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

Alexandria, VA 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 Alexandria, VA: 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

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 Alexandria

While Virginia's state-level Home Energy Rebate Programs have not yet launched in 2026, Alexandria homeowners can access the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Some utility companies like Dominion Energy offer additional rebates on a limited basis. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers $0 upfront cost as an alternative way to access heat pump technology without waiting for state programs or managing rebate applications.

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. Virginia's state Home Energy Rebate Programs are pending federal approval and are not currently available.

04

Climate Zones

Alexandria sits in IECC Climate Zone 7, which means cold winters that can drop to 5°F and warm summers reaching 92°F. This temperature range matters when sizing your heat pump—you need a system that handles both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Alexandria's climate and help homeowners choose equipment that's right for the area. 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

Alexandria Electricity Prices

Understanding electricity costs in Alexandria helps you make smarter decisions about home heating and cooling that can save you money year after year.

Virginia electricity rates have climbed steadily from 12.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.5 cents in 2024—a 21% 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 deliver the same comfort while using significantly less electricity per unit of heating or cooling.

As electricity rates continue to rise, the efficiency advantage of heat pumps becomes even more valuable. What you invest today can translate into meaningful savings over the decades you'll own your home.

Price of Energy: Virginia vs National Average

10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
12.0¢
15.0¢
13.3¢
16.0¢
14.3¢
16.5¢
14.5¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Virginia

Alexandria Area Utility Providers

Alexandria residents receive electricity primarily from Dominion Energy. According to 2023 data, Dominion Energy's rate was 13.9¢ per kWh—below both Virginia's average of 14.3¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.

Alexandria's lower electricity costs reflect Virginia's diverse energy mix and Dominion Energy's investments in natural gas and renewable generation. The state's competitive energy market and regional infrastructure also help keep rates relatively affordable compared to the national average.

Even with below-average electricity rates, heating and cooling costs add up. Heat pumps can help you save by using electricity three times more efficiently than traditional systems, reducing your total energy spending regardless of your utility rate.

Alexandria Utilities Electricity Rates

Dominion Energy
13.90¢
-13%
VA Average
14.30¢
-11%
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 Alexandria. The area's Climate Zone 7 conditions—with winter design temperatures around 5°F and summer peaks near 92°F—are well-suited for modern heat pumps, which efficiently handle both heating and cooling. With Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems.

Palmetto makes heat pump installation 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. Both approaches help Alexandria homeowners reduce energy costs while maintaining year-round comfort, regardless of whether you prefer predictable monthly payments or outright ownership.

Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Alexandria's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 5°F and summers peak around 92°F. Modern heat pumps efficiently heat and cool homes in this moderate climate, typically delivering 2-3 times more energy than they consume. With Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, most Alexandria homeowners see meaningful reductions in their heating and cooling costs compared to traditional systems.

Alexandria's mild winters make it an ideal location for heat pump technology, as these systems work most efficiently in temperatures above freezing. During the occasional cold snaps, today's cold-climate heat pumps maintain strong performance. Palmetto offers flexible options to fit your budget—choose our Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or purchase directly and potentially qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Alexandria depends on your financial situation and preferences. If you prefer no upfront costs and want maintenance included, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers a predictable monthly payment with all repairs covered. If you can pay upfront, purchasing allows you to own the equipment and potentially claim up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Consider Alexandria's climate needs in Climate Zone 7, where your heat pump will work year-round through 5°F winters and 92°F summers. Leasing eliminates maintenance worries during heavy use seasons, while buying gives you long-term ownership and immediate equity. Both options help you benefit from Virginia's 14.5¢ per kWh electricity rates with efficient heating and cooling.

Heat pump costs in Alexandria 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. Climate Zone 7's cold winters (design temp: 5°F) and warm summers (92°F) require properly sized equipment to maintain year-round comfort, which influences the final price.

Palmetto offers two straightforward options: 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. Both options are designed to make heat pump ownership accessible for Alexandria homeowners.

Yes, heat pumps are financially worth it for most Alexandria homeowners. With Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost 30-50% less to operate than traditional heating systems because they move heat rather than generate it. You can also qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local utility rebates.

Palmetto makes heat pumps even more accessible with two financing options. Our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs in one predictable monthly payment. If you prefer ownership, direct purchase allows you to claim available tax credits immediately. Either way, most Alexandria homeowners see meaningful savings on their energy bills within the first year.

In Alexandria, VA, licensed HVAC contractors and home energy companies like Palmetto install heat pumps. Professional installers ensure your system is properly sized for Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F and summer highs reach 92°F, maximizing efficiency and comfort year-round.

Palmetto offers two installation options for Alexandria 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 who understand local climate requirements.

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 both heat and cool your home using electricity, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.

In Alexandria's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F and summers reach 92°F, modern heat pumps efficiently handle both extremes. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a single heat pump does both jobs. With Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, heat pumps often cost less to operate than conventional heating systems while providing year-round comfort.