Fort Wayne, IN Heat Pump Leasing & Installation
In this guide
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
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
With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.
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
Fort Wayne, IN Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on Fort Wayne’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 91°F for cooling, -5°F for heating, and 72°F indoors. 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.
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Home location & size
Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.
Step 2 of 3
Home attributes
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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
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.
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Cash |
Loan |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Cash
Loan
Local Incentives
Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne homeowners.
Indiana Energy Saver HOMES
Up to $8,000The 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. Indiana residents can get up to $8,000 for a heat pump through the new state program.
Indiana Energy Saver HEAR
Up to $8,000The 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.
NIPSCO Heat Pump Rebate
$800 - $1,000Current rebates are available for equipment purchased and installed between January 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026. Heat pump rebates range from $800 to $1,000 depending on SEER2 efficiency ratings.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
Up to $2,000The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.
Fort Wayne homeowners have access to multiple active heat pump rebate programs in 2026. The Indiana Energy Saver Program offers up to $8,000 through HOMES (for whole-home retrofits) and HEAR (for low- to moderate-income households), while NIPSCO utility customers can receive $800-$1,000 rebates for qualifying heat pump installations. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can stack incentives to significantly reduce upfront costs. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify eligibility, and maximize your total savings when installing a heat pump system.
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
Fort Wayne sits in IECC Climate Zone 6, which means cold winters (design temps around -5°F) and warm summers (peaking near 91°F). These temperature extremes matter when sizing a heat pump—you need a system that can handle both the deep freeze and summer heat efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Fort Wayne's climate and help homeowners select the right equipment for year-round comfort. Explore other climate zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
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
Fort Wayne Electricity Prices
Understanding Fort Wayne's electricity costs 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 rates dipped slightly from last year, the overall trend shows Fort Wayne homeowners paying more for the same energy.
Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising electricity costs. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling—meaning lower bills even as rates increase.
Over the 15-20 year lifespan of a heat pump, this efficiency advantage compounds. As electricity rates continue their upward trajectory, your investment in efficient technology protects you from the full impact of future rate increases.
Price of Energy: Indiana vs National Average
Fort Wayne Area Utility Providers
Fort Wayne residents primarily receive power from Indiana Michigan Power, which charged 16.1¢ per kWh in 2023—slightly above the national average of 16.0¢ and notably higher than Indiana's state average of 14.90¢.
Indiana Michigan Power's rates exceed the state average partly due to infrastructure investments and the regional fuel mix. While northern Indiana's rates tend to run higher than the state average, Fort Wayne's electricity costs remain competitive compared to many other U.S. cities.
Because heat pumps can be 2-3 times more efficient than traditional heating systems, they often reduce total energy spending even where electricity rates are above average. Their efficiency helps offset higher per-kilowatt costs with significantly lower overall energy consumption.
Fort Wayne Utilities Electricity Rates
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.
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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.
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, heat pumps make sense in Fort Wayne. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently even at Fort Wayne's design heating temperature of -5°F, and they provide both heating and cooling for the area's 91°F summer days. With Indiana's electricity rate at 14.8¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems.
Fort Wayne 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 year-round comfort suited to Climate Zone 6 conditions.
Heat pumps perform efficiently in Fort Wayne's Climate Zone 6, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain effectiveness down to Fort Wayne's design heating temperature of -5°F, delivering 2-3 times more heating energy than they consume in electricity. At Indiana's current rate of 14.8¢ per kWh, this efficiency translates to meaningful savings compared to traditional heating systems.
Fort Wayne's moderate summers (design temp: 91°F) allow heat pumps to excel at cooling while using less energy than conventional air conditioners. The balanced seasonal demands make this region well-suited for year-round heat pump operation. 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 Fort Wayne depends on your financial situation and preferences. Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs with a predictable monthly payment. Direct purchase means 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.
For Fort Wayne's Climate Zone 6 conditions (with winter lows reaching -5°F), both options provide reliable heating and cooling while reducing energy costs at Indiana's 14.8¢ per kWh electricity rate. Leasing works well if you prefer no upfront investment and worry-free maintenance, while buying makes sense if you want to maximize available incentives and own your system from day one.
Heat pump costs in Fort Wayne typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. Fort Wayne's Climate Zone 6 conditions—with winter temperatures reaching -5°F—often require cold-climate heat pumps, which may fall on the higher end of this range but deliver better performance year-round.
Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump that fit different budgets and preferences. Our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs in one predictable monthly payment. 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, plus local Indiana rebates.
For Fort Wayne homeowners, heat pumps are typically worth the investment financially. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, even in Climate Zone 6 where winter temperatures drop to -5°F. With Indiana's electricity rate at 14.8¢ per kWh, most homeowners see meaningful monthly savings that add up over time.
The financial case becomes even stronger when you factor in available incentives. Direct purchase buyers may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Alternatively, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront cost with predictable monthly payments and included maintenance, making heat pumps accessible without a large initial investment while still delivering energy savings.
Heat pumps in Fort Wayne are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who are trained to handle Climate Zone 6 conditions, where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F. These professionals ensure proper sizing, installation, and setup for both heating and cooling performance in Indiana's variable climate.
Palmetto partners with certified local installers to provide heat pump installation in Fort Wayne 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 under the Inflation Reduction Act.
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 like traditional furnaces.
In Fort Wayne's Climate Zone 6, where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F, modern heat pumps are designed to handle both extreme cold and summer highs of 91°F in a single, efficient system. Unlike traditional HVAC setups that require separate heating and cooling equipment, a heat pump does both jobs, which can help Fort Wayne homeowners manage energy costs with Indiana's current electricity rate of 14.8¢ per kWh.