2026 Mass Save Heat Pump Rebates and Rule Changes

Homeowners in Franklin, MA—a town where winters are brisk and summers increasingly unpredictable—know firsthand the importance of having reliable, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. In a region known for its older New England-style homes, the need to modernize HVAC systems is becoming more urgent—not just for comfort, but also for economic and environmental reasons.

SumZero Energy Systems is here to help Franklin residents take advantage of Mass Save® heat pump rebates before they’re reduced even further. While rebates remain in place for 2026, they come with strict new rules and tighter restrictions. For those looking to upgrade to an energy-efficient heat pump system, there’s still time—but the window is closing fast.

Let’s break down the rebate changes, new eligibility requirements, and how Franklin homeowners can still maximize their savings heading into 2026.

Understanding the 2026 Mass Save® Heat Pump Rebate Changes

As of 2026, the Mass Save® program is still offering rebates for residential heat pump upgrades across Massachusetts, including Franklin. However, both rebate amounts and qualifying standards have changed significantly from previous years.

Rebate Amounts Are Dropping in 2026

Mass Save® rebates declined from their 2025 levels, meaning homeowners have less financial incentive to wait. Here’s a simple breakdown of the 2026 rebate structure:

• Whole-Home Rebates: $2,650 per ton, with a cap of $8,500
• Partial-Home Rebates: $1,125 per ton, capped at $8,500
• Basic Rebates: $250 per ton, up to a maximum of $2,500
• Income-Based Enhanced Incentives: In some cases, up to $16,000 or covering up to 100% of the cost through Turnkey Services

These updated figures represent a $1,500 decrease from the maximum rebate amount offered in 2025, making it crucial for homeowners to act promptly.

“The Mass Save rebate went down, and the rules got tougher—but if you live in Franklin and need a heat pump, it still pays to do it now." – Local HVAC Specialist in Franklin, MA

Federal Tax Credits Are No Longer Supporting Heat Pumps

In previous years, homeowners could supplement their rebates with a generous federal tax credit. Starting in 2026, those tax credits are no longer available, making the Mass Save® rebates the primary remaining financial incentive for heat pump installations.

This shift means those investing after the 2025 deadline miss out on both the higher rebates and supplementary federal support.

Important New Requirement: No More R-410A Systems

One of the most dramatic changes in 2026 involves the refrigerant type used in heat pump systems. Previously, systems using R-410A refrigerant qualified for rebates. Starting in 2026, they do not.

What is R-410A, and Why is it Banned?

R-410A is a high-global-warming-potential (high-GWP) hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. Although common in legacy heat pumps, it's now being phased out for environmental reasons. The Mass Save® program, aligning with Massachusetts' climate regulations, only offers incentives for systems using approved low-GWP refrigerants from 2026 onward.

Which Systems Are Approved Now?

To qualify for a 2026 rebate, your system must:

• Use a low-GWP refrigerant 
• Be listed as an approved system by Mass Save’s qualified products list
• Meet or exceed minimum efficiency ratings (e.g., SEER2, HSPF2 ratings)

You can view the most current list of eligible systems on Mass Save’s official rebate page.

Local Energy Trends: Why Franklin, MA Homeowners Are Upgrading Now

Cold Winters, Rising Utility Costs

Franklin experiences long, cold winters, and heating costs using conventional methods—like oil or gas—have surged. Older homes and furnaces are less efficient and more prone to heat loss, making electric heat pumps an attractive solution.

“We’ve seen a wave of interest in heat pumps in Franklin because families are tired of unpredictable oil bills and outdated heating systems.” – Energy Systems Consultant

All-Electric Heating That Works in Franklin’s Climate

Modern cold-climate heat pumps are engineered to perform in temperatures well below freezing—ideal for homes in Franklin. Whether retrofitting an older colonial or upgrading a newer build, today’s heat pumps offer:

• Consistent comfort year-round (heating & cooling)
• Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
• Lower long-term energy expenses

Massachusetts also supports electrification and grid decarbonization, and heat pump adoption fits directly into those goals.

Choosing the Right Heat Pump Rebate Tier

Not every home qualifies for the same rebate. Your home setup and how you plan to use the heat pump determine your eligibility and potential reward.

Whole-Home vs. Partial-Home Installations

• Whole-Home Rebate: For homes that fully transition away from fossil fuel heating and switch entirely to heat pumps
• Up to $2,650 per ton
• Requires pre-verification and post-installation signoff 
• Partial-Home Rebate: For homes supplementing, but not replacing, an existing heating system
• Up to $1,125 per ton
• More flexible qualification, but a lower rebate

Basic Rebates and Income-Based Options

• Basic: If installing a system that doesn’t meet Whole-Home or Partial-Home criteria, you qualify for $250 per ton up to $2,500
• Income-Based Enhanced Incentives:
• For income-eligible Franklin homeowners
• Installations may be offered at little or no cost
• Provided through Turnkey Service Providers under Mass Save®

It’s worth checking your eligibility based on household income. These enhanced programs are ideal for lower- and moderate-income residents.

Utility Provider Winter Rate Programs Add Extra Savings

Even though federal tax credits are no longer available, some additional savings may be possible. Franklin residents may participate in Winter Reduced Rate Programs offered by local utility companies. These programs aim to ease electricity costs during peak heating seasons, and heat pump owners can benefit substantially.

How It Works

Electric utilities lower their rates during select winter months for customers using qualified electric heating equipment.

Are You Eligible?

These rate programs, while not administered directly by Mass Save®, are typically accessible to households that:

• Use electricity as their primary heat source
• Are signed up with an electric utility cooperating with the program
• Live in one of the targeted Massachusetts zones

Check with your utility provider (e.g., National Grid or Eversource) for participation rules and application deadlines.

Why Heat Pumps Remain the Most Supported Electrification Upgrade in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is leading the nation in clean energy policy, and heat pumps sit at the heart of this transformation. Even as rebates shrink, heat pumps continue to receive more programmatic support than nearly any other home efficiency upgrade.

Long-Term Benefits for Franklin Homeowners

• Year-round comfort from a single system
• Increased home resale value
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Peace of mind from reliable electric systems (no fuel deliveries required)
• Better indoor air quality and silence during operation

Working With SumZero Energy Systems in Franklin

SumZero Energy Systems remains committed to helping Franklin homeowners navigate the complexities of Mass Save® rebates and heat pump installation. Our familiarity with local building codes, weather patterns, and home types gives us the edge in designing systems that maximize both comfort and return on investment.

“A properly sized, climate-ready heat pump system doesn’t just meet rebate qualifications—it also works better in your Franklin home year-round.”

Summary: What Franklin Homeowners Should Know for 2026

If you're considering a heating and cooling upgrade in Franklin, MA, timing matters now more than ever. Don't miss out on:

• Up to $8,500 in Mass Save® rebates—set to decrease further in coming years
• Enhanced incentives for qualifying households and low-income families
• Avoiding disqualification by steering clear of R-410A systems
• Seasonal savings through local utility programs

Massachusetts is sending a clear message: decarbonize, electrify, and do it soon. With rebates already lower in 2026 and rules stricter than ever, Franklin residents have an urgent but rewarding opportunity to future-proof their homes.