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

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

Athens, GA Heat Pump Load Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It’s calibrated to ACCA-standard design conditions for Athens, GA: 72°F indoor, 95°F outdoor for cooling, and 14°F for heating. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with Palmetto’s 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

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

Athens, GA 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 Athens homeowners.

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)

Up to $8,000

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) will provide rebates to low- to medium-income households for heat pumps; heat pump water heaters; heat pump clothes dryers; electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, or ovens; electric load service center (breaker box/electrical panel); electric wiring; and insulation, air sealing, and ventilation.

Eligibility: The Electrification and Appliance program rebates are reserved for only low- and middle-income households, with low-income households eligible for larger rebates than middle-income households. For this program, low-income is defined as making less than 80% of the median income for the local area of the project and middle-income is defined as making between 80% and 150% of the area median income. For HVAC replacement projects, you must install an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump. The contractor performing the installation must be approved for participation in the HEAR program by the Georgia Efficiency Finance Authority (GEFA).

Learn more →

Home Efficiency Rebates (HER)

Up to $16,000

The Home Efficiency Rebate (HER) program gives rebates for any work that reduces energy use in the home, so long as the work is estimated to reduce total household energy use by at least 20%. It could be sealing air leaks around windows or doors, fixing leaky air ducts, adding insulation, replacing HVAC or hot water heaters, or any combination of things like this.

Eligibility: The efficiency rebate program covers 98% of the project cost up to $16,000 per household for low-income households and 50% of the project costs up to $4,000 for all other households. The Home Efficiency Rebate program is open to all income levels, but low-income households (making less than 80% of the median income for the local area of the project) have larger rebate amounts. Participation in this program requires residents to work with an approved contractor who will use specialized diagnostic tests and software to figure out which measures will reduce the most energy use and save the most money.

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 →

Georgia's Home Energy Rebate Programs offer rebates for electrification and efficiency upgrades, helping households save energy and money. Georgia launched statewide Home Energy Rebate Programs in late 2024, providing the opportunity for thousands of households across the state to keep money in their pocket while making home improvements that save energy and improve home comfort. Athens homeowners can access the HEAR program for heat pump installations (up to $8,000 for qualifying low and moderate-income households) and the HER program for whole-home efficiency upgrades including heat pumps (up to $16,000 depending on income and energy savings). Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these programs, work with approved contractors, and maximize available rebates when combined with the federal IRA tax credit.

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

Athens falls within IECC Climate Zone 8, which means mild winters (design temp: 14°F) and hot, humid summers (design temp: 95°F). This mix matters when sizing your heat pump—you need a system that handles summer cooling demands without being oversized for winter heating. At Palmetto, we understand Athens's climate and can help you find the right fit. Explore other zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.

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

Athens Electricity Prices

Understanding electricity costs in Athens helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling systems.

Georgia electricity rates have climbed from 12.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a 13% increase. For Athens homeowners, this means higher monthly bills for the same energy usage.

Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising costs. Because they're 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort to your home.

As electricity rates continue to rise, that efficiency gap becomes even more valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly costs stay manageable, even as rates increase over time.

Price of Energy: Georgia vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
12.5¢
15.0¢
13.8¢
16.0¢
13.7¢
16.5¢
14.1¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Georgia

Athens Area Utility Providers

Athens residents benefit from competitive electricity rates through two main providers: Jackson EMC at 12.0¢ per kWh and Walton EMC at 13.4¢ per kWh (2023 data). Both fall below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.

These lower rates reflect Georgia's diverse energy mix and the cooperative structure of local EMCs, which operate as member-owned utilities. Jackson EMC's particularly competitive pricing makes it one of the most affordable options in the region.

With Athens' below-average electricity costs, heat pumps become even more economical. Their high efficiency means they use less energy than traditional HVAC systems, translating competitive rates into greater savings on your monthly bills.

Athens Utilities Electricity Rates

Jackson EMC
12.00¢
-25%
Walton EMC
13.40¢
-16%
GA Average
13.70¢
-14%
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 make excellent sense in Athens. The city's Climate Zone 8 conditions—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F—are ideal for modern heat pumps, which efficiently handle both heating and cooling. With Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Palmetto makes heat pump installation accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and all maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000. Both approaches help Athens homeowners reduce energy costs while enjoying reliable heating and cooling. The moderate climate here means your heat pump won't face extreme temperatures that challenge efficiency, making it a smart long-term investment.

Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Athens's mild climate (Climate Zone 8), where winter design temperatures only drop to around 14°F and summers reach 95°F. Modern heat pumps can efficiently heat and cool homes in these conditions, often delivering 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, which translates to significant savings compared to traditional systems at Georgia's current rate of 14.1¢ per kWh.

Because Athens experiences relatively moderate winters with few extreme cold days, heat pumps can operate at peak efficiency throughout most of the year, making them one of the most cost-effective heating and cooling solutions available. Whether you choose Palmetto's Comfort Plan with no upfront costs and included maintenance, or direct purchase to take advantage of federal tax credits up to $2,000, you'll benefit from lower energy bills and consistent comfort year-round.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Athens depends on your financial priorities and preferences. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage in one predictable monthly payment. Direct purchase means you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates.

For Athens homeowners, consider your budget and how hands-on you want to be with equipment maintenance. Leasing works well if you prefer avoiding upfront costs and want worry-free service throughout the system's life. Purchasing makes sense if you can access the tax incentives and want long-term ownership. Both options deliver efficient heating and cooling for Athens' climate, where temperatures range from 14°F in winter to 95°F in summer.

Heat pump costs in Athens 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. Climate Zone 8's heating and cooling demands (14°F to 95°F) mean proper sizing is essential for year-round comfort and optimal performance.

Palmetto offers two payment options to fit your budget: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and predictable monthly payments including 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 rebates.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Athens, GA. With Georgia's electricity rate of 14.1¢ per kWh and Athens' moderate climate (Zone 8), heat pumps can reduce your heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems. They handle both functions efficiently year-round, even during Athens' occasional 14°F winter lows.

Palmetto makes heat pumps more accessible with two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000. Most Athens homeowners see the investment pay for itself through lower energy bills within 5-10 years, while enjoying consistent comfort throughout Georgia's hot summers and mild winters.

In Athens, GA, licensed HVAC contractors and home energy companies like Palmetto install heat pumps. Professional installers ensure your system is properly sized for Athens' Climate Zone 8 conditions—where winter temperatures can drop to 14°F and summer highs reach 95°F—so your heat pump operates efficiently year-round.

Palmetto offers two installation options for Athens homeowners: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase where you own the equipment outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options include professional installation by certified technicians who understand local climate requirements and building codes.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for all systems that heat and cool your home. A heat pump is actually a specific type of HVAC system that efficiently handles both heating and cooling by transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion or electric resistance.

In Athens's Climate Zone 8, where temperatures range from 14°F in winter to 95°F in summer, heat pumps work year-round as your complete HVAC solution. With Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, a heat pump typically costs less to operate than traditional heating systems. Palmetto offers flexible options including a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.