- HEP Heat and Air
- High-efficiency Furnaces

High-efficiency Furnaces
High-efficiency Furnaces | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Jonesborough
When winter evenings dip below freezing in Jonesborough and the summer sun pushes the mercury past comfortable, HEP’s high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, and AC systems keep your home perfectly balanced. Our NATE-certified technicians design and install equipment that sips energy while flooding every room with consistent, quiet comfort—cutting utility costs without cutting corners. Pair your new system with smart thermostats or zoning upgrades and enjoy round-the-clock control from your phone, whether you’re strolling Main Street or relaxing on the porch.
Beyond temperature, we engineer healthier homes through advanced ventilation and air quality solutions. From energy-recovery ventilators that swap stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air, to hospital-grade HEPA filtration and humidity control, our customized packages remove allergens, eliminate odors, and curb mold growth. Breathe easy knowing HEP backs every service with transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee—right here in Tennessee’s oldest town.
FAQs
What makes a high-efficiency furnace and air-conditioning system different from a standard system?
High-efficiency units use advanced heat exchangers, variable-speed blower motors, and modulating gas valves or inverter-driven compressors to squeeze more usable heat or cooling from the same amount of energy. Furnaces are rated in AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency); models at 97–99% AFUE lose only 1–3% of heat up the flue compared with 80% AFUE units that waste 20%. Air conditioners and heat pumps are rated in SEER2 and HSPF2; high-efficiency equipment can be 40–50% more efficient than 10-year-old systems. You get lower utility bills, more even temperatures, and quieter operation—all important during Jonesborough’s humid summers and chilly winters.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills in Jonesborough by upgrading to high-efficiency equipment?
Savings vary with home size and usage, but most customers in Washington County report 20–35% lower heating costs and 15–25% lower cooling costs after replacing a 15-year-old furnace/AC with 97% AFUE and 18-20 SEER2 equipment. In a 2,000-sq-ft Jonesborough home using roughly $1,800 a year on heating and cooling, that translates to $350–$550 in annual utility savings. Because local electric and natural-gas rates average $0.11 per kWh and $1.50 per therm, payback on the higher initial cost typically falls between 4 and 7 years.
Will a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump improve my indoor air quality, or do I need additional ventilation products?
High-efficiency HVAC provides steadier airflow, which helps your existing filters capture more particulates, but IAQ improvements mainly come from add-ons. We often pair furnaces with MERV-13 media filters or HEPA bypass filters, whole-home humidifiers for winter, and energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs) that bring in fresh air while minimizing heat loss—crucial in tightly built modern homes. For Jonesborough’s pollen seasons, UV-C air purifiers or electronic air cleaners can neutralize biological contaminants. The combination of efficient equipment and proper ventilation keeps CO₂, VOCs, and humidity in the recommended 30–50% range.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives available in Jonesborough or Tennessee for high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, or IAQ upgrades?
Yes. Through 2032 the federal Inflation Reduction Act offers up to $600 for qualifying 97%-plus AFUE gas furnaces, $2,000 for high-efficiency heat pumps, and 30% (up to $1,200 annually) for IAQ/ventilation improvements such as ERVs. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and BrightRidge Energy have seasonal rebates—typically $300–$500 for 16+ SEER2 ACs or 18+ SEER2 heat pumps installed by a Quality Contractor Network (QCN) member. Some natural-gas utilities provide $150–$250 furnace incentives. We complete all rebate paperwork and supply AHRI certificates to make the process hassle-free.
What maintenance does a high-efficiency furnace or air-conditioning system require, and how long will it last?
Because high-efficiency equipment has more sophisticated controls—condensing heat exchangers, ECM motors, condensate pumps—annual professional maintenance is essential. Our Jonesborough Comfort Club includes a fall furnace tune-up (combustion analysis, heat-exchanger inspection, condensate cleaning) and a spring AC/heat-pump tune-up (coil cleaning, refrigerant check, airflow measurement). Homeowners should change 1-in. filters monthly or 4-in. media filters every 6 months. With proper care, condensing furnaces typically last 18–22 years and high-efficiency AC/heat pumps 15–18 years, often longer than standard units because they run at lower, steadier speeds.
Can high-efficiency systems integrate with smart thermostats, zoning, and other comfort technologies?
Absolutely. Variable-capacity furnaces and inverter heat pumps communicate with smart thermostats (Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell, or OEM controls) to optimize staging and airflow. In multistory Jonesborough homes we often add motorized dampers for true zoning, giving each floor its own temperature set-point while the equipment modulates fan speed to match the reduced airflow demand. Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats provide energy-use reports and allow remote adjustments—handy when summer vacations take you away. Integration with whole-home IAQ accessories lets you automate humidity and ventilation based on outdoor conditions for maximum comfort and efficiency.