Wilmington, 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
Wilmington, NC Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It’s configured for Wilmington’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 72°F indoor, 95°F outdoor cooling, and 14°F heating temperatures. 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
Wilmington, 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 Wilmington 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 gives rebates for any work that reduces energy use in the home, so long as the work is estimated to reduce total household energy use by at least 20%, including sealing air leaks, fixing leaky air ducts, adding insulation, or replacing HVAC systems.
Energy Saver NC HEAR
Up to $14,000The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances such as heat pump water heaters and electric stoves. The program offers 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.
North Carolina homeowners in Wilmington have access to substantial heat pump rebates through the Energy Saver NC program, which is now available in all 100 counties as of February 2026. The HOMES program offers up to $16,000 for whole-home efficiency upgrades including heat pump systems, while the HEAR program provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency appliances. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can maximize their savings on heat pump installations. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility based on income requirements, and connect you with approved contractors to ensure you capture all 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
Climate Zones
Wilmington sits in IECC Climate Zone 8, which means mild winters (rarely dipping below 14°F) and hot, humid summers (reaching 95°F). This mixed climate requires a heat pump that can handle both heating and cooling efficiently year-round. At Palmetto, we understand Wilmington's weather patterns and can help you choose a system sized correctly for your home. Explore other 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
Wilmington Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Wilmington helps you make smarter decisions about heating and cooling your home—especially as rates continue to climb.
North Carolina electricity rates have jumped 25% since 2021, rising from 11.3 to 14.1 cents per kWh. For Wilmington homeowners running HVAC systems year-round, these increases add up quickly on monthly bills.
Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising rates. Because they're 2-3x more efficient than traditional systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling—reducing your exposure to rate increases.
As electricity costs continue their upward trend, efficiency becomes more valuable every year. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly savings grow alongside rates, protecting your budget for decades to come.
Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average
Wilmington Area Utility Providers
Duke Energy serves Wilmington residents with electricity rates of 14.2¢ per kWh (2023 data). This sits above North Carolina's state average of 12.90¢ but remains below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
Wilmington's coastal location requires significant infrastructure investment to maintain reliable power through hurricanes and salt air corrosion. These maintenance costs, combined with Duke Energy's generation mix and regional distribution expenses, contribute to rates slightly higher than inland areas.
While electricity costs matter, heat pumps can reduce your total energy spending even in areas with higher rates. Their exceptional efficiency means they use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems, helping offset the per-kilowatt-hour cost.
Wilmington 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.
- Rewards for smarter energy usage
- Energy insights & Dashboard
- Personalized Savings Tools
- Whole Home Energy Management
- Support Whenever You Need It
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 Wilmington. The mild winters and hot, humid summers in Climate Zone 8 are ideal conditions for heat pumps, which efficiently both heat and cool your home year-round. With North Carolina's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating and cooling systems.
Palmetto makes heat pump installation accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and all maintenance included, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000. Either way, you'll enjoy lower energy bills and consistent comfort in Wilmington's climate without the complexity of managing separate heating and cooling systems.
Heat pumps are highly efficient in Wilmington's mild climate. As a Climate Zone 8 area with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F, Wilmington's moderate temperatures allow heat pumps to operate at peak efficiency year-round. Modern heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, which means significant savings on your energy bills at North Carolina's current rate of 14.1¢ per kWh.
The relatively warm winters in Wilmington are particularly ideal for heat pump performance, as they work most efficiently when outdoor temperatures stay above freezing. Unlike northern climates where extreme cold can reduce efficiency, Wilmington's weather conditions allow heat pumps to maintain consistent performance throughout heating season. Palmetto offers flexible options including our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Wilmington depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront with predictable monthly payments and included maintenance, while direct purchase means 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.
Wilmington's mild winters and warm summers in Climate Zone 8 mean your heat pump will run year-round, making reliability important. Leasing eliminates surprise repair costs and maintenance headaches, while buying gives you full ownership and potential tax benefits. Consider your budget, how long you plan to stay in your home, and whether you prefer predictable monthly costs or maximizing long-term savings.
Heat pump installation costs in Wilmington typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. Wilmington's Climate Zone 8 conditions—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F—mean you'll need a properly sized system that handles both heating and cooling effectively.
Palmetto offers two straightforward ways to get a heat pump: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront 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. Both options ensure you get quality installation tailored to Wilmington's coastal climate.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Wilmington's mild climate. 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 monthly savings that add up over the system's 15-20 year lifespan.
The financial case becomes even stronger when you factor in available incentives. Direct purchase customers may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Alternatively, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers a $0 upfront option with predictable monthly payments and included maintenance, making heat pumps accessible without a large initial investment.
In Wilmington, NC, 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 Climate Zone 8 conditions, where winter temperatures can drop to 14°F and summer highs 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 Wilmington's coastal climate and ensure your heat pump operates efficiently with North Carolina's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rates.
A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for any equipment that controls your home's temperature and air quality. Heat pumps are unique because they both heat and cool your home using one efficient system, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.
In Wilmington's Climate Zone 8, where temperatures range from 14°F in winter to 95°F in summer, a heat pump handles both seasons efficiently. Unlike traditional HVAC setups that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a single heat pump system reduces complexity while operating on North Carolina's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rate. Palmetto offers heat pumps through flexible options including our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost or direct purchase.