2026 Mass Save Heat Pump Rebates and Eligibility Guide

As energy costs rise and sustainability becomes a front-and-center priority, homeowners in Lincoln, MA are increasingly turning to highly efficient heating solutions that not only slash utility bills but also reduce carbon footprints. With New England winters bringing extended cold spells and fluctuating temperatures, having a reliable, efficient heat source is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. That’s where air source heat pumps come in.

And for 2026, the Mass Save® program continues to offer significant rebates—up to $8,500—for heat pump installations. However, eligibility rules have changed from 2025, and understanding these updates is critical to getting the maximum value.

Whether you're considering upgrading your current HVAC system or building a new energy-efficient home in Lincoln, here's everything you need to know.

“In Lincoln, where older Colonial and Cape-style homes dominate the landscape, upgrading to a modern, efficient system like a heat pump doesn’t just make sense—it’s essential for long-term savings and year-round comfort.”

What’s New with Mass Save® Heat Pump Rebates in 2026?

Mass Save® has updated its rebate amounts, eligibility requirements, and refrigerant standards for 2026. If you’ve been planning a heat pump upgrade or replacement in your Lincoln home, now’s the time to stay informed and act quickly.

Rebate Amounts have Decreased Since 2025

The most significant change in 2026 is the reduction in rebate amounts. In 2025, homeowners could receive up to $10,000. As of 2026, maximum rebates have been reduced by $1,500.

Here’s what’s currently available under Mass Save®:

• Whole-Home Rebates: $2,650 per ton, capped at $8,500
• Partial-Home Rebates: $1,125 per ton, up to $8,500
• Basic Rebate (non-whole home, mixed heating): $250 per ton, up to $2,500
• Enhanced Income-Based Incentives: Up to $16,000 or in some cases, at no cost through Mass Save Turnkey Solutions

“Timing matters. Acting sooner guarantees stronger incentives. The 2026 reduction is part of a broader trend—don’t wait for next year expecting higher rebates; they’re being phased down.”

Refrigerant Regulations Have Changed

Massachusetts is aligning with updated environmental regulations. In 2026, only heat pump systems using approved low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants qualify for rebates. This means older units using R-410A are no longer eligible.

To qualify:

• Your installed system must use a low-GWP refrigerant, like R-32 or similar
• It must meet specific efficiency requirements outlined by Mass Save®

This shift ensures that rebates are supporting long-term environmental benefits, a key concern for communities like Lincoln that actively promote green initiatives.

Understanding the Rebate Types Available in Lincoln, MA

Before choosing a system or contractor, know which rebate type your project may qualify for. Each has its own software and design criteria, and selecting the wrong path can cost you thousands in missed rebates.

Whole-Home Rebates

If your heat pump is your home’s only heating source, you're eligible for the Whole-Home rebate—by far the most generous at up to $8,500.

Key requirements:

• System must be designed to serve 100% of your heating load
• Backup heat options should be electric or biomass (not fossil fuel)
• Installed by a Mass Save-qualified contractor

This is ideal for new builds or major HVAC overhauls in homes fully switching from oil or gas to electric.

Partial-Home or Room-by-Room Upgrades

For Lincoln homeowners retaining fossil fuel systems like oil or propane for parts of their home, Partial-Home rebates apply.

• $1,125 per ton
• Up to $8,500
• Great for supplementing older systems or hard-to-heat additions

Basic & Enhanced Income-Based Rebates

The Basic incentive—$250 per ton—is available for homeowners unsure about removing their fossil fuel systems or who want to maintain dual-fuel setups.

Low-to-moderate income residents may qualify for special Mass Save® programs that offer up to $16,000 or full system coverage under their turnkey service model.

You can check your income-qualified status directly on Mass Save’s official rebate page.

Are You Eligible? What Lincoln Homeowners Need to Qualify

To take advantage of 2026 rebates, it’s not just about choosing a heat pump—it's also about meeting design and installation criteria. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Equipment Eligibility

• Air-source heat pumps must be on the Mass Save® Qualified Products list
• Only units using approved low-GWP refrigerants will earn any rebate
• Whole-Home systems must meet both heating and cooling loads, with the removal or deactivation of fossil systems urged for higher incentives

Home and Contractor Criteria

• Home must be in Massachusetts and serviced by a participating utility (Eversource or National Grid in Lincoln’s case)
• Installations must be completed by a licensed and Mass Save-qualified contractor

If your Lincoln home runs on heating oil or propane and lacks municipal natural gas access, you're especially well-positioned to benefit, as Mass Save prioritizes replacing these more carbon-intensive systems.

Why Heat Pumps Are Perfect for Lincoln Living

Whether your Lincoln home is a mid-century ranch, a modern new build, or a historic colonial, heat pumps are an excellent fit for both heating and cooling, especially in Massachusetts' unique seasonal climate.

All-Year Comfort, Even in Sub-Zero Temperatures

Modern cold-climate heat pumps can operate down to -15°F, making them practical even during the coldest months. In towns like Lincoln, where average January temps dip into the teens, these systems provide consistent and efficient warmth—without carbon-intensive fuels.

Additionally, they serve as air conditioners in the summer, removing the need for a separate AC unit.

Perfect for Lincoln’s Home Styles

Many homes in Lincoln feature partial insulation, older ductwork, or lack any ducting altogether. Heat pump types like ductless mini-splits or ducted air handlers can be tailored to a home's structure, making them a better choice over traditional forced-air systems.

“In Lincoln, many homes built before 1970 still rely on oil boilers and radiators. Retrofitting with ductless air source heat pumps allows residents to ditch oil, gain cool air in summer, and qualify for major rebates—all without major renovations.”

Don’t Count on Federal Tax Credits in 2026

It's important to know that the federal tax credit for heat pumps, previously offered through the Inflation Reduction Act, is no longer available in 2026. This elevates the importance of programs like Mass Save®, as they remain the primary source of financial support for electrifying home heating and cooling systems in Massachusetts.

Take Advantage of Utility Rate Discounts in Winter

Several Massachusetts utilities offer reduced-rate winter programs for customers with heat pumps as their primary heat source. In Lincoln, many households are serviced by Eversource, which offers time-of-use rates and seasonal pricing for qualifying customers.

Lower rates during winter peak hours can lead to even greater cost savings:

• Electric rate plans that favor heat pump usage
• Special incentives for smart thermostats and usage tracking
• Reduced winter rates for full-electric homes with verified heat pump systems

These savings are on top of the Mass Save® rebate programs and can compound over time.

Why Timing Is Critical: Rebates Are Shrinking, Not Growing

If there’s one message for Lincoln homeowners: don’t wait. Every year, Mass Save® rebates are being reduced. Delaying a system upgrade doesn't come with future gains—in fact, it means losing out.

• 2025 rebates were up to $10,000
• 2026 rebates are maxed at $8,500
• 2027? Likely lower or more limited

Incentive declines are expected as more homes adopt heat pump technology and as state and utility budgets shift. Acting now locks in the highest available offers before future reductions take hold.

Partnering with a Local Expert Matters

SumZero Energy Systems has deep roots in Lincoln and understands the nuances of our local architecture, zoning, and insulation challenges. Our team is experienced in designing heat pump systems that work in solid-walled colonials, basements with minimal ductwork, and homes transitioning entirely off oil.

From navigating the Mass Save® rebate process to designing systems that meet load requirements for whole-home incentives, we make upgrading easy and cost-effective.

“Choosing a heat pump is more than just picking equipment—it’s about designing a system that meets Mass Save® standards while delivering real-world comfort through Lincoln’s variable climate.”

Final Thoughts

Heat pumps remain one of the smartest energy efficiency upgrades available to homeowners in Lincoln, MA. In 2026, they’re still supported by robust Mass Save® rebates, but with new eligibility guidelines and decreased amounts compared to 2025, timing is more crucial than ever.

With changes in refrigerant standards, rebate structures, and the end of federal tax credits, today’s informed homeowners should act now to secure maximum financial benefits and energy savings.

To explore the official qualified products list and eligibility criteria, visit Mass Save's official page for air source heat pump rebates.