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

Evanston, IL Heat Pump Load Calculator

This calculator estimates your home’s heating and cooling needs using ACCA-standard design conditions for Evanston, IL: 91°F for cooling and -5°F for heating, based on a 72°F indoor temperature. 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

Evanston, IL 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 Evanston homeowners.

ComEd Heat Pump Rebate

$1,400 - $2,075

ComEd offers rebates for qualifying air-source heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems installed by ComEd-certified contractors. Rebate amounts vary based on system efficiency ratings.

Eligibility: Must be a ComEd residential customer. System must be installed by a ComEd Residential Trade Ally contractor. Equipment must meet specified SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency ratings. Rebates available through December 31, 2026.

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 →

Evanston homeowners have access to ComEd heat pump rebates ranging from $1,400 to $2,075, plus the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000. Palmetto can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings on heat pump installation. While Illinois state-level rebate programs are in development, utility rebates and federal credits provide meaningful financial support for your home electrification project.

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

Evanston sits in IECC Climate Zone 6, which means cold winters (design temps down to -5°F) and warm summers (up to 91°F). This wide temperature range makes choosing the right heat pump critical—undersized units struggle in winter, while oversized ones waste energy. Palmetto understands Evanston's climate inside and out, so we can help you find a system that keeps you comfortable year-round. 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

Evanston Electricity Prices

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

Illinois electricity rates jumped from 13.2 cents per kWh in 2021 to 15.9 cents in 2024—a 20% increase in just three years. Every kilowatt-hour counts more now.

Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising rates. Because they move heat rather than generate it, they deliver 2-3 times more heating or cooling per unit of electricity compared to traditional systems.

As electricity costs continue climbing, that efficiency gap translates into real savings. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay manageable even when rates rise.

Price of Energy: Illinois vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
13.2¢
15.0¢
15.7¢
16.0¢
15.7¢
16.5¢
15.9¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Illinois

Evanston Area Utility Providers

Evanston residents receive electricity from ComEd, which charged an average of 14.8¢ per kWh in 2023. This rate sits below both the Illinois state average of 15.7¢ and the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.

ComEd's competitive rates reflect Illinois' diverse energy mix and robust infrastructure investments. The utility benefits from access to multiple power sources, including nuclear facilities that provide stable baseload generation, helping keep costs relatively moderate for Evanston households.

Even with below-average electricity rates, heat pumps can further reduce your energy spending. Their exceptional efficiency means they deliver more heating and cooling per dollar spent compared to traditional HVAC systems, maximizing savings regardless of local electricity costs.

Evanston Utilities Electricity Rates

ComEd
14.80¢
-8%
IL Average
15.70¢
-2%
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 sense in Evanston. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in Climate Zone 6, where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F. With Illinois electricity rates at 15.9¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while providing both heating and cooling year-round.

Evanston homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, while direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both approaches deliver reliable comfort in Evanston's cold winters and warm summers.

Heat pumps perform well in Evanston's Climate Zone 6, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain efficiency down to -5°F and below, making them suitable for Evanston's design heating temperature. They typically deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, which translates to meaningful savings compared to traditional heating systems at Illinois's current rate of 15.9¢ per kWh.

During Evanston's moderate summers (design temp: 91°F), heat pumps excel at cooling while using less energy than conventional air conditioners. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer the greatest efficiency gains, when heat pumps can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with minimal energy use. Overall, heat pumps provide year-round comfort in Evanston's variable climate while reducing energy consumption compared to traditional HVAC systems.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Evanston depends on your financial priorities and preferences. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage with a predictable monthly payment. Direct purchase involves a one-time upfront cost but offers ownership and potential savings through federal tax credits up to $2,000 and local rebates.

For Evanston's cold Climate Zone 6 winters, both options provide the same efficient heating and cooling performance. Leasing works well if you prefer avoiding upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities, while purchasing makes sense if you want to maximize long-term savings through incentives and eventual ownership. Consider your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you prefer predictable monthly payments or upfront investment.

Heat pump installation costs in Evanston typically range from $8,000 to $20,000 for a complete system, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the equipment needed to handle Climate Zone 6 conditions (with winter temperatures reaching -5°F). The total investment varies based on whether you need a ducted or ductless system and any necessary electrical upgrades.

Palmetto offers two payment options to fit your budget: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost 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 plus local rebates. Both options provide quality equipment designed for Evanston's cold winters and warm summers.

For Evanston homeowners, heat pumps typically deliver strong financial returns through reduced energy bills. Modern heat pumps can be 2-3 times more efficient than traditional heating systems, which matters significantly given Illinois electricity rates of 15.9¢ per kWh. Direct purchasers may also qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates.

Palmetto makes heat pumps financially accessible through two options: direct purchase for those who want to maximize incentives and own their equipment, or the Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs. Even in Climate Zone 6 with winter temperatures reaching -5°F, today's cold-climate heat pumps perform efficiently year-round.

Heat pumps in Evanston are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who specialize in heating and cooling systems. These professionals assess your home's specific needs, considering Evanston's Climate Zone 6 conditions (where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F), and ensure proper sizing and installation for year-round comfort.

Palmetto works with certified local installers to provide heat pump installation in Evanston through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase where you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options ensure professional installation tailored to your home's requirements.

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 moving heat rather than generating it, making it highly efficient even in Evanston's Climate Zone 6 conditions.

Traditional HVAC systems often use separate equipment for heating (like a furnace) and cooling (an air conditioner). Heat pumps handle both functions in one unit, which can lower your energy costs with Illinois electricity rates at 15.9¢ per kWh. Palmetto offers heat pumps through flexible options: a Comfort Plan with zero upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.