Higher electricity bills were the worry for a family eligible for a fully funded heat pump. With layoffs having strained their budget, they feared they could not afford the extra expense. They were also wary of removing their oil tank and boiler.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit post, the homeowner described their 55-year-old house, which relied primarily on oil for heat. High electricity costs kept the family from using the sunroom and an adjoining room during winter because both spaces had electric heaters.

They had scheduled a contractor visit, and the homeowner reported that the household qualified for the state's program.

"My husband and his dad are mainly concerned about what our electric bill will become (we truly cannot afford much more each month)," they wrote. "We do have solar but no battery backup, so we cannot use our panels in the winter. Is the trade-off worth it?"

Upgrading heating and cooling is one of the best ways to save on utility bills and protect against rising energy prices. If you're weighing options, Palmetto can help you understand HVAC choices and reduce energy bills with newer, more efficient units and heat pumps. Palmetto's Comfort Plan network helps homeowners find efficient heating and cooling solutions for their homes and connects them with vetted installers.

More background

The family's winter oil spending could provide a benchmark for assessing the heat pump's projected electricity cost. For the other side of that comparison, one commenter advised obtaining a written estimate of annual electricity use backed by a heating-load calculation.

Winter generation and operation during a power outage are separate questions, another commenter explained. Ordinary grid-connected panels can still produce electricity in winter, though output falls and weather can interrupt generation.

A blower-door test was among the checks commenters suggested for finding air leaks. They also stressed the importance of insulation.

Hot water after the boiler's removal was another issue commenters wanted the contractor to address. 

"Make sure the contractor is experienced in heat pumps, correctly designs and sizes the equipment, and installs a cold-climate heat pump that performs well at cold temperatures," one recommended.

What can be done?

A contractor's assurance wasn't enough for one commenter, who urged the family to obtain written eligibility confirmation from the state or program administrator.

Whether the oil boiler could provide backup heat was a question to ask, another commenter suggested.

"If correctly done, then absolutely a great deal and you will be fine without oil," someone else said.

For homeowners considering alternatives, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0 down options for those not ready to spend up front, with potential heating and cooling cost reductions of up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of maintenance.

The family's existing solar panels raised another opportunity. Homeowners can use solar with electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, to drive utility costs even lower. EasyHome makes it easy to compare solar options and find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget. 

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners are also weighing what a heat pump would mean for their budgets.

• A Mid-Atlantic homeowner's heat pump bill soared, and commenters pointed to "luxury mode."

• In Scotland, a homeowner feared £500 winter electricity bills from a 12-kW heat pump.

• A Massachusetts homeowner unable to access Mass Save faced heat pump installation quotes of $20,000-$30,000.

• A heat pump owner questioned a modern unit's electricity savings before sizing a solar installation.

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