NATE-certified Technicians
NATE-certified Technicians | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hillsboro
When the summer sun scorches Main Street or a winter chill sweeps across the Duck River, Hillsboro homeowners turn to HEP’s NATE-certified technicians for reliable comfort. Our pros combine factory-trained expertise with small-town courtesy, arriving on time, listening to your concerns, and guiding you through an HVAC unit replacement that fits both your home’s load requirements and your budget. With transparent quotes, financing options, and EPA-compliant disposal of your old equipment, we make upgrading feel effortless.
Beyond installation, we calibrate every thermostat, optimize airflow for each room, and register your new system for maximum warranty coverage before we leave your driveway. From first diagnostic to final walkthrough, you’re backed by a 100 % satisfaction guarantee and the friendly support of a Hillsboro team that lives where you live—so we’re always just a quick call away when comfort can’t wait.
FAQs
What does it mean that your technicians are NATE-certified, and why should I care?
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is the HVAC industry’s most-respected credential. To earn it, a technician must pass rigorous, proctored exams that test real-world knowledge of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Certified techs must also complete continuing education or retest every two years, so you’re guaranteed someone who is up-to-date on codes, safety, and new technology. For Hillsboro homeowners, this translates into precise diagnostics, properly sized replacements, and installations that meet manufacturer specs—protecting your comfort, your warranty, and your energy dollars.
How can I tell if my Hillsboro home’s HVAC system needs replacement instead of another repair?
Our rule of thumb is to weigh age, cost, and performance: • Age: Most heat pumps and air conditioners last 10–15 years; gas furnaces 15–20. If yours is within that window, replacement usually makes financial sense. • Rising costs: Higher energy bills or frequent service calls (more than two major repairs in a year) indicate declining efficiency. • Comfort issues: Uneven temperatures, excessive noise, or humidity problems often point to a system that’s too small, oversized, or simply worn out. • Refrigerant type: Older units using R-22 are costly to recharge and can’t meet today’s efficiency standards. Our NATE-certified technicians perform a full assessment—including load calculations and a repair-vs-replace cost analysis—so you can make an informed decision.
What size HVAC unit do I need for my house? Can’t I just replace it with the same tonnage?
Not necessarily. Homes in Hillsboro have seen upgrades such as new windows, insulation, and air sealing that can change heating and cooling loads dramatically. Simply matching the old system’s tonnage can lead to short cycling, high bills, or poor humidity control. We perform a Manual J load calculation that considers square footage, orientation, insulation levels, window area, air infiltration, and local climate data for Washington County. After we model your home, we’ll recommend equipment that delivers the right capacity, efficiency (SEER2/HSPF/AFUE), and airflow for optimal comfort and longevity.
How long will the HVAC replacement take and what should I expect on installation day?
A like-for-like replacement (furnace and AC or heat pump) typically takes one full working day. If duct modifications, zoning, or an IAQ add-on (e.g., air purifier) are involved, plan on 1½–2 days. Here’s the usual timeline: 1. Arrival & protection: Crew arrives between 8–9 a.m., lays down drop cloths, and disconnects power/gas. 2. Removal: Old equipment is evacuated, refrigerant recovered per EPA rules, and unit hauled away for recycling. 3. Prep: Pad or platform leveled; duct plenums adapted; line-set flushed or replaced. 4. Installation: New unit set, brazed, pressure-tested, evacuated to 500 microns, and charged by weight or sub-cooling/superheat. 5. Commissioning: Static pressure, temperature split, combustion, and wiring verified; thermostat programmed. 6. Walk-through: We show you filter access, maintenance tips, and warranty registration. The home is left cleaner than we found it, and you’ll have cool or warm air before we leave.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Hillsboro for installing a new high-efficiency HVAC system?
Yes. As an Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally, we can secure cash incentives—often $200–$800 for qualifying heat pumps, mini-splits, or gas furnaces. Federal incentives are also robust: • Up to $2,000 under the 25C tax credit for heat pumps ≥15.2 SEER2 / 8.1 HSPF2. • Up to $600 for high-efficiency central ACs or furnaces ≥97% AFUE. Local utilities such as PGE and NW Natural occasionally add bonus rebates. Our office handles all paperwork and submissions so your savings are applied upfront or returned at tax time.
What kind of warranty and after-installation support do you provide?
Most of our featured brands include a 10-year parts and compressor warranty when you register within 60 days. We add a one-year labor warranty at no extra charge and offer optional extended labor coverage up to 10 years. To keep your new system running flawlessly, join our Comfort Club: two precision tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, 15% repair discount, and no overtime fees. Members also maintain manufacturer warranty compliance, which requires documented annual maintenance.