Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Decherd
Living in Decherd means feeling the full spectrum of Tennessee’s seasons, and HEP is here to make every degree count. Our energy-efficient heating and AC solutions balance advanced temperature control with smart power consumption, so you stay comfortable while keeping monthly bills in check. From state-of-the-art heat pumps to precision-tuned furnaces, we focus on systems that work harder and last longer, all backed by local technicians who treat your home like their own.
But comfort is more than just the right thermostat setting—it’s the air you breathe. That’s why we pair high-efficiency equipment with meticulous attention to ventilation and air quality, sealing drafts, filtering pollutants, and regulating humidity to create a healthier indoor environment. Whether you’re upgrading an existing unit or planning a new installation, count on HEP to deliver clean, conditioned air that feels great, saves energy, and protects your family year-round.
FAQs
Why is investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system important for homes and businesses in Decherd?
Decherd experiences hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters, so heating and cooling can account for 50–60 percent of a building’s annual energy bill. High-efficiency equipment (such as ENERGY STAR® heat pumps and furnaces with AFUE ≥ 96 %) uses advanced compressors, variable-speed motors, and smart controls to deliver the same comfort while consuming up to 30 percent less electricity or fuel. Over the 10–15-year life of a system, those savings often offset the higher upfront price, lower your carbon footprint, and reduce strain on the local power grid served by Duck River EMC and TVA.
Which upgrades provide the greatest energy-savings return for my HVAC system?
1. Replace an older (pre-2010) 10–13 SEER air conditioner with a modern 16–20 SEER2 heat pump—this alone can cut cooling costs by 25–40 %. 2. Install a programmable or smart thermostat; EPA studies show average savings of 8 % on heating and 10 % on cooling when schedules are optimized. 3. Add zoning dampers or variable-speed air handlers so you condition only the rooms you use. 4. Seal and insulate ductwork; leaky ducts waste 20–30 % of conditioned air. 5. Upgrade attic insulation to at least R-49 and seal attic bypasses; this stabilizes indoor temperatures and lets a smaller, more efficient unit perform better.
How often should my HVAC system be serviced to keep it running efficiently?
Schedule professional maintenance twice a year—once in spring for cooling components and once in fall for heating. A precision tune-up includes: cleaning coils, checking refrigerant charge, testing safety controls, lubricating motors, tightening electrical connections, and calibrating the thermostat. Between visits, change or wash filters every 30–60 days during peak usage. Regular upkeep can recover 5–15 % of lost efficiency, prevent costly breakdowns during extreme weather, and preserve manufacturer warranties.
What practical steps can improve my home’s ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ)?
• Upgrade to a MERV-13 filter (or the highest rating your blower can handle) to capture pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles common in Middle Tennessee. • Install a balanced energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to bring in fresh air while transferring heat and moisture—ideal for today’s tighter, energy-efficient homes. • Keep indoor relative humidity between 40–55 % using a whole-house dehumidifier in summer and a humidifier in winter; proper humidity discourages mold growth and improves comfort at higher thermostat settings. • Run kitchen and bath exhaust fans when cooking or showering, and be sure the fans vent outdoors. • Schedule duct cleaning if you notice visible dust plumes, musty odors, or recent construction debris in the system.
Are there local incentives or rebates for installing high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment in Decherd?
Yes. Through TVA’s EnergyRight® program, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) customers can receive rebates for qualifying heat pumps (both air-source and geothermal), smart thermostats, and duct sealing. In 2024, incentives range from $300 to $1,500 depending on system type and efficiency tier. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act add up to 30 % of the project cost (capped at $2,000 for heat pumps and $600 for central A/C or furnaces). Some manufacturers also offer seasonal discounts and 0 % APR financing, which our team can help you secure.
How can I tell if my ductwork is wasting energy, and what can be done about it?
Warning signs include rooms that are hard to heat or cool, whistling or rattling noises, high dust levels, and energy bills that seem too high for your home’s size. A duct-blaster test performed by our technicians pressurizes the system and pinpoints leakage. If losses exceed 10 percent, we recommend: • Sealing joints with mastic and foil tape (never cloth duct tape). • Adding R-8 insulation around attic or crawl-space runs. • Replacing undersized or kinked flex-duct with properly sized rigid metal. Sealing ducts can improve overall HVAC efficiency by 20 percent and enhance comfort throughout the house.