- HEP Heat and Air
- High-efficiency Heat Pumps

High-efficiency Heat Pumps
High-efficiency Heat Pumps | Air Conditioning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Lenoir City
When the Tennessee heat turns sweltering, HEP’s high-efficiency heat pumps step up to keep your home perfectly cool without draining your wallet. Our systems combine advanced inverter technology with precise humidity control, delivering whisper-quiet comfort that traditional units just can’t match. It’s the smarter, greener way to enjoy dependable air conditioning and year-round climate control in Lenoir City.
Every installation begins with a home-specific load calculation, ensuring your new heat pump is tailored for optimal performance and maximum energy savings. From there, our certified technicians handle everything—ductwork assessments, seamless setup, and thorough post-install testing—so you can relax knowing the job’s done right. And with industry-leading SEER ratings, you’ll notice noticeably lower utility bills from day one.
Beyond installation, HEP backs you with 24/7 emergency response, affordable maintenance plans, and transparent pricing that leaves no surprises. Whether you’re replacing an aging system or building a new home, trust the local team that treats neighbors like family and keeps Lenoir City comfortably cool no matter how hot it gets.
FAQs
What is a high-efficiency heat pump and how does it differ from a traditional HVAC system?
A high-efficiency heat pump is an all-electric system that provides both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than generating it. In summer it extracts heat from indoor air and expels it outside; in winter it reverses the cycle and pulls heat from outdoor air—even when it’s cold—and delivers it indoors. Compared with older split systems that use a separate furnace and central air conditioner, a modern heat pump relies on advanced, variable-speed inverter technology, higher SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heating) ratings, and environmentally friendly refrigerants. The result is quieter operation, lower operating costs, and one streamlined piece of equipment instead of two.
How effective is a heat pump for both heating and cooling in Lenoir City’s climate?
Lenoir City’s humid-subtropical climate features hot summers, mild to moderate winters, and relatively few sub-freezing days. This is ideal for today’s cold-climate heat pumps, which maintain comfortable indoor temperatures down to about 5 °F without supplemental heat. During summer, the same unit provides high-efficiency air conditioning and excellent humidity control thanks to its variable-speed compressor, which runs longer at lower speeds to pull more moisture from the air. For the rare extreme cold snap, an integrated electric heat strip or existing gas furnace (dual-fuel setup) ensures uninterrupted comfort.
What efficiency ratings should I look for when choosing a heat pump in Tennessee?
Two numbers matter most: • SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) measures cooling efficiency. For the Southeast region, 15.2 SEER2 or higher is considered high-efficiency. • HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) measures heating efficiency. Look for 8.1 HSPF2 or better. Units with ENERGY STAR® certification typically exceed these minimums. Some premium systems reach 20+ SEER2 and 9–10 HSPF2, delivering up to 50 % energy savings over 10-year-old equipment.
Will a high-efficiency heat pump really lower my energy bills?
Yes. Because a heat pump moves heat instead of generating it, it can deliver up to three units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity consumed (a coefficient of performance of 3.0). Customers in the Lenoir City Utilities Board (LCUB) service area typically see: • 25–40 % lower cooling costs vs. a 12-year-old air conditioner • 30–50 % lower heating costs vs. electric resistance heat or an older electric furnace Savings rise further when you pair the heat pump with a smart thermostat, seal ductwork, and improve home insulation.
Do high-efficiency heat pumps qualify for rebates or tax incentives in Lenoir City?
Yes. As of 2024 you can stack three levels of savings: 1. Federal tax credit: Up to 30 % of the installed cost (maximum $2,000) through the Inflation Reduction Act for qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pumps. 2. TVA EnergyRight®/LCUB rebate: Typically $300–$600 for high-efficiency heat pump installations that meet program specs and are installed by a Quality Contractor Network member. 3. Manufacturer promotions: Seasonal rebates or low-interest financing on select variable-speed models. We handle all paperwork and will confirm current incentives during your in-home estimate.
How often does a high-efficiency heat pump need maintenance and what services do you provide?
Like any HVAC system, a heat pump should be professionally serviced twice per year—once in spring for cooling preparation and once in fall for heating. Our Precision Tune-Up includes: • Cleaning the outdoor coil and indoor evaporator coil • Verifying refrigerant charge with digital gauges • Checking inverter/variable-speed controls and performing firmware updates • Inspecting and tightening electrical connections • Flushing the condensate drain and cleaning the pan • Replacing or washing the air filter • Measuring airflow, temperature splits, and static pressure Regular maintenance preserves efficiency, keeps your warranty valid, and can extend equipment life well beyond 15 years.