Boston, MA 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
Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA: 91°F for cooling, -5°F for heating, and a 72°F indoor setpoint. 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
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
Boston, MA 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 Boston homeowners.
Mass Save Heat Pump Rebate
Up to $8,500Massachusetts' premier energy efficiency program, a collaboration between Massachusetts' electric and gas utilities, funded by energy efficiency charges on utility bills. The program offers resources like energy assessments, rebates for energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, and no-cost upgrades for income-eligible customers.
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.
Boston homeowners have access to the Mass Save Heat Pump Rebate program, which offers up to $8,500 in rebates for qualifying whole-home and partial-home heat pump installations in 2026. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can access substantial incentives to offset installation costs. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers an alternative path to heat pump adoption with $0 upfront cost, allowing homeowners to benefit from energy-efficient heating and cooling without the burden of purchasing equipment outright.
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
Boston sits in IECC Climate Zone 6, which means cold winters (design temps around -5°F) and warm summers (up to 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 Boston's climate and help homeowners choose equipment that performs year-round. Explore the 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
Boston Electricity Prices
Boston homeowners face some of the highest electricity rates in the nation—and understanding these costs is key to making smart heating decisions.
Massachusetts electricity rates have climbed from 22.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 29.3 cents in 2024—nearly double the national average of 16.5 cents per kWh.
Heat pumps deliver 2-3 times more heating or cooling per unit of electricity than traditional systems. In Boston's high-cost energy market, this efficiency translates directly into lower monthly bills.
As electricity rates continue rising, the efficiency advantage of heat pumps becomes increasingly valuable. What saves you money today will save you even more tomorrow—protecting your budget for years to come.
Price of Energy: Massachusetts vs National Average
Boston Area Utility Providers
Boston residents are served by two main utility providers: National Grid and Eversource. According to 2023 data, National Grid's rates averaged 36.7¢ per kWh, while Eversource averaged 29.7¢ per kWh—both significantly above the national average of 16.0¢.
Massachusetts electricity costs remain high due to the region's reliance on natural gas for power generation and limited pipeline infrastructure. Cold winters drive up demand, and the state's clean energy investments also contribute to higher rates compared to the 2023 national average.
While Boston's electricity rates run high, heat pumps can still lower your overall energy costs. Their exceptional efficiency means they deliver more heating and cooling per dollar spent than traditional systems—helping offset higher electricity prices with reduced consumption.
Boston 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 excellent sense in Boston. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed to operate efficiently in Climate Zone 6, where Boston sits, handling temperatures down to -5°F while providing both heating and cooling. With Massachusetts electricity rates at 29.4¢ per kWh, heat pumps can significantly reduce energy costs compared to traditional heating systems like oil or electric resistance heat.
Boston homeowners have flexible options to get started with heat pumps. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront cost with all maintenance included, while direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates. Both paths provide reliable year-round comfort suited to Boston's cold winters and warm summers.
Heat pumps perform efficiently in Boston's Climate Zone 6, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain strong performance down to -5°F and below, delivering 2-3 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. This efficiency translates to lower heating costs compared to traditional systems, despite Massachusetts' electricity rate of 29.4¢ per kWh.
During Boston's milder seasons and summer cooling needs (up to 91°F), heat pumps excel with even higher efficiency ratings. Palmetto offers flexible options to access this technology: our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront with all maintenance included, or direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Boston depends on your financial priorities and preferences. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, with access to federal tax credits up to $2,000 and local rebates. Leasing through a plan like Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront, with predictable monthly payments and all maintenance included.
For Boston's Climate Zone 6 conditions—with winter temps reaching -5°F and electricity at 29.4¢ per kWh—both options deliver year-round comfort and energy savings. Leasing works well if you prefer avoiding upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities, while buying makes sense if you want to maximize incentives and own your system from day one.
Heat pump costs in Boston typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing heating system, and the equipment needed to handle Boston's Climate Zone 6 winters (where temperatures can drop to -5°F). This upfront cost may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 and local Massachusetts rebates.
Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump: purchase the system outright and own it from day one, or choose our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and a predictable monthly payment that includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage. Both options help Boston homeowners reduce heating costs, especially with Massachusetts electricity rates at 29.4¢ per kWh.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Boston, especially with Massachusetts electricity rates at 29.4¢ per kWh. Heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits plus local rebates when purchasing.
Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: purchase outright to maximize incentives and own your equipment, or choose our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and a predictable monthly payment that includes all maintenance and repairs. Both paths offer long-term savings in Boston's Climate Zone 6 conditions.
Heat pumps in Boston are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who are trained to work with these systems in Climate Zone 6 conditions, where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F. Qualified installers assess your home's heating and cooling needs, ensure proper sizing for Boston's climate, and handle all electrical work and refrigerant connections required for safe operation.
Palmetto works with certified local installers throughout the Boston area to provide heat pump installation through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options ensure professional installation tailored to your home's specific requirements.
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 type of HVAC system, but unlike traditional furnaces and air conditioners that work separately, a heat pump handles both heating and cooling in one efficient unit by transferring heat rather than generating it.
In Boston's Climate Zone 6, where winter temperatures can drop to -5°F, modern heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in cold weather while significantly reducing energy costs compared to traditional HVAC systems. With Massachusetts electricity rates at 29.4¢ per kWh, choosing the right heating and cooling system matters—Palmetto offers heat pumps through flexible options including our Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or direct purchase with federal tax credits up to $2,000.