High-efficiency Units
High-efficiency Units | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Collegedale
Imagine breezing through Collegedale’s steamy afternoons and chilly mornings with a system that sips energy instead of guzzling it. HEP’s high-efficiency heating and air conditioning units are engineered to deliver whisper-quiet comfort, healthier indoor air, and utility savings you can actually see on your next bill. Our certified technicians size and install each system with precision, ensuring your new equipment runs at peak performance from day one.
When it’s time for an HVAC unit replacement, trust the local team that treats your home like their own. From transparent, upfront pricing to convenient financing and a rock-solid workmanship guarantee, HEP makes the entire process refreshingly simple. Schedule your free in-home estimate today and feel the difference a high-efficiency upgrade can make all year long.
FAQs
Why should I consider replacing my current HVAC system with a high-efficiency unit in Collegedale?
High-efficiency HVAC units use advanced compressors, variable-speed blowers, and smarter controls to deliver the same or better comfort while consuming 20–40 % less energy than standard models. In Collegedale’s humid summers and cool winters, that translates to noticeably lower monthly utility bills, more even temperatures, better humidity control, and a reduced carbon footprint. Many customers recover most or all of the upfront cost through energy savings over the system’s 10–15-year life span.
How do I know what SEER2 or AFUE rating I need for my home?
For cooling, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) indicates how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump operates. In Tennessee’s climate zone, the minimum federal standard is 14.3 SEER2, but we typically recommend 16–18 SEER2 for the best balance of cost and long-term savings. For heating, gas furnaces are measured by Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). An AFUE of 80 % is standard, but 90–97 % AFUE furnaces capture more heat from the exhaust and can cut heating fuel use by up to 30 %. During an in-home assessment, our comfort specialist performs a Manual J load calculation to match the proper SEER2/AFUE rating and system capacity to your home’s size, insulation, and sun exposure.
Are there rebates or tax credits available for high-efficiency HVAC replacements in Collegedale?
Yes. Through 2032, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) offers up to $600 for qualifying high-efficiency air conditioners and up to $2,000 for heat pumps or heat-pump water heaters meeting specific efficiency tiers. The credit also covers up to $600 for an advanced gas furnace (≥97 % AFUE). In addition, the TVA EnergyRight program and EPB of Chattanooga periodically provide $200–$500 rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified heat pumps or dual-fuel systems installed by a Quality Contractor Network member. We handle all paperwork, verify model eligibility, and apply the rebate directly to your invoice when possible.
How long does an HVAC replacement take and will I be without heating or cooling during the process?
A standard change-out (replacing the indoor coil or furnace and the outdoor condenser) typically takes one full working day—about 6–10 hours. More complex jobs, such as ductwork modifications or zoning upgrades, can extend to two days. We remove the old equipment, install the new high-efficiency unit, pressure test and evacuate the refrigerant lines, charge the system, and run a full performance check. Your heating or cooling will be offline during portions of the installation, but we can provide temporary space heaters or portable ACs on extreme-temperature days at no additional charge.
Will a high-efficiency heat pump work well in Collegedale’s colder winter nights?
Modern variable-capacity and dual-fuel heat pumps maintain efficient heating down to 10 °F. Collegedale’s average winter low is around 31 °F, so a cold-climate heat pump is well suited for most days. For the occasional colder snap, we recommend either an auxiliary electric heat strip or a dual-fuel configuration that pairs the heat pump with a high-efficiency gas furnace. The system automatically switches to the most economical heat source based on outdoor temperature, assuring comfort without a spike in energy costs.
What maintenance is required to keep my new high-efficiency unit running at peak performance?
Because high-efficiency systems rely on variable-speed motors, ECM blowers, and sophisticated sensors, semi-annual professional maintenance is essential. In the spring, we inspect and clean the condenser coil, verify refrigerant charge within ±3 %, test compressor amperage, and calibrate the thermostat. In the fall, we check heat exchanger integrity, clean burners or heat strips, and confirm proper airflow and static pressure. Regularly replacing 1-inch filters every 1–2 months (or upgrading to a 4-inch media cabinet) keeps dust from fouling the ECM motor. Customers who enroll in our Comfort Club plan receive two precision tune-ups per year, priority service, and a 15 % parts discount, which protects your manufacturer warranty and maximizes energy savings.