Winston-Salem, 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
Winston-Salem, NC Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on the square footage method. It uses ACCA-standard design conditions for Winston-Salem, NC: 72°F indoor, 95°F outdoor cooling, and 14°F heating temperatures. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with our 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
Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem homeowners.
Energy Saver NC - HOMES
Up to $16,000North Carolina's Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings program provides rebates for whole-home energy efficiency upgrades including heat pump heating and cooling systems, insulation, and air sealing. The program is available in all 100 NC counties and runs through 2031.
Energy Saver NC - HEAR
Up to $8,000North Carolina's Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program provides rebates for high-efficiency electric appliances including heat pumps for space heating and cooling. Available in all 100 NC counties and runs through 2031.
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's Energy Saver NC program is now available in all 100 counties and offers thousands of dollars in rebates to help eligible households make energy-efficient upgrades. An eligible household can receive up to $16,000 in rebates for energy efficiency improvements such as heat pump heating and cooling systems and insulation. Palmetto can help Winston-Salem homeowners navigate these state rebate programs and the federal IRA tax credit to maximize savings on heat pump installations and achieve the lowest possible out-of-pocket costs.
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
Winston-Salem sits in IECC Climate Zone 8, which means cold winters that can dip to 14°F and hot summers reaching 95°F. This temperature range matters when sizing your heat pump—you need a system that handles both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Winston-Salem's climate and help homeowners choose heat pumps built for these conditions. 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
Winston-Salem Electricity Prices
Understanding Winston-Salem's electricity costs helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling system.
North Carolina electricity rates have climbed steadily, rising 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 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 comfort for your home.
As electricity rates continue climbing, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay more manageable, even when rates rise—protecting your budget for years to come.
Price of Energy: North Carolina vs National Average
Winston-Salem Area Utility Providers
Winston-Salem residents benefit from below-average electricity rates. According to 2023 data, Duke Energy charges 11.9¢ per kWh while EnergyUnited charges 11.7¢ per kWh—both well below the national average of 16.0¢.
These competitive rates reflect North Carolina's diverse energy mix and efficient regional infrastructure. Both utilities maintain costs below the state average of 12.9¢, making Winston-Salem an affordable market for electricity consumption.
Lower electricity costs make heat pumps even more economical here. Their exceptional efficiency means they use less energy than traditional HVAC systems, so you'll spend less on heating and cooling despite running on electricity.
Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. The area's Climate Zone 8 conditions—with winter lows around 14°F and summer highs near 95°F—are ideal for modern heat pumps, which efficiently handle both heating and cooling. With North Carolina's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems.
Winston-Salem homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, while direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both approaches help you save on energy costs while staying comfortable year-round.
Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Winston-Salem's Climate Zone 8, where winter design temperatures reach 14°F and summers peak around 95°F. Modern heat pumps can operate efficiently in these conditions, typically delivering 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume, even during colder months—making them cost-effective at North Carolina's current rate of 14.1¢ per kWh.
Winston-Salem's moderate climate means heat pumps work efficiently year-round without the extreme temperature challenges found in northern regions. Most homeowners see significant energy savings compared to traditional heating systems. 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.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Winston-Salem depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal if you prefer predictable monthly costs. 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.
Consider Winston-Salem's Climate Zone 8 conditions, where your heat pump will work year-round in temperatures from 14°F to 95°F. With North Carolina's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, both options deliver long-term energy savings compared to traditional HVAC systems. Leasing eliminates maintenance worries and large upfront costs, while buying maximizes incentives and long-term ownership benefits for those who can invest upfront.
In Winston-Salem, heat pump installation typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. Climate Zone 8's temperature range—from 14°F in winter to 95°F in summer—means you'll need a properly sized system that handles both heating and cooling demands year-round.
Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump in Winston-Salem: 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 up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.
Yes, heat pumps are financially worth it for most Winston-Salem homeowners. With North Carolina's electricity rate of 14.1¢ per kWh and our moderate climate, heat pumps typically cost 30-50% less to operate than traditional electric heating systems. Most homeowners see their investment pay for itself through lower utility bills within 5-10 years.
Palmetto makes heat pumps even more accessible with two payment options. Our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, eliminating surprise costs. If you purchase directly, you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates, reducing your initial investment significantly.
In Winston-Salem, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, including companies like Palmetto that specialize in home energy solutions. Professional installation is essential in Climate Zone 8, where systems must handle both 14°F winter temperatures and 95°F summer heat efficiently.
Palmetto offers two installation options for Winston-Salem homeowners: 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.
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 system, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion like traditional furnaces.
In Winston-Salem's Climate Zone 8, where winter temperatures can drop to 14°F and summers reach 95°F, modern heat pumps efficiently handle both seasons. With North Carolina's electricity rates at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional HVAC systems. Palmetto makes installation accessible through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront or direct purchase options that may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000.