Heat pumps · cost & rebates
Heat pump cost and Efficiency Maine rebates
What drives the price of a heat pump on Mount Desert Island, and how much Efficiency Maine can take off it. Current figures, in plain language.
Rebates · as published by Efficiency Maine
Efficiency Maine heat pump rebates
Efficiency Maine is the main heat pump incentive in the state. Rebates depend on the type of system and your household income, and they come with lifetime limits per housing unit.
| Household | Ductless and other whole-home systems | Ducted whole-home system |
|---|---|---|
| Any income | $1,000 per eligible outdoor unit, up to $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Moderate income | $2,000 per eligible outdoor unit, up to $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Low income | $3,000 per eligible outdoor unit, up to $9,000 | $9,000 |
Efficiency Maine whole-home heat pump rebates as published October 2026. Ducted amounts are per housing unit. Moderate income means federal adjusted gross income up to $70,000 (individual) or $100,000 (joint). Low income means a household member takes part in MaineCare, HEAP, SNAP or TANF. Through December 31, 2026, eligible whole-home upgrades can also get a $500 bonus per housing unit. Rules change, so check efficiencymaine.com or ask us before you buy.
What it takes to qualify
The rules are strict, which is why it pays to plan the system around them from the start rather than after the install.
The biggest requirement is sizing. The heat pumps must cover at least 80% of your home's peak heating load, worked out on Efficiency Maine's sizing worksheet, and be your main heat all season. That is the same load calculation we do on every home visit.
Rebate rules change during the year. The figures here were checked against Efficiency Maine's own pages in October 2026, and we confirm the current rules before you sign anything.
Key requirements
- Installed by an Efficiency Maine Residential Registered Vendor
- Single-zone units from Efficiency Maine's eligible list
- Sized for at least 80% of peak heating load
- Heat pumps are primary heat; old system is emergency backup only
- Single-family home, duplex, condo or small mixed-use building
- No natural gas utility account before the upgrade
- Claim filed within six months of completion
Example
How the rebate math works
A moderate-income household replaces oil heat with three single-zone, rebate-eligible heat pumps sized as a whole-home system, finished before December 31, 2026:
| Item | Rebate |
|---|---|
| 3 eligible outdoor units × $2,000 | $6,000 |
| 2026 whole-home bonus | $500 |
| Total rebate | $6,500 |
Illustration only, using Efficiency Maine's published amounts. Your rebate depends on the equipment, sizing and eligibility.
Cost
What drives the price of a heat pump
We give a written, itemized estimate after a free home visit. The price depends mostly on these:
Heating load and number of zones
A drafty farmhouse needs more capacity than a tight new build of the same size. More rooms usually means more indoor units.
Ductless, ducted or a mix
Ductless mini-splits avoid ductwork. Ducted heat pumps can reuse existing ducts and carry whole-house purification.
Cold-climate performance
Models that keep their output on the coldest nights cost more, and are what year-round island homes need.
Electrical and access
Panel capacity, long line-set runs, stone foundations and tight spaces all add time and material.
Questions
Rebate questions
Who has to install the heat pump to get the rebate?
Efficiency Maine requires installation by one of its Residential Registered Vendors, following its installation checklist. Ask us about this when you request your estimate.
Does a multi-zone system get a rebate?
Not directly. Efficiency Maine rebates single-zone outdoor units on its eligible list. A multi-zone unit's capacity still counts toward the whole-home sizing requirement.
Can I keep my oil or propane boiler?
Yes, as emergency backup only. To qualify, the heat pumps must be your primary heat all season, and the old system is kept off or turned to its lowest setting. Dual-fuel heat pump and furnace systems are not eligible.
Does a summer home qualify?
Low- and moderate-income rebates require the home to be the owner's principal residence. Any-income rebates do not list that requirement on the program page, so ask us and we will check the current rules for your situation.
How long do I have to file?
The claim form must be emailed or postmarked within six months of the project being finished. Payment can take up to six weeks.
Is financing available?
Efficiency Maine offers Home Energy Loans that can be used for heat pump upgrades. Check their site for current terms.
Find out what you would pay
Free estimates, with the rebates you may qualify for spelled out.