Energy-efficient Upgrades
Energy-efficient Upgrades | Air Conditioning | Heating and Air Conditioning | Birchwood
When Birchwood summers turn sticky, HEP steps in with energy-efficient upgrades that keep your home cool without sending your power bill soaring. Our certified technicians evaluate your existing system, seal hidden leaks, and install high-SEER equipment that quietly delivers the perfect climate, room after room. Thanks to smart thermostats and precision airflow balancing, you’ll feel the difference in comfort—and see it in lower monthly costs—starting the very first day.
From scheduling to final walkthrough, we treat your home as if it were our own, arriving on time, protecting floors, and recycling old components responsibly. Every upgrade is tailored to Birchwood’s unique weather patterns, ensuring longevity even through muggy August afternoons. Explore how modern air conditioning can transform indoors and out, then relax knowing HEP stands behind every installation with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee.
FAQs
What counts as an energy-efficient air-conditioning upgrade for Birchwood homes?
Any equipment or retrofit that reduces the amount of electricity needed to cool your home while maintaining or improving comfort is considered an energy-efficient upgrade. In practical terms, this usually means replacing an older 10–13 SEER unit with a 16–20+ SEER heat-pump or inverter-driven air-conditioner, adding smart thermostats and variable-speed air handlers, tightening and insulating ducts, and installing high-performance refrigerant linesets. All products we recommend are ENERGY STAR® certified and properly sized for Birchwood’s summer climate.
How much can I realistically save on my utility bills after upgrading?
Savings depend on your current system’s age, your home’s insulation levels, and usage habits, but most Birchwood homeowners see 20–40 % lower summer electric costs after moving from a builder-grade 13 SEER unit to an 18 SEER variable-speed system. For a 2,000 sq ft home that previously spent about $150/month on summer cooling, that translates to $30–$60 in monthly savings or $350–$700 per year. Combine the upgrade with duct sealing and a smart thermostat and savings can climb past 45 %.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or financing programs available locally?
Yes. Through 2025, the federal Inflation Reduction Act offers a 30 % tax credit (up to $2,000) on qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps and central AC systems. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program typically provides $300–$650 in cash rebates for equipment 16 SEER and higher, and most local utilities serving Birchwood add $50–$150 thermostat incentives. We handle all paperwork for you, apply instant rebates at the time of sale, and can arrange 0 % or low-interest financing terms of 12–72 months on approved credit.
How long does installation take and will my home be without cooling?
A straightforward replacement of the outdoor condenser, indoor coil, and thermostat takes one working day. If you’re adding duct sealing or line-set upgrades, plan on 1½–2 days. We schedule installations so you are without cooling for only a few hours; portable spot coolers are provided at no charge for vulnerable households. All work is permitted with the Town of Birchwood, pressure-tested, and commissioned before we leave.
Will a high-efficiency system make my house more comfortable or just cheaper to run?
Both. Modern variable-speed compressors run longer at lower capacities, which eliminates the on/off temperature swings common in older single-stage units. Longer run times also improve de-humidification—critical during Birchwood’s muggy July and August afternoons—so the air feels cooler at a higher thermostat setting. Quieter outdoor operation, precise airflow control, and optional whole-home filtration modules further boost comfort and indoor air quality.
What kind of maintenance and warranty coverage should I expect?
All new systems come with a 10-year parts and compressor warranty and a 1-year labor warranty, which we extend to 10 years with our Preferred Maintenance Agreement. To keep the warranty valid, change your return-air filter every 1–3 months and schedule a professional tune-up each spring. During our tune-ups we clean coils, verify refrigerant charge, test safety controls, and calibrate the thermostat—steps that preserve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and protect your investment.