facebook-icon

State College Case Study: Data-Driven Analysis of Second-Floor Climate Control Solutions

This six-month comparative analysis documents a 32% reduction in energy use in residential applications with Bryant variable-speed heat pump technology.


Case Study Overview: Cape Cod Second-Floor Application

  • 32% kWh Reduction over a 6-month verified comparison
  • 18 Years: Replaced System Age; R-22 refrigerant eliminated
  • 0°F Heating Capability; Some models to -22°F
  • 1,000-1,400 Square Feet Covered; Typical Cape Cod second floor

Always Too Hot or Too Cold?

Regulate the temperature in just the rooms you need, when you need them. No more suffering in rooms that never seem to get comfortable.

We’d love to help make your home more comfortable! Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll reach out for a friendly chat about your options.




Installation Profile: State College Rental Property

Previous System

  • 18-year-old central air (first floor only)
  • No second-floor cooling
  • R-22 refrigerant (phased out)
  • Potential for window unit issues:
    • Water damage risk
    • High operating costs
    • Maintenance concerns

Bryant Ductless Solution

  • High-wall unit for second floor
  • Fan coil for first floor/basement
  • Variable-speed heat pump
  • Single outdoor unit
  • Heat production to 0°F
  • No resistance heat required

Technical Specifications: Modern Heat Pump Evolution


Property Value & ROI Analysis

Landlord Benefits (State College Case Study):

Energy Cost Projections:


System Configuration: State College Installation

Single Outdoor Condenser Powers:

→ High-wall unit (second floor): Solves typical Cape Cod heating/cooling challenge

→ Fan coil unit (first floor/basement): Integrated whole-home solution

→ Variable-speed operation: Matches output to actual demand

→ No ductwork modifications: Preserves home integrity


Comparative Energy Analysis: Understanding the 32% Savings

Energy Consumption Breakdown

Study Methodology:

Key Factors Contributing to 32% Reduction:

  1. Variable-Speed Operation: Eliminates energy spikes from on/off cycling
  2. Zone Control: Conditions only occupied spaces
  3. Improved SEER/HSPF: Modern efficiency ratings vs 18-year-old technology
  4. No Duct Losses: Direct room delivery eliminates 20-30% typical duct losses

Technical Insights

Q: How do heat pumps produce heat at 0°F when traditional models fail at 35°F?

A: Advanced Bryant heat pumps utilize enhanced vapor injection (EVI) technology and variable-speed compressors. This allows the refrigerant cycle to maintain efficiency at much lower temperatures by managing compression ratios and refrigerant flow rates dynamically. The system can extract ambient heat energy even when outdoor temperatures approach zero.

Q: What makes the 32% energy reduction sustainable long-term?

A: Unlike window units that degrade rapidly (10-15% efficiency loss over 5 years), Bryant ductless systems maintain performance through:

Q: How does eliminating resistance heat impact overall efficiency?

A: Resistance heating operates at 100% efficiency (1:1 energy conversion), while modern heat pumps achieve 300-400% efficiency through heat transfer. By maintaining heat pump operation to 0°F, the Bryant system avoids the significant energy penalty of resistance strips that traditional heat pumps require below 35°F, resulting in 3-4x lower heating costs during cold weather.


“Take a look at what the HSPF ratings are, the heat seasonal performance ratings. Take a look at the SEER ratings and take a look at what you’re going to get in the long run, so far as the return on investment for the consumer.”

– David Lamb, Peirce Phelps (Bryant Product Manager)


Additional Considerations for Second-Floor Applications

The State College case study highlights a common challenge in Cape Cod and similar home designs. Traditional ducted systems often fail to adequately condition second floors due to:

Bryant ductless systems solve these challenges through direct-room delivery and independent zone control, ensuring optimal comfort while maximizing efficiency.


Our Promise to Your Family

Let’s chat about those questions you might have about ductless mini-split systems! We love helping neighbors like you find the perfect comfort solution for your home.

We understand that your home is where your heart is. That’s why we’re committed to helping you make every corner of it feel just right. A Bryant ductless system brings gentle comfort to those special spaces where you and your loved ones gather, create memories, and share life’s precious moments.

Every family deserves a home that feels comfortable and welcoming in every room, all year round. We’d be honored to help make that happen for you.


Installation Process: Timeline & Procedures

Phase 1: Initial Contact & Contractor Assignment

Action required: Submit contact information via online form
Response time: Immediate to 24 hours
Outcome: The contractor you select will contact you to confirm your appointment time.

Phase 2: On-Site Assessment & Load Calculation

Duration: 60-90 minutes
Contractor performs:

Data collected:

Phase 3: System Design & Proposal Development

Delivery timeframe: 2-3 business days post-assessment
Proposal includes:

Technical specifications provided:

Phase 4: Installation Execution

Single-zone installation: 4-8 hours
Multi-zone installation: 8-16 hours

Installation procedure:

  1. Mounting bracket installation (indoor unit)
  2. Refrigerant line set and condensate drain routing
  3. Electrical connection (dedicated 220V circuit)
  4. Outdoor unit placement and connection
  5. Vacuum and pressure testing
  6. Refrigerant charge verification
  7. System commissioning and testing

Completion metrics:

Phase 5: System Commissioning & Documentation

Final procedures:

Owner documentation provided:

Key Performance Indicators

Quality Assurance Standards

All installations performed to:

Note: Timeline and specifications subject to site-specific variables. All installations include comprehensive testing and verification procedures to ensure rated performance levels are achieved.


Ductless Mini-Split System: Technical Specifications & Cost Analysis

1. System Cost & Investment Analysis

Single-zone system: $5,000-$8,000 (installed)

Cost variables:

Multi-zone pricing: Add approximately $1,500-$2,500 per additional zone

2. Energy Efficiency Metrics & Projected Savings

Efficiency ratings:

Typical cooling cost reduction: 30-40% based on field data Annual savings range: $300-$800 depending on usage patterns and local utility rates

3. Heating & Cooling Capacity Specifications

System type: Air-source heat pump with reversing valve Operating modes: Heating, cooling, dehumidification, fan-only Temperature range:

COP (Coefficient of Performance): 3.0-4.0 at 47°F ambient

4. Multi-Zone Configuration Capabilities

Outdoor unit capacity: Supports 2-8 indoor units per outdoor condenser Zone sizing: 6,000-24,000 BTU per indoor unit Total system capacity: Up to 48,000 BTU (4 tons) Independent control: Each zone maintains ±1°F temperature accuracy

5. Equipment Lifespan & Depreciation Schedule

Expected service life: 15-20 years with proper maintenance Comparison: Central systems typically 12-15 years Warranty coverage:

6. Installation Timeline & Process

Standard installation duration: 6-8 hours (single zone) Multi-zone systems: 1-2 days Installation requirements:

7. Acoustic Performance Specifications

Indoor unit noise levels:

8. Maintenance Requirements & Intervals

User maintenance:

Professional maintenance:

9. Available Financial Incentives

Federal tax credit: Up to 30% of system cost (max $2,000) Utility rebates: $200-$1,500 (varies by location) Manufacturer rebates: $0-$500 (seasonal) Total potential savings: $2,000-$4,000

ROI calculation: Initial cost ÷ annual savings = payback period (typically 5-8 years)

10. Performance Comparison Matrix

MetricWindow UnitsCentral AirDuctless Mini-Split
SEER Rating8-1213-2116-30+
Zone ControlNoLimitedYes (per room)
Installation Cost$300-$800$3,500-$7,500$5,000-$8,000
Annual Operating Cost*$500-$800$400-$600$250-$400
DehumidificationBasicGoodExcellent

*Based on 1,500 sq ft space, $0.13/kWh

11. Compatibility Assessment

Suitable applications:

Load calculation required: Manual J analysis determines proper sizing

12. Physical Dimensions & Aesthetic Impact

Wall-mounted units:

Alternative configurations:

Installation height: 6-8 feet (optimal airflow/accessibility)

Additional Technical Considerations

All specifications subject to variation by manufacturer and model. Request Manual J load calculation for accurate sizing.

Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems

Copyright 2025 – All Rights Reserved