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Trusted HVAC Contractors for CHP & VRF Systems in Idaho
Highland West Energy was founded by Marlin Hill, a seasoned commercial plumber and machinist with over 40 years of industry experience. Recognizing the need for cost-effective utility solutions, Marlin established the company to address energy efficiency gaps through combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Our CEO, Nolan Hill, brings strategic business expertise to ensure every solution balances quality, affordability, and reliability. Over the past decade, we've specialized in designing and installing custom CHP and VRF systems for commercial clients across the Intermountain West. Our team holds industry certifications in mechanical engineering, energy auditing, and sustainable system design, allowing us to deliver solutions that reduce energy costs by up to 85% while maintaining 95% system reliability.As authorized distributors for 2G, Yanmar, and Qnergy equipment, we combine manufacturer expertise with localized service to ensure optimal system performance. Every project undergoes a rigorous savings assessment process to guarantee return on investment within 2.9-5.6 years across diverse applications from hotel facilities to wastewater treatment plants. Our environmental stewardship approach has helped clients reduce carbon emissions equivalent to removing 972 cars from roads annually through efficient energy reuse.
Services
CHP Systems
VRF Installations
Energy Assessments
Custom Solutions
Project Profiles
Highlights and features
- 40+ years combined HVAC and mechanical engineering expertise
- Custom savings assessments with guaranteed ROI timelines
- Exclusive focus on proven CHP/VRF technologies with 95% reliability
- Environmental impact reduction through 85% energy efficiency
- Local ownership and operations in Rexburg, Idaho
What people say
85% utility savings
95% system reliability
Fast ROI
Eco-friendly
Expert installations
Services
CHP Systems
Our combined heat and power systems convert natural gas into electricity and thermal energy simultaneously. Clients experience up to 85% utility savings through 82-85% system efficiency. Commercial applications reduce grid dependency while maintaining 95% reliability during outages. Systems deliver ROI within 2.9-5.6 years through simultaneous power generation and heat recovery.
VRF Installations
Yanmar VRF systems provide variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling with 90% energy efficiency. Our installations reduce electricity consumption through direct natural gas utilization. Dual systems enable simultaneous heating/cooling zone management while cutting NOx emissions by 80% compared to coal-based energy production.
Energy Assessments
We conduct comprehensive utility usage analyses to determine optimal CHP/VRF sizing and configurations. Our free assessments project energy savings (typically $9,622-$192,934 annually) and ROI timelines based on historical consumption patterns and facility-specific operational requirements.
People
Marlin Hill
Founder
With 40+ years in commercial plumbing and mechanical systems, Marlin identified energy cost reduction gaps while installing industrial piping systems. He established Highland West Energy to address these challenges through proven CHP technology now saving clients millions annually.
Nolan Hill
CEO
As CEO, Nolan ensures every project balances technical excellence with economic viability. His decade of leadership has expanded our service reach across Idaho and Montana through strategic vendor partnerships and client-centric implementation processes.
Questions
What is CHP technology?
Combined Heat and Power systems generate electricity and usable heat simultaneously through natural gas combustion, achieving 82-85% energy efficiency versus 38-40% for traditional power plants.
How much can I save with CHP?
Clients save $9,622-$192,934 annually through 66-88% reductions in electrical bills and 100% coverage of thermal energy needs, with ROI realized within 2.9-5.6 years.
Can CHP work during power outages?
Yes, CHP systems operate in island mode during grid failures, maintaining uninterrupted power supply to critical systems while continuing to generate thermal energy.
What environmental benefits do your systems provide?
Our clients reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to removing 2-463 cars annually through energy reuse, plus cut NOx/SOx emissions by 80-100% compared to coal power plants.
Do you serve residential customers?
While our focus remains commercial projects, we do install micro CHP units for large residential properties like student housing complexes that require both electricity and hot water generation.
How do VRF systems differ from traditional HVAC?
VRF systems use natural gas instead of grid electricity, eliminating transmission losses while enabling simultaneous heating and cooling operations. This cuts energy costs up to 90% compared to conventional HVAC systems.
Reviews (2)
Jeffrey Parsons
Nov 21, 2019
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If you would like to save on energy bills, I highly suggest Highland West. They provide excellent service administered through an excellent team. They are experienced and professional. I cannot recommend them enough.
Brett Hughes
Sep 23, 2016
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Nolan Hill at Highland West Energy is a sharp and trustworthy business person. He has a service and customer first mentality.
