One Massachusetts homeowner thought they had found an affordable way to electrify their home, with a cold-climate heat pump quoted at $8,599 after incentives.
Then the state's own calculator showed that the upgrade could raise their annual energy bills by nearly $1,000. Some households face this dilemma about cutting pollution, future-proofing their homes, and keeping monthly costs under control.
Here's what to know
In a post to Reddit's r/heatpumps community, the homeowner walked readers through their predicament.
They explained that they completed a Mass Save energy assessment, which found no need for additional insulation or air sealing. That meant their 1,600-square-foot house with a 26-year-old gas furnace, a 14-year-old gas water heater, no solar panels, and window air-conditioning units qualified for whole-home heat pump rebates.
The problem was, according to the OP, "Over a 10-year period, running an electric heat pump in National Grid territory will cost us roughly $10,000 to $12,000 more in utility bills compared to a new gas furnace." Among other questions, they asked the forum, "Do you regret losing gas?"
Many commenters said they did not miss gas. "Gas will NEVER get any cheaper than it is today," one said. "Neither will electricity. But you can make your own electricity if you want…with solar panels. You can store up cheap juice with batteries and use it when prices are higher. You can do none of this with gas."
Another warned, "If you're going the heat pump route, it is imperative that your home is well insulated." A third commenter recommended: "Go full heat pump. We got solar and cold climate heat pump in Colorado, converted all gas consumers in the house to electric, and had gas pipe cut off and never looked back."
Someone else suggested, "Get another 2-3 heat pump-only quotes from other HVAC companies and try to see if you can get other brand equipment into those quotes."
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What can be done?
Getting multiple quotes, reviewing modeled annual operating costs, and asking about hybrid systems can all yield important information.
For homeowners comparing similar options, Palmetto's Comfort Plan can help explain efficient HVAC and heat pump choices, slash energy bills, and connect people with vetted installers.
And if you're not ready to spend up front, Palmetto'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 maintenance, which can make long-term budgeting easier.
Where can I learn more?
Homeowners comparing heat pumps with gas furnaces often run into the same snags, including confusing quotes, messy rebate math, and utility rates that can change the equation.
• In Central New Jersey, a family weighing a heat pump upgrade faced $15,000 to $20,000 quotes.
• In Virginia, an HVAC estimate for a 2-ton heat pump came in at $12,000.
• In North Carolina, rebate programs put an unbelievably-efficient HVAC system within reach.
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