Energy Bills
Energy Bills | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Sewanee
At HEP, we know that Sewanee’s mountain mornings can start brisk and its summer afternoons can turn steamy in a flash. Our thermostat upgrades put precise, intuitive control of your HVAC system in the palm of your hand, learning your schedule, adjusting to temperature swings, and trimming wasted energy with every cycle. Whether you’re rushing to class on campus, exploring the Perimeter Trail, or simply relaxing at home, a smart thermostat keeps your home perfectly balanced—saving you real dollars on monthly energy bills while extending the life of your heating and air conditioning equipment.
Our certified technicians handle everything from quick assessments of your current setup to seamless installation and mobile-app walkthroughs. You’ll gain access to real-time energy reports, remote adjustments, and automatic maintenance reminders, all backed by HEP’s local reputation for friendly service and transparent pricing. Upgrade once, enjoy year-round comfort, and watch those utility costs dip—because smarter comfort starts with thermostat upgrades.
FAQs
How can upgrading to a smart thermostat lower my energy bills in Sewanee?
Modern smart and learning thermostats automatically adjust heating and cooling based on your schedule, local weather data, and real-time occupancy. National studies and the U.S. Department of Energy estimate savings of 10–15 % on annual HVAC costs; in Sewanee’s climate that often translates to $150–$250 per year for the average home. Features like geofencing, adaptive recovery, and remote shutdown prevent the system from running when it isn’t needed, trimming both electricity and propane/natural-gas use.
What thermostat upgrade options do you offer for heating and air-conditioning systems?
We install (1) basic 7-day programmable thermostats, (2) Wi-Fi–enabled smart thermostats that you control from a phone, and (3) advanced learning models such as Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell T-Series. All models include precise temperature control, automatic change-over between heating and cooling, and filter-change reminders. Optional accessories such as remote room sensors and indoor air-quality monitors can be added to balance temperatures across multi-story or larger homes.
Will a new thermostat work with my existing HVAC equipment?
Almost certainly. During our free assessment we verify your system’s voltage (24 V vs. line-voltage), number of stages, and whether you have heat pumps, dual-fuel, or conventional gas furnaces. Most current smart thermostats are compatible with single-stage, multi-stage, and heat-pump systems common in Franklin and Marion counties. If your system lacks a C-wire, we can install an add-a-wire kit or a new control cable so the thermostat receives steady power.
How long does installation take and will it disrupt my household?
A straightforward swap on a standard 24-V system takes about 45–60 minutes. If we need to run a C-wire, plan for roughly 1½–2 hours. Power to the HVAC equipment is shut off only during wiring, so your indoor comfort is affected for a very short time. We program the thermostat, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and give you a quick tutorial before we leave.
Are there rebates or incentives in Sewanee or Tennessee for thermostat upgrades?
Yes. TVA’s EnergyRight program and many local electric cooperatives (including Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative) periodically offer $50–$100 bill credits or rebates for qualifying ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats. Tennessee residents may also claim federal tax credits of up to 30 % of the product cost (capped at $150) under the 25C residential energy-efficiency incentive. We handle the paperwork and provide all model numbers and receipts needed for submission.
How do I operate and maintain my new thermostat after installation?
You’ll receive the manufacturer’s app for iOS/Android, plus hands-on guidance from our technician. Typical maintenance involves keeping the thermostat clean and dust-free, changing HVAC filters when the on-screen reminder appears, and confirming your Wi-Fi connection after power outages. Firmware updates install automatically, and you can always override schedules manually if guests or unusual weather require a one-time temperature change.