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

Richmond, TX Heat Pump Load Calculator

Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on Richmond’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 33°F for heating, 95°F for cooling, and 72°F indoors. 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

Heat Pump Financing in Richmond

While Texas state-level HOMES and HEAR rebate programs have not yet launched as of 2026, homeowners in Richmond, TX can still benefit from the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers $0 upfront cost as an alternative to purchasing, allowing you to access high-efficiency heat pump technology without the burden of equipment costs while you wait for state rebate programs to become available.

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 →

Palmetto Comfort Plan: $0 Upfront Heat Pump Leasing

Even without local rebates, Palmetto's Comfort Plan makes upgrading easy. You get a high-efficiency heat pump installed with $0 upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, and all maintenance and repairs included for the life of the plan.

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

Richmond sits in IECC Climate Zone 10, which means mild winters with design temperatures around 33°F and hot, humid summers reaching 95°F. This climate profile makes heat pumps an excellent fit—they handle your cooling needs efficiently while providing reliable heating on those occasional chilly days. At Palmetto, we factor in Richmond's specific zone requirements to recommend systems sized perfectly for your home. Explore other 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

Richmond Electricity Prices

Understanding electricity costs in Richmond helps you make smarter decisions about home heating and cooling for the long haul.

Texas electricity rates have climbed steadily from 12.1 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.9 cents in 2024—a 23% increase in just three years that directly impacts your monthly energy bills.

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

As electricity costs continue their upward trend, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means you're better insulated against future rate increases, keeping more money in your pocket year after year.

Price of Energy: Texas vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
12.1¢
15.0¢
13.8¢
16.0¢
14.5¢
16.5¢
14.9¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Texas

Richmond Area Utility Providers

Richmond residents benefit from notably affordable electricity rates. In 2023, both Bluebonnet Electric (11.1¢/kWh) and Pedernales Electric (11.7¢/kWh) charged well below the national average of 16.0¢ and Texas's state average of 14.5¢ per kilowatt-hour.

These lower rates stem from Texas's deregulated energy market and the region's access to diverse energy sources, including natural gas and renewables. Local electric cooperatives like Bluebonnet and Pedernales operate as non-profits, returning savings directly to member-owners.

Lower electricity costs make Richmond ideal for heat pump adoption. Heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional HVAC systems—often cutting heating and cooling costs by 30-50%—so your already-affordable rates stretch even further while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Richmond Utilities Electricity Rates

Bluebonnet Electric
11.10¢
-31%
Pedernales Electric
11.70¢
-27%
TX Average
14.50¢
-9%
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 Richmond. The area's mild winters (with design temperatures around 33°F) and hot summers (reaching 95°F) create ideal conditions for heat pump efficiency. These systems excel in moderate climates, providing both heating and cooling while using significantly less energy than traditional HVAC systems, which matters when Texas electricity averages 14.9¢ per kWh.

Richmond homeowners can access heat pump technology through flexible options that fit different needs. 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 deliver year-round comfort and lower energy bills compared to conventional heating and cooling systems.

Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Richmond's Climate Zone 10, where design temperatures range from 33°F in winter to 95°F in summer. This mild climate is ideal for heat pump efficiency, as these systems work best when outdoor temperatures stay moderate. Modern heat pumps can achieve 200-400% efficiency, meaning they move more energy than they consume—significantly reducing your electricity costs compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.

With Texas electricity rates at 14.9¢ per kWh, Richmond homeowners can see substantial savings on their energy bills year-round. Heat pumps handle both heating and cooling in one system, making them particularly cost-effective in climates like Richmond's where extreme cold is rare. Palmetto makes installation accessible through flexible options: 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 Richmond 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.

Richmond's climate in Zone 10 means your heat pump will run year-round, with cooling demands reaching 95°F in summer. With Texas electricity at 14.9¢ per kWh, both options deliver energy savings compared to traditional systems. Consider leasing if you want hassle-free maintenance, or buying if you plan to stay long-term and want to maximize tax incentives.

Heat pump costs in Richmond typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. Richmond's Climate Zone 10 conditions—with mild winters (33°F design temp) and hot summers (95°F design temp)—make heat pumps an efficient choice that can help manage your energy bills at Texas's current 14.9¢ per kWh electricity rate.

Palmetto offers two ways to get a heat pump in Richmond: a 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. The best option depends on whether you prefer no upfront costs with hassle-free maintenance or outright ownership with potential tax benefits.

Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Richmond, TX. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Texas electricity rates at 14.9¢ per kWh, those savings add up quickly. Richmond's mild winters (design temp: 33°F) mean your heat pump operates efficiently year-round without the extreme conditions that challenge performance.

Palmetto makes heat pumps 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. The right choice depends on your budget and preferences, but both paths typically pay for themselves through lower energy bills within several years, while providing consistent comfort in Richmond's hot summers and mild winters.

Heat pumps in Richmond are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who specialize in heating and cooling systems. Palmetto partners with certified local professionals who understand Richmond's Climate Zone 10 conditions, where systems need to handle both 95°F summer days and occasional 33°F winter temperatures efficiently.

Palmetto offers two installation options for Richmond homeowners: 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 familiar with Texas homes and energy needs.

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 the same unit, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion like traditional furnaces.

In Richmond's Climate Zone 10, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 33°F, heat pumps work exceptionally efficiently year-round. They use electricity to move heat instead of creating it, which can significantly reduce energy costs compared to traditional HVAC systems at Texas's current rate of 14.9¢ per kWh. Palmetto offers flexible options including our Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.