Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cowan
Whether you’re braving Cowan’s humid summers or its brisk winter nights, HEP keeps your home comfortable while trimming energy bills. Our certified technicians design and install high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that sip electricity instead of guzzling it, pairing smart thermostats with properly sized equipment to ensure every degree you pay for actually reaches your living spaces. The result is a cozier home, fewer surprise breakdowns, and real dollar savings you can see month after month.
Great comfort goes hand in hand with healthy air. That’s why we take ventilation and air quality just as seriously as temperature control—sealing leaky ducts, integrating energy-recovery ventilators, and recommending filtration solutions that whisk away pollen, dust, and lingering odors. From the first audit to the final tune-up, HEP delivers a turnkey approach that helps Cowan homeowners breathe easier, live greener, and feel better every single day.
FAQs
How can upgrading my HVAC system improve energy efficiency?
Modern heating and cooling equipment is designed to deliver the same or better comfort using substantially less energy. High-efficiency furnaces now reach AFUE ratings of 95–98%, while today’s air conditioners and heat pumps can exceed 20 SEER2. By replacing a 10- to 15-year-old unit with a new ENERGY STAR®–rated system, many Cowan homeowners see utility bills drop 20–40%. Additional gains come from variable-speed blowers, ECM motors, and smart controls that modulate output instead of running at full power all the time.
What energy-efficient heating and cooling options work best for Cowan’s climate?
Because Cowan experiences hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, an all-electric heat pump is often the most cost-effective choice. Air-source heat pumps provide efficient cooling in summer and heating down to about 25°F; for colder nights, a dual-fuel system that pairs a heat pump with a high-efficiency gas furnace can optimize comfort and operating costs. Ductless mini-splits are ideal for additions or older homes without existing ductwork, while geothermal heat pumps deliver the highest year-round efficiency if you have the upfront budget and yard space for ground loops.
How often should I replace or clean my HVAC air filters to maintain good indoor air quality?
In most Cowan households, standard 1-inch fiberglass filters should be replaced every 30 days. Pleated MERV-8 to MERV-11 filters normally last 60–90 days, and high-capacity 4- or 5-inch media cartridges can go 6–12 months. Homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or recent remodeling projects will need more frequent changes. A clogged filter forces the blower motor to work harder, driving up energy use by as much as 15% while allowing dust and allergens to circulate.
Are smart thermostats worth the investment for energy savings?
Yes. EPA studies show that properly programmed smart thermostats save the average household 8–15% on heating and cooling costs. Devices such as the ecobee or Nest learn your schedule, adjust automatically when you’re away, and provide energy-use reports. In Cowan, where temperature swings can be large from day to night, features like geofencing and humidity control fine-tune comfort without unnecessary run time. Many local utilities also offer rebates that offset a large portion of the purchase price.
What is a home energy audit, and do you provide this service in Cowan?
A home energy audit is a comprehensive assessment that pinpoints where your house loses energy—and money. Using tools like blower-door tests, infrared cameras, and duct-leakage testers, our certified technicians identify drafts, insulation gaps, and inefficient appliances. You receive a detailed report prioritizing fixes such as air sealing, duct sealing, and HVAC upgrades, along with projected savings for each improvement. We proudly offer both basic walk-through and full diagnostic energy audits to residents in Cowan and surrounding Franklin County.
How does proper ventilation impact comfort, health, and energy savings?
Without adequate ventilation, moisture, odors, and pollutants build up indoors, leading to mold growth, respiratory issues, and a stuffy feeling. Balanced solutions like Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) exhaust stale air while pre-conditioning incoming fresh air, capturing up to 70–80% of the energy that would otherwise be lost. This keeps indoor humidity in the recommended 30–50% range, helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, and maintains a healthier living environment year-round in Cowan’s humid climate.