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

Macon, GA Heat Pump Load Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It uses ACCA-standard design conditions for Macon, 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

Macon, 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 Macon homeowners.

Home Efficiency Rebate (HER)

Up to $16,000

Provides rebates for any work that reduces energy use in the home, including replacing HVAC systems, as long as the work reduces total household energy use by at least 20%. Requires working with an approved contractor who uses specialized diagnostic tests to determine which measures will reduce the most energy use.

Eligibility: Covers 98% of project cost up to $16,000 for low-income households (less than 80% of area median income) and 50% of project costs up to $4,000 for all other households. Program is open to all income levels.

Learn more →

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)

Up to $14,000

Provides rebates to low- to medium-income households for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, heat pump clothes dryers, electric stoves, cooktops, ranges, ovens, and electrical upgrades. Designed to encourage switching to more efficient electric appliances.

Eligibility: Reserved for low- and middle-income households, with low-income defined as less than 80% of area median income and middle-income as 80% to 150% of area median income. Low-income households receive larger rebates than middle-income households.

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 →

Macon, GA homeowners have access to two active state rebate programs in 2026: the Home Efficiency Rebate (HER) program offering up to $16,000 for whole-home energy efficiency improvements including heat pump installation, and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program providing up to $14,000 for qualifying low- and moderate-income households. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can significantly reduce the cost of heat pump installation. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and maximize your available rebates and incentives.

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

Macon 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 significant cooling loads while still providing reliable heating during occasional cold snaps. At Palmetto, we factor in these local conditions to recommend systems properly sized for Middle Georgia's weather patterns. Explore the 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

Macon Electricity Prices

Understanding electricity costs in Macon helps you make smarter decisions about heating and cooling your home efficiently.

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

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

As electricity rates continue to rise, 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 over the system's lifespan.

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

Macon Area Utility Providers

Macon residents receive electricity primarily from Georgia Power. According to 2023 data, Georgia Power's average rate was 14.6¢ per kWh—slightly above the state average of 13.70¢ but below the national average of 16.0¢.

Georgia Power's rates reflect the company's diverse energy mix and infrastructure investments across the state. While costs run moderately higher than Georgia's average, Macon residents still enjoy electricity prices below what most Americans pay nationwide.

Even with electricity costs above the state average, heat pumps can lower your total energy spending. Their exceptional efficiency means they use less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems, helping offset higher per-kilowatt costs with reduced overall consumption.

Macon Utilities Electricity Rates

Georgia Power
14.60¢
-9%
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 Macon. The city's Climate Zone 8 location means mild winters (design temp: 14°F) and warm summers (design temp: 95°F)—conditions where heat pumps operate most efficiently. With Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs compared to traditional systems.

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 Macon homeowners enjoy year-round comfort while lowering energy bills, making heat pumps a smart investment for your home.

Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Macon's Climate Zone 8, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 14°F and summers reach around 95°F. This moderate climate is ideal for heat pump efficiency, as these systems work most effectively in regions without extreme cold. Modern heat pumps can maintain efficiency ratings of 300-400% (delivering 3-4 units of heating or cooling per unit of electricity consumed), which translates to significant savings on your energy bills at Georgia's current 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rate.

The mild winters in Macon mean your heat pump won't struggle during heating season like it might in northern climates, maintaining consistent performance year-round. 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 a system well-matched to local conditions that can reduce heating and cooling costs compared to traditional HVAC systems.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Macon depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, plus you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Leasing through Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs in your monthly payment.

For Macon homeowners, leasing often makes sense if you want predictable costs without maintenance worries, while buying works well if you have available capital and want to maximize tax incentives. With Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh and Macon's climate requiring both heating and cooling, a heat pump delivers year-round efficiency either way—the best option simply depends on your budget and how hands-on you want to be.

Heat pump costs in Macon 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. Macon'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 demands year-round.

Palmetto offers two flexible ways to get a heat pump in Macon: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and a predictable monthly payment that includes 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 Macon's climate. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Georgia's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, the savings add up quickly. Direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Palmetto offers two financial paths to fit your budget. The Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront with a predictable monthly payment that includes all maintenance and repairs, eliminating surprise costs. Direct purchase means you own the system outright and capture all available incentives, though you'll handle maintenance yourself.

In Macon, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, including companies like Palmetto that specialize in home energy solutions. Professional installers ensure your system is properly sized for Macon's Climate Zone 8 conditions, where temperatures range from 14°F in winter to 95°F in summer, maximizing efficiency and comfort year-round.

Palmetto offers heat pump installation in Macon through two flexible options: 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 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 provides both heating and cooling in one unit, making it a complete HVAC solution for Macon's climate.

Unlike traditional HVAC setups that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it, which typically makes them more energy-efficient with Georgia's current electricity rates at 14.1¢ per kWh. Palmetto offers heat pumps through a Comfort Plan lease with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or through direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.