Crestwood Plaza Townhome Installation: 2019 Redevelopment Three-Story HVAC Replacement

Case study summary: 2019-construction three-story townhome at Crestwood Plaza redevelopment area; original developer-grade HVAC equipment (Goodman GMVC95 furnace and GSX13 AC from 2019) underperforming with poor temperature distribution across three levels; customer wanted equipment upgrade with proper zoning to address distribution issues; installed Carrier Infinity 26VNA0 variable-capacity heat pump (3-ton, communicating equipment), Carrier Infinity FE4A air handler, EWC Ultra-Zone UZC-3 3-zone damper system, and Carrier Infinity touchscreen thermostat; total project cost $24,800; completed in 3 days during April 2026. Outcome: dramatically improved temperature distribution across all three levels; reduced electric heating costs vs. previous gas heating (heat pump efficiency advantage); zoned operation matches actual occupancy patterns; customer satisfaction high with system performance.

The Home

• Built: 2019
• Style: Modern townhome (three-story plus ground-level garage); part of Crestwood Plaza redevelopment area on former Crestwood Court mall site
• Location: Crestwood, MO 63126 (Crestwood Plaza redevelopment area)
• Size: 2,180 sf across three living levels (first floor 720 sf entry/kitchen/dining, second floor 760 sf master suite plus office, third floor 700 sf two bedrooms/bath); plus ground-level garage
• Construction: Modern 2×6 framed exterior walls with R-21 blown insulation; vinyl siding; vinyl windows with low-E coating; spray foam insulation at rim joists; R-49 attic insulation; tight envelope with HRV (heat recovery ventilator) installed by builder
• Existing heating: Goodman GMVC95 (60,000 BTU/hr 95% AFUE two-stage furnace from 2019, 6 years old)
• Existing cooling: Goodman GSX13 2-ton AC from 2019 (13 SEER2, single-stage)
• Ductwork: Builder-installed flexible ductwork in single-story trunk system with branches to first/second/third floor levels; some leakage at branch connections; one return air location at central second-floor hallway
• Existing thermostat: builder-installed Honeywell programmable thermostat on second floor; single thermostat controlling whole-home equipment
• Distribution issues: third floor running 5-8°F warmer than second floor during cooling season; third floor running 4-6°F cooler than second floor during heating season; first floor reasonably comfortable but cooling distribution to dining room corner inadequate

The Situation

Customer contacted us in February 2026 about distribution issues that had been concern since purchasing home in 2022. Specific problems:

• Third-floor distribution problem: thermostat location on second floor doesn’t represent third-floor conditions; third-floor bedrooms experience temperature extremes seasonally (too warm in summer, too cool in winter); kids’ bedrooms on third floor affect family comfort and sleep quality
• First-floor dining room corner: persistent warm corner during cooling season; affects family meal experience during summer
• Equipment performance: 6-year-old Goodman equipment under warranty but performance had been disappointing from move-in; customer felt equipment underperforming despite normal age and condition
• Customer priorities: address distribution issues comprehensively rather than ongoing complaint management; upgrade equipment to higher-tier capability; consider electrification (heat pump alternative) for environmental and operational reasons; smart equipment integration with Carrier Infinity series

Initial assessment confirmed comprehensive upgrade scope:

• Zoning system addition could address distribution issues by providing per-zone supply control
• Equipment upgrade to communicating variable-capacity heat pump improves baseline performance significantly
• Customer’s tight envelope (modern construction) supports heat pump operation including cold weather (less heating load means heat pump capacity adequate even at design temperatures)
• 200-amp electrical service adequate for heat pump + AC + heating backup electrical strip
• Existing 6-year-old Goodman equipment could be sold to secondary market customer (limited residual value but not scrap)

The Equipment Selection

Carrier Infinity 26VNA0 Variable-Capacity Heat Pump (Selected)

• SEER2: 21.5 (top-tier efficiency)
• HSPF2: 11.5 (heat pump heating efficiency)
• Capacity: 3 tons (36,000 BTU/hr cooling); 35,000 BTU/hr heating at 47°F outdoor; 25,000 BTU/hr heating at 5°F outdoor
• Refrigerant: R-454B
• Technology: Modulating compressor with 30-100% capacity range (3.3:1 turndown); communicating equipment with Carrier Infinity touchscreen thermostat protocol
• Cold-climate operation: heating to 5°F outdoor with electric backup heating strips (5 kW backup); below 5°F operation falls back to electric strip heating until equipment can restart heat pump operation
• Warranty: 10-year parts, 10-year unit replacement
• Why selected: variable-capacity provides longest cycles for best distribution; top-tier efficiency provides cost savings vs. gas heating during typical winter conditions; communicating equipment integrates seamlessly with Infinity touchscreen thermostat and zoning system

Carrier Infinity FE4A Variable-Speed Air Handler (Selected)

• Type: Variable-speed ECM blower with communicating control board
• Capacity: matches 3-ton heat pump
• Electric backup heating: 5 kW electric heating strips for cold-weather backup
• Location: utility closet on first floor (existing equipment location)

EWC Ultra-Zone UZC-3 3-Zone Damper System

• 3 zones: first floor (separate from second/third), second floor, third floor
• Motorized dampers: 3 dampers controlling supply distribution to each level; bypass damper to prevent equipment short-cycling when only 1 zone calling for cooling/heating
• 3 zone thermostats: separate Carrier Infinity touchscreen thermostats for each zone communicating with equipment
• Why EWC Ultra-Zone: established zoning system; compatible with Carrier Infinity protocol; reliable equipment with strong service support; appropriate for residential 3-zone application

Carrier Infinity Touchscreen Thermostat (Master) Plus 2 Zone Thermostats

• Master Infinity touchscreen thermostat manages equipment communication, scheduling, and zoning coordination
• Zone thermostats provide independent setpoint control for each level
• Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and adjustment via Carrier app

Alternative Equipment Considered

• Gas furnace continuation with Carrier Infinity: keep existing gas service and use Carrier Infinity 96V gas furnace; alternative would have cost approximately $3,200 less but maintained gas heating; customer chose heat pump for electrification preference
• Mitsubishi 3-zone ductless: alternative comprehensive approach using ductless instead of ducted; cost approximately $18,800; selected against because customer wanted to use existing ductwork and zoning system
• Trane variable-capacity heat pump: equivalent Trane equipment; selected against based on customer’s preference for Carrier Infinity smart thermostat ecosystem

The Project Scope

Pre-Installation

• Crestwood Public Works permit: Pulled within 4 business days (mechanical and electrical permits for heat pump installation with new electrical backup)
• Equipment ordering: 11 business days for Carrier Infinity equipment (premium tier equipment has longer lead time than mid-tier)
• Installation scheduling: April 2026 in shoulder season for minimal disruption

Installation Day 1 (April 7, 2026)

• Existing equipment isolation and shutdown
• Refrigerant recovery from existing Goodman GSX13 (R-410A; recovery to certified cylinders)
• Old equipment removal: Goodman furnace and AC removed; equipment in operational condition transferred to secondary-market reseller for resale credit ($200 credit)
• New Carrier Infinity FE4A air handler installation in utility closet
• New Carrier Infinity 26VNA0 outdoor unit placement on existing concrete pad with new refrigerant line set (R-454B refrigerant)
• Refrigerant line set: new 2x line set (suction and liquid) routed from outdoor unit through exterior wall to utility closet location
• Electrical work: existing 50-amp 240V circuit retained for outdoor unit; new 30-amp 240V circuit for electric backup heating strips; verified main panel adequate for new loads (200-amp service with available capacity)
• End of Day 1: equipment placed but not commissioned; zoning not yet installed

Installation Day 2 (April 8, 2026)

• EWC Ultra-Zone UZC-3 zoning system installation in supply trunk at air handler location
• 3 motorized dampers installed in supply branches serving each level
• Bypass damper installation: parallel duct around dampers allows equipment operation when only 1 zone calling (prevents short-cycling and equipment stress)
• Low-voltage wiring: communicating wires from air handler to all dampers and to 3 zone thermostat locations (routed through wall cavities and joist spaces)
• Zone thermostat mounting at strategic locations: first floor near dining room (representative of first-floor conditions including dining room corner concern); second floor central hallway (existing thermostat location); third floor central hallway (new thermostat for previously-unmonitored third floor)
• End of Day 2: zoning system installed but not commissioned

Installation Day 3 (April 9, 2026)

• Refrigerant system commissioning: nitrogen pressure test, vacuum pull to 500 microns or below, refrigerant charge per equipment specifications, subcooling and superheat verification
• Communicating equipment commissioning: Carrier Infinity touchscreen thermostat initial configuration; communication verification between master thermostat, zone thermostats, equipment, and zoning dampers
• Zoning system commissioning: damper operation verified at each zone; bypass damper operation verified; airflow measurements at each zone with vane anemometer to verify appropriate distribution
• Heat pump operation verification: cooling mode operation at each zone; heating mode operation at each zone; electric backup heating strips verified operational
• Performance testing: zone-by-zone temperature uniformity verified during operation; setpoint maintenance across all 3 zones verified
• Customer walk-through: explained Carrier Infinity app integration, zone scheduling capabilities, heat pump operation, expected behavior at various outdoor temperatures, maintenance schedule
• Final cleanup and customer sign-off

Inspection (April 16, 2026)

• Crestwood Public Works inspector visit; installation passed mechanical and electrical inspection

The Pricing

• Carrier Infinity 26VNA0 3-ton heat pump: $5,800 equipment
• Carrier Infinity FE4A air handler with 5 kW backup heating: $3,200 equipment
• EWC Ultra-Zone UZC-3 3-zone damper system with motorized dampers and bypass damper: $2,800
• 3 Carrier Infinity touchscreen thermostats (master + 2 zones): $1,800
• Installation labor (3 days, 2 technicians plus electrical work): $4,800
• R-454B refrigerant line set installation (new 2x line set): $1,200
• Electrical work (30-amp 240V circuit for backup heating): $580
• Low-voltage wiring (zoning and thermostats): $440
• Drywall and paint patching at new thermostat locations and electrical work: $380
• Crestwood Public Works permits (mechanical + electrical): $380
• R-410A refrigerant recovery (existing Goodman equipment): $280
• Old equipment removal (secondary-market credit $200, net cost): $80 (net)
• Bacharach combustion analysis (electric only, simplified vs. gas): $120
• Vane anemometer airflow balance and zoning commissioning: $200
• Miscellaneous fittings, hardware, wiring, and consumables: $540
• Total project cost: $22,820 rounded to $24,800 with installation contingency

This pricing fell within our standard range for premium-tier heat pump installations with zoning ($22,000–$28,000 depending on equipment tier, zone count, and electrical work).

The Outcome

Distribution Resolution

• Third floor: previously 5-8°F warmer summer / 4-6°F cooler winter; now within 2°F of setpoint across seasons
• Dining room corner: previously persistent warm corner; now matches first-floor setpoint consistently
• Independent zone control: customer using zones to maintain different setpoints based on usage (third-floor kids’ bedrooms cooler at night, first floor warmer during evening occupancy, second-floor master suite slight differential during sleep hours)

Heating Performance

• First-shoulder-season operation (April-May 2026 commissioning): Heat pump operating efficiently in heating mode; comfortable distribution to all zones
• Cold-weather operation pending: First true heating-season test will occur November 2026; cold-weather behavior projected based on equipment specifications and similar climate installations
• Backup heating expected operation: electric strips will operate when outdoor temperatures fall below 20-25°F or during recovery from setback; expected 8-15% of total heating runtime during typical St. Louis winter

Cooling Performance (Initial Verification)

• Spring 2026 cooling verification: System operating in cooling mode May-June 2026 verified variable-capacity operation; longer cycles at low capacity provide excellent humidity removal AND distribution
• Third floor adequately cooled: previously hot during summer is now within 2°F of zone setpoint

Energy Performance (Projection)

• Previous gas + electric usage: gas heating approximately $1,140 annually; electricity approximately $1,460 annually; total approximately $2,600
• Projected heat pump + electric usage: electricity for heating + cooling estimated $1,640 annually; gas eliminated; total approximately $1,640 – 37% reduction in combined energy costs
• Cold-weather operation impact: backup heating strip usage during extreme cold reduces overall savings but customer’s tight envelope minimizes backup heating demand
• Simple payback on installation: approximately 20-25 years on energy savings alone; faster considering distribution benefits and improved comfort

Customer Feedback

Customer reported high satisfaction with several aspects: third-floor distribution finally addressed after years of complaint; smart Carrier Infinity app provides remote monitoring and control across all zones; heat pump operation quieter than expected (electric vs. gas equipment); reduced gas consumption supports environmental priorities; zoned operation allows fine-tuning of comfort for different family activities and schedules.

Ongoing Service

Customer enrolled in maintenance plan; annual maintenance includes heat pump scope plus zoning system scope; first annual service scheduled October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the original developer equipment underperforming?

Developer-grade equipment is sized to meet code minimums and price targets, not to optimize for specific home characteristics. Common developer equipment characteristics: single-stage compressors (lower cost but worse distribution); fixed-speed blowers (vs. variable-speed for better airflow control); single-zone configuration (vs. zoning for multi-story homes); minimum-spec efficiency (13 SEER2 vs. higher tiers); minimum ductwork sizing (adequate for code, not optimized for distribution); builder-grade thermostats (basic programmable vs. smart). What this means for multi-story homes: single-zone equipment can’t effectively serve three living levels with different load characteristics; load varies by floor (basement cool, ground floor warm in summer due to roof gain on upper levels, third floor warm in summer due to roof exposure); single-thermostat control gives priority to thermostat location while other areas suffer. For this customer’s townhome: developer-installed equipment was code-compliant but not appropriate for three-story home with substantial top-floor solar gain; lack of zoning meant third-floor bedrooms were always compromised regardless of how thermostat was set; equipment was 6 years old but already underperforming because it was wrong equipment for the home from initial installation. Why customer didn’t address sooner: 6-year-old equipment under warranty – customer didn’t want to throw away functional equipment; gradual realization that distribution issues weren’t fixable through thermostat adjustment alone; eventual cost-benefit recognition that comprehensive upgrade was worth investment for years of better comfort. For other multi-story townhome owners: developer equipment is typically adequate for single-thermostat operation but distribution issues are common; zoning addition can dramatically improve comfort without equipment replacement (cost approximately $4,500-$7,000 for retrofit zoning); equipment upgrade combined with zoning provides best results.

How does heat pump operation work in cold St. Louis winters?

Modern variable-capacity heat pumps work effectively across most St. Louis winter conditions with appropriate backup. Heat pump operation basics: heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it indoors; even cold outdoor air contains heat that can be extracted; efficiency decreases as outdoor temperatures drop because there’s less heat to extract; modern equipment maintains useful capacity to lower temperatures than older equipment. Carrier Infinity 26VNA0 cold-weather performance: rated heating capacity 35,000 BTU/hr at 47°F outdoor (close to home’s 28,000 BTU heating load); rated heating capacity 25,000 BTU/hr at 5°F outdoor (still adequate for home with margin); equipment continues to operate to 0°F or lower with progressively reduced capacity. Electric backup heating strips: 5 kW electric heating strips activate when heat pump capacity insufficient; strips provide additional heating capacity during very cold conditions; strips also activate during equipment defrost cycles to prevent cold air supply; strips are inefficient (1 kWh = 3,412 BTU vs. heat pump COP 3+) but only needed during extreme conditions. Typical St. Louis winter operation: 60-70% of heating hours occur at outdoor temperatures above 25°F (heat pump efficient operation); 20-30% at 10-25°F (heat pump operation with occasional backup); 5-10% below 10°F (heat pump + frequent backup); a few hours during extreme cold snaps below 0°F (substantial backup operation). For this customer’s tight envelope: home’s modest heating load (28,000 BTU at design temperature) means heat pump capacity adequate at most conditions; backup heating expected to run 8-15% of total heating runtime per typical winter; total electricity consumption manageable. For customers with poorly insulated homes considering heat pump: backup heating strips run more frequently; total electricity cost can exceed gas heating cost during severe winters; envelope improvements (insulation, air sealing) recommended before or with heat pump installation for best economics.

What’s the value of the Carrier Infinity zoning vs. simpler zoning options?

Premium zoning vs. simpler alternatives have different capability and price points. Premium zoning (this customer’s installation – EWC Ultra-Zone UZC-3 with Carrier Infinity communicating equipment): communicating equipment integration provides equipment capacity adjustment to match active zone demand (equipment runs at low capacity when only 1 zone calling); zone thermostats integrate seamlessly through Wi-Fi connection; bypass damper protects equipment from short-cycling; sophisticated control logic optimizes operation across zones; touchscreen interface and smartphone app. Mid-tier zoning (Honeywell TrueZone or Carrier Comfort): traditional 24V damper control without equipment communication; equipment runs at standard capacity regardless of active zones; less sophisticated control logic; standard thermostats for each zone. Budget zoning (DIY-grade or retrofit-only): basic motorized damper with timer control; limited integration with equipment; lower cost but less effective at addressing distribution issues. Cost comparison: premium zoning approximately $4,200-$5,400 incremental (this customer’s UZC-3 was $2,800 plus 3 Infinity thermostats $1,800 = $4,600); mid-tier zoning approximately $2,800-$3,800; budget zoning approximately $1,400-$2,200. Performance comparison: premium zoning provides best comfort + efficiency + integration; mid-tier zoning adequate for most distribution issues; budget zoning addresses extreme distribution issues but compromises efficiency and equipment longevity. For this customer’s installation: customer’s Carrier Infinity equipment investment justified premium zoning integration (mismatched lower-tier zoning would have lost some benefit of premium equipment); 3-story townhome distribution complexity warranted sophisticated zoning; integration with Carrier Infinity app provided customer-valued remote management capability. For other customers considering zoning: assess actual distribution problems vs. perceived problems; match zoning tier to equipment tier for integration benefits; consider customer’s tech comfort and remote management interest.

How does this Crestwood Plaza townhome differ from older Crestwood homes?

Modern construction creates different HVAC considerations than mid-century homes in same area. Modern construction characteristics (Crestwood Plaza townhomes): tight building envelope (R-21 walls, R-49 attic, sealed rim joists, double-pane low-E windows); HRV (heat recovery ventilator) installed by builder to provide controlled fresh air; 200-amp electrical service standard; multi-level construction typical (townhomes 2-3 stories); modern ductwork techniques but builder-grade quality. Mid-century construction characteristics (1950s-1970s Crestwood homes): R-13 to R-19 walls (vs. R-21+ modern); R-30 to R-38 attic (vs. R-49+ modern); single-pane or older double-pane windows (vs. low-E modern); 100-200 amp electrical service (vs. 200 amp standard modern); single-level ranch typical; older ductwork techniques. HVAC implications: modern homes have lower heating and cooling loads per square foot (envelope efficiency); modern homes more suitable for heat pumps without envelope improvements; modern homes have HRV ventilation requiring coordinated airflow management; multi-level modern construction creates zoning needs more often than single-level mid-century. Equipment sizing differences: modern townhomes typically need 1 ton AC per 750-1000 sf (vs. 1 ton per 500-700 sf for older homes); modern townhomes have lower heating loads per square foot; equipment sizing should reflect actual envelope characteristics rather than rules-of-thumb. Distribution challenge differences: modern townhomes often have multi-story distribution issues (single-thermostat with multiple floors creates challenges); older single-story homes typically have less complex distribution; both can benefit from zoning but for different reasons. For this customer’s installation: modern construction supported heat pump operation without envelope upgrades; multi-level layout required zoning for adequate distribution; HRV operation coordinated with new equipment scheduling. For Crestwood Plaza townhome residents considering equipment upgrades: assess actual usage patterns and comfort issues; modern construction supports premium equipment investment with good payback; zoning typically valuable for multi-story homes regardless of equipment tier.

Why is heat pump installation $24,800 vs. gas system $13,000-$15,000?

Equipment tier + heat pump premium + zoning together create substantially higher cost than basic equipment replacement. Cost component breakdown: heat pump equipment (Carrier Infinity 26VNA0 + FE4A air handler) approximately $9,000 vs. equivalent gas furnace + AC at approximately $6,800 = $2,200 heat pump premium; zoning system (EWC Ultra-Zone + 3 Infinity thermostats) approximately $4,600 incremental vs. single-thermostat operation = $4,600 zoning premium; premium tier equipment (Infinity vs. Performance series) approximately $2,400 premium over mid-tier equivalent; refrigerant line set replacement (new R-454B line set) vs. existing line set reuse = $800 incremental. Total incremental cost over basic gas system replacement: $2,200 + $4,600 + $2,400 + $800 = $10,000 of customer choices beyond basic replacement; basic replacement $13,000-$15,000 + customer-chosen premiums $10,000 = $23,000-$25,000 total scope. Why customer chose premium configuration: distribution issues required zoning (couldn’t be addressed with equipment change alone); electrification preference required heat pump rather than gas; Carrier Infinity integration desired for smart home capability and zoning coordination. Cost-benefit analysis from customer perspective: $10,000 premium over basic replacement spread across 15-20 year equipment life equals $500-$670 per year; comfort improvement value high (years of distribution issues resolved); operational savings $960 annually projected (37% energy reduction); net annual benefit approximately $290-$460 plus comfort improvement. For customers considering similar projects: itemized cost breakdown helps understand what specific choices drive costs; basic system replacement at $13,000-$15,000 vs. premium $24,000-$28,000 – both reasonable depending on customer priorities; don’t add premium equipment + zoning + heat pump unless customer’s specific situation justifies investment; clear cost-benefit discussion during quote development helps customer make informed decision.

---

Contact Purisync Heating and Air

For your Crestwood Plaza townhome HVAC upgrade, heat pump installation with zoning, or multi-level townhome system replacement, contact our 325 N Kirkwood Road office at (314) 338-5111. Initial consultation includes Manual J load calculation, distribution diagnostic with airflow measurement, equipment options across multiple tiers and brands, zoning system evaluation, and written quote with itemized pricing.

• Emergency Line (24/7): (314) 338-5111
• Address: 325 N Kirkwood Rd #245, Kirkwood, MO 63122
• Email: info@purisyncheatingairconditioning.xyz
• St. Louis County Mechanical Contractor License: #MC-2014-08439-STL
• Kirkwood Business Registration: #BL-2014-1187
• EPA Section 608 Universal: #608U-2014-385721

Contact Us →

Office Hours

• Emergency Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Office Staff: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Sundays and State/Federal Holidays (emergency line always active)