Gas to Heat Pump Conversion | Medford, MA

Why Medford-MA Homeowners Are Converting Gas to Heat Pump with SumZero

Medford-MA homeowners are no strangers to New England's unpredictable winters and humid summers. Older homes built in the 1900s dominate many neighborhoods here, especially in spots like West Medford and South Medford. Most of these homes were originally equipped with natural gas or oil heating systems, which now feel outdated, expensive, and inefficient compared to today’s technologies. More families across Medford are asking an important question: is now the time to convert gas to heat pump?

It's a smart question. Between Massachusetts’ ambitious climate goals, the generous rebate programs available through Mass Save, and the rising cost of fossil fuels, there has never been a better time to ditch the old gas furnace and upgrade to a cleaner, more efficient system that does double duty—heating and cooling.

"We installed our air source heat pump in late fall, and it kept our colonial-style home warm—even in January. Plus, our energy bill dropped right away." – Medford Highlands homeowner

Let’s explore what gas-to-heat-pump conversion means in Medford-MA, what systems are available, and why SumZero Energy Systems is the go-to partner for this essential home upgrade.

Gas to Heat Pump: Why Medford-MA Is Making the Switch

Switching from gas to heat pump is more than an eco-friendly choice—it’s a practical investment in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

The Economics of Switching to a Heat Pump

Massachusetts offers some of the best financial incentives in the country. Through the Mass Save program, Medford homeowners may receive rebates of up to $10,000 when they convert from a fossil fuel furnace to an air source heat pump.

Beyond rebates, heat pumps operate at a fraction of the cost of gas systems. This is because:

• They move heat instead of creating it through combustion
• They offer both heating and cooling in one unit
• Their energy efficiency is several times higher than traditional systems

This means you could see reduced utility bills in every season.

Heat Pump Systems Designed for Medford Architecture

Medford’s diverse housing stock—from triple-deckers to Cape Cod homes—can all be retrofitted with heat pumps. Options include:

• Ducted heat pump systems that integrate with existing ductwork
• Compact wall-mounted systems for homes without ducts
• Hybrid system setups in homes that benefit from partial electrification

Weather in Medford can swing from single-digit winters to 90-degree summers. But modern cold-climate heat pumps are engineered for exactly this kind of range.

"The older houses here were built for gas, but with the right system design, they can run just as efficiently—or better—on a heat pump." – Local HVAC technician north of Tufts University

Rebates and Regulation Are Accelerating the Transition

In 2024, Massachusetts updated its Clean Energy and Climate Plan, calling for 1 million homes to transition from fossil fuels by 2030. Rebates and federal tax credits are available to get there. Heat pump installations may also improve your home’s resale value, as efficiency upgrades increasingly influence buyer decisions in areas like Hillside, Wellington, and South Medford.

Replace Gas Furnace with Heat Pump: How It Works

Replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump is simpler than most homeowners expect—and can result in big rewards with the right planning.

Removing the Old Furnace

In many Medford homes, gas furnaces are 15–30 years old and have become inefficient or even unsafe. During a heat pump replacement, technicians:

• Disconnect the gas supply
• Remove the furnace and associated components
• Reseal or repurpose ductwork for ducted heat pump use (if applicable)

This removal creates an opportunity to seal airflow gaps, improve insulation, and optimize your home's heating and cooling envelope.

Installing the Right Heat Pump System

Every Medford home is unique, so selecting the correct system is essential. Our team conducts a detailed load calculation to determine the heating and cooling demand for your home. We then recommend systems like:

• Cold-climate air source heat pump models
• Multi-zone solutions for larger or partitioned homes
• Hybrid systems for homes that benefit from using your existing heating system as backup

Because SumZero specializes in this work, we handle all permitting—including those required under Medford municipal codes—and follow the Massachusetts Fuel Gas & Plumbing Code to the letter.

Integrating the Heat Pump Seamlessly

After installation, our specialists test system performance, calibrate thermostats, and explain proper heat pump maintenance. Unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps don’t require combustion venting, so your installation is safer and quieter.

"You should notice something right away—quieter operation, faster response times, and better temperature control. That's what sealed the deal for our house near the Mystic River." – Longtime Medford resident

Convert Gas to Heat Pump: Choosing the Right System

While the concept is straightforward, choosing the best heat pump system for your Medford home depends on several factors.

Ducted vs. Ductless Systems

For homes with existing ductwork in good condition, retrofitting a ducted heat pump provides seamless central air. Many Medford homes with forced air heating from natural gas find this to be the easiest path.

Alternatively, ductless systems—or “mini-splits”—offer flexibility. These are ideal for:

• Multi-family homes without existing ducts
• Retrofits where ductwork would compromise historic details
• Zoned heating strategies

Going Fully Electric or Hybrid?

A fully electric upgrade removes your home’s reliance on fossil fuels, making you eligible for full rebates and tax credits. However, hybrid system setups can make sense for some Medford homeowners, especially in large properties or historic buildings.

Hybrid systems combine a heat pump with your existing furnace, using the heat pump for 90% of your needs and the gas furnace only when outdoor temperatures are extremely cold.

Keep in mind: the latest air source heat pump models are designed to operate reliably down to -13°F—manageable even on Medford’s coldest days.

Sizing and Zoning Considerations

It’s critical that your system matches your home’s specific needs. Oversized systems can cause excessive cycling, while undersized systems will fail to maintain comfort. Professional zoning allows households in places like North Medford to enjoy personalized climate control—no more fighting over the thermostat.

Incentives for Medford Homeowners to Convert to Heat Pump

Converting a gas furnace to a heat pump is more financially feasible than ever thanks to local and federal incentives.

Mass Save Rebates & Heat Loan

Mass Save provides up to $10,000 in incentives for fully electrifying your home’s HVAC system. This includes:

• Cold-climate air source heat pump
• Removal of fossil fuel equipment
• Smart thermostats for enhanced control

Plus, qualified homeowners may be eligible for the 0% interest Heat Loan program, which allows the cost to be spread over 7 years without paying interest.

Federal Tax Credits

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can claim up to a 30% tax credit—up to $2,000—on qualified ducted heat pump, hybrid system, and air source heat pump upgrades.

You can learn more from this official resource: ENERGY STAR – Heat Pump Info

Additional Local Assistance

The city of Medford participates in several clean energy programs and regularly updates its climate action goals. Energy-efficient retrofits like heat pumps align with local priorities, raising awareness and boosting future property values.

Why Trust SumZero with Your Gas-to-Heat-Pump Conversion?

SumZero Energy Systems is deeply rooted in the Medford-MA community. We understand local architecture, permit requirements, and neighborhood-specific needs.

What makes us different?

• We specialize in energy retrofits, not just general HVAC
• We are certified Mass Save contractors familiar with rebate navigation
• We use only advanced, cold-climate certified equipment
• We tailor installations that respect your home’s layout and aesthetic

From Hillside to the Wellington neighborhood, we've helped homeowners modernize, save money, and gain peace of mind knowing their home is future-ready.

Whether you've lived in Medford your whole life or recently bought your forever home, making the switch from gas to heat pump is an upgrade that delivers real comfort, real savings, and real environmental benefit.