New Haven, CT Heat Pump Leasing & Installation
In this guide
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
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
With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.
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
New Haven, CT Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It uses ACCA-standard design conditions for New Haven, CT: 91°F for cooling, -5°F for heating, and a 72°F indoor setpoint. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with our team. 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
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.
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Cash |
Loan |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Cash
Loan
Local Incentives
New Haven, CT 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 New Haven homeowners.
Energy Efficient Elm City
Up to $15,000The City of New Haven has partnered with New England Smart Energy, an Energize Connecticut authorized contractor, to help bring low- or no-cost energy-saving home improvements through the Energy Efficient Elm City program. Income-eligible New Haven residents may qualify for additional incentives, thanks to a city grant that fully covers the cost of heat pumps, electrical system upgrades, insulation, and removal of barriers like mold and asbestos.
Energize Connecticut Heat Pump
$250 - $750 per tonComplete your installation and claim $250 per ton heat pump rebate on systems used to replace oil, propane, natural gas, or electric resistance (baseboard) as a primary heating source. For systems used to replace oil, propane, natural gas, or electric resistance (baseboard) as a primary heating source, claim $750 per ton heat pump rebate.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
Up to $2,000The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.
New Haven homeowners have access to multiple heat pump incentive programs in 2026. The Energy Efficient Elm City program offers up to $15,000 in rebates for income-eligible residents, while Energize Connecticut provides $250-$750 per ton rebates for all Connecticut residents. Additionally, the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 is available through 2032. Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these programs, maximize available rebates, and explore flexible financing options like our Comfort Plan lease, which offers $0 upfront cost as an alternative to traditional purchases.
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
New Haven sits in IECC Climate Zone 6, which means cold winters with design temperatures around -5°F and warm summers reaching 91°F. These temperature swings matter—your heat pump needs to handle both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand New Haven's climate and can help you choose a system sized right for your home. Explore the climate zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
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
New Haven Electricity Prices
New Haven residents face some of the highest electricity costs in the nation—and understanding these rates is key to managing your home energy budget.
Connecticut's electricity rates have climbed dramatically, jumping from 21.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 28.8 cents per kWh in 2024—nearly double the national average of 16.5 cents.
Heat pumps offer a smart response to rising rates. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort.
As electricity costs continue fluctuating, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay more manageable, protecting your budget against future rate increases for years to come.
Price of Energy: Connecticut vs National Average
New Haven Area Utility Providers
New Haven residents receive electricity from United Illuminating (UI), which charged 33.2¢ per kWh in 2023—well above the national average of 16.0¢ and slightly higher than Connecticut's state average of 29.90¢.
Connecticut's electricity costs reflect the state's reliance on natural gas generation, limited regional energy resources, and infrastructure investments needed to maintain reliability. These factors contribute to rates that consistently exceed most of the country.
Higher electricity rates make efficiency matter even more. Heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional heating systems, which means they can lower your total energy spending despite premium electricity prices in the New Haven area.
New Haven Utilities Electricity Rates
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
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.
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in New Haven. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently even at New Haven's design heating temperature of -5°F, while Connecticut's electricity rate of 28.8¢ per kWh makes them cost-effective compared to oil or propane heating. They also provide efficient cooling during summer when temperatures reach 91°F.
New Haven homeowners can access heat pumps through Palmetto's Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or through direct purchase to claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both options deliver year-round comfort while reducing energy costs in Climate Zone 6 conditions.
Heat pumps perform very efficiently in New Haven's Climate Zone 6, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain strong performance down to New Haven's design heating temperature of -5°F, delivering 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume. This efficiency translates to meaningful savings, even with Connecticut's current electricity rate of 28.8¢ per kWh.
During New Haven's mild springs, falls, and summers (with design cooling temperatures around 91°F), heat pumps excel at both heating and cooling your home. Their year-round efficiency means lower energy bills compared to traditional heating systems like oil or propane furnaces. Palmetto offers flexible options including our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in New Haven depends on your financial situation and preferences. Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal if you want predictable costs without maintenance concerns. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits plus local rebates.
Consider New Haven's Climate Zone 6 conditions and Connecticut's 28.8¢ per kWh electricity rate when deciding. Leasing provides budget certainty with covered repairs during cold winters, while purchasing offers long-term ownership and immediate incentive benefits. Both options deliver efficient heating and cooling—the right choice depends on whether you prioritize low upfront costs or maximizing available rebates and ownership.
Heat pump costs in New Haven typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on your home's size, existing heating system, and the equipment needed to handle Climate Zone 6 conditions (where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F). Installation complexity and whether you need ductwork modifications will also affect the final price.
Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump in New Haven: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and a predictable monthly payment that includes all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local Connecticut rebates.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in New Haven, especially given Connecticut's electricity rate of 28.8¢ per kWh. Heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems because they move heat rather than generate it, making them highly efficient even in Climate Zone 6 winters.
Palmetto makes the investment accessible with two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and maintenance included, or direct purchase with federal tax credits up to $2,000 plus local rebates. Most homeowners see the system pay for itself through energy savings within 7-12 years, while enjoying lower monthly utility bills from day one.
Heat pumps in New Haven are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who specialize in heating and cooling systems. These professionals must understand Connecticut's Climate Zone 6 requirements, where systems need to handle winter temperatures as low as -5°F and summer highs reaching 91°F, ensuring your equipment is properly sized and configured for local conditions.
Palmetto works with qualified local installers to provide heat pump installation through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both approaches ensure professional installation tailored to New Haven's climate, helping you reduce energy costs in a state where electricity averages 28.8¢ per kWh.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for all climate control systems in your home. A heat pump is actually a specific type of HVAC system that both heats and cools your home by transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion, making it highly efficient even in New Haven's Climate Zone 6 conditions.
Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a heat pump handles both jobs with one unit. This efficiency matters in Connecticut, where electricity costs 28.8¢ per kWh—heat pumps typically use less energy than conventional systems. Palmetto makes installation accessible through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront, or direct purchase options that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.