Saying goodbye to fossil fuels has never been better
The Mass Save® Heat Pump Rebate Program offers generous rebates for qualifying homeowners in Massachusetts who install a new heat pump. There are many ways to save with whole-house and partial-house rebates, plus the Inflation Reduction Act tax credit and enhanced rebates for income-restricted families.
Keep reading to explore available rebates and eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you save money on switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has taken the initiative to reach a 50% carbon emission reduction by 2030, and Mass Save rebates are a significant part of this critical strategy to combat climate change. Qualifying applicants may receive:
- $10,000 for a standard new mini split installation
- Up to $16,000 (income-eligible families)
- $1,250 per ton for partial home installations
Eligibility Criteria
If you want to replace your current HVAC system with a high-efficiency heat pump, you could be eligible for thousands of dollars in rebates from Mass Save® depending on the system you choose, your annual income, and any home weatherization upgrades you make. Here’s a closer look at the program’s eligibility requirements:
Standard Mass Save® Rebate Requirements
- You must be a resident living in Massachusetts where one of the following companies is the program sponsor:
- Liberty Utilities
- Berkshire Gas
- Eversource
- National Grid
- Cape Light Compact
- Unitil
- You must have completed a Mass Save® energy assessment before purchasing a heat pump.
- The equipment you choose must be on the program’s eligible product list.
- The heat pump must meet ACCA Manual J Design Conditions for sole-source heating and cooling, which state a system should be large enough to meet at least 90% of a home’s overall heating load throughout the entire space.
- You must purchase and have the system installed between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
- The installer you choose must be a licensed HVAC contractor affiliated with Mass Save®.
- Heat pumps may only be installed in residential homes with 4 units or less.
- Your system must completely replace your propane, oil, or electric baseboard resistance heating systems and you must disconnect your existing system entirely.
- If your heat pump is replacing your current system, you must complete and sign a Whole-Home Heat Pump Verification Form.
- Integrated controls are required for ductless systems that partially replace propane or oil heat.
- Your rebate application must be completed correctly and accompanied by receipts and invoices that prove your purchase.
- Mass Save® must receive your application within 60 days after your installation is finished.
Income-Eligible Rebate Criteria
In order to better assist qualified Massachusetts homeowners in reducing their average electricity costs and making energy-saving upgrades to their homes, the Sponsors of Mass Save® have established a partnership with the Massachusetts Community Action Program Agencies and Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) to provide benefits to income-restricted families.
Homeowners that meet these income thresholds may receive up to an additional $6,000 rebate, potentially for a total reimbursement amount of $16,000. To be eligible for enhanced rebates, you must meet all of the above listed criteria plus the below income requirements:
| Household Size | Income Cap |
| 1 | $54,601 |
| 2 | $71,401 |
| 3 | $88,201 |
| 4 | $105,001 |
| 5 | $121,802 |
| 6 | $138,602 |
Note: Residents with natural gas heating are not eligible for enhanced rebates, even if income restrictions apply. Rebate recipients may be required to have their system inspected by Mass Save® after installation to finish qualifying.
Partial-House Rebate Qualifications
The partial-home or supplemental rebate from Mass Save® may be available to homeowners who are adding an air source heat pump to part of their house rather than replacing the whole heating and cooling system.
The amount of the rebate you are eligible to receive is determined by the size and capacity of your new heat pump using a per-ton measurement that aligns with guidelines from the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
This rebate offers $1,250 per 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) up to $10,000, plus a $500 bonus for homeowners who make certain weatherization updates. In addition to meeting the same energy assessment, contractor, and equipment requirements, partial-house rebate applicants must also:
- Install a qualifying integrated control from the Mass Save® Integrated Control Qualified Product List
- Set integrated controls at or below the maximum switch-over temperatures of less than or equal to 15 degrees Fahrenheit for existing propane systems and less than or equal to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for existing oil and natural gas systems
How To Claim Your Mass Save Heat Pump Rebate
There are several steps you must follow to successfully claim your heat pump rebate. If you miss any of these steps, you risk having your application denied. You can reduce the chances of a simple mistake costing you the entire rebate by working with a trusted contractor in the Mass Save® network like N.E.T.R, Inc.
Get a home assessment
The first step to claiming your heat pump rebate is to get a home assessment. A Mass Save®-certified assessor will visit your home and conduct a whole-house energy assessment at no cost to you.
The assessor will evaluate your home’s energy use to determine where you might be wasting energy and what you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency. This information can then be used by your contractor to create a heating and cooling plan that meets your needs.
- Your assessment will take place in-person or online, and will include the following:
- Calculation of your home’s current energy use
- Measurements of surface temperatures in your home
- Assessment of drafty or hot areas in your home
- What changes you can make to save more energy
- Which rebates you may qualify for
Someone over the age of 18 must be present at the assessment and it’s recommended that all decision-makers in the home attend. You will receive a detailed report of your assessment that you can use to apply for rebates and financing.
Find an eligible HVAC contractor
After you have received your home assessment, you will need to find an eligible contractor to install your new heat pump system. All contractors participating in the Mass Save® program are certified and have been pre-screened to ensure they provide the highest quality products and services available.
Purchase qualifying equipment
Once you have found a participating contractor, you will need to purchase qualifying equipment from them. There is a wide variety of approved systems, so be sure to ask your contractor what specific items will qualify for a rebate. If you are not sure whether your equipment is eligible, you can check the list of qualifying products on the Mass Save® website.
Have your new system installed
Once you have purchased your new heat pump system, schedule a time for your contractor to install it. Installation must be completed by a certified technician for you to be eligible for the rebate. If you choose a contractor that is not in the Heat Pump Installer Network, you cannot apply for a rebate after the fact.
Complete your rebate application
Next, you will need to complete the rebate application and submit it to Mass Save® along with proof of purchase and installation, such as receipts or invoices, within 60 days of having your system put in by an HVAC professional. You can do so online or by mail.
Before you apply, double-check that all of the information is correct. This includes your contact information, the make and model of your new HVAC equipment, your contractor’s name, and the address where you want the rebate check to be sent.
If there are any errors on your application or any missing supporting documentation, your application may be denied. You can prevent this from happening by making sure you understand the eligibility requirements of the rebate you’re applying for and making sure there are no problems with your paperwork.
If your contractor is a Mass Save® Verified 3rd Party Designee, you can provide them with your rebate form at the time of installation. The contractor can complete and sign the form with their certification number and can even send the rebate in for you on your behalf.
Other Rebates and Financial Incentives
Homeowners switching to ductless may also be eligible for additional rebates and financial incentives like:
Integrated Controls Rebates
Integrated controls are thermostats that are connected to the internet and can be controlled remotely. This upgrade can save you money on your energy bill by allowing you to set a schedule for your heating and cooling system, and make adjustments as needed. Mass Save® also provides a rebate of $500 per indoor unit with integrated controls, up to a total of $1,500 for 3 units.
Mass Save® HEAT Loan
The Mass Save® HEAT Loan is a financing option for customers looking to who need payment options for their home energy-efficiency improvements. The program is independent of the rebates that are available and customers can apply for the HEAT Loan to pay for the remainder of their heat pump upgrade after the rebates have been applied. Qualifying applicants may be able to finance up to $25,000 in energy-saving upgrades.
Financing is provided by participating lenders throughout Massachusetts. There are currently more than 100 lenders to choose from, including BankFive, Eastern Bank, Massachusetts Family Credit Union, Mutual Bank, Pentucket Bank, South Shore Bank, Southbridge Credit Union, Workers Credit Union, and many more.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must own their homes
- Applicants must currently have an account with a participating electric provider
- Applicants using natural gas may still qualify if their gas is supplied by a Mass Save® Program Sponsor
- Only upgrades or improvements listed in the HEAT Loan Packet are eligible for financing
- Applicants must be approved by the lender
Inflation Reduction Act Heat Pump Tax Credit
In addition to the standard whole and partial home rebates offered by Mass Save®, the Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit for qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps. This bill, passed in August 2022, revives and improves upon the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit that expired at the end of 2021. Now, the program is called the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and is available to people who earn less than 150% of the median (average) income in your area.
If eligible, you can claim up to a $3,200 deduction when you have a new system installed and $2,000 per year that you use the equipment. Combined with Mass Save® Heat Pump rebates and income-enhanced reimbursements, this credit could help you save tens of thousands of dollars over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 2024 Mass Save® Rebates
Where does Mass Save® get the money for rebates and cost-savings programs?
Funding for the rebate program comes out of the energy efficiency charge that is assessed to all Massachusetts gas and electric customers.
How long will I be waiting to receive my rebate?
If you have followed the process and submitted all the required documentation, you can expect to receive your rebate check within 10 to 12 weeks.
Can I designate my rebate to go directly to my HVAC contractor?
Yes. If you choose an HVAC contractor who has been accepted as a Mass Save® Verified 3rd Party Designee, you can designate your rebate to go to the contractor instead of yourself. Some contractors will actually apply on behalf of their customers and deduct the rebate amount from the total project cost, which can save homeowners more money up front. Then, the contractor receives the payment on the back end while you’re already enjoying your new heating and cooling system.
When looking for an HVAC contractor who can install a rebate-qualifying system, it’s important to check to see if they are a 3rd Party Designee. This extra verification step allows you to choose to have the rebate go to the installer instead of yourself without worrying about sending it to a potentially shady contractor.
Will my system be inspected after installation?
Mass Save® offers post-installation and weatherization inspections at no additional cost following the installation of a program-eligible air-source heat pump system.
When do I need integrated controls?
If you are applying for a partial-home rebate because you plan to use your new heat pump to supplement an existing propane, oil, or natural gas system, you will need to have integrated controls installed.
Integrated controls allow homeowners to automatically switch between using their existing heating system and a heat pump when the outdoor temperature reaches a predetermined threshold. There are several types of integrated controls on heat pumps. This helps residents minimize their fossil fuel consumption while maintaining home comfort.
The most commonly used integrated controls for heat pumps are thermostats, timers, and limit switches. Thermostats control the temperature of the heat pump, while timers control the amount of time the heat pump is turned on. Limit switches prevent the heat pump from overheating when run continuously in very cold temperatures.
Installing integrated controls does add to the total cost of your project, but the rebate can help offset some of these expenses. These controls can also help you save more money on your energy bill over time. So, once you have your new controls installed, you can sit back and enjoy the increased savings and comfort that they provide.
Can I use an air-source heat pump with solar?
Yes. Heat pumps are compatible with many power sources and work similarly to how your washer, dryer, or other appliances do with solar power. Simply connect your new heat pump to your solar power supply and enjoy maximum energy savings and a lower carbon footprint.
About N.E.T.R., Inc.
N.E.T.R., Inc. is a leading heating and cooling provider in Eastern Massachusetts and has been serving Boston and surrounding areas since 1989. We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality service, guaranteed parts and equipment, and expert installation, maintenance, and repair.
Contact Us
85 Flagship Drive, Unit E
North Andover, MA 01845
781-428-4478
info@netrinc.com
Additional Resources
Energy Assessment
To book a free Energy Assessment of your home with a Mass Save® Specialist, dial 1-866-527-SAVE (7283), or ask a participating contractor to get the assessment scheduled for you.
You can also start your assessment online at https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/energy-assessments
Eligible Products
There are over 127,000 eligible products on the Mass Save® Residential Heat Pump Qualified Product List (HPQPL). This list was created by the sponsors of the program with third-party data to determine the most energy-efficient heat pump systems for the ever-changing Massachusetts’ climate.
You can search based on brand, model, capacity, and more to find the right fit. Make sure you verify that your product is on the list before purchasing if you are making the switch to an air source heat pump so you can take full advantage of available rebates.
Access the Residential Heat Pump Qualified Product List (HPQPL) here: https://www.masssave.com/heat-pump-qualified-list
Income Verification
You can find out if you pre-qualify for income-based programs through Mass Save® here: https://masssave-qualify.clearesult.com/
You will be asked to answer a few short questions and create an account to confirm your eligibility for income-restricted heat pump benefits.
HEAT Loan Providers
Browse more than 100 HEAT Loan providers and lenders here: https://www.masssave.com/saving/residential-rebates/heat-loan-program/heat-loan-lender-list
Comparison Calculator
Plug in data from your own home to calculate the annual cost of heating and cooling your home and your total carbon emissions, and how much you can save by switching to an air source heat pump here with the Mass Save® Heating Comparison Calculator: https://www.masssave.com/saving/heating-comparison-calculator
Eligible Contractors
Mass Save® recognizes three types of HVAC contractors – Independent Installation Contractors, Home Performance Contractors, and Participating Heat Pump Installers. Get details and contact information below.
Independent Installation Contractors
Once your energy assessment has been completed, Mass Save® will assign an Independent Installation Contractor (IIC) to your case to complete air sealing and installation upgrades.
The price of service is the same between all participating contractors, so there’s no need to call multiple organizations to get quotes. If you would like to choose your own Independent Installation Contractor to complete your upgrades instead of having one assigned to you, you can access the list of approved IIC’s here: https://www.masssave.com/en/learn/find-a-contractor-iic
Home Performance Contractors
Home Performance Contractors, or HPCs, can either perform your initial energy assessment, install your upgrades, or both. If you choose to have an HPC, your assessment and upgrades will be performed consecutively.
Air sealing, insulation upgrades, and other recommended energy-efficient updates will be completed by the same contractor at a follow-up appointment. Like IICs, pricing between HPCs is the same.
Find a Mass Save® Home Performance Contractor here: https://www.masssave.com/en/learn/find-a-contractor-hpc
Participating Heat Pump Installers
Once your home assessment and energy upgrades are complete, you will need to work with a Mass Save® Heat Pump Installer to finish the setup of your new HVAC system. All contractors participating in the program are insured and licensed to ensure quality service and customer peace of mind. Your installation technician will install your air source heat pump, walk you through how to use it, and make sure everything is working appropriately before leaving your home. Many contractors are also able to apply for your rebate for you, especially if they offered you the discount on the front end.
You can find an approved installer here: https://www.masssave.com/en/learn/find-a-heat-pump-installer
