- HEP Heat and Air
- High-efficiency Furnace

High-efficiency Furnace
High-efficiency Furnace | Heating and Air Conditioning | Birchwood
When Birchwood’s winds whip cold off the lake or summer humidity climbs, HEP’s high-efficiency furnace solutions keep your home perfectly balanced. Our certified technicians upgrade outdated systems with whisper-quiet equipment that sips energy, slashing utility bills while delivering steady, even warmth and a refreshing cool down when you need it. From precise load calculations to meticulous installations, we treat every house like our own, ensuring you feel the difference the moment you step through the door.
Backed by 24/7 emergency response and transparent, upfront pricing, we make comfort simple. Pairing advanced filtration, smart thermostats, and optional zoning, HEP transforms routine heating and air conditioning into an effortless, eco-friendly experience tailored for Birchwood living. Discover the peace of mind that comes from knowing your climate control is as reliable as it is efficient.
FAQs
What makes a furnace or air conditioner "high-efficiency" and why is that important in Birchwood?
A high-efficiency gas furnace is one with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90 % or higher, while a high-efficiency air conditioner generally carries a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) of 15 or above. These ratings indicate how much of the energy you pay for is converted into usable heat or cooling. Birchwood’s long, cold winters and increasingly warm, humid summers mean HVAC equipment runs for extended periods. High-efficiency units waste less energy, keeping your home comfortable without driving up utility costs, and they reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
How much money can Birchwood homeowners expect to save by upgrading to high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment?
Savings vary with house size, insulation, and usage habits, but most Birchwood customers report 20 – 40 % lower heating bills after replacing an 80 % AFUE furnace with a 96 %+ model. On the cooling side, moving from a 10 SEER system to a 16 SEER2 unit often cuts summer electricity costs by 30 % or more. Over a typical 15-year equipment life, those reductions can translate to $6,000–$10,000 in utility savings, easily offsetting the higher upfront price.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available for high-efficiency systems in the Birchwood area?
Yes. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program currently offers $200–$350 for qualifying furnaces and up to $500 for high-efficiency air conditioners or heat pumps. In addition, the federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit of up to 30 % of the installed cost (capped at $600 for furnaces and $2,000 for heat pumps/AC). Utility companies such as Dairyland Power Cooperative also run occasional bill credits. Our team handles the paperwork so you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
How long does installation take, and will my home be without heat or air conditioning during the process?
A straightforward furnace change-out is usually completed in one day, with heat restored the same evening. Adding or replacing an air-conditioning system may extend the job to a day and a half. We schedule work so you’re never without heat during freezing temperatures—portable heaters are supplied if needed. Our technicians protect flooring, clean up thoroughly, and obtain all Birchwood mechanical permits on your behalf.
What maintenance do high-efficiency systems require to keep their warranties valid?
Manufacturers require professional maintenance once per year for furnaces and once per year for air conditioners (or twice-yearly combined HVAC tune-ups). Service includes combustion analysis, condensate drain inspection, filter replacement, refrigerant charge verification, and control calibration. Skipping these visits can void parts warranties that run 10–12 years. We offer affordable maintenance plans that provide reminders, priority scheduling, and discounts on any future repairs.
How do I know which size or model is right for my Birchwood home?
Proper sizing starts with a Manual J heat-loss/heat-gain calculation that factors in square footage, insulation levels, window type, and local weather data. Oversized equipment cycles on and off too often, wasting energy and shortening life; undersized units struggle to keep up on the coldest or hottest days. During a free in-home consultation, our comfort specialist performs these calculations, discusses your humidity and air-quality concerns, and recommends 2–3 system options at different efficiency and price points so you can make an informed decision.