High-efficiency Systems
High-efficiency Systems | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
Stay comfortable through every Pacific Northwest season with HEP’s high-efficiency systems, purpose-built for Kelso’s crisp winters and mild, humid summers. Our ENERGY STAR®-rated units slash utility bills while delivering whisper-quiet performance, cleaner indoor air, and rock-solid reliability. Whether you’re upgrading an aging furnace, embracing ductless technology, or hunting for the perfect dual-fuel combo, we’ll match you with advanced equipment that works smarter—not harder.
From free in-home assessments to precision installation and 24/7 emergency support, our certified technicians make the entire process effortless. You’ll get transparent pricing, flexible financing, and industry-leading warranties, all backed by a local team that’s just around the corner whenever you need us. Discover how easy premium heating and air conditioning can be—reach out to HEP today and feel the difference efficiency makes.
FAQs
What makes an HVAC unit “high-efficiency,” and how is it different from a standard system?
High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment uses advanced compressors, variable-speed blower motors, and smarter control boards to deliver the same comfort with far less energy. Furnaces are rated by AFUE (annual fuel-utilization efficiency) and air conditioners/heat pumps by SEER2 (seasonal energy-efficiency ratio). In Kelso, anything above 96% AFUE for a gas furnace and 16+ SEER2 for an AC or heat pump is considered high-efficiency. Compared with older 8–10 SEER units or 80% furnaces, these systems can reduce energy use by 30–50% while lowering noise levels and improving humidity control.
How much can I save on my utility bills by upgrading to a high-efficiency system in Kelso?
Actual savings depend on your home’s insulation, the equipment you’re replacing, and how you use your thermostat. On average, Kelso homeowners moving from a 10-year-old 10 SEER air conditioner to a 17 SEER2 model report cooling-season savings of $300–$500 per year. Replacing an 80% AFUE furnace with a 98% model can cut winter heating costs by 15–20%. Over the 15- to 20-year life of the system, those savings usually cover the additional upfront cost and often exceed it.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Kelso for high-efficiency HVAC installations?
Yes. Clark Public Utilities and Cowlitz PUD routinely offer $200–$800 rebates for qualifying heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and high-efficiency furnaces. Washington State homeowners may also be eligible for sales-tax exemptions on certain ENERGY STAR® heat pumps. Federally, the Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit of 30% of the installed cost, up to $2,000, for heat pumps meeting the highest tier of efficiency. Our team will file the paperwork and make sure you receive every incentive you qualify for.
Will a high-efficiency heat pump keep my home comfortable during Kelso’s cold, damp winters?
Modern cold-climate heat pumps are engineered to maintain full heating capacity down to 5 °F and continue operating efficiently well below freezing. Kelso’s average January low is about 35 °F, so a properly sized high-efficiency heat pump or dual-fuel system can handle almost all your heating demand without backup resistance strips. Variable-speed compressors ramp up gradually, preventing the short cycling that used to plague older units in our moist Pacific Northwest climate.
How do I determine the right size and type of high-efficiency system for my house?
The days of basing equipment size on square footage alone are gone. We perform a Manual J load calculation that factors in insulation levels, window quality, air leakage, and orientation. This ensures the system is neither oversized (wasting energy and causing humidity issues) nor undersized (leading to discomfort on the hottest or coldest days). After the load analysis, we’ll present options—gas furnace plus AC, all-electric heat pump, or ductless mini-split—so you can compare operating costs, incentives, and upfront pricing.
What maintenance do high-efficiency HVAC systems need, and can your technicians handle it?
Routine maintenance is especially important for high-efficiency equipment because small airflow or refrigerant issues can wipe out efficiency gains. We recommend: • 1" filter changes every 30–60 days (or cleaning reusable filters) • An annual tune-up that checks refrigerant charge, cleans the outdoor coil, calibrates the ECM blower, and verifies combustion efficiency for gas furnaces • Software/firmware updates for communicating thermostats and inverter boards. Our NATE-certified technicians have specialized training on variable-speed and inverter technology, and every maintenance visit includes a detailed efficiency report so you can track system performance year to year.