New York 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 York homeowners face unique climate challenges, from humid summers to freezing winters. Heat pumps offer an efficient, year-round solution that adapts to the Empire State’s diverse weather while reducing energy costs. Whether you’re in Buffalo or Brooklyn, Palmetto helps you navigate incentives, choose the right system, and ensure professional installation—making your transition to clean, comfortable home heating and cooling seamless.

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 York 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 York homeowners.

NYS Clean Heat Program

Up to $10,000

The NYS Clean Heat Program is a statewide, utility-administered initiative providing substantial rebates for the installation of high-efficiency heat pumps, including air-source, ground-source (geothermal), and heat pump water heaters. The program’s continuity through 2026 and 2027 is assured, as it has been reauthorized and funded with a budget of $5.36 billion for the 2026-2030 program period. As of January 1, 2026, residential clean heat rebates are available only for homes with one to four units. Incentives are available to NYSEG/RG&E electric customers or combination natural gas and electric customers who replace their existing furnace, boiler or water heater with eligible heat pump equipment.

Eligibility: Beginning in 2026, the NYS Clean Heat program will offer incentives for projects in small residential one- to four-family homes. Residential electric customers in one- to four-family buildings are eligible to receive incentives from the Program. Beginning March 1, 2026, the program will implement a new tiered incentive structure. This new design will offer significantly higher incentives to homeowners whose properties meet a minimum level of weatherization (e.g., insulation and air sealing).

Learn more →

EmPower+ Program

Up to $10,000

The EmPower+ program provides no-cost energy-efficiency solutions to income-eligible New Yorkers. This program is offered through a partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Income-eligible homeowners and landlords of one-to-four family homes can use EmPower+ funding to lower the upfront cost of energy efficiency improvements and all-electric equipment in their homes. Possible EmPower+ incentives are based on household income and include maximum limits for the type of energy efficiency improvement. Low-income, single-family households are eligible for no-cost energy efficiency improvements capped at $10,000 per project.

Eligibility: Eligibility is based on your household size and annual household income. Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recently expanded the incentives that income-eligible New Yorkers can receive through EmPower+ program to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This funding is in addition to the incentive amounts listed above.

Learn more →

Comfort Home Program

$2,500 – $3,000

Save now with thousands of dollars in available rebates through New York State energy efficiency programs EmPower+ or Comfort Home. Save over time with lower monthly energy use and available low-interest financing options through New York State. New Yorkers who are not eligible for EmPower+ can still receive $2,500–$3,000 in rebates for air sealing and insulation packages. An additional $2,000 may be available if you upgrade your windows to ENERGY STAR.

Eligibility: Comfort Home packages start with a no-cost consultation and in-home energy assessment and include personalized information by a trained and qualified Comfort Home contractor. They will also help you select the improvement package that is right for you, including any available rebates and financing options. Available to homeowners with incomes above 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 →

New York offers multiple active heat pump rebate and incentive programs in 2026. The NYS Clean Heat Program provides substantial rebates for air-source, ground-source, and heat pump water heaters for 1-4 family homes, with enhanced incentives for weatherized properties. Income-eligible households can access the EmPower+ program for up to $10,000 in no-cost improvements, while the Comfort Home program serves higher-income homeowners with $2,500-$3,000 in weatherization rebates. These state programs can be combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, allowing homeowners to stack multiple incentives and significantly reduce their heat pump installation costs. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and maximize your total savings across all available rebates and credits.

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 York Electricity Prices

New York’s electricity costs are climbing faster than most of the country—and that directly impacts your home heating and cooling bills.

Between 2021 and 2024, electricity rates in New York jumped from 19.5 to 24.4 cents per kWh—a 25% increase that outpaced the national average by nearly double.

Heat pumps offer a practical response to these rising costs. Because they’re 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort.

As electricity rates continue their upward trend, that efficiency gap becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump’s lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay more manageable, even as rates rise.

Price of Energy: New York vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
19.5¢
15.0¢
22.1¢
16.0¢
22.2¢
16.5¢
24.4¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
New York

New York Utility Providers

New York electricity rates vary significantly by utility provider. Based on 2023 data, costs ranged from 11.66¢ to 31.58¢ per kWh—well above the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh and the state average of 22.20¢ per kWh.

Consolidated Edison and Central Hudson customers face the highest rates due to aging infrastructure costs and dense urban service areas. Meanwhile, Constellation NewEnergy and New York State Electric & Gas offer below-average rates, benefiting from competitive energy markets and diverse generation sources.

Heat pumps help offset high electricity costs through exceptional efficiency—moving heat rather than generating it. Even in New York’s pricier utility territories, modern heat pumps can reduce total energy spending compared to traditional oil or gas heating systems.

New York Utilities Electricity Rates

Consolidated Edison Co-NY Inc
31.58¢
+97%
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.
16.97¢
+6%
Long Island Power Authority
22.33¢
+40%
New York State Elec & Gas Corp
15.53¢
-3%
Rochester Gas & Electric Corp
16.13¢
+1%
Central Hudson Gas & Elec Corp
25.13¢
+57%
Constellation NewEnergy, Inc
11.66¢
-27%
Orange & Rockland Utils Inc
23.47¢
+47%
NY Average
22.20¢
+39%
US Average
16.0¢

05

New York Heat Pump City Guides

Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across New York. 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 York. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even when temperatures drop below freezing, which makes them suitable for New York’s winter conditions. They provide both heating and cooling year-round, and can significantly reduce energy costs compared to traditional heating systems like oil or electric resistance heat.

With electricity prices at 24.4¢ per kWh in New York, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative that can lower your utility bills. Palmetto makes installation accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Heat pump costs in New York typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home’s size, existing infrastructure, and the system type you choose. This investment can deliver significant long-term savings, especially with New York’s electricity rate of 24.4¢ per kWh, as heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling systems.

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, you can purchase your system outright and potentially qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates available to New York homeowners.

Top heat pump brands for New York homeowners include Mitsubishi, Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and Daikin. These manufacturers offer cold-climate models specifically designed to perform efficiently in New York’s winter temperatures, often down to -13°F or lower, ensuring reliable heating even during the coldest months.

When choosing a brand, look for ENERGY STAR certification and high HSPF ratings (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) to maximize efficiency with New York’s 24.4¢ per kWh electricity rates. Palmetto works with quality manufacturers and offers both direct purchase options—where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits—and our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included.

Yes, New York homeowners can access several heat pump rebates and incentives. If you purchase a heat pump system outright, you may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, New York State and local utilities often offer rebates that can further reduce your upfront costs, though specific amounts vary by location and program availability.

These incentives make heat pumps more affordable and help offset New York’s electricity costs of 24.4¢ per kWh. With Palmetto, you can take advantage of these savings through direct purchase, or choose our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost if you prefer predictable monthly payments without worrying about maintenance. Either way, you’ll benefit from efficient heating and cooling technology.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in New York depends on your financial situation and preferences. Leasing through a plan like Palmetto’s Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal if you want predictable costs without large initial investment. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates.

Consider your long-term plans and budget. If you prefer hassle-free maintenance and lower upfront costs, leasing offers peace of mind with covered repairs throughout the plan’s life. If you have capital available and want to maximize incentives while building home equity, purchasing may provide better long-term value—especially with New York’s electricity rates at 24.4¢ per kWh making efficient heating increasingly important.

Yes, heat pumps are financially worth it in New York. They typically use 50-65% less electricity than traditional heating systems, which translates to significant savings even with New York’s electricity rate of 24.4¢ per kWh. Most homeowners see a return on investment within 5-10 years through reduced energy bills, plus you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.

Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: direct purchase if you want to own the equipment and claim available incentives, or the Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs. Both approaches can lower your heating costs compared to oil, propane, or electric resistance heating common in New York homes.

The right heat pump size for your New York home depends on factors like square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, window efficiency, and your home’s heating and cooling load. Most homes need between 1 to 5 tons of capacity (12,000 to 60,000 BTUs). A professional energy assessment will calculate your specific needs to ensure optimal efficiency and comfort year-round.

Proper sizing is critical—an oversized unit cycles on and off frequently, wasting energy at New York’s 24.4¢ per kWh electricity rate, while an undersized system struggles during cold winters. Palmetto provides expert sizing assessments with both our Comfort Plan and direct purchase options, ensuring your heat pump matches your home’s unique requirements for maximum efficiency and comfort.