Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Speedwell
When Speedwell residents think of year-round comfort, they think of HEP. Our high-efficiency heat pumps seamlessly switch between heating and cooling, trimming energy bills while keeping every room at the perfect temperature. Whether you’re renovating an old farmhouse or outfitting a modern build, our team designs, installs, and maintains systems that match your space and lifestyle—so you stay cozy in winter and refreshed in summer without lifting a finger.
Beyond temperature control, we focus on the often-overlooked essentials of healthy living: ventilation and air quality. From smart thermostats that monitor humidity to advanced filtration that captures allergens, our solutions circulate fresh, clean air through every vent. Breathe easy knowing HEP’s certified technicians are just a call away, committed to maximizing efficiency, safeguarding your health, and making your Speedwell home feel better than ever.
FAQs
How does a heat pump work, and is it efficient in Speedwell’s climate?
A heat pump transfers heat rather than generating it. In winter, it extracts latent heat from outdoor air (or the ground) and moves it indoors; in summer, it reverses direction and removes heat from your home. Because Speedwell experiences moderate winters and hot summers, a modern high-efficiency heat pump can deliver up to three times more heating energy than the electricity it consumes and provide SEER2 ratings of 18–20 for cooling, making it one of the most cost-effective HVAC choices for the region.
Can a heat pump replace both my furnace and central air conditioner?
Yes. A properly sized air-source or ductless mini-split heat pump can provide 100 % of your home’s heating and cooling needs. Most residential units deliver reliable heat down to outdoor temperatures of 0 – 5 °F, which covers the vast majority of Speedwell’s winter nights. If you have concerns about occasional extreme cold snaps, we can pair the system with electric strip heat or keep your existing furnace as backup (a dual-fuel configuration).
What kinds of heat pumps and ventilation equipment do you install?
We offer ENERGY STAR® certified air-source, ductless mini-split, and water-source (geothermal) heat pumps. For ventilation and air quality, we install energy-recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat-recovery ventilators (HRVs), whole-home dehumidifiers, high-MERV media filters, HEPA bypass filters, and UV or photocatalytic air purifiers. Each option is selected based on home size, existing ductwork, and specific IAQ concerns such as allergies, humidity, or odors.
How often should my heat pump and ventilation system be serviced?
We recommend a professional tune-up twice a year—once in early spring before the cooling season and once in early fall before heating season. During these visits we clean coils, check refrigerant charge, calibrate thermostats, test airflow, and inspect the ERV/HRV core or filters. Homeowners should also replace or wash air filters every 1–3 months and keep outdoor units clear of leaves and debris to maintain peak efficiency and air quality.
What steps can a heat pump system take to improve indoor air quality?
While the heat pump itself conditions temperature, pairing it with proper filtration and balanced ventilation is key. A sealed, variable-speed air handler runs longer, lower-speed cycles, which continuously pulls air through high-MERV or HEPA filters, capturing pollen, pet dander, and fine particles. Adding an ERV or HRV brings in fresh, filtered outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air, all with minimal energy penalty because heat and humidity are exchanged between the airstreams. The result is lower CO₂ levels, reduced odors, and better humidity control year-round.
Are there rebates or incentives for installing a high-efficiency heat pump in Speedwell?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and local electric cooperatives typically offer $150–$400 per ton rebates for qualifying heat pump installations. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act cover 30 % of the installed cost, up to $2,000, for ENERGY STAR® certified air-source and mini-split heat pumps. Additional incentives may be available for geothermal systems and advanced filtration products. We’ll help you file all paperwork and verify that your new equipment meets the efficiency thresholds required for each program.