A New Hampshire homeowner says more than a decade with cold-climate heat pumps has transformed their winter heating setup after they faced skepticism when they first made the switch.

Here's what to know

In a Reddit thread, a New Hampshire homeowner described using cold-climate heat pumps as the main heat source in their 1,500-square-foot home since 2014. They said they use a propane heater only occasionally in January and February and during power outages. "I replaced an old oil boiler and I've never looked back," they wrote.

They said the cost of heat would still stay roughly in line with, or below, oil at about $6.20 per gallon, even if the system's efficiency dropped a lot. As an example of how the units have held up, they said the system kept running during a February night when temperatures hit minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. The homeowner wrote, "Through snow, blizzards, rain storms, and summer heat waves they've delivered the heat or AC I need."

While neighbors who heat with oil are preparing for steeper winter bills, the homeowner said their electricity rate is locked in through February 2027.

For homeowners exploring a similar upgrade, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers. It's one way to better understand your HVAC options and potentially slash your energy bills with newer, more efficient systems.

More background

One commenter from Connecticut put it plainly: "In CT. Furnace is dying. Hot water dying. Ac is dying. I'm ripping it all out and going dual fuel. HP primary and propane backup." The same commenter added, "You are right about $6 a gallon."

Another commenter in Connecticut who switched to solar and electric said, "The savings have been astronomical," while a different commenter encouraged homeowners to get an energy audit before electrifying because air sealing can also deliver meaningful savings.

What can be done?

Upgrading your heating and cooling system can be one of the best ways to lower monthly bills and protect yourself from rising energy prices.

In this case, the setup includes a small backup heat source.

If the upfront cost feels like the main barrier, Palmetto's Comfort Plan offers $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Palmetto Comfort Plans include 12 years of free maintenance, which can also help systems keep performing efficiently over time.

Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, to drive utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, with potential savings of up to $10,000 on installations.

Where can I learn more?

These stories look at the same trade-offs homeowners face when heating oil gets expensive and winter performance matters. They include Northeast households weighing heat pumps against oil or propane, plus research on how much money a switch could save.

• In New England, one homeowner showed how their heat pump kept delivering warmth through winter.

• In Massachusetts, new homeowners learned the old oil system might cost more than replacing it.

• In Minnesota, a homeowner liked the sub-zero heat pump data but still kept propane backup.

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