High-efficiency Furnaces
High-efficiency Furnaces | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Old Fort
When Old Fort winters bite and summer humidity lingers, HEP keeps comfort effortless with high-efficiency furnaces and precision-engineered air conditioners that sip energy but deliver robust, even temperatures. Our NATE-certified technicians size each system to your home’s unique layout, install with meticulous care, and back everything with rock-solid warranties—so you enjoy cozy warmth, refreshing cool, and noticeably lower utility bills year-round.
Beyond temperature control, we focus on healthier living through top-tier ventilation and air quality solutions. From whole-home air purifiers that trap allergens and VOCs to balanced ventilation that exchanges stale indoor air for fresh, filtered outdoor air, we turn your house into a sanctuary of clean, breathable comfort. Choose HEP for heating, cooling, and a breath of fresh air you can feel in every room.
FAQs
What qualifies a furnace or air-conditioning unit as “high-efficiency,” and why does that matter in Old Fort?
A high-efficiency gas furnace is one with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 % or higher, while today’s high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps typically carry a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) of 16 or above and an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER2) of 12 or higher. These systems use modulating or two-stage compressors and electronically commutated (ECM) blower motors that deliver more heating or cooling with less energy. In Old Fort’s climate—where summers are humid and winters can dip below freezing—running costs are significant for much of the year. High-efficiency equipment keeps utility bills low, maintains steadier indoor temperatures, and often operates more quietly than older single-stage units.
How much money can I expect to save by switching to a high-efficiency furnace or AC system?
Savings depend on your home’s size, insulation level, and the age of the equipment you’re replacing, but homeowners in Old Fort usually see 20–40 % lower energy bills after upgrading from a 20-year-old 80 % AFUE furnace or 10 SEER air conditioner. For a typical 2,000 ft² home with annual heating and cooling costs of $2,000, that can translate to $400–$800 back in your pocket every year. Over a 15-year equipment lifespan, the savings typically exceed the incremental cost of the high-efficiency unit—especially if you take advantage of rebates and tax credits.
Will a high-efficiency HVAC system by itself improve my indoor air quality, or do I need add-ons?
High-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps circulate air more consistently, which does help distribute clean, conditioned air. However, the biggest indoor air-quality gains come from complementary options: high-MERV (11–16) media filters or HEPA filtration to remove fine particles, UV-C lights in the air handler to neutralize biological growth, a balanced Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) for fresh outdoor air without major energy penalties, and whole-house humidifiers or dehumidifiers to keep relative humidity in the 30-50 % comfort range. We design systems so these IAQ accessories integrate seamlessly with your high-efficiency equipment.
What ventilation solutions do you recommend for older and newer homes in Old Fort?
In older drafty homes, a carefully sealed and insulated envelope paired with spot ventilation (e.g., bath and kitchen exhaust fans) may be enough. For newer, tighter construction, we typically recommend a balanced ERV that brings in filtered outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air and transferring heat and moisture between the two streams. This keeps carbon dioxide, odors, and moisture under control without a noticeable energy penalty. All ventilation strategies are sized according to ASHRAE Standard 62.2, which ensures roughly 0.35 air changes per hour—ideal for healthy indoor air in our region.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Old Fort for installing high-efficiency equipment?
Yes. Through 2032, the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRC 25C) provides a tax credit of up to $600 for a qualifying high-efficiency gas furnace and up to $2,000 for an ENERGY STAR® cold-climate heat pump. Duke Energy Progress customers can receive rebates of $300–$450 for high-efficiency heat pumps or ACs and $150 for smart thermostats. North Carolina’s Weatherization Assistance Program offers additional aid for income-qualified households. We handle all paperwork and will apply rebates to your invoice when possible.
How often should my high-efficiency furnace, AC, and air-quality accessories be serviced?
High-efficiency equipment has more sophisticated controls than older systems, so preventive maintenance is crucial. We recommend: • Furnace: once a year in late fall—clean burners, inspect heat exchanger, check condensate trap, verify gas pressure and combustion. • AC/Heat Pump: once a year in spring—clean coils, measure refrigerant charge, inspect electrical components. • ERV or HRV: every 6 months—wash or replace core filters, clean the core. • Media filter: replace every 3–6 months depending on dust and pets; electronic or HEPA filters serviced annually. Regular service keeps warranties intact, maintains peak efficiency, and extends equipment life, often adding 5 or more years compared with neglected systems.