- HEP Heat and Air
- Intelligent Climate Control

Intelligent Climate Control
Intelligent Climate Control | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cowan
Imagine walking into your Cowan home and feeling the perfect temperature greet you—no dials to fiddle with, no wasted energy, just effortless comfort. HEP’s intelligent climate control brings that vision to life by replacing outdated units with smart, self-learning systems that know your schedule, sense occupancy, and adjust in real time. From remote smartphone access to energy-use analytics, our expert technicians make sure every feature is optimized for your lifestyle and for Tennessee’s unpredictable weather.
Whether you’re looking to shave dollars off your utility bill or simply enjoy a cozier living space, our thermostat upgrades deliver a quick, affordable path to both. Let HEP handle the installation, connect your devices, and show you how to unlock voice commands and automation settings—all backed by friendly, local support. Ready to feel in control of every degree? Schedule your upgrade today and experience comfort that thinks for itself.
FAQs
What is an intelligent climate control thermostat and how does it differ from a traditional thermostat?
An intelligent (or “smart”) thermostat is a Wi-Fi–enabled device that continuously monitors temperature, humidity, occupancy patterns, and outdoor weather data to manage your heating and cooling equipment more precisely. Unlike a conventional programmable thermostat that follows a fixed schedule you enter manually, a smart thermostat can learn your routine, adjust settings automatically, provide real-time energy-use feedback, and be controlled from a phone, tablet, or voice assistant. The result is greater comfort, effortless scheduling, and measurable energy savings.
How will upgrading my thermostat improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills in Cowan's climate?
Cowan experiences hot, humid summers and cool winters, so HVAC operation can account for 40–50 % of annual utility costs. A smart thermostat helps by: • Auto-adjusting setpoints when you’re away or asleep, preventing wasted run-time. • Using geofencing to detect when the last family member leaves or is nearing home. • Optimizing stage runtimes on two-stage and variable-speed equipment, so the system runs at the lowest effective capacity. • Analyzing local weather forecasts (heat index, dew point) to pre-heat or pre-cool at cheaper off-peak times. Independent studies by the EPA and ENERGY STAR show average savings of 8–15 % on heating and 10–12 % on cooling—often $120–$180 per year for a typical Cowan household.
Can a smart thermostat integrate with my existing HVAC system, or do I need a full replacement?
Nearly all modern gas furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners built after 2005 use low-voltage (24 V) controls that are compatible with today’s leading smart thermostats. During our site visit we verify: • Proper “C-wire” power availability or provide an add-a-wire kit/adapter if needed. • Number of stages (single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed) so the thermostat can modulate correctly. • Accessory controls such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ERVs. Unless your current system uses line-voltage (120/240 V) baseboard heaters or proprietary communicating controls, a full HVAC replacement is not necessary—only the thermostat and, occasionally, a low-cost interface module.
Do intelligent thermostats require Wi-Fi, and what happens if my internet goes down?
Wi-Fi connectivity unlocks the most advanced features (mobile app control, weather integration, firmware updates, and voice commands). However, all reputable smart thermostats still contain on-board controls and local scheduling memory. If your internet or router fails, the device will continue to follow the last saved schedule and maintain set temperatures. You can always adjust settings manually on the touchscreen. Once the connection is restored, cloud features and remote access come back online automatically.
Are there rebates or incentives available in Cowan or Tennessee for installing smart thermostats?
Yes. Many electric utilities in Tennessee—including TVA distributors such as Duck River EMC—periodically offer bill credits or one-time rebates (typically $50–$100) for qualifying ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats. Additionally, federal tax credit 25C allows homeowners to claim 30 % of the cost, up to $150, for a “qualified advanced main air circulating fan or thermostat” installed through 2032. We help you gather purchase receipts, AHRI certificates, and rebate forms to ensure you receive every available incentive.
What is involved in the professional installation process and how long does it take?
A standard upgrade visit lasts 60–90 minutes. Our licensed technician will: 1) Power down the HVAC system and remove the old thermostat. 2) Verify or install a C-wire/power extender if necessary. 3) Mount the new thermostat’s backplate, level and secure wiring by function and color code. 4) Restore power, run initial equipment tests, and update firmware. 5) Configure schedules, geofencing, humidity settings, and any IAQ accessories. 6) Walk you through the mobile app, voice assistant pairing, and energy reports. All work is covered by a 1-year labor warranty plus the manufacturer’s 3- to 5-year parts warranty, and we provide lifetime phone support for software questions.