Pittsburgh, PA 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
Pittsburgh, PA Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It uses ACCA-standard design conditions for Pittsburgh, PA: 72°F indoor, 92°F outdoor cooling, and 5°F heating. 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
Pittsburgh, PA 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 Pittsburgh homeowners.
Duquesne Light Watt Choices
$200 (air source heat pump)Energy efficiency rebate program for Duquesne Light residential customers in Pittsburgh area. Offers rebates on air source heat pumps and other energy-saving equipment through May 31, 2026.
FirstEnergy Air Source Heat Pump
Up to $500Rebate program for FirstEnergy Pennsylvania electric company customers including Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power. Available through May 31, 2026 for qualifying ENERGY STAR certified heat pump installations.
Penn Energy Savers HEAR Program
Up to $8,000Federal IRA-funded program for low to moderate income households offering rebates on heat pump installations. Program anticipated to launch in 2026 pending final DOE approval.
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.
Pittsburgh homeowners have access to multiple heat pump rebate programs in 2026, including Duquesne Light's Watt Choices program offering $200 rebates, FirstEnergy rebates up to $500, and the upcoming Penn Energy Savers program with up to $8,000 for income-qualified households. Combined with the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 available through 2032, homeowners can significantly reduce their heat pump installation costs. Palmetto can help you navigate these programs, verify your eligibility, and maximize your rebate benefits to make heat pump installation 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
Climate Zones
Pittsburgh sits in IECC Climate Zone 7, which means cold winters (design temps around 5°F) and warm summers (up to 92°F). This wide temperature range makes proper heat pump sizing critical—your system needs to handle both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Pittsburgh's climate and can help you choose a heat pump that keeps you comfortable year-round. Explore the zone map below or enter your ZIP code to confirm your specific climate zone.
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
Pittsburgh Electricity Prices
Understanding Pittsburgh's electricity costs is essential when considering your home heating and cooling options—especially as rates continue to climb.
Pennsylvania electricity rates have jumped 29% since 2021, rising from 13.8 to 17.8 cents per kWh by 2024. That's notably higher than the national average of 16.5 cents per kWh.
Heat pumps offer a practical response to these rising costs. Because they're 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling.
As electricity rates fluctuate, efficiency becomes your best protection. A heat pump's superior performance means lower energy bills year after year, helping Pittsburgh homeowners maintain comfort without the financial stress.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
Pittsburgh Area Utility Providers
Pittsburgh residents are served by two main utility providers with varying electricity rates. According to 2023 data, Duquesne Light customers paid 22.1¢ per kWh, while West Penn Power customers paid 14.7¢ per kWh.
Duquesne Light's rates exceeded both the national average (16.0¢) and Pennsylvania's state average (18.1¢), largely due to infrastructure investments and urban service costs. West Penn Power's rates fell below both benchmarks, benefiting from a broader service territory.
Heat pumps can help manage electricity costs through exceptional efficiency. They move heat rather than generate it, using significantly less energy than traditional systems—meaning lower bills even in Duquesne Light's higher-rate areas.
Pittsburgh 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 sense in Pittsburgh. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently even at Pittsburgh's design heating temperature of 5°F, and they provide both heating and cooling for the region's 92°F summer days. With Pennsylvania's electricity rate at 17.8¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Pittsburgh homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers heat pump installation with $0 upfront cost and includes all maintenance and repairs, while direct purchase may qualify you for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both approaches give you access to efficient heating and cooling suited to Pittsburgh's Climate Zone 7 conditions.
Heat pumps perform well in Pittsburgh's climate, even during cold winters. Modern cold-climate heat pumps efficiently heat homes down to 5°F and below, which covers most of Pittsburgh's winter days. They typically deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, making them significantly more efficient than traditional electric resistance heating.
With Pennsylvania's electricity rate at 17.8¢ per kWh, heat pumps offer lower operating costs compared to many heating systems. Pittsburgh's moderate summers (around 92°F design temperature) also make heat pumps excellent for cooling. Whether you choose Palmetto's Comfort Plan with no upfront costs or direct purchase to access federal tax credits up to $2,000, you'll benefit from year-round efficiency in Pittsburgh's Climate Zone 7 conditions.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Pittsburgh depends on your financial priorities and comfort preferences. Leasing through Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal if you want predictable costs without surprise expenses. Buying outright means you own the equipment and can claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus any local rebates available.
Pittsburgh's cold winters in Climate Zone 7 mean your heat pump will work year-round, so consider how you want to handle long-term maintenance. With electricity at 17.8¢ per kWh in Pennsylvania, both options can deliver energy savings compared to traditional heating systems. Leasing eliminates maintenance worries, while buying maximizes financial incentives and gives you full ownership from day one.
Heat pump costs in Pittsburgh typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's capacity needed to handle Pittsburgh's Climate Zone 7 conditions (winter lows around 5°F). This upfront investment can feel significant, which is why many Pittsburgh homeowners explore financing options.
Palmetto offers two flexible ways to get a heat pump: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and a predictable monthly payment that includes all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates. Both options help you save on Pennsylvania's 17.8¢ per kWh electricity rates.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Pittsburgh. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Pennsylvania's electricity rate of 17.8¢ per kWh, many homeowners see meaningful savings on their energy bills within the first few years.
The financial picture becomes even more attractive when you consider your options. Direct purchase qualifies for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Alternatively, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront cost with predictable monthly payments and all maintenance included, making heat pumps accessible without a large initial investment.
Heat pumps in Pittsburgh are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who are trained to work with these systems in Climate Zone 7 conditions, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F. Palmetto partners with certified local installers who understand Pittsburgh's specific heating and cooling needs and ensure proper installation for optimal performance year-round.
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 and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options include professional installation by experienced technicians who ensure your heat pump is sized and configured correctly for your home.
HVAC is an umbrella term that stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it describes any system that controls your home's temperature and air quality. A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system that both heats and cools your home by transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion, making it an efficient all-in-one solution.
In Pittsburgh's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F, modern heat pumps are designed to handle both heating and cooling needs year-round. Unlike traditional HVAC setups that require separate furnaces and air conditioners, a single heat pump system can replace both, potentially lowering your energy costs with Pennsylvania's current electricity rate of 17.8¢ per kWh.