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

Bloomington, IN Heat Pump Load Calculator

Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on Bloomington’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 91°F for cooling, -5°F for heating, and a 72°F indoor target. 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

Bloomington, IN 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 Bloomington homeowners.

Indiana HOMES Rebate

Up to $14,000

The Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) provides cost savings to both single family and multifamily residents, on whole-home retrofits achieving a minimum of 20% predicted energy savings. Low-income households may qualify for a rebate up to 100% of the project cost.

Eligibility: The Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program is for energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits to residential buildings. A qualifying project can include a combination of energy-efficient products and building material installations that together must save at least 20% of your household's energy usage. For households at less than 80% of the AMI, qualified projects may receive 100% of the cost. Households ranging from 80 to 150% may receive 50% of the cost of a qualified project.

Learn more →

Indiana HEAR Rebate

Up to $8,000

The Home Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program is for low- and moderate-income households to purchase energy efficient equipment. The approved equipment that qualify both for HEAR and BGHIP rebates are heat pump water heaters, HVAC heat pumps (electric only), and insulation or sealing.

Eligibility: The Home Appliance Rebate (HEAR) provides additional cost savings to low- and moderate-income households earning less than 150% of the Area Median Income for select, first-time upgrades. Eligible upgrades may include: heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and electrical upgrades.

Learn more →

Bloomington Green Home Improvement

Varies by project

The City's Bloomington Green Home Improvement Program provides rebates to help Bloomington homeowners complete energy efficiency upgrades, reduce their utility bills, and increase the environmental sustainability of their houses. This add-on rebate is available if a qualifying solar, battery, EV charger, or heat pump project requires increased electrical capacity within a home.

Eligibility: Apply for the Bloomington Green Home Improvement program using the online application found on the City of Bloomington CiviForm website. Upload a project quote to the application. The quote must be drafted by the contractor and include: total project cost (please itemize or exclude any costs for projects that are not part of the rebate). City of Bloomington rebates may be combined with state and utility rebates and federal tax credits, as long as the total rebates and tax credits do not exceed the project cost.

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 →

Bloomington homeowners have access to multiple active heat pump rebate programs in 2026. The Indiana Energy Saver Program (HOMES and HEAR) offers up to $14,000 in state rebates for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades, with enhanced benefits for low- and moderate-income households. The City of Bloomington's Green Home Improvement Program provides additional local rebates that can be combined with state and federal incentives. Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these programs, coordinate applications across multiple funding sources, and maximize total savings by strategically stacking rebates and tax credits to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

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

Bloomington sits in IECC Climate Zone 6, which means cold winters (design temps around -5°F) and warm summers (peaking near 91°F). This wide temperature swing matters when sizing your heat pump—you need a system that can handle both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Bloomington's climate and can help you find the right heat pump for your home. Explore other climate 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

Bloomington Electricity Prices

Understanding electricity costs in Bloomington helps you make smarter decisions about home heating and cooling—especially as rates continue to climb.

Indiana electricity rates have risen from 13.4 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.8 cents in 2024. While slightly below the national average, these increases still impact your monthly energy bills significantly over time.

Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising electricity costs. Because they're 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling—reducing your consumption even as rates increase.

As electricity prices continue their upward trend, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means you're better insulated against future rate increases, protecting your budget for years to come.

Price of Energy: Indiana vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
13.4¢
15.0¢
14.6¢
16.0¢
14.9¢
16.5¢
14.8¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Indiana

Bloomington Area Utility Providers

Bloomington residents are served by two main utility providers with varying electricity rates. According to 2023 data, Duke Energy charged 14.3¢ per kWh, while Vectren charged 17.2¢ per kWh—compared to the national average of 16.0¢.

Duke Energy's rates fall below both state (14.9¢) and national averages, benefiting from Indiana's diverse energy mix and regional infrastructure. Vectren's slightly higher rates reflect different service territories and infrastructure investments, though both providers maintain relatively stable pricing year-round.

Understanding your electricity costs matters when considering home heating and cooling upgrades. Heat pumps use electricity so efficiently—moving heat rather than generating it—that they typically reduce total energy spending even in higher-cost areas, making them a smart choice regardless of your utility provider.

Bloomington Utilities Electricity Rates

Duke Energy
14.30¢
-11%
Vectren
17.20¢
+7%
IN Average
14.90¢
-7%
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 Bloomington. As a Climate Zone 6 area with winter temperatures reaching -5°F and summers hitting 91°F, modern heat pumps can efficiently handle both heating and cooling needs year-round. With Indiana's electricity rate at 14.8¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while providing consistent comfort.

Bloomington homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it easy to enjoy heat pump benefits without large initial costs. Alternatively, direct purchase allows you to own the equipment outright and potentially qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Heat pumps perform very efficiently in Bloomington's Climate Zone 6, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain strong performance down to -5°F (Bloomington's design heating temperature) and can deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume. With Indiana's electricity rate at 14.8¢ per kWh, this efficiency translates to meaningful savings compared to traditional heating systems.

During Bloomington's mild springs, falls, and summers (design cooling temperature of 91°F), heat pumps excel at both heating and cooling your home efficiently. The system works year-round as both your furnace and air conditioner, eliminating the need for separate systems. Palmetto makes installation accessible through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or through direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Bloomington depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying requires an upfront investment but allows you to own the equipment and claim federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Leasing through Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs.

For Bloomington's Climate Zone 6 conditions, where your heat pump works year-round in temperatures from -5°F to 91°F, maintenance matters. If you prefer predictable monthly costs and covered repairs, leasing may suit you better. If you want to maximize long-term savings and qualify for tax incentives, purchasing could be the right choice.

Heat pump installation costs in Bloomington typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on your home's size, existing infrastructure, and system capacity needed for Climate Zone 6 conditions. The final price varies based on factors like ductwork modifications, equipment efficiency ratings, and whether you need a system that can handle Bloomington's -5°F winter design temperatures.

Palmetto offers two payment approaches 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 Indiana rebates.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Bloomington. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Indiana's electricity rate at 14.8¢ per kWh, most homeowners see meaningful savings on their energy bills. Direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Palmetto makes heat pumps financially accessible through two options: direct purchase for those who want to maximize tax credits and own their system, or the Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs. Both options deliver long-term savings while keeping your Bloomington home comfortable year-round in Climate Zone 6 conditions.

In Bloomington, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, and it's important to choose professionals familiar with Climate Zone 6 requirements where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F. Palmetto partners with certified local installers who understand Indiana's climate demands and ensure your system is properly sized and installed for year-round comfort.

Palmetto offers two installation options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost that includes all maintenance and repairs, 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 operates efficiently in Bloomington's climate conditions.

HVAC is an umbrella term that stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it describes any system that controls your home's temperature and air quality. 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 in Bloomington'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 can help manage energy costs with Indiana's current electricity rate of 14.8¢ per kWh. Palmetto makes getting a heat pump straightforward with flexible options: a Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.