Heat pumps are a great way to reduce your heating and cooling costs, but they can be expensive to install. Massachusetts recognizes this, and recently announced continued funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Centre (MassCEC) to provide rebates on heat pumps for homeowners who need a little financial help with their retrofit. The rebates range from $750 to $12,500 and apply to both air source and geothermal heat pumps. Commercial geothermal heat pump rebates will be available later this year.
Massachusetts Rebates on Heat Pumps
Depending on which technology and system type you choose, different rebates are available. Here’s a table outlining the available rebates:
| System Type | Minimum Rebate | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Air Source Heat Pump | $750 | $3,750 |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | $4,000 | $12,500 |
Source: masscec.com
Claiming Your Air Source Heat Pump Rebate
Here’s the process for claiming your rebate for an air source heat pump. First, your home must receive electrical service from National Grid or Eversource, or you need to heat your home with electrical resistance heating like electric baseboard.
Second, you need to have an energy audit done on your home. You can either have it done within the past two years, or within six months of your air source heat pump installation. Depending on where your home is located, you could qualify for a free home energy assessment from MassSave.
Once your home energy audit is complete, you need to choose an installer. You should ask the installer if they’re familiar with the MassCEC’s Heating and Cooling program. An installer who has gone through the program before will be familiar with all of the grant requirements. Alternatively, you could check out this list of installers who have participated in the program in the past.
Once you’ve chosen your installer, work with them to choose the best air source system for your needs. Once the installation is completed, your installer will complete the application for the grant program and submit it within 60 days. The application will include several forms, a copy of the paid invoice, and a copy of your electric bill.
Once the application is submitted, you can expect to receive your grant within five to nine weeks.
Claiming Your Geothermal Heat Pump Rebate
If you decide to go with a water to air heat pump for your heating and cooling upgrade, you can access a rebate up to $12,500. First you should select your installer. MassCEC recommends you use the New England Geothermal Professional Association (NEGPA) or the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGHSPA) as a starting point. Your installer must be IGSHPA certified to qualify.
Once you have your installer selected, go through the quoting process and select your equipment. Make sure to only select a heat pump that is AHRI certified. When you have a completed quote in hand, it’s time to start the application process. Important: Do not start your installation before you submit your application.
Here’s what your completed application will contain:
- Application Form
- Participant’s Agreement (signed by you and the installer)
- Copy of your electric bill
- Manual J summary report
- Heat pump AHRI rating certificate
Within a week of submitting your application, you’ll receive an email from MassCEC confirming receipt of the application, and you’ll find out if your application is accepted within four to six weeks.
For more information on the geothermal heat pump rebates, visit the MassCEC website.