Heat Pump
Heat Pump | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Knoxville
Knoxville’s weather can flip from a chilly mountain morning to a muggy afternoon in a heartbeat—HEP makes sure your comfort keeps up. Our certified techs fine-tune, repair, and replace heat pump heating and air conditioning systems, then pair them with smart, Wi-Fi–enabled controls that learn your schedule, slash energy use, and send real-time alerts right to your phone. Imagine adjusting the temperature from Neyland Stadium or the Smokies trailhead and coming home to perfect comfort.
Ready for an upgrade? HEP’s thermostat upgrades put precision climate control at your fingertips. We’ll help you choose the ideal model, install it in a single visit, and stand behind the work with 24/7 local support and iron-clad warranties. Call today and feel the difference every degree makes.
FAQs
What advantages will I see by upgrading to a modern smart thermostat for my heat-pump system?
A smart or heat-pump-specific thermostat automatically adjusts settings based on outdoor temperature, home occupancy, and your comfort preferences. In Knoxville’s mild winters and humid summers, this means the thermostat can lock out the backup electric heat strips when they are not needed and stage cooling more efficiently. Most homeowners see 10–20 % lower energy bills, steadier indoor temperatures, and remote control through a phone or voice assistant.
Will a new thermostat be compatible with my existing dual-fuel (heat pump + gas furnace) setup?
Yes. Many current models—such as the Ecobee Premium, Honeywell T6 Pro, and Carrier Infinity—include algorithms and wiring terminals designed for dual-fuel systems. During installation we program the balance point for Knoxville’s climate so the thermostat decides exactly when to switch from the heat pump to gas heat. We also verify that the outdoor temperature sensor and change-over relay are connected, ensuring seamless operation.
How much energy and money can I realistically save after the upgrade?
Savings depend on your home’s insulation, duct sealing, and thermostat habits, but DOE studies show that ENERGY STAR–certified smart thermostats save a typical heat-pump homeowner about $140 per year. In the Knoxville area, where KUB electricity rates average 12–13¢ per kWh, that translates to roughly 1,100 kWh of avoided use. Over the 10-year life of the thermostat, the upgrade can pay for itself two to three times.
Are there local rebates or incentives available in Knoxville or Tennessee for thermostat upgrades?
Yes. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) eScore program often offers $50–$75 bill credits for installing a qualifying smart thermostat with a heat pump. Certain Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) customers can stack an additional $20 bill credit for enrolling in demand-response programs. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act also allow up to a 30 % credit on the cost of the thermostat and professional installation, capped at $600 per year when bundled with other efficiency upgrades.
How long will installation take and will my HVAC system be offline during the process?
A standard thermostat replacement takes about 60–90 minutes. We start by shutting off power at the air-handler or furnace switch, labeling wires, and checking control board compatibility. Firmware updates and homeowner app setup add another 15–20 minutes. Your heat pump will be off only while wiring is transferred—typically 20–30 minutes—so comfort disruption is minimal.
Do I need home Wi-Fi or a smart-home hub for advanced thermostat features?
Most premium thermostats use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to provide weather-based learning, over-the-air updates, and app/voice control. While the thermostat will still run your heat pump without internet, you’ll lose remote access, energy-use reporting, and some optimization features. No separate smart-home hub is required unless you want deeper integration with platforms like Z-Wave or Apple HomeKit, which some models support via optional bridges.