed Daikin air handler was selected not only for capacity but for its ability to maintain designed airflow across varying duct conditions, which is critical in existing single-family homes.

Key advantages include:

• Constant CFM delivery over a wide static pressure range
• All-aluminum evaporator coil for durability
• Integrated CFM indicator for commissioning accuracy
• Adjustable low-CFM fan-only operation for humidity management
• Full compatibility with multi-stage heat pump operation

Professional Scope of Work (Installation Summary)

This project followed a best-practice, engineering-based installation protocol, not a minimal change-out.

System Removal and Preparation

1. Existing HVAC equipment was removed and properly disposed of.
2. All refrigerant was safely recovered in accordance with EPA regulations.

Drainage and Condensate Protection

3. Installed a new Safe-T drain switch, drain line insulation, and concrete condenser pad.
4. Cleared the condensate drain using pressurized dry nitrogen.
5. Replaced drain trap and vent; completed all required drain modifications.

Air Handler and Cabinet Integration

6. Installed and secured the horizontal air handler with appropriate structural support.
7. Sealed all cabinet, plenum, and duct connections using HVAC-rated metal tape and mastic.

Refrigerant Piping and Leak Prevention

8. Flushed existing copper line sets using RX-11 and dry nitrogen.
9. Brazed all refrigerant joints with 15% silver rod by certified technicians.
10. Pressure-tested the system at 250 PSI with dry nitrogen.
11. Evacuated the system to below 500 microns prior to charging.

Ductwork Improvements

12. Replaced the supply plenum with an insulated metal air box or custom duct board plenum.
13. Replaced the return plenum with an insulated metal 4-inch filter combo air box.
14. Added a new R-8 insulated flex duct run, including new start collars, boots, sealing, and proper suspension.

Controls and Auxiliary Heating

15. Installed a two-stage heat / two-stage cool Wi-Fi thermostat designed for heat pump systems.
16. Installed a 10 kW electric heat kit to provide auxiliary and emergency heating.

System Commissioning

17. Tested system operation in all modes to confirm airflow balance, staging logic, and overall performance.

Warranty Protection Secured for the Homeowner

This single-family homeowner received one of the highest levels of warranty protection available in the residential HVAC market, secured through proper system selection, professional installation, and manufacturer registration.

Manufacturer Warranty (Daikin)

• 12-Year Factory Limited Parts Warranty
• 12 -Years Unit Replacement Plan on Compressor Failure
  (Subject to Daikin terms and homeowner registration requirements)

Labor Warranty (Greentech Engineering)

• Twelve (12) Years Labor Warranty
  Covering all labor performed by Greentech Engineering technicians on this installed HVAC system.

This labor warranty significantly reduces long-term ownership risk, protecting the homeowner from unexpected labor costs should a covered repair be required during the warranty period.

For single-family homeowners in North Texas—where HVAC systems experience high annual runtime—this combined parts + unit replacement + labor coverage represents a major value advantage.

Homeowner Benefits Achieved

• Noticeably quieter indoor and outdoor operation
• Improved temperature consistency throughout the home
• Enhanced humidity control during extended cooling seasons
• Lower operating costs compared to legacy single-stage equipment
• Long-term peace of mind through comprehensive warranty coverage
• Eligible for up to $2,000 federal HVAC tax credit (installed in the last week of 2025*)

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Why choose a two-stage heat pump for DFW homes?
Two-stage systems operate at reduced capacity most of the time, improving comfort, efficiency, and system longevity.

Q2: How important is airflow during system replacement?
Airflow is critical. Even high-efficiency equipment cannot perform properly without correct duct design and static pressure management.

Q3: What does a horizontal air handler installation mean?
It refers to the unit’s orientation, commonly used in attic installations, and requires proper support and drainage design.

Q4: Does the labor warranty cover future repairs?
Yes. The twelve-year labor warranty covers labor performed by Greentech Engineering on this installed system, subject to warranty terms.

Q5: Is this system eligible for rebates or tax credits?
Eligibility depends on AHRI certification, efficiency thresholds, and current federal or utility programs at the time of installation.

Conclusion

This Daikin 17.2 SEER2 two-stage heat pump replacement in Irving, TX 75038 demonstrates the difference between a basic equipment swap and a fully engineered HVAC upgrade.

By combining:

• High-efficiency two-stage equipment
• Variable-speed airflow control
• Duct system improvements
• Comprehensive warranty protection

this project delivers measurable comfort, efficiency, and long-term reliability for a single-family homeowner in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Contact us.

Author

Siwei (Lucas) Chen
CTO | Greentech Engineering Heating & Air Conditioning

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering – Virginia Tech
• ACCA Certified (Manual J, S, D)
• NCI Certified – Air Balancing & Duct Optimization
• Daikin Comfort Pro Contractor
• 10+ Years HVAC Engineering Experience in Dallas–Fort Worth

This article was reviewed and approved by Lucas Chen to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with HVAC industry best practices.

Learn more about ACCA and Daikin Comfort Pro.