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

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

Bend, OR Heat Pump Load Calculator

Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It uses ACCA-standard design conditions for Bend, OR: 5°F for heating and 92°F for cooling, with a 72°F indoor setpoint. 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

Get Started

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.

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 length 10 or 12 years
End of term options Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Cash

Payment schedule Full price upfront
Term length None
End of term options No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Loan

Payment schedule $0 upfront, then monthly payment
Term length Variable
End of term options No credits to new system
Maintenance included
Eligible for incentives

Local Incentives

Bend, OR 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 Bend homeowners.

Oregon Heat Pump Purchase Program

Up to $2,000

The Oregon Heat Pump Purchase Program (HP3) offers up to $2,000 in rebates for heat pump installations in owner-occupied homes, rental properties, and new construction, with approved contractors available through the program.

Eligibility: Heat pumps must be purchased for an owner-occupied residence, residential tenancy (rental), or new residential construction located in Oregon, with systems requiring an HSPF2 of 8.1 or greater and a SEER2 rating of 16 or more. Homeowners must work with an approved contractor from the HP3 approved contractor list.

Learn more →

HOMES Program (Spring 2026)

Up to $10,000

The Home Efficiency Rebates Program (HOMES) will provide performance-based rebates for energy efficiency upgrades in existing single-family and multifamily homes, with participants potentially receiving between 50 to 100 percent of project costs up to $10,000.

Eligibility: Available to Oregon single and multi-family homes, including owner-occupied and rental properties, with at least 40% of rebate funding reserved for low-income households; retrofits must provide at least 20% estimated energy savings and are not eligible for new construction.

Learn more →

HEAR Program (Spring 2026)

Up to $14,000

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program (HEAR) provides rebates to low- and moderate-income households to install high-efficiency electric appliances including heat pumps, with point-of-sale rebates available beginning fall 2026.

Eligibility: Available to low- and moderate-income Oregon households (incomes below 150% Area Median Income); upgrades must be applied to new construction, as a first-time purchase, or to replace non-electrical equipment, with low-income households potentially qualifying for up to 100% of project costs.

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 →

Bend homeowners have access to multiple active heat pump rebate programs in 2026. The Oregon Heat Pump Purchase Program offers up to $2,000 for qualifying installations, while the HOMES and HEAR programs launching in spring 2026 provide additional rebates up to $10,000 and $14,000 respectively, with enhanced support for low- and moderate-income households. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000, homeowners can stack these incentives to significantly reduce their heat pump installation costs. Palmetto's team can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and maximize your 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

Bend sits in IECC Climate Zone 7, which means cold winters that can dip to 5°F and warm summers reaching 92°F. This wide temperature range requires a heat pump that can handle serious heating demands while still keeping you comfortable in summer. At Palmetto, we understand Bend's unique climate and can help you choose a system sized and selected for these conditions. Explore other climate zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.

US Climate Zone Map
Your location

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

05

Bend Electricity Prices

Understanding electricity costs in Bend helps you make smarter decisions about heating and cooling your home efficiently and affordably.

Oregon's electricity rates have climbed significantly, jumping from 11.4 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.6 cents in 2024—a 28% increase that directly impacts your monthly energy bills.

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

As electricity rates continue rising, that efficiency gap becomes increasingly valuable. Over the years, a heat pump's lower energy consumption translates to meaningful savings that help offset higher utility rates.

Price of Energy: Oregon vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
11.4¢
15.0¢
11.4¢
16.0¢
12.7¢
16.5¢
14.6¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Oregon

Bend Area Utility Providers

Bend residents receive electricity primarily from Pacific Power, which charged 12.0¢ per kWh in 2023—well below both Oregon's average of 12.70¢ and the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.

Pacific Power's competitive rates stem from Oregon's diverse energy mix, which includes significant hydroelectric generation from the Columbia River system. This renewable infrastructure helps keep electricity costs lower compared to regions relying more heavily on fossil fuels.

Lower electricity rates make heat pumps even more economical in Bend. Since heat pumps use electricity three times more efficiently than traditional heating systems, your below-average electricity costs translate directly into greater savings on heating and cooling.

Bend Utilities Electricity Rates

Pacific Power
12.00¢
-25%
OR Average
12.70¢
-21%
US Average
16.0¢
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
Palmetto mobile app
07

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
Download the App
08

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.

$5,000
Recommended repair threshold

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.

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
09

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in Bend. Despite cold winter temperatures that can drop to 5°F, modern heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in Climate Zone 7 conditions. With Oregon's electricity rate at 14.6¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while providing both heating and cooling for Bend's 92°F summer days.

Bend homeowners have flexible options to get started with heat pump technology. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront with maintenance included, while direct purchase may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both paths provide year-round comfort and energy savings suited to Bend's distinct four-season climate.

Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Bend's Climate Zone 7, even when temperatures drop to the 5°F design heating threshold. Modern cold-climate heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, making them significantly more efficient than traditional electric resistance heating. At Oregon's current electricity rate of 14.6¢ per kWh, this efficiency translates to meaningful savings on your energy bills.

During Bend's mild summers, with design temperatures around 92°F, heat pumps provide efficient cooling while using less energy than conventional air conditioners. Because heat pumps handle both heating and cooling in one system, they offer year-round comfort and efficiency. Palmetto makes installation accessible through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and included maintenance, or through direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Bend depends on your financial priorities and homeownership plans. Buying outright means you own the equipment and can claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs for the system's lifetime.

Given Bend's Climate Zone 7 conditions—with winter temperatures dropping to 5°F—heat pumps work hard year-round, making maintenance coverage valuable. If you prefer predictable monthly costs without repair worries, leasing offers peace of mind. If you have capital available and want to maximize long-term savings through incentives and ownership, purchasing may be the better fit for your situation.

Heat pump costs in Bend typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system capacity needed to handle Climate Zone 7 conditions (where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F). This upfront investment includes the equipment, labor, and any necessary modifications to your heating system.

Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump that fit different budgets: 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 Oregon rebates.

Yes, heat pumps are financially worth it for most Bend homeowners. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Oregon's electricity rate at 14.6¢ per kWh, you'll see meaningful savings even during cold winters. Direct purchases may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: purchase outright to own the equipment and capture available incentives, or choose our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs. Both approaches deliver long-term savings while keeping your Bend home comfortable year-round in Climate Zone 7 conditions.

Heat pumps in Bend are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who understand the region's Climate Zone 7 requirements, where systems must handle winter temperatures as low as 5°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. Palmetto partners with certified local installers who specialize in cold-climate heat pump systems designed for Central Oregon's conditions.

Palmetto offers two installation options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost that includes 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. Both options include professional installation by experienced technicians who ensure your system is properly sized and configured for Bend's climate.

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 provide both heating and cooling in one efficient unit, unlike traditional HVAC systems that often require separate furnaces and air conditioners.

In Bend's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F and summers reach 92°F, modern heat pumps handle both extremes while using electricity at Oregon's 14.6¢ per kWh rate. They work by transferring heat rather than generating it, making them more energy-efficient than conventional heating systems. Whether you choose Palmetto's Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000, you're getting a complete HVAC solution.