New Hampshire 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

New Hampshire’s four-season climate—from humid summers to frigid winters—demands efficient home heating and cooling solutions. Heat pumps offer year-round comfort while reducing energy costs, making them an increasingly popular choice for Granite State homeowners. Whether you’re in Portsmouth or the White Mountains, Palmetto connects you with expert heat pump installation services tailored to New Hampshire’s unique energy needs and climate conditions.

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

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire homeowners.

NHSaves Heat Pump Rebate

$250/ton (varies by utility)

Mail-in rebates available for high-efficiency heat pump installations through participating utilities (Eversource, Liberty, NHEC, Unitil). Customers switching from oil, natural gas, or propane systems eligible for $250 per ton rebates.

Eligibility: Must be residential electric customer of participating utility. Heat pump must be installed between January 1-December 30, 2026. Must meet minimum efficiency requirements. Rebate form must be postmarked by January 30, 2027.

Learn more →

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates

Up to $8,000 (income-dependent)

IRA-funded program offering rebates for heat pump installations and other electric appliances. Expected to launch Spring 2026. Income-based rebate amounts with maximum $14,000 per household for multiple appliances.

Eligibility: Available to households earning up to 150% of area median income. For households below 80% AMI, up to 100% of heat pump costs covered (up to $8,000). For 80-150% AMI, up to 50% of costs covered (up to $8,000). Program launches Spring 2026.

Learn more →

New England Heat Pump Accelerator

Incentive levels TBD

Regional $450 million initiative across five New England states to increase heat pump adoption through financial incentives, workforce development, and market support. First products expected February 2026.

Eligibility: Available to New Hampshire residents. Program details and incentive amounts being finalized through end of 2025, with distributor enrollment and training in early 2026. Specific eligibility criteria to be announced.

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 →

New Hampshire homeowners have multiple heat pump incentive options available in 2026. The NHSaves program offers utility-based rebates for qualifying installations, while the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program (launching Spring 2026) provides income-based rebates up to $8,000 for heat pumps. Additionally, the New England Heat Pump Accelerator is bringing $450 million in regional incentives to the state. Palmetto can help homeowners navigate these programs, understand eligibility requirements, and maximize available rebates when planning 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

New Hampshire Electricity Prices

New Hampshire residents face some of the highest electricity costs in the nation—and understanding these rates is key to managing your energy bills.

Between 2021 and 2024, electricity rates in New Hampshire jumped from 19.9 to 23.3 cents per kWh—consistently exceeding the national average by 40-70% during this period.

Heat pumps offer a practical solution 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.

As electricity rates continue to fluctuate, heat pump efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. Every dollar spent on electricity goes further, helping you maintain comfort while keeping long-term energy costs manageable.

Price of Energy: New Hampshire vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
40¢
13.7¢
19.9¢
15.0¢
25.5¢
16.0¢
28.2¢
16.5¢
23.3¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
New Hampshire

New Hampshire Utility Providers

Public Service Company of New Hampshire serves most of the state’s residents. According to 2023 data, their electricity rates averaged 28.93¢ per kWh—above the national average of 16.0¢ but close to New Hampshire’s state average of 28.20¢.

New Hampshire’s higher electricity costs stem from its reliance on natural gas and limited in-state generation, requiring expensive transmission infrastructure. The state also faces New England’s regional energy market dynamics, where winter demand drives prices up considerably.

While these rates are higher than the national average, heat pumps can still reduce your total energy spending. Their exceptional efficiency means they deliver more heating and cooling per dollar spent compared to traditional systems—making them a smart choice even in higher-cost electricity markets.

New Hampshire Utilities Electricity Rates

Public Service Co of NH
28.93¢
+81%
NH Average
28.20¢
+76%
US Average
16.0¢

05

New Hampshire Heat Pump City Guides

Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed to operate efficiently in temperatures well below freezing, making them suitable for New Hampshire’s climate. They can provide both heating and cooling year-round, and many homeowners are successfully using them as their primary heating source.

With electricity costs at 23.3¢ per kWh in New Hampshire, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. Palmetto makes installation accessible through flexible options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000. Both options help New Hampshire homeowners transition to efficient home heating.

Heat pump costs in New Hampshire typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home’s size, existing infrastructure, and the type of system you choose. Factors like the number of indoor units needed, ductwork modifications, and equipment efficiency ratings all influence the final price.

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 federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates. Both options help New Hampshire homeowners reduce energy costs in a state where electricity averages 23.3¢ per kWh.

Top heat pump brands for New Hampshire’s cold climate include Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, and Daikin, which offer models specifically designed for efficient heating in sub-zero temperatures. Other reliable options are Carrier, Lennox, and LG, all of which produce cold-climate heat pumps with strong performance ratings and proven track records in northeastern winters.

When selecting a brand, prioritize models with high HSPF ratings (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) and those certified for cold-climate performance. With New Hampshire’s electricity rates at 23.3¢ per kWh, an efficient heat pump can significantly reduce heating costs compared to traditional systems. Palmetto offers both direct purchase options—which may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits—and a Comfort Plan lease with no upfront costs and included maintenance.

Yes, New Hampshire homeowners can access heat pump rebates through multiple programs. The federal Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations when you purchase your system. Additionally, New Hampshire utilities and energy efficiency programs periodically offer local rebates that can further reduce your upfront costs.

Rebate availability depends on your utility provider, income level, and the type of heat pump you install. If you choose Palmetto’s direct purchase option, you may qualify for these federal tax credits and local rebates. Alternatively, our Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront cost with all maintenance included, making heat pumps accessible without navigating rebate programs yourself.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in New Hampshire depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying gives you ownership and access to federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, which is helpful given New Hampshire’s cold winters that demand reliable heating.

Consider your budget and how long you plan to stay in your home. If you have cash available and want to maximize incentives, purchasing makes sense. If you prefer predictable monthly costs without worrying about repair expenses—especially important with electricity at 23.3¢ per kWh in New Hampshire—a lease offers peace of mind and immediate savings without the upfront investment.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in New Hampshire. Modern heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, making them more efficient than traditional systems—even with New Hampshire’s electricity rate of 23.3¢ per kWh. Most homeowners see meaningful savings on their heating bills within the first few years.

The financial case becomes even stronger when you factor in available incentives. If you purchase a heat pump, you may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Alternatively, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan offers a $0 upfront lease option with predictable monthly payments and included maintenance, making heat pumps accessible without a large initial investment.

The right heat pump size for your New Hampshire home depends on factors like square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, window efficiency, and your home’s heating needs during cold winters. A professional heat pump installer will perform a Manual J load calculation to determine the precise capacity needed, typically measured in BTUs or tons, ensuring your system can handle New Hampshire’s temperature extremes efficiently.

An undersized heat pump will struggle during New Hampshire’s coldest months, while an oversized unit cycles on and off frequently, wasting energy at 23.3¢ per kWh and reducing comfort. Whether you choose Palmetto’s Comfort Plan with included maintenance or a direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000, proper sizing ensures optimal performance and long-term savings for your home.