Eversource and National Grid customers: check masssave.com for current heat pump rebates.
National Grid customers: check nationalgridus.com for current heat pump rebates.
If you heat your Boston-area home with oil or gas, you should check the live rebate for your address before you treat any figure as yours. Seriously. Not theoretical "maybe someday" money. Real cash you can access right now to offset a heat pump installation.
The problem: most homeowners don't know the programs exist, how to stack them, or which ones apply to their house. You end up leaving money on the table.
This guide covers every heat pump rebate available to Boston homeowners in 2026, how to apply for each one, and how to layer them to minimize your out-of-pocket cost. We're talking Mass Save, MassCEC, utility-specific programs, and state funding sources.
Let's break down the money.
Mass Save: The Biggest Boston Heat Pump Rebate
Mass Save is Massachusetts' ratepayer-funded energy efficiency program. It's the foundation of heat pump affordability in the Boston area.
In 2026, Mass Save offers:
Key Mass Save Requirements: - Your home must be in Massachusetts (obviously, but worth confirming service areas: Eversource, National Grid, Unitil) - The homeowner or the installer can submit the Mass Save rebate.
How to Apply:
- Get a free energy audit from Mass Save (visit masssave.com, enter your address, request audit)
- Energy auditor recommends heat pump; you receive audit report
- Get quotes, and ask each installer who submits the Mass Save rebate.
- Contractor submits rebate application before installation begins
- After installation passes inspection, Mass Save issues rebate. Allow about eight weeks for payment. Mass Save air source heat pump rebates. Program terms checked 2026-10-15.
The rebate comes as a check or credit to your account, not an instant discount. Timing matters for cash flow.
Every dollar in this guide is Massachusetts money, through Mass Save, MassCEC, and your utility, and the practical difference is in your favor: state and utility rebates arrive as checks or invoice credits within weeks.
This assumes no other utility or state programs. More on those below.
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Programs
MassCEC runs complementary funding sources for heat pumps, especially for moderate-income households.
Upstream HVAC Rebates: - Offers builder/contractor rebates for heat pump installations on new construction - Relevant if you're having a new home built in the Boston area - Not applicable for existing home retrofits
How to Access MassCEC: - Check eligibility at masscec.org - Many applicants qualify without realizing it (particularly in Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy, where median home values skew the income calculations) - Paperwork handled through your Mass Save contractor
Eversource Heat Pump Incentives (Boston Metro, Western MA)
Eversource Electric and Eversource Gas both offer heat pump-specific incentives on top of Mass Save.
Application Process: - Contractor includes Eversource incentive in rebate application - No separate application needed by homeowner - Verify contractor is Eversource-approved before signing quote
National Grid Heat Pump Programs (Rhode Island Border Communities, some CT areas)
If your Boston area home is served by National Grid (less common in core Boston but present in some suburbs):
The National Grid territories in the Boston area are limited (mostly Rhode Island border towns like Attleboro, Blackstone). Check your utility bill to confirm.
How to Stack Rebates: The Layering Strategy
This is where most people get confused. You don't apply for five different rebates. Your contractor coordinates most of them. Here's the actual order:
Step 1: Request Mass Save Energy Audit - Visit masssave.com - Enter address - Request free energy audit - Takes 2-4 weeks to schedule - During audit, you'll get heating system recommendations
Step 2: Get quotes, then ask each installer if they can submit the Mass Save rebate - After audit, contractor quotes should automatically include Mass Save rebate - Ask Heat Pump Network about installers in Boston - Compare not just price, but rebate amounts (they vary based on equipment choice) - Higher efficiency systems sometimes get larger Mass Save rebates
Step 3: Confirm Contractor Eligibility - Ask: Will you submit the Mass Save rebate, and is that in writing? - Ask: "Will you apply for Eversource/National Grid incentives?" - Get this in writing on the quote
Step 4: Sign Installation Agreement - Contractor should state the rebate amount in writing - Should clarify whether rebate comes from contractor as discount or as third-party check - Some contractors offer it as instant discount on the invoice; others process it afterward
Step 5: Installation and Inspection - Mass Save sends inspector (free) to verify proper installation - This usually happens within 2 weeks of completion - Don't proceed with final payment until inspection passes
Step 6: Receive Mass Save Rebate Check - Contractor and program coordinate; you receive rebate - Allow about eight weeks for payment. Mass Save air source heat pump rebates. Program terms checked 2026-10-15. This reduces your out-of-pocket cash significantly
Real Boston Example: Costs and Rebates
Energy Information Administration data), and you install a whole-home heat pump.
These numbers assume average winter severity and current fuel prices. 2026 oil and electricity prices.
Common Mistakes: What NOT to Do
Mistake 1: Installing before applying for Mass Save - You lose eligibility for the rebate - You cannot retrofit an installation after the fact to get the rebate - Always do the energy audit and apply BEFORE work begins
Mistake 2: Signing before you know who submits the rebate. - Contractor may quote a heat pump installation cheaper but can't process Mass Save - You install, but no rebate available - Confirm in writing who submits the Mass Save rebate before you sign.
Mistake 3: Mixing rebate timelines - Don't assume Mass Save rebate arrives before you're invoiced - Some contractors offer it as discount; others don't - Clarify cash flow with contractor upfront - Don't overextend yourself waiting for the rebate check
- Build your numbers on Mass Save, MassCEC, and utility incentives only
Where to Start
- Go to masssave.com and request a free energy audit for your address
- Provide electric utility number (on your bill)
- Wait 2-4 weeks for audit scheduling
- During audit, confirm heat pump is recommended (it usually is for oil heat)
- Ask each installer whether they can submit the Mass Save rebate
- Ask Heat Pump Network about installers in Boston. Ask for rebate amounts in writing.
- Verify every quoted rebate appears in writing on the quote itself
Get Your Free Heat Pump Quote
Ready to move forward? Get quotes, and ask each installer who submits the rebate paperwork.
Request your free heat pump installation quote: Start your free quote
Ask Heat Pump Network about installers in Boston. No obligation, no sales pressure.