New Hampshire's summers are getting hotter and more humid, making air conditioning less a luxury and more a health necessity for many households.

Here's what to know

According to SeaCoastOnline, air conditioning is still less common in New Hampshire than in most states, ranking 40th nationally in AC adoption, even as New England remains near the top for window-unit use. 

The outlet also reported that the state's old housing stock is part of the reason, since many homes lack central air. Yet, with the warming climate, many more New Hampshire residents are at risk of heat-related illnesses. Older residents, those with conditions like asthma, and people living in highly built-up urban areas are especially at risk of heat-related complications.

Lisa Crockford, one New Hampshire resident, told SeaCoastOnline that after she installed a mini-split heat pump, "I noticed immediately that my electric bills for June, July and August went down about $75 a month. When I had two window air conditioners cooling the house I would see this big bump in my bills as soon as it started getting hot."

Crockford is not alone in viewing heat pumps as an attractive option. This is especially true in New England, where residents may receive funding through the New England Heat Pump Accelerator program.

This program helps low- and moderate-income residents across five states cover the upfront costs of accessing ultra-efficient HVAC options.

More background

The cost of window ACs is not limited to individual households. They can put additional pressure on the grid during peak-demand periods, increasing the likelihood that more fossil fuels will be burned to keep power flowing.

Mini-split heat pumps should be seen as an option that is easier to install than central air, uses far less electricity than a window unit, and cools a home more quietly and cleanly. More minisplits can mean savings over the course of a year, especially for households also using the system to cut heating oil or propane use during colder months.

If you're interested in reducing energy bills with an efficient HVAC, Palmetto can help you find the best system and installer for your home and budget. 

And if you're not ready to spend up front, the company's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans also include 12 years of free maintenance, helping you avoid surprise service costs after installation.

Where can I learn more?

For residents thinking about moving on from window units, it helps to see how heat pump costs, cold-weather performance, and everyday cooling habits play out in real homes. The stories below look at financing, incentives, and practical ways to cut what households pay as hotter summers put more strain on the grid.

• For U.S. homeowners, heat pump costs and savings often justify replacing older window units.

• Some homeowners can upgrade their HVACs, save $300 yearly, and tap into $10,000 incentives.

• In colder climates, myths about winter heat pumps keep many families from $1,000-a-year savings.

These stories all point back to the same takeaway: that the right HVAC setup can lower bills and make a home more comfortable. That only grows more important as hotter, wetter summers put older homes under more stress.

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