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

Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY: 72°F indoor, 92°F outdoor for cooling, and 5°F for heating. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with our 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

Louisville, KY 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 Louisville homeowners.

LG&E Residential Rebates

$50 - $300

Louisville Gas and Electric offers cash rebates for purchasing and installing qualified ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps and other HVAC equipment. Rebates range from $50 to $300 depending on the equipment type.

Eligibility: Must be an LG&E customer on qualifying residential rate plans (RS, RTOD-D, RTOD-E, RGS, or VFD). Equipment must be ENERGY STAR-certified. Not all ENERGY STAR-certified equipment qualifies—check program details for specific models.

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 →

Louisville homeowners have access to the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for heat pump installations. Additionally, LG&E offers residential rebates ranging from $50 to $300 for ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps. Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these incentives and maximize savings on heat pump installations.

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

Louisville sits in IECC Climate Zone 7, which means cold winters that can dip to 5°F and hot, humid summers reaching 92°F. This temperature swing matters—your heat pump needs to handle both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Louisville's climate and can help you choose a system sized perfectly 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

Louisville Electricity Prices

Understanding Louisville's electricity costs helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling systems.

Kentucky's electricity rates have climbed from 11.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 13.0 cents in 2024—a 13% increase in just three years. While still below the national average, these rising costs impact your monthly energy bills.

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 amount of heating and cooling to your Louisville home.

As electricity rates continue climbing, heat pump efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. The money you save on monthly energy bills adds up over time, helping offset your initial investment while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Price of Energy: Kentucky vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
11.5¢
15.0¢
12.9¢
16.0¢
12.7¢
16.5¢
13.0¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Kentucky

Louisville Area Utility Providers

Louisville residents are served primarily by two utilities: Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) at 12.4¢ per kWh and Kentucky Utilities (KU) at 12.0¢ per kWh, based on 2023 data—the most recent available.

These rates sit comfortably below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh and close to Kentucky's state average of 12.70¢ per kWh. This affordability stems largely from the region's coal-heavy energy mix and established infrastructure.

Lower electricity costs make heat pumps even more attractive for Louisville homeowners. Since heat pumps use electricity with exceptional efficiency—often moving three times more energy than they consume—they can significantly reduce total energy spending compared to traditional heating systems.

Louisville Utilities Electricity Rates

LG&E
12.40¢
-22%
KU
12.00¢
-25%
KY Average
12.70¢
-21%
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 Louisville. The city's Climate Zone 7 conditions—with winter design temperatures around 5°F and summer highs near 92°F—are well-suited for modern heat pumps, which efficiently handle both heating and cooling. With Kentucky's electricity rate at 13.0¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Louisville 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, plus local rebates.

Heat pumps perform very efficiently in Louisville's climate, which falls in Climate Zone 7 with winter temperatures typically bottoming out around 5°F and summer peaks near 92°F. Modern heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, making them cost-effective year-round with Kentucky's electricity rate of 13.0¢ per kWh.

While heat pumps work well during Louisville's mild-to-moderate seasons, they may need backup heating during the coldest winter days. However, their efficiency during the majority of the year—combined with lower operating costs compared to traditional systems—makes them a smart choice for Louisville homeowners. 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 decision between leasing and buying a heat pump in Louisville depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Buying outright means you own the equipment immediately and can claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus any local Kentucky rebates. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, which is valuable given Louisville's Climate Zone 7 demands with winter temperatures dropping to 5°F.

Consider your situation: if you have capital available and plan to stay in your home long-term, purchasing maximizes your investment and tax benefits. If you prefer predictable monthly costs without surprise repair bills or maintenance responsibilities, leasing provides peace of mind. With Kentucky's electricity rate at 13.0¢ per kWh, both options will deliver energy savings compared to traditional heating systems, so choose the payment structure that fits your budget and lifestyle best.

Heat pump costs in Louisville 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. Climate Zone 7's cold winters and warm summers mean you'll want a system sized appropriately for temperatures ranging from 5°F to 92°F.

Palmetto offers two flexible 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.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Louisville. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Kentucky's electricity rate at 13.0¢ per kWh, most homeowners see meaningful savings on their monthly energy bills within the first year of operation.

Palmetto makes heat pumps financially accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments, or direct purchase that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both paths offer a clear return on investment through lower utility bills and increased home comfort year-round.

Heat pumps in Louisville are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who are trained and certified to work with these efficient heating and cooling systems. Palmetto partners with qualified local installers who understand Louisville's Climate Zone 7 conditions, where systems must handle winter temperatures around 5°F and summer highs near 92°F.

Palmetto offers Louisville homeowners 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 is properly sized and installed for Kentucky's climate.

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

In Louisville's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F and summers reach 92°F, modern heat pumps handle both seasonal extremes effectively. With Kentucky's electricity rate at 13.0¢ per kWh, heat pumps often cost less to operate than traditional HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners. Palmetto makes installation accessible through flexible options including our Comfort Plan with zero upfront cost.