Furnaces
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Heat Pump?
By Tom Moor•February 6, 2025
If you’re like many homeowners, you might wait until your HVAC system breaks down before replacing it – and that’s understandable with everything else on your plate. However, a bit of proactive planning can help save you a lot of your hard-earned money in the long run. HVAC.com explains the best time to buy a heat pump and how it can benefit your home and budget.
When to Get the Best Deal on a Heat Pump
In the Spring or Fall
HVAC technicians are typically busiest during the winter and summer months when extreme weather puts comfort systems to the test, often causing breakdowns that lead to expensive repairs or replacement. If you’ve ever called for a repair when your furnace fails on a single-digit day, you know how difficult it can be to get a technician to your home quickly, as HVAC professionals are often overwhelmed with emergency calls and may have a long wait time.
Spring and fall are considered the “shoulder seasons” for HVAC companies, meaning they generally have more availability since temperatures are milder and heating or cooling units aren’t under as much strain. To attract customers during these slower periods, they often lower the prices or offer rebates on HVAC systems, including heat pumps.
Before Your Current System Breaks Down
Nothing is worse than coming home to a freezing cold or unbearably hot and muggy home because your HVAC system has broken down while you were away. You can avoid this stressful situation by planning ahead for your heat pump purchase.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly when your heat pump will fail, some common warning signs include:
- Frequent breakdowns or costly repairs
- Inconsistent heating or cooling
- Strange noises
- High energy bills
- Poor airflow
- Aging system (typically over 15 years for a heat pump)
- Refrigerant leaks
A sudden breakdown can cause you to scramble to restore comfort to your home, making it harder to find the best deal or find the right heat pump for your home. Planning ahead allows you to budget for your new system and choose the one that best fits your needs.
If Utility Rebates Are Available
Many local utilities offer rebates on heat pumps to encourage energy efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption. Utility rebates make it more affordable to upgrade to an energy-efficient system, allowing homeowners to save money while also benefiting the environment. Use the Energy Star Rebate Finder to check for rebates in your area.
If Federal Tax Credits Are Available
Through the federal government’s Home Energy Rebates program, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the total project cost of buying and installing a heat pump, with a maximum of $2,000. In the southern U.S., tax credits are available for all Energy Star-certified heat pumps. In northern states, heat pumps that are Energy Star Cold Climate units with an EER > 10 may also qualify for tax credits.
Tax credits depend on whether your state has submitted and received approval for funding from the federal government.
If You’re Concerned About the Environmental Impact
If you’re looking to make a positive impact on the environment, switching to a heat pump is a great way to do so. Modern heat pumps use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential and are often much more energy-efficient than older systems. Heat pumps also don’t rely on fossil fuels such as oil or gas while operating in heating mode which further reduces your carbon footprint.