High-efficiency Upgrades
High-efficiency Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Rockwood
When your Rockwood home is ready for a comfort makeover, HEP’s high-efficiency upgrades deliver the perfect blend of cozy winters, cool summers, and noticeably lower utility bills. Our certified technicians evaluate your current system, seal up the leaks you can’t see, and install ENERGY STAR®–rated equipment that sips electricity instead of guzzling it. The result? Whisper-quiet performance, faster room-to-room temperature balance, and indoor air that feels as refreshing as the mountain breeze outside.
From tune-ups to complete system replacements, we stand behind every project with transparent pricing, flexible financing, and a workmanship guarantee that keeps you covered long after the truck pulls away. Discover why Rockwood homeowners trust HEP for heating and air conditioning solutions that pay you back month after month—then schedule your free in-home consultation and start saving right away.
FAQs
What counts as a “high-efficiency” HVAC upgrade in Rockwood?
In our region, a heating or cooling system is considered high-efficiency when it significantly exceeds today’s minimum federal standards. For air conditioners and heat pumps, that usually means a SEER2 rating of 16 or higher and an EER2 of 12 or higher. For gas furnaces, look for an AFUE of 95 % or above. Variable-speed compressors or ECM blower motors are also hallmarks of high-efficiency equipment because they deliver comfort with far less electricity than single-stage units.
How much can I save on my utility bills with a high-efficiency upgrade?
Savings vary with home size, insulation levels, and thermostat habits, but most Rockwood homeowners see 20–40 % lower heating and cooling costs after upgrading from 10- to 14-year-old equipment. In dollar terms, that can mean $300–$700 per year for an average 1,800 sq ft home. Because electricity rates in the TVA service territory have tiered pricing, the biggest paybacks often come during the hottest and coldest months when older equipment would normally run nonstop.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or other incentives available in Rockwood?
Yes. TVA’s EnergyRight® program frequently provides rebates of $300–$800 for qualifying heat pumps and up to $1,000 for dual-fuel systems. The federal Inflation Reduction Act adds a 30 % tax credit (capped at $2,000) for heat pumps meeting specific efficiency thresholds, plus up to $600 for high-efficiency air conditioners or gas furnaces. Some Roane County electric co-ops also offer on-bill financing. We’ll help you collect the paperwork and submit rebate forms so you don’t leave money on the table.
Will I need to replace my existing ductwork?
Not necessarily. During our free home assessment, we measure static pressure and inspect each supply and return run. If ducts are properly sized, sealed, and insulated, they can usually remain in place. However, high-efficiency systems move air at different velocities, so we may recommend adding a return, sealing leaky joints, or increasing insulation to R-8. These improvements are relatively inexpensive and ensure you actually receive the efficiency you’re paying for.
How long does the installation of a high-efficiency system take?
Most change-outs are completed in a single day. We arrive around 8 a.m., remove the old equipment, set the new outdoor unit, install the indoor coil or furnace, pressure-test and evacuate the refrigerant lines, and program the smart thermostat. If duct modifications or electrical upgrades are needed, the project can extend to two days. We’ll let you know the timeline upfront so you can plan accordingly.
What kind of maintenance will my new high-efficiency system require?
Maintenance is straightforward but critical to protecting your investment. Replace or clean filters every 1–3 months, keep outdoor coils clear of debris, and schedule a professional tune-up twice a year—once in spring for cooling and once in fall for heating. During these visits we verify refrigerant charge, test safety controls, clean condensate drains, and update firmware on communicating thermostats. Proper maintenance preserves efficiency, keeps your warranty intact, and helps the system reach its full 15- to 20-year life expectancy.