Asheville, NC 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
Asheville, NC Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on Asheville’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 14°F for heating and 95°F for cooling, with a 72°F indoor target. 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
Asheville, NC 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 Asheville homeowners.
Energy Saver NC HOMES
Up to $16,000Eligible households can receive up to $16,000 in rebates for energy efficiency improvements such as heat pump heating and cooling systems and insulation. The program will run until 2031 or until the funds are used up, whichever comes first.
Energy Saver NC HEAR
Up to $14,000Provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances such as heat pump water heaters and electric stoves. Up to $8,000 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump.
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.
Asheville homeowners have access to significant heat pump incentives through North Carolina's Energy Saver NC program, which offers up to $16,000 for whole-home efficiency upgrades including heat pumps, and up to $14,000 for high-efficiency appliances. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, eligible homeowners can maximize their savings. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and coordinate your rebate applications to ensure you capture all available incentives for your heat pump installation.
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
Asheville sits in IECC Climate Zone 4A, which means cold winters that can dip to 14°F and warm summers reaching 95°F. This temperature range matters—your heat pump needs to handle both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we've sized and installed systems across Western North Carolina, so we know exactly what works here. 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
Asheville Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Asheville helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling systems.
North Carolina's electricity rates have climbed from 11.3 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a 25% increase in just three years that directly impacts your monthly energy bills.
Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising rates. Because they're 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort for your home.
As electricity costs continue rising, that efficiency gap becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay more manageable, even as rates climb over the years ahead.
Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average
Asheville Area Utility Providers
Asheville residents are served by Duke Energy, which offers electricity rates below both the national and state averages. In 2023, Duke Energy charged approximately 11.90¢ to 14.20¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 16.0¢.
These competitive rates reflect North Carolina's diverse energy mix and Duke Energy's large service territory, which allows for economies of scale. The state's access to nuclear, natural gas, and renewable energy sources helps keep electricity costs relatively stable.
With below-average electricity rates, Asheville is well-positioned for heat pump adoption. Heat pumps use electricity more efficiently than traditional heating systems, meaning lower rates translate directly into greater savings on your total energy bills year-round.
Asheville Utilities Electricity Rates
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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 Asheville. The city's Climate Zone 8 conditions—with winter design temperatures around 14°F and summer peaks near 95°F—fall within the ideal range for modern heat pumps to operate efficiently year-round. With North Carolina's electricity rates at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while providing both heating and cooling.
Asheville homeowners can access heat pumps through Palmetto's Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or through direct purchase to take advantage of federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Either option provides an efficient, reliable solution for Asheville's mixed climate, where you need dependable heating in winter and effective cooling during summer months.
Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Asheville's Climate Zone 8, where winter design temperatures reach 14°F and summers peak around 95°F. Modern heat pumps efficiently heat and cool homes year-round in this climate, delivering 2-3 times more energy than they consume. With North Carolina's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, most Asheville homeowners see meaningful savings compared to traditional heating systems.
The mild winters and moderate summers in Asheville create ideal conditions for heat pump efficiency. Even during occasional cold snaps, today's cold-climate heat pumps maintain strong performance without backup heat. Palmetto makes installation accessible through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase options that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Asheville depends on your financial situation and priorities. Buying outright means you own the equipment immediately and can claim federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus any local rebates. Leasing through Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage for the life of the plan.
For Asheville's climate—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F—a heat pump works year-round, making long-term value important to consider. If you prefer predictable monthly costs and worry-free maintenance, leasing may suit you best. If you want to maximize incentives and own your equipment, purchasing could save more money over time, especially with North Carolina's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rates making efficiency gains valuable.
Heat pump installation costs in Asheville typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete system, depending on your home's size, existing infrastructure, and the equipment needed to handle our Climate Zone 8 conditions (winter lows around 14°F). The final price varies based on factors like ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, and system capacity.
Palmetto offers two flexible options to fit your budget: our 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 up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Asheville. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with North Carolina's electricity rate of 14.1¢ per kWh, most homeowners see meaningful savings on their monthly energy bills within the first year of installation.
The financial case becomes even stronger when you consider available incentives and flexible payment options. Direct purchasers may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Alternatively, Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making heat pumps accessible without a large initial investment.
In Asheville, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, including companies like Palmetto that specialize in home energy solutions. Professional installers ensure your system is properly sized for Asheville's Climate Zone 8 conditions, where winter temperatures can drop to 14°F and summers reach 95°F, maximizing efficiency and comfort year-round.
Palmetto offers two installation options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, 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 certified technicians who understand local climate requirements and building codes specific to the Asheville area.
A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for all climate control equipment. Heat pumps are unique because they both heat and cool your home using one efficient system, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion like traditional furnaces.
In Asheville's Climate Zone 8, where winter temperatures can drop to 14°F and summers reach 95°F, modern heat pumps handle both seasons effectively. With electricity at 14.1¢ per kWh in North Carolina, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional HVAC systems. Palmetto offers flexible options including our Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.