Utility Bills
Utility Bills | HVAC Unit Replacement | Heating and Air Conditioning | Sewanee
Sweating through a humid Sewanee summer or shivering on a frosty Plateau night is no way to live, especially when soaring utility bills are rubbing salt in the wound. HEP’s certified comfort specialists make it easy to trade that finicky, energy-guzzling system for a high-efficiency upgrade that keeps temperatures—and monthly costs—right where you want them. Our technicians evaluate your home’s unique load requirements, explain your options in plain language, and install the perfect fit with precision and respect for your space.
Whether your aging heat pump has finally called it quits or you’re proactively boosting efficiency before the next season hits, an HVAC unit replacement from HEP delivers instant comfort and long-term savings. We handle everything from safe removal and eco-friendly disposal to fine-tuning the new system, then back our work with rock-solid warranties and 24/7 follow-up support. Discover why Sewanee homeowners trust HEP to keep their homes cozy, their energy bills low, and their peace of mind high.
FAQs
When should I consider replacing my HVAC unit in Sewanee?
Most heat pumps and air-conditioning systems last 10–15 years. If yours is approaching that age, requires frequent repairs, or struggles to keep your home comfortable during Sewanee’s humid summers and chilly plateau winters, it is probably more cost-effective to replace than to keep repairing. A noticeable spike in electric bills, uneven room temperatures, or loud operation are other common signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
How much can a high-efficiency replacement system reduce my utility bills?
Energy Star–certified heat pumps and air conditioners installed by a qualified contractor typically cut cooling costs 20–40 %, and today’s variable-speed heat pumps can trim heating expenses 30 % or more compared with 10- to 15-year-old equipment. Because Sewanee’s climate has a long cooling season and a moderate heating season, most homeowners see the greatest savings April–October, when the new system’s higher SEER2 and EER2 ratings lower electric consumption.
What size HVAC unit is right for my Sewanee home?
Proper sizing is critical to comfort and energy efficiency. Your contractor should perform a Manual J load calculation that factors in Sewanee’s altitude (about 1,900 ft), local design temperatures, square footage, insulation levels, window types, and air leakage. Oversized units short-cycle and waste energy; undersized units run constantly and still can’t keep up. A professional load calculation ensures the new system maintains 72 °F cooling and 70 °F heating under peak conditions without inflating your power bill.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives available?
Yes. Through 2032, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) offers up to a $2,000 credit for qualifying heat pumps and $600 for advanced AC units. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) programs and some local electric cooperatives servicing Sewanee provide cash rebates—often $150–$400—for high-efficiency heat pumps meeting specific SEER2/HSPF2 thresholds. We’ll prepare all paperwork and guide you through the application so you don’t leave money on the table.
How long will the replacement take, and will I be without heating or cooling?
Most residential change-outs require one full day. We remove the old indoor and outdoor units, set the new equipment, pressure-test and evacuate the refrigerant lines, connect wiring, charge the system, and commission it per manufacturer specs. Your home may be without conditioned air 4–8 hours, but we schedule work to minimize downtime and always restore service the same day unless significant duct or electrical upgrades are needed (in which case we’ll provide temporary heaters or window units).
What upkeep is needed after installation to keep my energy bills low?
1) Change or wash filters every 30–60 days. 2) Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris. 3) Enroll in our biannual preventive maintenance program—one visit before summer, one before winter—to clean coils, verify refrigerant charge, and calibrate thermostats. 4) Use a programmable or smart thermostat to avoid conditioning an empty home. Regular maintenance maintains factory efficiency, protects the warranty, and can prevent utility-bill-spiking problems like low refrigerant or dirty coils.