Massachusetts heat pump rebate checklist

Heat pumps can qualify for rebates or financing in Massachusetts, but the rules depend on your home, heating fuel, equipment, contractor, and program timing. Use this checklist before you sign a quote.

Quick note: Get Rebate Ready is not Mass Save, a utility, or a government agency. This is informational only. Always verify current requirements with the official program, your utility, and your contractor.

1. Confirm which type of heat pump project you have

Air-source / mini-split heat pumps: common for ductless rooms, additions, and whole-home conversions.
Whole-home vs. partial-home: program requirements can differ depending on whether the heat pump replaces or supplements your current system.
Existing fuel matters: oil, propane, gas, electric resistance, and municipal-electric situations can affect eligibility.

2. Ask about Mass Save requirements before installation

Mass Save states that heat pump rebates changed effective January 1, 2026, so do not rely on an old quote, old blog post, or neighbor’s rebate story. As of this page update, Mass Save lists three 2026 air-source heat pump rebate paths: whole-home, partial-home, and basic. Ask your contractor to confirm which path applies before work begins.

Whole-home: Mass Save lists $2,650 per ton, up to $8,500, for eligible systems used as the sole source of heating and cooling.
Partial-home: Mass Save lists $1,125 per ton, up to $8,500, when an existing boiler or furnace remains to supplement the new heat pump.
Basic: Mass Save lists $250 per ton, up to $2,500, for projects that are not displacing fossil fuel or electric resistance heat.
Does the equipment meet current efficiency requirements?
Is the installer part of the relevant qualified contractor network?
Are integrated controls required if your existing heating system remains?
Is a home energy assessment or weatherization step required first?
What documents will you receive for the rebate application?

3. Check deadlines and paperwork before you schedule work

Mass Save lists 2026 heat pump eligibility around installation dates, qualified equipment, participating installers, and application paperwork. As of this update, Mass Save says 2026 air-source heat pump rebate forms and supporting documentation must be received by February 28, 2027. Do not wait until the deadline to ask what your contractor will provide.

Ask for the exact outdoor and indoor unit model numbers before installation.
Ask whether the system appears on the current Mass Save heat pump qualified products list.
Ask for any AHRI, sizing, whole-home verification, integrated-control, or heating-load documents that apply.
Ask who submits the rebate and how you will confirm it was submitted.

4. Check financing before you schedule work

The Mass Save HEAT Loan is described as a 0% financing opportunity for eligible residential energy-efficient upgrades. Financing rules, eligible measures, lender requirements, and timing can matter, so ask before installation.

5. Compare contractor quotes for rebate-readiness

Do not compare only the total price. A rebate-ready quote should make it easy to verify model numbers, efficiency ratings, system design, controls, warranty, installation scope, and documentation responsibilities.

Heat pump rebate FAQ

Do I need to remove my old heating system?

Maybe. Mass Save distinguishes between whole-home projects, where heat pumps are the sole source of heating and cooling, and partial-home projects, where an existing boiler or furnace remains. Get that classification in writing before you assume the rebate amount.

Can I keep oil, propane, or gas heat as backup?

For partial-home projects, Mass Save says integrated controls may be required for zones where propane, oil, or natural gas will remain in use. Ask your contractor which controls are required and whether they are on the current qualified product list.

Are federal heat pump tax credits still available in 2026?

Mass Save notes that several Inflation Reduction Act federal tax credits, including heat pump credits, expired at the end of 2025. Verify tax questions with the IRS or a tax professional before counting any tax credit in your budget.

Useful official links

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Last updated May 26, 2026. Rebate availability and eligibility are not guaranteed.