Arizona Heat Pump Leasing & Installation Guide

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

Arizona’s extreme temperature swings—from scorching summers to cool desert nights—make heat pumps an ideal year-round climate solution. These efficient systems both heat and cool your home while reducing energy costs in one of the nation’s sunniest states. Palmetto brings expert heat pump installation to Arizona homeowners, helping you maximize comfort and savings with clean, reliable technology tailored to your unique climate needs.

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

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 length10 or 12 years
End of term optionsFlexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Cash

Payment scheduleFull price upfront
Term lengthNone
End of term optionsNo credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Loan

Payment schedule$0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term lengthVariable
End of term optionsNo credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

03

Arizona Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives

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

Efficiency Arizona HEAR

Up to $14,000

Efficiency Arizona is a rebate program for qualified households to install highly efficient appliances and HVAC equipment to improve energy efficiency, home comfort, and help Arizonans save on their energy bills. The HEAR rebate program runs through September 30, 2031 for qualified projects including Energy Star certified electric heat pumps, with 100% of electrification project costs up to $14,000 for low-income households, and 50% of costs up to $14,000 for moderate-income households.

Eligibility: Low-income households are defined as households making less than 80% of the area median income, and moderate-income households are defined as households making between 80% and 150% of the area median income. Homes with existing heat pumps are not eligible for the heat pump rebate.

Learn more →

SRP Cool Cash Rebate

Up to $225 per ton

SRP offers the Cool Cash™ Rebate for customers who install high-efficiency air conditioners, heat pumps, or mini-split systems, with rebates paid on a per-ton basis and up to $225 per ton for the highest efficiency variable-capacity units, with equipment installation required by April 30, 2026.

Eligibility: The qualified system must be installed by a contractor licensed in Arizona to install residential air-conditioning systems before April 30, 2026. Applicants must be SRP customers.

Learn more →

Federal IRA Tax Credit

Up to $2,000

The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.

Eligibility: Available to homeowners who purchase and install a qualifying heat pump system. Claimed on your annual federal tax return.

Learn more →

Arizona homeowners have access to multiple heat pump incentive programs in 2026. The Efficiency Arizona HEAR program offers substantial point-of-sale rebates up to $14,000 for low- and moderate-income households installing Energy Star certified heat pumps through September 30, 2031. Additionally, SRP customers can access the Cool Cash Rebate for high-efficiency heat pump installations (equipment must be installed by April 30, 2026). All homeowners can also claim the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000. Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these programs, verify eligibility, and maximize available rebates to reduce upfront costs for heat pump installations.

04

Arizona Electricity Prices

Understanding Arizona’s electricity costs helps you make smarter decisions about home heating and cooling—especially as rates continue to climb.

Arizona electricity rates have risen nearly 20% since 2021, climbing from 12.5 to 14.9 cents per kWh by 2024. While still below the national average, these increases impact your monthly energy bills significantly.

Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising rates. Because they’re 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling—reducing your consumption even as prices increase.

Over the lifespan of your system, this efficiency advantage compounds. As electricity costs continue their upward trend, heat pumps help insulate your budget from rate increases while maintaining year-round comfort in Arizona’s climate.

Price of Energy: Arizona vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
12.5¢
15.0¢
13.0¢
16.0¢
14.0¢
16.5¢
14.9¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Arizona

Arizona Utility Providers

Arizona’s three major utilities—Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power—averaged below the 2023 national rate of 16.0¢ per kWh, with rates ranging from 12.5¢ to 15.3¢ per kilowatt-hour.

Salt River Project offers the lowest rates at 12.5¢ per kWh, while Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power run slightly higher but still below the national average. Arizona’s abundant solar resources and diverse energy mix help keep electricity costs competitive statewide.

Heat pumps shine in Arizona’s electricity landscape. Their exceptional efficiency means lower energy consumption regardless of your utility provider—often cutting heating and cooling costs significantly compared to traditional HVAC systems, even where electricity rates run higher.

Arizona Utilities Electricity Rates

Arizona Public Service Co
15.31¢
-4%
Salt River Project
12.47¢
-22%
Tucson Electric Power Co
14.97¢
-6%
AZ Average
14.00¢
-12%
US Average
16.0¢

05

Arizona Heat Pump City Guides

Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across Arizona. Each guide includes local utility rates, incentives, and climate-specific recommendations.

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
07

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, heat pumps work exceptionally well in Arizona’s climate. Modern heat pumps efficiently cool homes during the state’s hot summers and provide heating during cooler winter months. Arizona’s mild winters mean heat pumps don’t struggle with extreme cold temperatures, allowing them to operate at peak efficiency year-round while helping you manage electricity costs at Arizona’s current rate of 14.9¢ per kWh.

Palmetto makes heat pump installation accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both options deliver reliable heating and cooling designed specifically for Arizona homes.

Heat pump costs in Arizona typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home’s size, existing ductwork, and the system’s efficiency rating. Arizona homeowners who purchase a heat pump outright may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus potential local utility rebates that can significantly reduce the total investment.

Palmetto offers two flexible ways to get a heat pump: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase if you prefer to own the equipment outright. With Arizona’s electricity rate at 14.9¢ per kWh, an efficient heat pump can provide substantial cooling and heating savings compared to traditional HVAC systems, helping offset your investment over time.

Top heat pump brands for Arizona homeowners include Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Rheem, all known for reliable performance in hot, dry climates. These manufacturers offer models with high SEER2 ratings (efficiency in cooling mode) and strong warranties, which matter in a state where cooling dominates energy bills at 14.9¢ per kWh.

When choosing a brand, prioritize models designed for desert conditions with durable compressors and corrosion-resistant components. Palmetto offers both lease options through our Comfort Plan (with included maintenance and repairs) and direct purchase (qualifying for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits), ensuring you get quality equipment that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Yes, Arizona homeowners can access heat pump rebates through federal programs and may find additional incentives through local utilities. The federal Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations when you purchase your system outright, making upgrades more affordable for Arizona residents.

Rebate availability can vary by utility provider and location within Arizona, so it’s worth checking with your local energy company for current offers. Palmetto’s direct purchase option allows you to take advantage of these federal tax credits, while our Comfort Plan provides a $0 upfront alternative with predictable monthly payments and included maintenance—giving you flexibility based on your financial preferences.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Arizona depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus potential local rebates. Leasing through a plan like Palmetto’s Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage with a predictable monthly payment.

For Arizona homeowners concerned about maintenance costs or lacking capital for a large upfront investment, leasing offers peace of mind without surprise repair bills. If you have the funds available and want to maximize long-term savings through tax incentives and eventual ownership, purchasing may be the better option. Consider your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you prefer predictable monthly costs or upfront investment with potential tax benefits.

Yes, heat pumps can be worth it financially in Arizona. Heat pumps typically use 50% less electricity than traditional heating and cooling systems, which translates to meaningful savings on your energy bills—especially important with Arizona’s electricity rate of 14.9¢ per kWh. Over time, these monthly savings can offset your initial investment.

Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan lease with $0 upfront and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The right choice depends on whether you prefer lower monthly bills immediately or maximizing long-term savings through ownership and incentives.

The right heat pump size for your Arizona home depends on square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, and cooling demands. Most Arizona homes between 1,500-2,500 square feet need a 2-5 ton unit, but a professional load calculation using Manual J methodology ensures you get the correct capacity for efficient operation and comfort.

An oversized heat pump cycles on and off frequently, wasting energy at Arizona’s 14.9¢ per kWh electricity rate, while an undersized unit struggles during extreme heat. Palmetto provides expert sizing assessments with both our Comfort Plan lease (no upfront cost, maintenance included) and direct purchase options (qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits), ensuring your system matches your home’s specific needs.