Nathan Healy
Certified by Nathan Healy
Updated: October 2026
Quality home solutions since 2011
Palmetto serves thousands of customers across 25 states with an over 85% approval rating

01

Benefits of Palmetto Heat Pumps

Say goodbye to clunky old systems and surprise repairs. Palmetto Comfort Plan gives you a brand-new heat pump, installation, and full support, all wrapped into one subscription.

Year round comfort

Year Round Comfort

A high-efficiency heat pump keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and your energy use in check all year long.

Forget the maintenance

Forget the maintenance

With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.

Rewards for renewing

Rewards for renewing

Stick with us and earn credits toward your next system upgrade. It’s our way of saying thanks for building a cleaner, comfier future with us.

02

Aurora, CO Heat Pump Load Calculator

This square-foot calculator offers an estimate of your home’s heating and cooling needs, based on a 72°F indoor temperature and Aurora’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 91°F outdoors for cooling and -5°F for heating. Get in touch with Palmetto’s team for an official Manual J load calculation and quote. Get in touch with our team for an official quote.

Step 1 of 3

Home location & size

Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.

Step 2 of 3

Home attributes

Step 3 of 3

Additional details

Description of what this means for context.

Estimated Heating Needs

Your home’s location falls within the a climate zone with the average extreme winter falling between 10° – 15° F.

Home Details

Get Started

Recommended equipment capacity

60,000 BTU

5 Tons

Calculated Cooling Mode

102,000 BTU

8.5 Tons

03

Buy it or finance it. Your comfort, your call

There's no wrong way to get cozy. Here's how the options stack up, so you can choose what works best for you.

Cash

Loan

Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly subscription Full price upfront $0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term length 10 or 12 years None Variable
End of term options Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system No credits to new system No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives
Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly subscription
Term length 10 or 12 years
End of term options Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Cash

Payment schedule Full price upfront
Term length None
End of term options No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Loan

Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term length Variable
End of term options No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Local Incentives

Aurora, CO Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives

Local and federal incentive programs can significantly reduce the cost of a new heat pump system. Here are the programs available to Aurora homeowners.

Power Ahead Colorado

$1,500

Offers a $1,500 rebate per qualifying cold-climate air-source heat pump in participating DRCOG communities, including Aurora. The rebate can be combined with eligible state and utility incentives.

Eligibility: The home must be in a participating DRCOG jurisdiction and an existing building; new construction is ineligible. The equipment must meet program efficiency requirements, and a participating contractor must submit the project for preapproval.

Learn more →

Aurora F-3 Project

Up to $15,000

Xcel Energy offers eligible homes in a defined Aurora project area up to 100% of qualifying heat-pump project costs, capped at $15,000. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served.

Eligibility: The property must be an existing, conditioned home inside the F-3 boundary with residential natural-gas service from Xcel Energy. The qualifying heat pump must replace and fully remove the gas heating equipment serving that space; invoices must be dated on or after June 22, 2026.

Learn more →

Colorado Heat Pump Credit

At least $333

Colorado’s state credit is claimed by a registered contractor, who must pass a required portion to the homeowner as an upfront invoice discount. For an eligible air-source heat pump installed in 2026, the homeowner’s minimum discount is $333.

Eligibility: The heat pump must qualify under Colorado’s program, and the installation must be completed by a contractor registered with the Colorado Energy Office for the credit. Homeowners should confirm the equipment’s eligibility and the discount with the contractor before signing.

Learn more →

Confirmed 2026 options include the $1,500 Power Ahead Colorado rebate, the address-limited Aurora F-3 rebate of up to $15,000, and Colorado’s contractor-applied state credit. Eligibility depends on the home’s location, utility service, equipment, and contractor; Palmetto can help homeowners identify applicable programs, apply, and maximize compatible incentives. Federal homeowner heat pump tax credits are not available for 2026 installations.

Incentive information is based on publicly available data as of 2026 and may change. Contact program administrators to verify current availability and eligibility requirements.

04

Climate Zones

Aurora is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6, where winter design temperatures can reach -5°F and summer design temperatures reach 91°F. That means a heat pump must be selected to keep up through cold snaps while also cooling comfortably during hot afternoons. Palmetto understands Aurora’s seasonal conditions and can recommend systems sized for local needs. Explore other climate zones below, or enter your ZIP code to confirm your zone.

US Climate Zone Map
Your location

Climate Zone 1

Climate zone 1 is not typically seen within the United States outside of Alaska. It represents the coldest climates on the planet.

Climate Zone 1A

Avg. extreme winters: -60° to -55° F

Climate Zone 1B

Avg. extreme winters: -55° to -50° F

05

Aurora Electricity Prices

Colorado electricity prices have climbed, making efficient heating and cooling more valuable for Aurora homeowners.

Colorado’s average electricity price rose from 13.1 cents per kWh in 2021 to 15.1 cents in 2024—about 15%. As the chart shows, Colorado remained below the national average each year.

Heat pumps are typically two to three times as efficient as traditional HVAC systems, using less electricity to deliver comparable heating and cooling as rates rise.

Over a system’s life, that efficiency can help limit the impact of rising energy prices. Actual savings depend on your home, equipment, and utility rates.

Price of Energy: Colorado vs National Average

0¢
10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
13.1¢
15.0¢
14.2¢
16.0¢
14.3¢
16.5¢
15.1¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Colorado

Aurora Area Utility Providers

For Aurora, the latest available utility comparison is from 2023: CORE averaged 14.5¢ per kWh and Xcel Energy 14.3¢. The chart compares both rates with Colorado’s and the nation’s 2023 averages.

CORE was 0.2¢ above Colorado’s 14.3¢ average, while Xcel matched it; both were below the 16.0¢ national average. Utility rates can vary by provider, but these figures don’t explain the specific causes.

Heat pumps use electricity efficiently by moving heat instead of producing it directly. That efficiency can reduce energy use and total spending compared with traditional HVAC, helping offset electricity costs even where rates are higher.

Aurora Utilities Electricity Rates

CORE
14.50¢
-9%
Xcel Energy
14.30¢
-11%
CO Average
14.30¢
-11%
US Average
16.0¢
—
06

Palmetto Reviews

Ready to start saving with a heat pump?

Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.

Get a Free Quote
Palmetto mobile app
07

Let our smart tools do the heavy lifting.

Get personalized tips, usage insights, project tracking, and that daily satisfaction of making your energy work smarter with the Palmetto mobile app.

  • Rewards for smarter energy usage
  • Energy insights & Dashboard
  • Personalized Savings Tools
  • Whole Home Energy Management
  • Support Whenever You Need It
Download the App
08

Repair versus replace

When a heat pump is in need of repair it is worth considering whether a replacement would be a better investment. While each case is unique, we generally recommend investing in a new unit when repairs exceed $5,000.

$5,000
Recommended repair threshold

A heat pump's lifetime is impacted by a number of factors including environment, use and the quality of the unit. It's important to choose the right unit for your climate zone and home's unique attributes.

When you are in need of repair, we recommend choosing a service provider that is an expert in the heat pump brand you have installed, and checking online reviews to ensure you are investing in the right level of service.

Potential repair Cost range Description
Capacitor Replacement $150 - $400 Common issue when unit struggles to start or makes a humming noise. Capacitors store the electrical energy needed to start the compressor and fan motors.
Refrigerant Recharge $250 - $750 Needed when the system loses cooling or heating efficiency due to low refrigerant levels. Includes leak detection, repair of minor leaks, and recharging the system to the manufacturer-specified level.
Reversing Valve Replacement $450 - $900 Required when the unit cannot switch between heating and cooling modes. The reversing valve directs refrigerant flow and is unique to heat pump systems.
Compressor Replacement $1,500 - $3,000 Major repair needed when the unit fails to heat or cool entirely. The compressor is the heart of the system, circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils.
Evaporator/Condenser Coil Replacement $1,200 - $2,800 Replacement needed when coils develop leaks or corrosion that cannot be economically repaired. Coil damage reduces heat transfer efficiency and can cause refrigerant loss.
Control Board Replacement $500 - $1,200 Required when the system has electrical failures or erratic behavior. The control board manages all system operations including defrost cycles, fan speeds, and compressor staging.
Full System Replacement $4,500 - $8,000+ When repairs exceed the value of the unit or multiple major components fail simultaneously. Includes removal of the old system and installation of a new heat pump with updated refrigerant lines and electrical connections.

Ready to start saving with a heat pump?

Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.

Get a Free Quote
09

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—heat pumps can make sense in Aurora when properly sized for cold weather. The area is in Climate Zone 6, with a design heating temperature of -5°F and a design cooling temperature of 91°F. Cold-climate models can provide efficient winter heating and summer air conditioning, though costs depend on the equipment, home insulation, and backup heat needs.

At Colorado’s average electricity price of 15.1¢ per kWh, operating costs depend on system efficiency and the fuel it replaces. Palmetto offers a $0-upfront Comfort Plan with maintenance and repairs included, or direct purchase, which may qualify for available state or utility rebates. No federal heat-pump tax credit applies to installations in 2026.

Heat pumps can work efficiently in Aurora’s climate when properly sized and installed. Aurora is in Climate Zone 6, with a design heating temperature of -5°F and a design cooling temperature of 91°F. In mild weather, heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, but heating output and efficiency can decline as outdoor temperatures fall.

At Colorado’s current electricity price of 15.1¢ per kWh, operating costs depend on equipment efficiency, home insulation, and thermostat settings. A professional load calculation helps match the system to local cold snaps. Palmetto offers a $0-upfront Comfort Plan with maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase with ownership and possible state or utility rebates where available.

In Aurora, leasing through Palmetto’s Comfort Plan may suit homeowners who want no upfront payment and included maintenance and repairs; buying may suit those who can pay once and prefer to own the equipment outright. Both approaches can provide heating and cooling for Climate Zone 6, where design temperatures reach -5°F for heating and 91°F for cooling.

With Colorado electricity priced at 15.1¢ per kWh, compare estimated operating costs and each plan’s total cost over time. A direct purchase may qualify for active state or utility rebates, where available. For heat pumps installed in 2026, no federal heat pump tax credit is available; check current local incentives before deciding.

Heat pump installation costs in Aurora depend on the home’s size, insulation, ductwork, and equipment capacity, so there isn’t one reliable citywide price. Aurora is in Climate Zone 6, with a -5°F heating design temperature and 91°F cooling design temperature; these conditions affect system sizing and the installation quote.

Palmetto’s Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes predictable monthly payments, maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage for the plan’s life. Direct purchase means paying once and owning the system; state or utility rebates may be available. Colorado electricity costs 15.1¢ per kWh. Federal heat pump tax credits aren’t available for systems installed in 2026.

A heat pump can be worth it financially in Aurora, but savings depend on your current heating fuel, equipment efficiency, and energy use. Colorado electricity averages 15.1¢ per kWh, so compare estimated annual operating costs—not just purchase price. Systems should be sized for Climate Zone 6, including a -5°F heating design temperature.

Upfront costs and upkeep also affect the calculation. Palmetto’s Comfort Plan has no upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, and includes maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage for the plan’s duration. With direct purchase, you own the system and may qualify for state or utility rebates where available. No federal heat pump tax credit is available for systems installed in 2026.

In Aurora, homeowners can arrange heat pump installation through Palmetto. A system should be selected for the home’s heating and cooling needs, including Climate Zone 6 design temperatures of -5°F for heating and 91°F for cooling. An installer can assess the home and recommend equipment sized for its layout and comfort needs.

Palmetto’s Comfort Plan has no upfront cost, a predictable monthly payment, and includes maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage for the plan’s life. With direct purchase, you pay upfront and own the system; state or utility rebates may be available. No federal heat pump tax credit is available for systems installed in 2026.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—the overall system that manages indoor comfort. A heat pump is one type of HVAC equipment: it moves heat indoors in winter and outdoors in summer. Unlike a furnace paired with a separate air conditioner, one heat pump can provide both heating and cooling.

For Aurora’s Climate Zone 6, equipment should be selected for a -5°F heating design temperature and 91°F cooling design temperature. At Colorado’s current electricity price of 15.1¢ per kWh, operating costs depend on usage and system efficiency. Palmetto offers a $0-upfront Comfort Plan lease with maintenance included, or direct purchase.