Michigan Heat Pump Leasing & Installation Guide

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

Michigan’s diverse climate—from humid summers to frigid winters—demands efficient home heating and cooling solutions. Heat pumps offer year-round comfort while significantly reducing energy costs, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners across the Great Lakes State. Palmetto brings expert heat pump installation services to Michigan communities, helping you navigate incentives, choose the right system, and achieve lasting home energy efficiency.

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

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 length10 or 12 years
End of term optionsFlexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Cash

Payment scheduleFull price upfront
Term lengthNone
End of term optionsNo credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Loan

Payment schedule$0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term lengthVariable
End of term optionsNo credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

03

Michigan Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives

State and federal incentive programs can significantly reduce the cost of a new heat pump system. Here are the programs available to Michigan homeowners.

Michigan Home Energy Rebates

Up to $14,000

Michigan’s MiHER program provides rebates for heat pump installations and other energy efficiency upgrades through two components: HOMES (whole-home efficiency) and HEAR (appliance electrification). Funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

Eligibility: Homeowners and renters in single-family and multifamily buildings. Priority given to low- and middle-income households (80-150% of Area Median Income). Requires home energy assessment by approved contractor.

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 →

Michigan homeowners have access to substantial heat pump rebates through the state’s Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) program, which offers up to $14,000 in rebates for qualifying installations. The program prioritizes low- and middle-income households and is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can significantly reduce their heat pump installation costs. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and maximize your available rebates.

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

Michigan Electricity Prices

Understanding Michigan’s electricity costs is essential when choosing your home heating and cooling system—especially as rates continue climbing year after year.

Michigan residents pay 19.3 cents per kWh as of 2024, up from 17.5 cents in 2021. That’s a 10% increase in just three years, and notably higher than the national average of 16.5 cents per kWh.

Heat pumps offer a smart 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 amount of heating and cooling to your home.

As electricity rates continue their upward trend, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump’s lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay more manageable, protecting your budget against future rate increases for years to come.

Price of Energy: Michigan vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
17.5¢
15.0¢
17.9¢
16.0¢
18.8¢
16.5¢
19.3¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Michigan

Michigan Utility Providers

Michigan’s electricity costs vary by provider. Based on 2023 data, DTE Electric Company averaged 19.7¢ per kWh, Consumers Energy 18.8¢, Great Lakes Energy Coop 17.7¢, and Indiana Michigan Power 15.7¢—compared to the national average of 16.0¢.

Most Michigan utilities charge above the national average due to aging infrastructure upgrades, coal plant retirements, and renewable energy investments. DTE and Consumers serve densely populated areas with higher maintenance costs, while Indiana Michigan Power’s lower rates reflect different fuel sources and regional factors.

Heat pumps can help offset higher electricity costs through exceptional efficiency. They move heat rather than generate it, using significantly less energy than traditional heating systems—meaning lower bills even in areas with above-average rates.

Michigan Utilities Electricity Rates

DTE Electric Company
19.70¢
+23%
Consumers Energy Co – (MI)
18.82¢
+18%
Great Lakes Energy Coop
17.71¢
+11%
Indiana Michigan Power Co
15.74¢
-2%
MI Average
18.80¢
+18%
US Average
16.0¢

05

Michigan Heat Pump City Guides

Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across Michigan. Each guide includes local utility rates, incentives, and climate-specific recommendations.

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
07

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, heat pumps work well in Michigan, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in temperatures well below freezing, providing reliable heating throughout Michigan’s winter months. They can heat your home effectively while using less energy than traditional furnaces, helping you manage costs despite Michigan’s 19.3¢ per kWh electricity rate.

Heat pumps also provide cooling in summer, replacing both your furnace and air conditioner with one system. Palmetto makes installation accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and maintenance included, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.

Heat pump costs in Michigan typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home’s size, the system type (ducted or ductless), and equipment efficiency ratings. This upfront investment can be offset by federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus potential local utility rebates available to Michigan homeowners.

Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump that fit different budgets and preferences. Our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes a predictable monthly payment with all maintenance and repairs covered for life. Alternatively, you can purchase your system outright and own the equipment immediately, which may qualify you for those federal and local incentives.

Top heat pump brands for Michigan’s cold climate include Mitsubishi Electric, Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and Bosch. These manufacturers offer cold-climate models that maintain efficiency even when temperatures drop well below freezing, which is essential for Michigan winters. Look for units with a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 10 or higher and reliable performance down to -13°F or lower.

When choosing a brand, consider both the equipment quality and installation expertise. Palmetto offers professionally installed heat pumps through a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or through direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. The right brand paired with proper installation ensures your system performs efficiently year-round, even with Michigan’s 19.3¢ per kWh electricity rates.

Yes, Michigan homeowners can access heat pump rebates through federal and local programs. The federal Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations when you purchase your system outright. Some Michigan utility companies and local programs may also offer additional rebates or incentives to help reduce upfront costs.

Rebate availability varies by location and income level within Michigan, so it’s worth checking with your local utility provider for current offerings. If you prefer to avoid upfront costs entirely, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan provides heat pump installation with $0 down and includes all maintenance and repairs, eliminating the need to navigate rebate applications while still enjoying immediate energy savings.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Michigan depends on your financial situation and priorities. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, with potential access to federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates. Leasing through a plan like Palmetto’s Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront, includes all maintenance and repairs, and offers predictable monthly payments.

For Michigan homeowners concerned about maintenance costs or lacking capital for a large purchase, leasing provides peace of mind with covered repairs throughout the equipment’s life. If you prefer ownership and can benefit from tax incentives, direct purchase may lower your long-term costs. Consider your budget, tax situation, and whether you value convenience over ownership when making your decision.

Yes, heat pumps can be financially worthwhile in Michigan. Modern heat pumps operate efficiently even in cold climates, and with electricity at 19.3¢ per kWh, they typically cost less to run than traditional heating systems. You may also qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 and local rebates, which significantly reduce your investment.

Palmetto offers flexible options to fit your budget. Our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs in a predictable monthly payment. Alternatively, you can purchase your system outright and own the equipment while accessing available incentives. Both paths help you save on energy costs over time.

The right heat pump size for your Michigan home depends on several factors: square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, window efficiency, and Michigan’s cold climate demands. Most homes need between 2 to 5 tons of heating capacity, but an accurate Manual J load calculation performed by a qualified technician is essential to determine your specific needs.

An oversized heat pump will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and increasing wear, while an undersized unit will struggle during Michigan’s coldest months and drive up your electricity costs at 19.3¢ per kWh. Palmetto’s heat pump experts provide professional sizing assessments whether you choose our Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.