Sustainable Practices
Sustainable Practices | Air Conditioning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Strawberry Plains
Breathe easy in Strawberry Plains knowing that HEP combines innovative sustainability with top-tier air conditioning expertise. Our certified technicians design, install, and maintain systems that keep your home perfectly cool while shrinking your carbon footprint. From high-SEER heat pumps and smart thermostats to environmentally responsible refrigerants, every choice we make is guided by energy efficiency and long-term savings for both you and the planet.
When you call on HEP, you’re partnering with a local team that recycles, reuses, and responsibly disposes of old units and filters. We perform thorough load calculations, seal leaky ductwork, and offer preventative maintenance plans that maximize performance and minimize waste. Enjoy whisper-quiet comfort, lower utility bills, and the confidence that your commitment to sustainability is as strong as ours—all delivered through dependable air conditioning service tailored to the unique climate of East Tennessee.
FAQs
What sustainable air-conditioning systems work best in Strawberry Plains’ climate?
Our area’s humid summers and mild winters make high-efficiency heat pumps (16–20+ SEER2) and variable-speed air conditioners ideal. These units automatically modulate output, removing humidity more precisely while using up to 40 % less electricity than single-stage systems. Because Strawberry Plains rarely sees extended sub-freezing temperatures, a heat pump can also handle winter heating, eliminating the need for a separate fossil-fuel furnace and further cutting carbon emissions.
How much can I save by upgrading to a high-efficiency unit?
A switch from a 10-SEER system (common in homes built before 2006) to an 18-SEER2 model can trim cooling costs by 35–45 %. For a typical Strawberry Plains household spending $150 per month on summer electricity, that’s $450–$550 saved each season. Over a 15-year lifespan, the savings generally outweigh the higher upfront cost while preventing roughly 30,000 lb of CO₂ emissions.
Do new systems use environmentally friendly refrigerants?
Yes. All of our current installations rely on R-454B or R-32 refrigerants, which have a global-warming potential (GWP) roughly 70 % lower than the outgoing R-410A. These refrigerants deliver the same cooling performance, are approved by the EPA, and are fully supported by today’s high-efficiency compressors. We also recover and recycle any remaining legacy refrigerant from your old equipment to keep it out of the atmosphere.
Are there rebates or tax credits for sustainable HVAC upgrades in Strawberry Plains?
Absolutely. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can claim a federal tax credit of 30 % of the installed cost (up to $2,000) for qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pumps. Tennessee Valley Authority’s "EnergyRight" program adds rebates of $150–$400 for high-efficiency units, while Knoxville Utilities Board offers low-interest financing. We handle all paperwork and provide efficiency ratings so you receive every available incentive.
How does regular maintenance support sustainability?
A tuned system uses 10–15 % less energy than a neglected one. During our semi-annual checkups we clean coils, verify refrigerant charge, tighten electrical connections, and test airflow. This keeps efficiency at factory levels, extends equipment life, and prevents refrigerant leaks—one of the biggest environmental hazards in HVAC. We also replace or wash filters with MERV-rated, low-resistance media to maintain indoor air quality without overworking the blower motor.
Can smart thermostats and zoning further reduce my carbon footprint?
Yes. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and can cut cooling runtime by up to 23 % by automatically setting back temperatures when you’re away. Zoning dampers let you cool only occupied rooms, preventing energy waste in seldom-used spaces such as guest bedrooms or basements. Together, these add-ons typically pay for themselves in two to three years and integrate seamlessly with the high-efficiency systems we install.