Pennsylvania 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

Pennsylvania’s diverse climate—from humid summers to cold winters—makes heat pumps an increasingly smart choice for year-round home comfort and energy efficiency. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or anywhere across the Keystone State, modern heat pump technology can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Palmetto helps Pennsylvania homeowners navigate heat pump installation with expert guidance, quality equipment, and seamless service from consultation to completion.

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

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania homeowners.

FirstEnergy Air Source Heat Pump

Up to $500

FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania electric companies offer up to $500 rebate on ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pumps for qualified products purchased through May 31, 2026.

Eligibility: Available to residential customers of FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania electric companies for qualified products purchased between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2026. Rebate applications must be submitted within 90 days of purchase.

Learn more →

PPL Electric Heat Pump Rebate

Up to $450

PPL Electric Utilities offers heat pump rebates with programs running through May 2026. Up to $450 available on air source heat pumps and up to $400 on ductless heat pumps.

Eligibility: PPL’s program runs through May 2026 for existing homes. Residential customers of PPL Electric Utilities may qualify for rebates on qualifying HVAC equipment.

Learn more →

PECO Energy Heat Pump Rebate

Up to $500

PECO’s program runs from June 2021 through May 2026, covering precision heating systems and appliances. Rebates available on qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pump installations.

Eligibility: PECO’s program runs from June 2021 through May 2026. Available to PECO residential customers for ENERGY STAR certified equipment. Apply within 90 days of purchase.

Learn more →

Duquesne Light Heat Pump Rebate

Up to $200

Duquesne Light Company’s Watt Choices program runs through May 31, 2026, offering $200 rebate on air source heat pumps meeting efficiency standards.

Eligibility: Duquesne Light’s program runs through May 31, 2026. Single-family homes, multi-family units, and mobile homes qualify. Submit within 180 days of installation.

Learn more →

Columbia Gas Heat Pump Rebate

Up to $2,000

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania offers $2,000 rebate for high efficiency natural gas-fired heat pumps (heating only – furnace or boiler type models).

Eligibility: Primary heat/fuel source must be natural gas. Rebates are not available to fuel switching customers. Rebate quantities are limited and approved on first-come, first-served basis.

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 →

Pennsylvania homeowners have access to multiple active heat pump rebate programs through major utilities including FirstEnergy, PPL, PECO, Duquesne Light, and Columbia Gas, with rebates ranging from $200 to $2,000 depending on the program and equipment type. These utility rebates are available through May 2026 and can be combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 to significantly reduce heat pump installation costs. Palmetto can help homeowners identify which programs they qualify for, navigate the application process, and maximize available rebates to make heat pump upgrades more affordable.

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

Pennsylvania Electricity Prices

Understanding Pennsylvania’s electricity costs is essential when choosing a heating and cooling system that works for your budget long-term.

Pennsylvania’s electricity rates have climbed significantly in recent years. From 2021 to 2023, residential rates jumped from 13.8 to 18.1 cents per kilowatt-hour—outpacing the national average during that period.

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

As electricity rates continue fluctuating, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump’s lower energy consumption means your monthly costs remain more manageable, even when rates rise—protecting your budget for years to come.

Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
13.8¢
15.0¢
15.9¢
16.0¢
18.1¢
16.5¢
17.8¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Utility Providers

Pennsylvania’s electricity costs vary significantly by provider. According to 2023 data, rates ranged from 11.25¢ to 22.07¢ per kWh across major utilities, with the state average at 18.10¢—slightly above the national average of 16.0¢.

Several factors influence these rates. Utilities like Duquesne Light and PPL Electric face higher infrastructure costs in densely populated areas, while competitive suppliers like Energy Harbor and Inspire Energy often offer lower rates through market-driven pricing and renewable energy portfolios.

Heat pumps can help manage energy costs regardless of your utility provider. Their high efficiency means they use significantly less electricity than traditional heating systems, potentially lowering your total energy spending even in areas with above-average rates.

Pennsylvania Utilities Electricity Rates

PECO Energy Co
16.18¢
+1%
PPL Electric Utilities Corp
19.55¢
+22%
West Penn Power Company
14.75¢
-8%
Duquesne Light Co
22.07¢
+38%
Metropolitan Edison Co
17.24¢
+8%
Pennsylvania Electric Co
19.07¢
+19%
Reliant Energy Northeast LLC
14.16¢
-12%
Pennsylvania Power Co
17.29¢
+8%
Energy Harbor Corp.
11.25¢
-30%
Inspire Energy Holdings, LLC
12.86¢
-20%
PA Average
18.10¢
+13%
US Average
16.0¢

05

Pennsylvania Heat Pump City Guides

Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in temperatures well below freezing, making them suitable for Pennsylvania’s winters. They provide both heating and cooling year-round, and with electricity at 17.8¢ per kWh in Pennsylvania, many homeowners see meaningful energy savings compared to traditional heating systems.

Pennsylvania’s climate is well-suited for heat pump technology, particularly in regions with moderate winter temperatures. Palmetto makes getting a heat pump accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.

Heat pump costs in Pennsylvania typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home’s size, existing ductwork, and the system’s efficiency rating. This upfront investment can be offset by federal tax credits of up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus any available local rebates in your area.

Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump that fit different budgets and preferences. You can purchase your system outright and qualify for those tax credits, or choose our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and a predictable monthly payment that includes all maintenance and repairs. Both options help Pennsylvania homeowners reduce energy costs with electricity at 17.8¢ per kWh.

Top heat pump brands for Pennsylvania homeowners include Mitsubishi, Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and Daikin. These manufacturers offer cold-climate models engineered to perform efficiently in Pennsylvania’s winter temperatures, which can drop well below freezing. Look for units with ENERGY STAR certification and high HSPF2 ratings to maximize efficiency given Pennsylvania’s 17.8¢ per kWh electricity rates.

When choosing a brand, consider both equipment quality and installation expertise. Palmetto offers professionally installed heat pumps through a 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 right brand depends on your home’s specific heating needs, budget, and whether you prioritize warranty coverage or ownership.

Yes, Pennsylvania homeowners can access heat pump rebates through federal and local programs. The federal Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations when you purchase your system outright. Some Pennsylvania utility companies and municipalities also provide additional rebates and incentives to help reduce upfront costs.

Rebate availability varies by location and income level within Pennsylvania, so it’s worth checking with your local utility provider. If you prefer avoiding the rebate process altogether, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront cost with all maintenance included, providing a predictable alternative to navigating rebate applications while still enjoying energy-efficient heating and cooling.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Pennsylvania depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, plus you may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act and local rebates. Leasing through a plan like Palmetto’s Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront, offers predictable monthly payments, and includes all maintenance and repairs.

Consider leasing if you want to avoid upfront costs and prefer hassle-free maintenance coverage throughout the equipment’s life. Consider buying if you can afford the initial investment and want to maximize savings through tax credits and rebates. With Pennsylvania’s electricity rate at 17.8¢ per kWh, heat pumps offer efficient heating and cooling either way, so your decision should align with your budget and how hands-on you want to be with equipment ownership.

Yes, heat pumps can be financially worthwhile in Pennsylvania. Modern heat pumps are highly efficient, often delivering 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume. With Pennsylvania’s electricity rate at 17.8¢ per kWh, many homeowners see lower heating costs compared to oil, propane, or electric resistance heating systems.

The financial benefits extend beyond monthly savings. Purchasing a heat pump may qualify you 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 large initial investment.

The right heat pump size for your Pennsylvania home depends on factors like square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, window efficiency, and local climate conditions. Most homes need between 2 to 5 tons of heating capacity, with each ton covering roughly 400-600 square feet in moderate climates. A professional energy assessment is essential to determine the correct size for your specific situation.

An oversized heat pump wastes energy and cycles on and off frequently, while an undersized system struggles during Pennsylvania’s cold winters, driving up your electricity costs at 17.8¢ per kWh. Palmetto provides expert sizing assessments with both our Comfort Plan lease and direct purchase options, ensuring your system operates efficiently year-round without the guesswork of DIY calculations.