High-efficiency Units
High-efficiency Units | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Athens
When the Georgia heat waves roll through Athens or a surprise cold snap settles in, you need a system that keeps your home perfectly balanced without devouring energy. HEP’s high-efficiency units are engineered to squeeze every ounce of comfort from every kilowatt, trimming monthly bills while lowering your carbon footprint. Our local technicians analyze your home’s airflow, size the right equipment, and install today’s most advanced compressors and smart thermostats so you feel the difference from the first cycle.
If your aging system is rattling, short-cycling, or driving utility costs sky-high, our HVAC unit replacement service delivers the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. We handle everything—from reclaiming refrigerant and removing the old unit to fine-tuning the new installation and registering your warranty—so you can relax and enjoy quieter operation, healthier indoor air, and reliable year-round performance backed by HEP’s satisfaction guarantee.
FAQs
What qualifies as a high-efficiency HVAC unit, and why should Athens homeowners consider one when replacing their system?
A high-efficiency HVAC unit is typically defined as equipment with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) of 15.2 or higher for air conditioners/heat pumps and an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 percent or more for furnaces. These systems use advanced compressors, variable-speed fans, and smart controls to deliver the same—or better—comfort while consuming far less energy. For Athens residents, where hot, humid summers and mild winters create year-round HVAC demand, switching to high-efficiency equipment can reduce annual utility costs by 20–40 percent, lower your carbon footprint, and increase indoor comfort through steadier temperatures and improved humidity control.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills by upgrading to a high-efficiency heating & cooling system?
Actual savings depend on your current system’s age and efficiency, the size of your home, insulation levels, and usage habits. However, a typical Athens homeowner replacing a 10–12 SEER air conditioner with a 16–18 SEER2 high-efficiency model can save $300–$600 per year on electricity alone. If you also replace an 80 AFUE furnace with a 96 AFUE model, winter gas bills can drop by 10–20 percent. Over a 10- to 15-year equipment life span, the cumulative savings usually outweigh the higher upfront cost, often yielding a 5- to 7-year payback period.
Are there local rebates, tax credits, or financing options available in Athens for high-efficiency HVAC replacements?
Yes. Georgia Power and several municipal utilities offer rebates—usually $200–$800—when you install ENERGY STAR®-certified high-efficiency heat pumps or air conditioners. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act provide up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps and $600 for high-efficiency furnaces or air conditioners. Low-interest financing is also available through the Georgia Energy Efficiency Financing Program and many local credit unions. Our team will review current incentives, help with paperwork, and apply rebates up front so you see the discount immediately on your invoice.
Will a high-efficiency unit work with my existing ductwork, or will I need additional modifications?
Most high-efficiency split systems can connect to standard ductwork, but performance and rated efficiency are only achieved if the ducts are properly sized, sealed, and insulated. During our in-home assessment we measure static pressure, inspect for leaks, and verify airflow to each room. Minor adjustments—such as sealing joints with mastic, adding return air grilles, or upsizing a restrictive section—are often all that’s needed. If your ducts are severely undersized or deteriorated, we’ll provide options for repair or replacement so your new equipment operates at peak efficiency.
How is the correct size and capacity of a new high-efficiency HVAC system determined for my home?
We follow Manual J load-calculation standards, which account for square footage, insulation levels, window type and orientation, occupancy, and local Athens climate data. This engineering calculation prevents oversizing (which causes short cycling and humidity problems) and undersizing (which leaves rooms uncomfortable). After determining the heating and cooling loads, we match you with a high-efficiency unit that meets those loads while maximizing SEER2/AFUE ratings, indoor air quality features, and budget preferences.
What is the typical timeline, and what should I expect during a high-efficiency HVAC replacement appointment?
A standard replacement takes one full day for most homes in Athens. We begin with protective floor coverings and a full system shut-down. The old equipment is safely removed and recycled. Any duct modifications, line-set replacements, or pad upgrades are completed next. The new high-efficiency indoor and outdoor units are installed, refrigerant lines are vacuumed to 500 microns, and the system is charged according to manufacturer specs. We finish with thermostat setup, performance verification, and homeowner training. You’ll receive all warranty documents, rebate forms, and a maintenance checklist before we leave. Same-day comfort restoration is our goal, and we back it with our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.