Virginia Beach, 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
Virginia Beach, VA Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on ACCA-standard design conditions for Virginia Beach, VA: 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 Virginia Beach
While Virginia state heat pump rebate programs are not yet active in 2026, homeowners in Virginia Beach can take advantage of the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers an alternative path to heat pump installation with $0 upfront cost, allowing homeowners to start saving on energy bills immediately without waiting for rebate programs to launch.
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
Virginia Beach sits in IECC Climate Zone 7, which means moderately cold winters—down to around 5°F—and hot, humid summers that can reach 92°F. This wide temperature swing matters when sizing a heat pump: you need a system that keeps you comfortable year-round without wasting energy. At Palmetto, we understand Virginia Beach's climate and can help you find the right fit. 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
Virginia Beach Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Virginia Beach helps you make smarter decisions about home heating and cooling—especially as rates continue to climb.
Virginia electricity rates have risen from 12.0 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.5 cents per kWh in 2024—a 21% increase in just three years that directly impacts your monthly energy bills.
Heat pumps use 2-3 times less electricity than traditional HVAC systems to deliver the same heating and cooling. This efficiency means you're paying for fewer kilowatt-hours while maintaining the same comfort level in your home.
As electricity rates continue their upward trend, the efficiency advantage of heat pumps becomes even more valuable. Over a system's 15-20 year lifespan, these savings compound significantly, helping offset rising energy costs year after year.
Price of Energy: Virginia vs National Average
Virginia Beach Area Utility Providers
Virginia Beach residents receive electricity primarily from Dominion Energy. According to 2023 data, Dominion Energy's residential rate was 13.9¢ per kWh—below both the state average of 14.3¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Virginia Beach enjoys lower electricity costs partly due to Virginia's diverse energy mix and Dominion Energy's large service territory, which allows for economies of scale. The state's energy infrastructure investments also help keep rates competitive compared to national figures.
Lower electricity rates make heat pumps even more cost-effective in Virginia Beach. Since heat pumps use electricity efficiently—often moving three units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed—your total energy spending can decrease significantly compared to traditional gas or oil heating systems.
Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. The area's Climate Zone 7 designation means mild winters (rarely dropping to 5°F) and warm summers (reaching 92°F), which is ideal for heat pump efficiency. Modern heat pumps can handle these temperatures while using less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems, helping you save on electricity costs at Virginia's current rate of 14.5¢ per kWh.
Virginia Beach homeowners have flexible options for getting a heat pump installed. Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0 upfront with maintenance included, making it easy to start saving without a large investment. Alternatively, direct purchase may qualify you for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates that further reduce costs.
Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Virginia Beach'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 achieving 200-300% efficiency compared to traditional systems. With Virginia's electricity rate of 14.5¢ per kWh, homeowners often see significant energy savings year-round.
The mild coastal winters mean heat pumps don't struggle with extreme cold, maintaining strong performance throughout the heating season. During summer, they provide efficient cooling while using less energy than conventional air conditioners. Palmetto offers heat pump installation through both our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost 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 Virginia Beach depends on your financial situation and preferences. 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. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance, repairs, and warranty coverage in one predictable monthly payment.
Consider Virginia Beach's climate demands—with winter lows around 5°F and summer highs reaching 92°F—your heat pump will work year-round. If you prefer avoiding maintenance responsibilities and large upfront costs, leasing offers peace of mind. If you want to maximize long-term savings and own your equipment, purchasing may be the better fit, especially with available incentives offsetting the initial investment.
Heat pump costs in Virginia Beach 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. Climate Zone 7 conditions in Virginia Beach—with winter lows around 5°F and summer highs near 92°F—require properly sized equipment to handle both heating and cooling demands year-round.
Palmetto offers two payment options to fit different budgets and preferences. Our Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes a predictable monthly payment with all maintenance and repairs covered for life. Alternatively, direct purchase allows you to own the system outright and potentially qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates that can further reduce your investment.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in Virginia Beach. With electricity at 14.5¢ per kWh, heat pumps can cut your heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems because they move heat rather than generate it. Most homeowners see the investment pay for itself within 7-12 years through energy savings.
Palmetto makes heat pumps even more accessible with two options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits plus local rebates. The financial benefits extend beyond energy savings—heat pumps also increase home value and provide reliable comfort in Virginia Beach's climate.
Heat pumps in Virginia Beach are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who specialize in heating and cooling systems. These professionals assess your home's specific needs, considering Virginia Beach's Climate Zone 7 conditions (heating design temperature of 5°F and cooling design temperature of 92°F), and ensure proper sizing and installation for year-round comfort.
Palmetto partners with certified local installers to provide heat pump installation through two flexible options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, 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 Virginia Beach homes, helping you manage energy costs with electricity at 14.5¢ per kWh.
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 specific type of HVAC system that both heats and cools your home by transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.
In Virginia Beach's Climate Zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop to 5°F and summers reach 92°F, modern heat pumps serve as complete HVAC solutions. Unlike traditional systems that use separate furnaces and air conditioners, a single heat pump handles year-round comfort while typically using less electricity at Virginia's current rate of 14.5¢ per kWh.