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

Augusta, GA 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 Augusta, 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

Augusta, 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 Augusta homeowners.

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.

Learn more →

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: Lower-income households can qualify for 100% of the cost up to $8,000 while medium-income households can claim a rebate for 50% of the cost. 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.

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 →

Augusta homeowners have access to two active Georgia state heat pump rebate programs in 2026. The Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) program offers up to $16,000 for whole-home energy efficiency improvements including heat pump installation, while the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program provides up to $8,000 for heat pump purchases, with larger rebates available for low and moderate-income households. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can significantly reduce their heat pump installation costs. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and maximize your total rebate savings.

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

Augusta sits in IECC Climate Zone 8, which means mild winters with design temperatures around 14°F and hot, humid summers reaching 95°F. This climate profile requires a heat pump that can handle both seasonal extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Augusta's unique conditions and help homeowners select systems sized appropriately for year-round comfort. Explore other climate zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm your specific 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

Augusta Electricity Prices

Understanding your electricity costs is key to making smart home comfort decisions, especially as rates continue to climb in Georgia.

Georgia electricity rates have risen from 12.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a 13% increase in just three years. For Augusta homeowners, that means higher bills for the same comfort.

Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising electricity costs. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to heat and cool your home to the same temperature.

As electricity rates continue their upward trend, the efficiency advantage of heat pumps becomes even more valuable. Over the lifetime of your system, that efficiency translates to thousands of dollars in energy savings.

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

Augusta Area Utility Providers

Understanding your local electricity costs helps you make smarter energy decisions. In Augusta, residents are served by Georgia Power, whose 2023 rates came in below both state and national averages at competitive prices.

Georgia Power's rates in Augusta remain lower than the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh thanks to the state's diverse energy mix and relatively mild regulatory environment. This cost advantage makes Augusta a favorable market for energy-efficient home upgrades.

Heat pumps shine in areas with reasonable electricity rates like Augusta. Their high efficiency means they use less energy than traditional HVAC systems, translating lower utility costs into even greater savings for your household budget.

Augusta Utilities Electricity Rates

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 Augusta. The area's Climate Zone 8 conditions—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F—are well-suited 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.

Augusta homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers heat pump installation with no upfront cost and includes all maintenance and repairs, while direct purchase allows you to own the equipment and potentially claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both paths deliver the energy efficiency and comfort benefits that make heat pumps a smart choice for Augusta's climate.

Heat pumps are highly efficient in Augusta's climate, which falls in Climate Zone 8 with moderate winters (design temp: 14°F) and hot summers (design temp: 95°F). Modern heat pumps can deliver 2-4 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, making them significantly more efficient than traditional HVAC systems even during Augusta's coldest days.

With Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, this efficiency translates to meaningful savings on your energy bills year-round. Augusta's mild winters are particularly well-suited for heat pump technology, as they operate most efficiently in moderate climates. 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 Augusta depends on your financial priorities and preferences. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers $0 upfront with predictable monthly payments and all maintenance included, making it ideal if you want hassle-free comfort without a large initial investment. Direct purchase requires upfront payment but lets you own the equipment and potentially claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Consider Augusta's climate needs—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F, your heat pump will work year-round. If you prefer avoiding maintenance responsibilities and predictable budgeting with Georgia's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rates, leasing may suit you best. If you want to maximize long-term savings through tax incentives and equipment ownership, purchasing could be the better path. Both options deliver efficient heating and cooling for your home.

Heat pump costs in Augusta 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. Augusta's Climate Zone 8 conditions—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F—mean you'll need a properly sized system that handles both heating and cooling efficiently.

Palmetto offers two payment options to fit your budget: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the equipment outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both options help you save on Georgia's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rates compared to traditional heating systems.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Augusta, GA. With Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh and Augusta's 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, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling equipment.

Palmetto makes heat pumps 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. Most Augusta homeowners see the system pay for itself through energy savings within 5-10 years, while enjoying lower monthly utility bills immediately.

In Augusta, GA, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, and homeowners have several options for finding qualified installers. Palmetto provides professional heat pump installation throughout Augusta, handling everything from initial assessment to final setup. Our certified technicians understand Climate Zone 8 requirements, ensuring your system performs efficiently in Augusta's 14°F winter lows and 95°F summer highs.

Palmetto offers two installation paths to fit different needs: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase where you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options include professional installation by experienced technicians who ensure your heat pump is properly sized and configured for Augusta's climate and your home's specific needs.

A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for any equipment that controls your home's temperature. Heat pumps are unique because they provide both heating and cooling in one efficient unit, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.

In Augusta's Climate Zone 8, where temperatures range from 14°F in winter to 95°F in summer, a heat pump handles both extremes efficiently. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, modern heat pumps work year-round with lower energy costs—an important consideration with Georgia's electricity rate of 14.1¢ per kWh.