Get a heat pump rebate of up to $800 and make your home more comfortable.

With proper maintenance, the average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 to 20 years. But the energy efficiency of even a decade-old unit will have already considerably decreased. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a 10-year-old unit with a newer and more efficient model could save you 20% to 40% on your cooling costs.

All the different names for heating and cooling options can be confusing, so let’s break down some of the terminology.

A central air conditioner is generally what most people think of when they think of air conditioning. If you have a central air conditioning system, it means your home’s air is conditioned — or brought to your preferred temperature — by a dedicated cooling unit. That air is then distributed throughout your home through your duct system. Today, there’s a range of central air conditioners on the market that can help you increase your indoor comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Remember, though, a central air system is only as good as your home’s duct system. Holes or cracks in your ductwork will allow conditioned air to escape — quickly eating up your energy savings and increasing your energy bill over time.

A heat pump is used to control your home’s indoor climate. It uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it into your home. In the summer, it pumps heat from inside your home outside. Heating and cooling your home with a heat pump is much more energy efficient than other central climate control systems that rely on a fuel source.

An air source heat pump is an all-electric system that moves heat from one place to another to control your home’s indoor temperature. Dual fuel heat pumps pair an electric air source heat pump with a gas or propane furnace for additional versatility.

A mini split is a type of heat pump that typically operates without ductwork. (You may hear a mini split referred to as a ductless mini split, but they’re the same thing.) They’re often mounted on a wall or the ceiling, and they pump heat from outdoors to indoors during colder months and from indoors to outdoors during warmer months. Mini splits are a great option for homes without existing ductwork and areas of your home where temperature control is challenging. They’re typically more energy efficient because you can avoid losing cool or warm air through leaky ductwork.

A geothermal heat pump is an energy-efficient heating and cooling system that uses the relatively stable ground or water temperatures to efficiently heat and cool your home. Instead of creating heat, the system transfers heat between your home and the ground.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER2, measures how much energy is required to operate the cooling system. The higher the SEER2, the better the energy efficiency. Since 2023, the Department of Energy began using an updated version of the original SEER rating called SEER2.

You can find your HVAC system’s SEER/SEER2 rating a couple of ways. Head to your outdoor unit and look for the yellow Energy Guide label. The rating will be listed there. You can also look for a piece of paper tied to your indoor unit, or if you’re still not having any luck, try looking up the model and serial number (also labeled on the unit) online or by calling the manufacturer.

Consult a TVA-vetted contractor through our Quality Contractor Network to find out the right AC unit for your home and budget.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when replacing their HVAC system is getting something that’s too big for the home. What many homeowners perceive as not enough cool air inside is actually due to too much indoor humidity caused by an oversized AC unit. Make sure that your system is the right size by requesting “a Manual J load calculation” for your home.

Consult a TVA-vetted contractor through our Quality Contractor Network to find out the right AC unit for your home and budget.

Yes — this is a smart time to consider it. Strengthening your home’s thermal envelope before or during HVAC replacement helps ensure the new system is right‑sized, operates more efficiently, and avoids unnecessary strain. Insulation upgrades first can even allow for a smaller, more cost‑effective HVAC unit.