- HEP Heat and Air
- Year-round Comfort

Year-round Comfort
Year-round Comfort | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Walland
When Walland’s misty mornings give way to humid afternoons or chilly mountain nights, keeping your indoor climate dialed in can feel like a full-time job. HEP takes the guesswork out of comfort with thermostat upgrades that learn your habits, balance temperature room-by-room, and slash utility costs—so all you notice is perfect air, year-round.
Our licensed technicians install Wi-Fi and smart thermostats in a single visit, walk you through the easy-to-use app, and back every job with the HEP Happiness Guarantee. Whether you want voice control, remote monitoring while you’re out on Little River, or energy-use reports that help shrink your carbon footprint, schedule your thermostat upgrade today and feel the difference the very same day.
FAQs
Why should I upgrade my thermostat instead of keeping the one that came with my HVAC system?
Modern programmable and smart thermostats give you far more precise control over temperature and humidity—crucial for Walland’s humid summers and chilly winters. They automatically learn your schedule, adjust for sudden weather swings common in the Smokies, reduce energy waste, and can extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment by preventing short-cycling. Many models also qualify for Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) rebates, so the upfront cost is often offset by incentives and lower monthly utility bills.
What types of thermostat upgrades are available, and how do I choose the right one for my home?
We offer three main categories: • Non-programmable digital thermostats—simple, affordable, easy to read. • Programmable/Wi-Fi thermostats—let you set weekday/weekend schedules and change settings from your phone. • Smart learning thermostats—adapt automatically to your habits, use local weather data, and provide energy-use reports. Your choice depends on lifestyle, budget, and desired features. If you travel often or want voice control through Alexa, Google, or Siri, a smart thermostat is best. For rental cabins that need basic remote access, a Wi-Fi programmable unit may be more cost-effective. Our comfort consultant will review your wiring, equipment type, and Wi-Fi strength to recommend the ideal option.
Will a new thermostat work with my existing heating and air-conditioning equipment?
In nearly every case, yes. Most Walland homes use 24-volt gas furnaces, heat pumps, or dual-fuel systems that are fully compatible with today’s thermostats. During a free inspection, we verify staging (single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed), check for a common (C) wire, and test low-voltage circuits. If you have an older two-wire setup or line-voltage baseboard heat, we can add a C-wire adapter or install a compatible line-voltage smart stat. We also update firmware and pair the thermostat with accessories such as humidifiers or UV air purifiers when needed.
How much money can I save by upgrading my thermostat?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residents who properly use programmable or smart thermostats save about 10% on heating and up to 20% on cooling. For the average Walland homeowner spending roughly $1,000–$1,200 a year on HVAC energy, that’s $100–$240 in annual savings. Many smart models further optimize runtime using occupancy sensors and weather forecasts, pushing potential savings to 25%. Most customers see payback in 12–24 months, even faster if they receive TVA or manufacturer rebates.
What is involved in the thermostat installation process and how long will it take?
A standard upgrade usually takes 60–90 minutes. We shut off power to your HVAC system, photograph and label existing wires, remove the old baseplate, mount the new thermostat, connect the wires (including adding a C-wire if required), restore power, and run a full heating/cooling test. Next, we connect the stat to your home’s Wi-Fi, perform any firmware updates, and walk you through basic programming and mobile-app setup. Low-voltage thermostat swaps don’t require a permit in Blount County, but we still follow NEC and local codes to ensure safety and warranty compliance.
Can I control my upgraded thermostat remotely and connect it to other smart-home devices?
Yes. All Wi-Fi and smart thermostats we install include free iOS/Android apps that let you adjust temperature, change schedules, or switch modes from anywhere. You can also receive push alerts if indoor temperatures fall below a set point—helpful for preventing frozen pipes when you’re away. Most smart models integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT, allowing voice control and automations such as turning on the whole-house humidifier when humidity drops or pausing HVAC operation when windows are open.