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

Portland, ME 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 Portland, ME: 72°F indoor, 85°F outdoor for cooling, and -17°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

Portland, ME 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 Portland homeowners.

Efficiency Maine Heat Pump Rebate

Up to $9,000

Maine's primary heat pump rebate program offering tiered incentives based on income level. Rebates are available to all Maine homeowners with enhanced amounts for low and moderate-income households.

Eligibility: Available to Maine homeowners installing qualifying heat pump systems. Low-income households (participating in MaineCare, HEAP, SNAP, or TANF) qualify for up to $9,000; moderate-income households (AGI up to $70,000 individual or $100,000 joint) qualify for up to $6,000; any income level qualifies for up to $3,000. Must work with an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner.

Learn more →

Maine HEAR Program

Up to $8,000

Federal IRA-funded program administered by Efficiency Maine for income-eligible households. Focuses on electrification of space heating through heat pump installation in specific building types.

Eligibility: Limited to income-eligible households in two categories: new construction of affordable multifamily housing (at least 50% low-income occupancy) and single-family manufactured (mobile) homes. Household income must be below 80% of area median income.

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 →

Portland, ME homeowners have access to multiple active heat pump incentive programs in 2026. Efficiency Maine offers rebates up to $9,000 for low-income households and up to $3,000 for any income level, with no plans to reduce these incentives. Additionally, the federal HEAR program provides up to $8,000 for income-eligible households in manufactured homes and new multifamily construction. Palmetto's Comfort Plan can help homeowners navigate these programs, maximize available rebates, and provide $0 upfront cost alternatives through our heat pump lease option.

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

Portland sits in IECC Climate Zone 5, which means cold winters with design temperatures around -17°F and warm summers reaching 85°F. This wide temperature swing matters—your heat pump needs to handle both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Portland's climate and can help you find a system sized and selected for exactly what you'll face 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

Portland Electricity Prices

Portland homeowners face electricity costs well above the national average—and understanding this trend is key to making smart heating and cooling decisions.

Maine's electricity rates jumped from 17.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 27.4 cents in 2023—a 61% increase in just two years. While rates dipped slightly to 23.9 cents in 2024, they remain 45% higher than the national average.

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 your energy dollars stretch further with every degree of comfort.

As electricity rates continue fluctuating, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's superior performance means you're insulated from rate increases in a way traditional systems simply can't match—delivering reliable comfort while keeping long-term energy costs predictable and manageable.

Price of Energy: Maine vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
40¢
13.7¢
17.0¢
15.0¢
22.4¢
16.0¢
27.4¢
16.5¢
23.9¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Maine

Portland Area Utility Providers

Portland residents receive electricity primarily from Central Maine Power (CMP). According to 2023 data, CMP's rates averaged 27.5¢ per kWh—substantially higher than the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.

Maine's electricity costs reflect its geography and energy mix. The state relies heavily on imported natural gas and has limited local generation, driving prices above the national average. Winter demand further strains the grid.

Higher electricity rates make efficiency crucial. Heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional heating systems, often cutting energy consumption by half or more. This efficiency helps offset Portland's above-average electricity costs, potentially lowering your overall energy spending.

Portland Utilities Electricity Rates

CMP
27.50¢
+72%
ME Average
27.40¢
+71%
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 Portland. Modern cold-climate heat pumps perform efficiently even at Portland's design heating temperature of -17°F, and they can reduce heating costs compared to oil or propane systems. With Maine's electricity rate at 23.9¢ per kWh, heat pumps deliver 2-3 times more heating energy per dollar spent than traditional systems.

Portland homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront with maintenance included, while direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates. Either way, you'll enjoy year-round comfort with both heating and cooling from one efficient system.

Heat pumps perform remarkably well in Portland's Climate Zone 5 conditions, maintaining efficiency even when temperatures drop to the design heating temperature of -17°F. Modern cold-climate heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, making them significantly more efficient than traditional electric resistance heating, even during Maine's coldest winter months.

With Maine's electricity rate at 23.9¢ per kWh, this efficiency translates to meaningful energy savings for Portland homeowners. Heat pumps also provide cooling during summer months when temperatures reach 85°F, offering year-round comfort in a single system. 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 Portland depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. If you prefer no upfront costs and want maintenance covered, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers predictable monthly payments with all repairs included. If you can invest upfront, purchasing allows you to own the equipment and potentially claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Consider Portland's cold winters (design temp: -17°F) and electricity costs of 23.9¢ per kWh when deciding. Leasing eliminates surprise repair expenses during harsh weather, while buying maximizes long-term savings through incentives and ownership. Both options deliver efficient heating and cooling—the right choice aligns with your budget, how long you'll stay in your home, and whether you prefer convenience or ownership benefits.

Heat pump costs in Portland typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing heating system, and the type of heat pump needed for Maine's Climate Zone 5 conditions. Portland homeowners should plan for a system that can handle winter design temperatures of -17°F while keeping energy costs manageable at Maine's current 23.9¢ per kWh electricity rate.

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 Maine rebates.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Portland, ME. With Maine's electricity rate of 23.9¢ per kWh, modern heat pumps can reduce heating costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems like oil or electric resistance heating. When you factor in available federal tax credits up to $2,000 and local rebates, the payback period becomes even more attractive.

Palmetto makes heat pumps financially accessible through two options: direct purchase if you want to capture tax credits and own the equipment outright, or the Comfort Plan lease with $0 upfront and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs. The Comfort Plan removes financial uncertainty while still delivering energy savings, making heat pumps a smart investment regardless of your budget.

In Portland, ME, licensed HVAC contractors and specialized heat pump installers handle system installations. These professionals must understand Climate Zone 5 requirements, where systems need to perform efficiently at temperatures as low as -17°F. Palmetto partners with certified local installers who are trained to properly size and install heat pumps for Maine's demanding climate conditions.

Palmetto offers two installation options for Portland homeowners: 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 system operates efficiently, which matters when electricity costs 23.9¢ per kWh in Maine.

HVAC is an umbrella term that stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it describes any system that controls your home's climate. 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 even in Portland's cold winters.

Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a single heat pump handles year-round comfort. In Portland's Climate Zone 5, modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently down to -17°F while helping you manage Maine's 23.9¢ per kWh electricity costs. Palmetto offers heat pumps through a Comfort Plan with zero upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.