Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
R-410A has been removed from the Mass Save Qualified Product List. Systems using R-410A receive $0 in rebates. Only R-32 and R-454B heat pumps qualify. Here is everything you need to know before signing a contract.
Effective January 1, 2026 | Federal 25C tax credit EXPIRED Dec 31, 2025
R-410A (GWP 2,088) has been removed from the Mass Save Qualified Product List. Systems using R-410A refrigerant no longer qualify for ANY Mass Save rebate — including the basic $250/ton tier. Installers may still sell R-410A systems, but customers will receive $0 in rebates.
If a contractor quotes you an R-410A system, they may not mention that it won't qualify for Mass Save rebates. Always ask about the refrigerant.
Reason: High global warming potential (GWP of 2,088). Part of nationwide AIM Act phase-down and Mass Save's commitment to low-GWP equipment.
Both approved refrigerants have dramatically lower global warming potential than R-410A while maintaining excellent performance in cold climates.
Legacy refrigerant
68% lower GWP than R-410A
78% lower GWP than R-410A
Every brand and model listed below is on the Mass Save Qualified Product List and eligible for rebates in 2026.
GWP 675 | 68% lower GWP than R-410A
Hyper-Heat FH/MXZ series
Market leader. Widest selection of R-32 cold-climate models.
Halcyon XLTH+ series
Excellent cold-climate performance to -15°F.
LGRED° series
Strong cold-weather capacity retention.
FIT / Aurora series
First to adopt R-32 globally. Ducted and ductless options.
Wind-Free / Max Heat
Growing presence in New England market.
Sapphire series
Budget-friendly option. Shorter track record in US market.
GWP 466 | 78% lower GWP than R-410A
Greenspeed 25VNA / Infinity
Premium ducted option. Highest HSPF2 ratings.
XP25 / SL28XCV
Variable-speed ducted systems.
XV20i / XR17
Reliable ducted options. Good contractor network.
IDS 2.0 / Climate 5000i
Both ducted and ductless options available.
Prestige RP20 series
Mid-range ducted option.
All tiers require R-32 or R-454B refrigerant. Higher rebate tiers have additional requirements.
Before signing any contract, verify that your quoted system is on the Mass Save Qualified Product List. Here is the step-by-step process.
Look for "Heating & Cooling" → "Heat Pumps" → "Qualified Product List"
Filter by "Central Ducted Heat Pump" or "Ductless Mini-Split"
The QPL lists specific model numbers — not just brand names. MSZ-FH09NA is different from MSZ-GL09NA.
Confirm it shows R-32 or R-454B. If it shows R-410A (it shouldn't in 2026), flag it.
Save proof that your model is listed. This protects you if there's a rebate dispute.
Direct link: Visit the Mass Save QPL at masssave.com/residential-rebates/heating-and-cooling or call 866-527-7283 for assistance.
Some contractors still have R-410A inventory and may not disclose that these systems will not qualify for rebates. Watch for these warning signs.
Contractor quotes R-410A system but says "it still qualifies" — it does NOT
Contractor doesn't mention refrigerant type at all — always ask
Quote lists a model number you can't find on the Mass Save QPL
Contractor says "we'll sort out the rebate later" — get rebate amount in writing first
Pressure to sign immediately "before prices go up" — get multiple quotes
Contractor is not a Mass Save network member but says "rebates still apply" — may be true for basic tier only
A trustworthy contractor will show you the exact model number, confirm it's on the current QPL, and put it in writing. NuWatt includes QPL verification in every proposal — you see the model number, refrigerant type, and rebate amount before you sign anything.
If you receive a quote for an R-410A system, do not panic. Here is exactly what to say, what to do, and how to protect yourself.
Yes, R-410A is still legal to install. It has not been banned by the government. However, Mass Save removed R-410A from its Qualified Product List effective January 1, 2026. This means any heat pump system using R-410A refrigerant will receive $0 in Mass Save rebates. You can still buy an R-410A system, but you will pay full price with no Mass Save incentive.
You can, but it is a poor financial decision. An R-410A system at full price will cost you $3,000-$10,000+ more than a qualifying R-32 or R-454B system with the Mass Save rebate applied. R-410A refrigerant is also becoming more expensive due to the AIM Act phase-down, which means future service costs will be higher.
Yes, existing R-410A systems will continue to be serviced for their remaining lifespan. However, R-410A refrigerant prices are increasing as supply decreases under the AIM Act phase-down. Expect service costs for R-410A systems to rise 30-50% over the next 5-10 years. If your R-410A system needs a major repair, upgrading to an R-32 or R-454B system with rebates may be more cost-effective.
Ask your contractor directly: "What refrigerant does this system use?" The answer should be R-32 or R-454B for any system that qualifies for Mass Save rebates. You can also check the model number on the Mass Save Qualified Product List at masssave.com. The refrigerant type is listed in the equipment specifications and on the outdoor unit nameplate.
Your existing R-410A system is fine to continue using. The QPL change only affects new installations seeking Mass Save rebates. When it is time to replace your current system, you will need to choose an R-32 or R-454B model to qualify for rebates. There is no requirement or timeline to replace a working R-410A system.
Yes. Both R-32 and R-454B are classified as A2L (mildly flammable) by ASHRAE. They require updated safety standards for installation (UL 60335-2-40), but the risk is extremely low in normal residential use. These refrigerants have been used safely in millions of systems worldwide. Your installer handles any safety requirements during installation — no special precautions are needed by the homeowner.
R-410A has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2,088 — meaning it traps 2,088 times more heat than CO2. The EPA AIM Act mandates an 85% phase-down of HFC production by 2036. Mass Save aligned its QPL with this transition by requiring low-GWP refrigerants: R-32 (GWP 675, 68% lower) or R-454B (GWP 466, 78% lower). This also ensures customers invest in systems that will have affordable refrigerant for their full lifespan.
Yes, and often better. R-32 has superior thermodynamic properties — higher heat capacity per unit mass — which means R-32 systems can achieve the same heating output with a smaller refrigerant charge. R-454B performs very similarly to R-410A in efficiency. The top-rated cold-climate heat pumps on the Mass Save QPL (Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat, Carrier Greenspeed) use these newer refrigerants and deliver industry-leading HSPF2 ratings.
NuWatt only installs QPL-verified equipment with R-32 or R-454B refrigerant. Every system we quote is confirmed on the Mass Save Qualified Product List before you sign anything. No R-410A surprises.
All NuWatt installations use R-32 or R-454B systems verified on the Mass Save QPL.