- HEP
- Energy Waste
Energy Waste
Energy Waste | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | La Follette
Discover how HEP helps La Follette homeowners slash utility bills and stay comfortable year-round by attacking the biggest culprit of energy waste—your old, inefficient thermostat. Our team pairs cutting-edge technology with local expertise, offering thermostat upgrades that fine-tune your heating and air conditioning so every degree is dialed in for maximum savings and perfect indoor climate control.
With quick installation, mobile app convenience, and smart-learning features, thermostat upgrades let you monitor usage in real time, adjust settings from anywhere, and automatically adapt to your family’s schedule. Join hundreds of neighbors who have already embraced smarter comfort and watch your energy waste melt away while you bask in effortless efficiency.
FAQs
How can upgrading my thermostat reduce energy waste in my La Follette home?
Older manual thermostats frequently allow systems to run longer or hotter/colder than necessary. A modern programmable or smart thermostat automatically adjusts set-points around your family’s schedule and the East Tennessee climate, trimming run-time during work hours, at night, and on mild spring/fall days. This tighter control typically lowers heating and cooling energy use by 8 – 20 %, translating into noticeable savings on La Follette Utility Board (LUB) bills while extending HVAC equipment life.
What kinds of thermostat upgrades do you install?
We carry and install three main categories: • 7-day programmable digital thermostats – let you create different schedules for weekdays and weekends. • Wi-Fi–enabled smart thermostats – learn your habits, provide remote app control, and offer energy-use reports. • Z-wave or smart-home–integrated thermostats – tie into home-automation hubs, security systems, or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. All models we stock are Energy Star® certified and compatible with La Follette’s typical heat-pump, gas furnace, and dual-fuel systems.
Will a smart thermostat work with my existing heating and air-conditioning equipment?
In most cases, yes. During our free in-home assessment we verify control voltage (24-V), number of stages, presence of a C-wire, and any special requirements for heat pumps or dual-fuel switchover. If your current wiring is missing a common wire, we can often add one or install a power-extender kit. Very old line-voltage baseboard systems are the only common exception, and we will advise you of compatible options if that applies.
How much money can I expect to save after upgrading?
Savings depend on your lifestyle and current thermostat habits, but Department of Energy studies show programmable thermostats cut heating costs by 10 % and cooling costs by up to 15 % when used correctly. For a typical La Follette home spending $150 – $180 per month on combined electric and gas utilities, that equals $180 – $300 a year—paying back most thermostat installations in 12–24 months.
Can I install the thermostat myself or should I hire a professional?
Many homeowners can physically mount a basic thermostat, but professional installation ensures: • Correct wiring to prevent equipment damage • Heat-pump, emergency heat, and dual-fuel settings programmed properly • Wi-Fi setup, firmware updates, and mobile-app pairing • Validation that temperature sensors and anticipators are calibrated for accurate comfort control Because an incorrect hookup can short a transformer or blower board (a $300-plus repair), most La Follette residents choose our affordable flat-rate installation, which includes a workmanship warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Are rebates or incentives available for thermostat upgrades in La Follette or Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight® program and LUB periodically offer $50–$100 bill credits for installing an eligible smart thermostat. Qualifying models must be Energy Star® certified and professionally installed. In addition, federal tax credit 25C currently allows up to $150 back on a thermostat that is part of a high-efficiency HVAC upgrade. We handle all paperwork, submit proof of installation, and deduct the rebate from your final invoice whenever possible.