- HEP Heat and Air
- High-efficiency Upgrade

High-efficiency Upgrade
High-efficiency Upgrade | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hixson
Ready to swap skyrocketing utility bills for year-round comfort? HEP’s high-efficiency upgrade service brings cutting-edge heating and air technology to homes throughout Hixson, delivering whisper-quiet performance, healthier indoor air, and savings you’ll notice from the very first power bill. Our NATE-certified technicians size your new system precisely to your home, remove the old equipment with care, and install smart thermostats and high-SEER units that can slash energy consumption by up to 40 percent.
Choose HEP for HVAC unit replacement and you get more than new equipment—you gain a partner committed to clean workmanship, transparent pricing, and 24/7 support backed by decades of local experience. From no-obligation load calculations to flexible financing and strong factory warranties, we make upgrading effortless so you can sit back, breathe easier, and enjoy a perfectly balanced home no matter how hot or cold Tennessee weather gets.
FAQs
Why should I consider a high-efficiency HVAC replacement instead of repairing my current system?
In Hixson’s humid subtropical climate, older HVAC units often run longer to meet cooling and heating demand, driving up utility bills. A modern high-efficiency system (up to 20–22 SEER2 for cooling and 97% AFUE for furnaces) can cut energy usage by 30–50 %, provide better humidity control, and qualify for rebates. If your equipment is 10–15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or relies on phased-out refrigerants like R-22, replacement usually delivers a lower total cost of ownership than continued repairs.
How much can I expect to save on my energy bills after upgrading?
Exact savings depend on your home’s size, insulation, and current system efficiency, but Hixson homeowners who replace a 10–12 SEER air conditioner with a 18–20 SEER2 heat pump typically save $450–$700 per year on electricity. Upgrading an 80% AFUE gas furnace to 96-97% can reduce winter heating costs by 15–20 %. Over a 15-year lifespan, many customers recoup $6,000–$10,000 in utility savings, offsetting much of the installation cost.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or financing programs available in Hixson for high-efficiency HVAC replacements?
Yes. Federal IRS Inflation Reduction Act credits offer up to 30 % of project cost—capped at $2,000—for qualifying heat pumps and $600 for high-efficiency furnaces or A/C coils. TVA EnergyRight sometimes provides $150–$400 rebates for high-SEER2 heat pumps installed by approved contractors. Many local utilities such as EPB Chattanooga have on-bill financing with interest rates as low as 6 %. We handle paperwork, verify eligibility, and apply credits to your final invoice whenever possible.
How long does a typical HVAC replacement take, and will I be without heating or cooling meanwhile?
Most standard change-outs in Hixson are completed in a single day—roughly 6–8 hours. Complex jobs that require new ductwork, line-set rerouting, or electrical upgrades can extend to two days. We schedule installations during mild weather when feasible, set up portable heaters or spot coolers if needed, and restore comfort before we leave each evening.
What size or capacity system do I need for my home?
Correct sizing prevents short cycling, humidity issues, and wasted energy. We perform a Manual J load calculation that factors in square footage, insulation, window orientation, and local weather data from the Chattanooga/Hixson area. While rules of thumb suggest 1 ton per 600–800 sq ft, each home varies; a 2,000 sq ft Hixson residence might require anything from 2.5 to 4 tons depending on envelope tightness. We’ll present multiple right-sized options so you can balance upfront cost with long-term savings.
Do high-efficiency systems require more maintenance than standard units?
Not at all. Routine care—changing filters every 1–3 months, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant charge, and inspecting electrical components—remains the same. In fact, variable-speed compressors and ECM blower motors in high-efficiency units often experience less mechanical stress, extending component life. Enrolling in our biannual maintenance plan keeps your warranty intact and maintains peak performance while costing about the price of a monthly streaming subscription.