Norfolk, VA 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
Norfolk, VA Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It’s calibrated to Norfolk’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 72°F indoor, 92°F outdoor cooling, and 5°F heating temperatures. 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
Heat Pump Financing in Norfolk
While Virginia state heat pump rebate programs are not yet active in 2026, Norfolk homeowners can take advantage of the federal IRA tax credit worth up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers $0 upfront cost as an alternative way to access heat pump technology without waiting for state programs to launch. Contact Palmetto to learn how we can help you maximize available incentives and make heat pump installation affordable today.
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.
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
Norfolk sits in IECC Climate Zone 7, which means moderately cold winters (with design temps around 5°F) and hot, humid summers (reaching up to 92°F). This mix matters when sizing your heat pump—you need a system that handles both extremes efficiently. At Palmetto, we understand Norfolk's climate and can help you choose the right equipment for year-round comfort. Explore other zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
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
Norfolk Electricity Prices
Understanding Norfolk's electricity costs helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling systems.
Virginia electricity rates have climbed 20.8% since 2021, rising from 12.0 to 14.5 cents per kWh. For Norfolk homeowners, this upward trend means higher monthly bills for the same comfort level.
Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising rates. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to heat and cool your home—reducing the impact of rate increases.
As electricity costs continue their upward trajectory, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your heating and cooling costs remain more manageable, even as rates rise over time.
Price of Energy: Virginia vs National Average
Norfolk Area Utility Providers
Norfolk residents receive electricity primarily from Dominion Energy. According to 2023 data, Dominion Energy's average rate was 13.90¢ per kWh—below both Virginia's state average of 14.30¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Norfolk enjoys lower electricity costs partly due to Virginia's diverse energy mix and Dominion Energy's infrastructure investments. The state's access to natural gas and nuclear generation helps keep rates competitive compared to regions relying more heavily on expensive fuel sources.
These relatively affordable rates make Norfolk an ideal location for heat pump adoption. Heat pumps use electricity efficiently—often moving three units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed—which means lower utility costs translate directly into greater household savings on heating and cooling.
Norfolk 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 excellent sense in Norfolk. The area's Climate Zone 7 classification, with winter lows around 5°F and summer highs near 92°F, creates ideal conditions for modern heat pumps to operate efficiently year-round. With Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, heat pumps can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs compared to traditional systems.
Norfolk homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers heat pump installation with $0 upfront 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 deliver efficient heating and cooling suited to Norfolk's climate.
Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Norfolk's Climate Zone 7, where winter design temperatures reach 5°F and summers peak around 92°F. Modern heat pumps efficiently handle this moderate climate, delivering 2-3 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume. With Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, most Norfolk homeowners see significant savings compared to traditional heating systems.
The mild winters in Norfolk mean heat pumps rarely encounter temperatures where efficiency drops significantly. During both heating and cooling seasons, these systems maintain consistent performance without the energy waste of furnaces or baseboard heaters. Palmetto offers heat pump installation through our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and included maintenance, or direct purchase options that may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Norfolk depends on your financial priorities and preferences. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, with potential access to federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage in one predictable monthly payment.
For Norfolk homeowners, consider your situation: if you prefer avoiding a large initial investment and want maintenance handled for you, leasing offers peace of mind. If you have capital available and want to maximize long-term savings through tax incentives and eventual ownership, purchasing may be the better path. Both options provide efficient heating and cooling for Norfolk's climate, where temperatures range from 5°F in winter to 92°F in summer.
Heat pump costs in Norfolk 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. Norfolk's Climate Zone 7 conditions—with winter lows around 5°F and summer highs near 92°F—require a properly sized system to maintain year-round comfort.
Palmetto offers two flexible options for Norfolk homeowners: 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 help you save on Virginia's 14.5¢ per kWh electricity rates compared to traditional heating systems.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Norfolk. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with Virginia's electricity rate at 14.5¢ per kWh, most homeowners see meaningful savings on their monthly energy bills. Norfolk's moderate Climate Zone 7 conditions allow heat pumps to operate efficiently year-round.
Palmetto makes heat pumps financially accessible through two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and predictable monthly payments including all maintenance, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both paths offer long-term value, with the right choice depending on your budget and preferences.
In Norfolk, licensed HVAC contractors install heat pumps, and it's important to choose professionals familiar with Climate Zone 7 requirements where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F. Qualified installers ensure your system is properly sized and configured for Norfolk's humid subtropical climate, which experiences both cold winters and hot summers reaching 92°F.
Palmetto provides heat pump installation in Norfolk through certified local contractors, offering two pathways: 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 ensure professional installation tailored to your home's specific heating and cooling needs while helping you reduce energy costs at Virginia's current 14.5¢ per kWh electricity rate.
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. Heat pumps are unique because they both heat and cool your home using electricity, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.
In Norfolk's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F and summers reach 92°F, heat pumps provide year-round comfort while typically using less energy than traditional furnaces and air conditioners. At Virginia's current electricity rate of 14.5¢ per kWh, this efficiency can mean meaningful savings on your energy bills throughout the year.