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Get a Free QuoteCold-climate heat pump as primary heat (80-90% of hours). Wood stove for extreme cold, power outages, and the crackling ambiance NH winters deserve. NHSaves rebates still apply. Here is exactly how to make it work.
A cold-climate heat pump + wood stove is one of the smartest heating strategies available to NH homeowners. The heat pump runs efficiently all winter at $0.09 equivalent per kWh of heat (COP 3.0 at $0.27/kWh). The wood stove costs about $21/MMBtu for local hardwood — cheaper than oil or propane for those brutal -10°F nights. And when the power goes out from an ice storm, the wood stove keeps you warm without a generator.
of heating hours handled by the heat pump — cheaply and automatically
cords of wood per year as backup vs 6-8 cords for wood-only heat
reduction in NHSaves rebate — wood stove does NOT disqualify you
NH temperatures and heat pump performance data show a clear optimal split. Modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain full rated capacity down to 5°F and reduced (but effective) output down to -13°F.
Apples-to-apples comparison in cost per million BTU delivered — accounting for equipment efficiency. March 2026 NH prices.
| Fuel | Price/Unit | Efficiency | $/MMBtu Delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
Heating Oil per gallon | $3.69 | 85% | $31.33 |
Propane per gallon | $3.00 | 85% | $38.55 |
Cord Wood (Hardwood) per cord | $300.00 | 70% | $21.43 |
Heat Pump (COP 3.0)Primary Heat per kWh | $0.27 | COP 3.0 (300%) | $26.40 |
Oil: $3.69/gal (EIA NH Feb 2026). Propane: $3.00/gal (NH average). Cord wood: $300 delivered hardwood. Heat pump: $0.27/kWh NH average rate. BTU content: oil 138,700/gal, propane 91,500/gal, hardwood 20M/cord.
The key insight: Your heat pump at $0.27/kWh and COP 3.0 delivers heat at $26.40/MMBtu — cheaper than oil ($31.33) or propane ($38.55). And hardwood at $21.43/MMBtu is the cheapest backup available. Use the heat pump for 80-90% of hours, wood for the rest, and you have the most cost-effective heating stack available to an NH homeowner.
When pairing with a wood stove, you want a heat pump that handles NH cold without relying on inefficient electric resistance backup heat. These models pass the test.
MSZ-FS / MXZ-SM
Gold standard for NH. H2i+ technology performs at -13°F without backup strip heat.
XLTH Series
Rated down to -15°F. Strong cold-climate performance with efficient defrost cycles.
BMS5 Series
Solid German engineering. Quieter than most, good choice for open floor plans.
Performance Series
Carrier dealer network is strong in NH. Good contractor support statewide.
Key requirement: Choose a heat pump with no auto-engaging electric resistance backup (or disable it). If the HP struggles below -5°F, your wood stove is the backup — not expensive resistance heat strips. Confirm with your installer that backup heat is disabled or set to only engage below your balance point.
Four things every NH homeowner needs to know before installing or using a wood stove alongside a heat pump system.
As of May 2020, all new wood stoves sold in the US must be EPA Step 2 certified — maximum 2.0 g/hr particulate emissions. Older uncertified stoves cannot be sold or installed. Certified stoves are more efficient (75-80% efficiency) and produce far less creosote.
Most NH homeowners insurance companies cover EPA-certified wood stoves installed by a licensed professional with a permit and inspection. Notify your insurer in writing before installation. Some insurers add a small premium ($25-75/yr). DIY installs without permits can void coverage — always get a permit.
NH building code requires non-combustible hearth pads extending 18" in front and 8" on sides. Wall clearances vary by stove model (typically 6-18"). A licensed sweep and annual inspection is recommended. Use only seasoned hardwood (under 20% moisture) to minimize creosote.
This is the killer advantage in NH. Ice storms and nor'easters knock out power — sometimes for days. Your heat pump requires electricity. Your wood stove does not. With a cord of dry hardwood on hand, you can maintain a livable temperature through any outage without a generator.
This is the question every NH homeowner asks. The answer is yes — NHSaves rebates are based on the qualifying heat pump installation, not on whether you keep other heat sources.
Federal 25C credit expired December 31, 2025. No federal income tax credit is available for heat pump installations in 2026. NHSaves utility rebates are the primary incentive available to NH homeowners.
New Hampshire regularly experiences ice storms, nor'easters, and power outages. This is the wood stove's strongest argument — and heat pumps are powerless without electricity.
Typical NH major ice storm outage duration. Dec 2008 ice storm left 400K+ homes without power for up to 2 weeks.
Can keep a well-insulated NH home at 55-60°F through weeks of outage when burned efficiently in an EPA-certified stove.
A cord of hardwood stored dry. Zero electricity required. No generator needed. The ultimate NH energy resilience strategy.
Pro tip: Store 1-2 cords of seasoned hardwood in a covered woodshed before winter. This is your outage insurance. Even if you run the heat pump all winter and never touch the wood stove, that cord is there when the ice storm hits. At $300-$380, it is the cheapest form of energy insurance available in NH.
Full rebate guide by utility
Read guidePerformance at sub-zero temps
Read guideHP + oil/propane furnace backup
Read guideSave $1,700/yr switching from oil
Read guideInstallation costs by system type
Read guideModels that qualify for rebates
Read guideNuWatt helps NH homeowners install cold-climate heat pumps that pair perfectly with wood stoves. Get a free quote — wood stove optional, NHSaves rebate included.