Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Heating and Air Conditioning | Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s seasons can swing from icy winds to sweltering humidity, but your home can stay perfectly comfortable—and surprisingly affordable—with HEP’s energy-smart heating and air conditioning solutions. Our certified team pinpoints inefficiencies that other contractors overlook, then upgrades or retrofits your system with high-efficiency equipment and smart controls designed to slash utility bills without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
From meticulously sealed ductwork and ultra-efficient heat pumps to programmable thermostats you can manage from your phone, every recommendation is tailored to your lifestyle and budget. Enjoy a quieter home, cleaner indoor air, and peace of mind knowing that HEP backs each installation with reliable maintenance plans and 24/7 emergency support. Ready to feel the difference? Reach out today and discover how effortless—and eco-friendly—total home comfort can be.
FAQs
What heating and cooling systems are most energy-efficient for Philadelphia’s climate?
For our mix of humid summers and cold winters, dual-fuel systems (a high-efficiency gas furnace paired with an electric heat pump) or cold-climate air-source heat pumps provide the best year-round efficiency. In smaller or older row homes, ductless mini-split heat pumps avoid duct losses and give SEER2 ratings above 20. Look for ENERGY STAR® certification, a furnace AFUE of 95 % or higher, and an AC/heat-pump SEER2 of 16 or better to maximize savings in Philadelphia’s heating-dominated climate.
How much could I save by upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or air conditioner?
A standard 80 % AFUE furnace wastes about 20 ¢ of every heating dollar up the flue. Upgrading to a 96 %+ condensing furnace can trim winter gas use by 15-25 %. On the cooling side, replacing a 10-SEER unit from the early 2000s with a 16-SEER2 model can cut summer electricity consumption by 35-40 %. For the average Philadelphia household, that translates to roughly $150-$300 in annual utility savings, paying back the extra equipment cost in 5-8 years—often sooner when rebates are applied.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Philadelphia for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades?
Yes. PECO offers rebates of $300-$400 for high-efficiency central AC or heat pumps and $150 for smart thermostats. Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) provides up to $1,500 for qualifying 95 %+ AFUE furnaces or boilers. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act cover 30 % of equipment and labor costs—up to $600 for ACs/heat pumps and $2,000 for heat pumps with ≥15.2 SEER2 and ≥9 HSPF2. Always keep your AHRI certificate and contractor invoice; you’ll need them for rebate and tax-credit applications.
How often should I maintain my HVAC system to keep it running efficiently?
Have a licensed technician perform a tune-up twice a year—once in spring for cooling and once in fall for heating. Service includes cleaning coils and burners, checking refrigerant charge, lubricating motors, testing safety controls, and changing filters. Dirty filters alone can cut efficiency by 10-15 %, so replace them every 1-3 months. Regular maintenance not only preserves efficiency but can extend equipment life by 20 % and keep most manufacturer warranties valid.
Can a heat pump really handle Philadelphia’s cold winters?
Modern cold-climate heat pumps from brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Carrier can deliver full-rated heating down to 5 °F and continue operating at −10 °F. Philadelphia’s design temperature is around 15 °F, so they perform well for 95 % of the heating season. Many homeowners choose an all-electric heat pump with built-in resistance backup or a dual-fuel setup (heat pump plus gas furnace) for extra peace of mind on the coldest nights. With a COP of 2-3, a heat pump can be 2-3 times more efficient than electric baseboard or resistance strip heat.
What simple steps can I take today to improve HVAC energy efficiency without replacing equipment?
1) Seal and insulate ductwork, especially in unconditioned attics or basements—leaky ducts can waste 20-30 % of conditioned air. 2) Install a programmable or smart thermostat and use temperature setbacks (e.g., 68 °F heating, 78 °F cooling) when away. 3) Change or wash air filters regularly. 4) Keep outdoor condenser coils clear of leaves and debris and maintain 2 ft of clearance. 5) Add attic insulation to R-49 (about 14-16 in. of fiberglass) to reduce heating load. 6) Use ceiling fans in summer to feel 4-5 °F cooler, allowing a higher thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.