- HEP Heat and Air
- Lower Utility Costs

Lower Utility Costs
Lower Utility Costs | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Riceville
Imagine opening your utility bill and seeing numbers that actually make you smile. That’s the power of a smart HVAC unit replacement handled by HEP in Riceville. Our certified technicians evaluate your home’s unique heating and cooling needs, remove inefficient equipment, and install cutting-edge systems that use far less energy without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
From the first on-site assessment to the final thermostat test, we focus on transparency and long-term savings. You’ll receive clear cost comparisons, available rebates, and financing options that make upgrading surprisingly affordable. Better still, every install is backed by industry-leading warranties and our famous “Happy, Enthusiastic, Professional” guarantee—so you stay comfortable, confident, and pleasantly surprised when the next bill arrives.
FAQs
How can replacing my old HVAC unit lower my monthly utility bills in Riceville?
Heating and cooling account for roughly 50 % of the average Riceville home’s annual energy use. Modern high-efficiency systems use variable-speed compressors, ECM blower motors, and smarter thermostatic controls that precisely match output to demand. This can reduce electricity and natural-gas consumption by 20-40 % compared with equipment that is 10–15 years old. Lower run times, fewer on/off cycles, and higher SEER2, HSPF2, or AFUE ratings translate directly into smaller utility bills every month.
What efficiency ratings should I look for when choosing a replacement HVAC system?
For air conditioners and heat pumps, look for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) of at least 15.2 (SEER2 ≈ 16 SEER under the old scale). For heating performance on a heat pump, choose a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 (HSPF2) of 8.1 or higher. If you are selecting a gas furnace, target an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 % or greater. Higher numbers mean the unit converts more of the energy it consumes into usable heating or cooling, which lowers your utility costs over the life of the system.
How do I know it’s time to replace rather than repair my current HVAC unit?
Consider replacement when: (1) the system is 10–15 years old; (2) repair estimates exceed 30 % of the cost of a new unit; (3) energy bills have crept up even after routine maintenance; (4) the unit uses R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced; or (5) you experience uneven temperatures or excessive noise. A no-cost, on-site assessment can compare the long-term savings of a new high-efficiency system against the projected cost of ongoing repairs and higher utilities.
Are there rebates or tax credits available for energy-efficient HVAC replacements in Riceville?
Yes. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) offers up to a $2,000 credit for qualifying heat pumps or $600 for high-efficiency air conditioners and furnaces. TVA’s EnergyRight program often provides $150–$500 rebates for select high-efficiency installations, and some electric cooperatives serving the Riceville area offer additional bill credits or low-interest loans. We handle the paperwork and will help you stack local, utility, and federal incentives to maximize your savings.
Will a high-efficiency heat pump keep my home comfortable during Riceville’s winter temperatures?
Absolutely. Today’s cold-climate, inverter-driven heat pumps maintain 80–100 % of their heating capacity down to 5 °F. Riceville’s average winter low is about 30 °F, so a properly sized heat pump can heat efficiently for most of the season. For the occasional extreme cold snap, optional electric heat strips or a dual-fuel backup furnace can seamlessly provide supplemental heat, ensuring comfort without sacrificing efficiency.
What financing or payment options do you offer to make a high-efficiency replacement affordable?
We partner with trusted lenders to offer zero-down, low-interest loans, same-as-cash options for 12–18 months, and extended terms up to 120 months to keep monthly payments manageable. TVA’s eScore financing and certain local utility on-bill financing plans may also be available. During your free estimate we’ll outline every option, factor in projected energy savings, and help you choose the plan that best fits your budget.