Efficiency Vermont Qualified Heat Pumps 2026
Complete guide to NEEP-qualified heat pumps for Vermont rebates. All 12 NuWatt brands verified. $475/head ductless, $2,200 ducted, up to $6,000 AWHP — plus utility income-eligible bonuses up to $2,000.
Quick Answer: What Heat Pumps Qualify for Efficiency Vermont Rebates?
Efficiency Vermont qualifies heat pumps listed in the NEEP Cold Climate ASHP database that meet ENERGY STAR V6.1 Cold Climate North specs: HSPF2 ≥ 8.5, SEER2 ≥ 15.2, COP ≥ 1.75 at 5°F for ductless systems. All 12 NuWatt brands qualify. Unlike Massachusetts, Vermont has no formal installer network requirement — any licensed contractor can install rebate-eligible equipment.
How Heat Pump Qualification Works in Vermont
Unlike Massachusetts, which maintains a proprietary Qualified Products List (QPL) with 160,000+ entries, Vermont takes a simpler approach. Efficiency Vermont references the NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump database as the underlying qualification source. NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) maintains this regional database of heat pumps that meet cold-climate performance standards.
To qualify for Efficiency Vermont rebates, a heat pump must meet ENERGY STAR Version 6.1 Cold Climate North specifications and appear in the NEEP ccASHP database. Equipment must be new (not refurbished) and installed in a Vermont residence by a licensed contractor.
Vermont is the only state in New England without a formal Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) requirement. This means any licensed contractor can install rebate-qualifying equipment — there is no separate certification or network enrollment needed. This is less restrictive than Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island.
Key Vermont Qualification Facts
NEEP
Qualification Database
12 / 12
NuWatt Brands Qualify
31,030
NuWatt Brand Entries
Vermont vs. Massachusetts: Key Differences
- VT:Uses NEEP database (no proprietary QPL). No HPIN requirement. Rebates per-head or per-system.
- MA:Proprietary QPL (160K+ entries). HPIN-certified installer required. Rebates per-ton with tiered structure.
NEEP Qualification Criteria by Equipment Type
Efficiency Vermont aligns with the ENERGY STAR Version 6.1 Cold Climate North specification. Different equipment types have different minimum thresholds. The COP at 5°F requirement ensures the heat pump performs reliably in Vermont's Zone 6 winters.
| Equipment Type | HSPF2 | SEER2 | COP @ 5°F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ductless Mini-Split | ≥ 8.5 | ≥ 15.2 | ≥ 1.75 |
| Ducted System | ≥ 8.1 | ≥ 15.2 | ≥ 1.75 |
| Air-to-Water Heat Pump (AWHP) | — | — | ≥ 1.75 |
Source: NEEP ccASHP Database, aligned with ENERGY STAR V6.1 Cold Climate North. Last updated: 2026-03-15.
HSPF2
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 measures overall heating efficiency over a full season. Higher HSPF2 = lower heating bills. Critical in Vermont where heating accounts for 85% of HVAC energy use.
SEER2
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 measures cooling efficiency. The minimum 15.2 applies to ductless and ducted types. While Vermont is heating-dominant, efficient cooling matters during increasingly warm summers.
COP @ 5°F
Coefficient of Performance at 5°F measures instantaneous heating efficiency at cold temperatures. COP 1.75 means the heat pump produces 1.75 units of heat per unit of electricity — 75% more efficient than electric resistance heat even at 5°F.
Efficiency Vermont Rebate Amounts (2026)
EVT uses a per-head and per-system rebate structure rather than the per-ton approach used by Mass Save. This means your total rebate depends on the type and number of units installed. There is no federal residential tax credit in 2026 — Section 25C expired December 31, 2025.
Ductless Mini-Split
$475 per indoor head
Each indoor wall-mount, floor-mount, or ceiling cassette head qualifies for a $475 rebate. A 3-zone system with 3 heads = $1,425 in EVT rebates.
Ducted System
$2,200 per system
Central ducted heat pump system (single outdoor unit + ducted air handler). Includes ducted mini-split systems and traditional central heat pumps.
Air-to-Water Heat Pump (AWHP)
$6,000 up to per system
Hydronic air-to-water heat pumps that replace oil/propane boilers. Highest rebate tier reflects the high cost and significant fuel displacement potential.
Example Rebate Calculations
Income-eligible bonus shown is for GMP customers at or below 80% AMI. VPPSA customers may receive $1,000 bonus. BED and Stowe Electric vary.
Utility Income-Eligible Bonuses
Vermont heat pump rebates have two layers: the statewide Efficiency Vermont base rebate (available to all customers) and utility-specific income-eligible bonuses that stack on top. Your utility determines the bonus amount. Green Mountain Power offers the largest bonus at $2,000 per condenser.
Green Mountain Power(GMP)
~70%
VT Market Share
$0.21/kWh
Electric Rate
Income at or below 80% AMI
Eligibility
GMP serves ~70% of VT electric customers. The $2,000/condenser income bonus is the most significant utility adder in Vermont. Combined with the EVT base rebate, income-eligible GMP customers can receive $2,475+ per ductless head ($475 EVT + $2,000 GMP).
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA)(VPPSA)
~15%
VT Market Share
$0.20/kWh
Electric Rate
Income at or below 80% AMI
Eligibility
VPPSA represents municipal utilities including Morrisville, Ludlow, Northfield, Swanton, Hardwick, Barton, Hyde Park, Jacksonville, and Johnson. Income-eligible bonus stacks with EVT base rebate.
Burlington Electric Department(BED)
~8%
VT Market Share
$0.19/kWh
Electric Rate
Contact BED directly — programs vary
Eligibility
BED is a municipal utility serving Burlington. BED offers its own heat pump incentive programs that vary by year and funding availability. Contact BED directly at 802-865-7300 for current income-eligible offerings. BED has been 100% renewable since 2015.
Stowe Electric Department(Stowe)
~2%
VT Market Share
$0.20/kWh
Electric Rate
Contact Stowe Electric directly
Eligibility
Stowe Electric Department is a small municipal utility serving the Stowe area. Incentive programs vary — contact directly for current heat pump offerings.
NuWatt Serves All Vermont Utilities
We install NEEP-qualifying equipment, check your utility-specific income bonuses, and handle all EVT rebate paperwork.
Get a Free Heat Pump QuoteAll 12 NuWatt Brands: NEEP Qualification Status
Every brand NuWatt installs has qualifying models in the NEEP Cold Climate ASHP database. The grid below shows each brand's coverage, equipment types, entry count, and sample qualifying outdoor models for Vermont installations.
Mitsubishi
Partial198
Entries
12.0
Best HSPF2
23.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat H2i series is a top choice for Vermont cold-climate installations. Maintains rated capacity down to -13F. All ductless entries qualify for the $475/head EVT rebate.
Daikin
Full Coverage2,189
Entries
10.5
Best HSPF2
24.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Daikin Aurora ductless and FIT ducted series both qualify. The ducted FIT qualifies for the $2,200/system EVT rebate. Aurora ductless qualifies at $475/head.
Carrier
Full Coverage11,507
Entries
13.0
Best HSPF2
23.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Carrier Greenspeed and Infinity series qualify across both ductless and ducted configurations. Largest NEEP presence of any brand NuWatt installs.
Bosch
Full Coverage1,012
Entries
10.3
Best HSPF2
25.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Bosch Climate 5000 ductless and IDS 2.0 ducted series both qualify. IDS 2.0 is popular for Vermont homes with existing ductwork replacing oil/propane furnaces.
LG
Full Coverage883
Entries
11.5
Best HSPF2
22.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
LG LGRED series designed for cold-climate performance. Multi-zone outdoor units qualify for ductless installations at $475/head.
Fujitsu
Full Coverage195
Entries
14.0
Best HSPF2
33.1
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Fujitsu Halcyon and Airstage XLTH achieve the highest efficiency ratings in the NEEP database. XLTH series operates to -15F — ideal for Vermont Zone 6 climate.
Lennox
Full Coverage3,671
Entries
10.5
Best HSPF2
25.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Lennox MWLD cold-climate ductless and XP25 ducted series both qualify. MWLD uses R-32 refrigerant and operates to -22F.
Rheem
Full Coverage1,368
Entries
10.0
Best HSPF2
20.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Rheem qualifies for both mini-split and central ducted configurations. The RP20 EcoNet ducted series qualifies for the $2,200 EVT ducted system rebate.
Goodman
Partial636
Entries
10.0
Best HSPF2
19.2
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
Goodman qualifies only for central ducted installations via the GZV7 series. Qualifies for the $2,200 EVT ducted system rebate. No ductless entries.
Only ducted central installations qualify. The older GSZC18 series does NOT meet current NEEP cold-climate thresholds. Only the newer GZV7 series qualifies.
York
Full Coverage8,818
Entries
12.0
Best HSPF2
21.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
York has extensive NEEP database coverage primarily in central ducted configurations. The HH8 series uses R-454B refrigerant.
TOSOT
Full Coverage490
Entries
10.0
Best HSPF2
24.0
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
TOSOT (by Gree) R-32 multi-zone systems qualify with cold-climate ratings. Budget-friendly option for multi-room ductless installations in Vermont.
KEEN
Full Coverage63
Entries
14.6
Best HSPF2
33.3
Best SEER2
Sample qualifying models:
KEEN (by ConnectM) achieves the highest HSPF2 (14.6) and SEER2 (33.3) of any brand in the NEEP database. Newer brand with growing coverage.
No Installer Network Required (Unlike MA, CT, RI)
Vermont does not require a formal Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) certification like Massachusetts. Equipment must be new and installed in a Vermont residence by a licensed contractor. This makes Vermont the least restrictive state in New England for heat pump rebate eligibility — any licensed contractor can install rebate-qualifying equipment.
While Vermont's lack of a formal installer network makes rebate access easier, it also means homeowners need to verify that their contractor selects qualifying equipment and submits the proper rebate documentation to Efficiency Vermont. Working with an experienced installer like NuWatt eliminates this risk.
VT Installation Requirements
- Licensed HVAC/electrical contractor in Vermont
- Equipment must be new (not refurbished or used)
- Installed in a Vermont residence
- Equipment must meet ENERGY STAR Cold Climate North specifications
- Must be listed in the NEEP ccASHP database
- Contractor submits rebate documentation to Efficiency Vermont
NuWatt Benefits for VT Installations
NuWatt Energy is licensed to install heat pumps in Vermont.
- We select only NEEP-qualifying cold-climate equipment for Vermont homes
- We handle all Efficiency Vermont rebate paperwork
- We check utility-specific income-eligible bonuses (GMP, VPPSA, BED)
- We perform heat load calculations for proper sizing in Zone 6 climate
- We verify equipment operates reliably to -15F or colder
| State | Installer Network | Required? | Qualification Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | None | No | NEEP Database |
| Massachusetts | HPIN | Yes | Mass Save QPL |
| Connecticut | Registered Vendor | Yes | Energize CT QPL |
| Rhode Island | Clean Heat RI | Yes | RI Energy QPL |
| Maine | Registered Installer | Yes | Efficiency Maine QPL |
How to Verify Your System on the NEEP Database
While NuWatt handles qualification verification as part of every project, you can independently check any heat pump model on the NEEP database. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Visit the NEEP ccASHP Database
Go to ashp.neep.org. This is the official NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump database used by Efficiency Vermont and other New England states.
Filter by Manufacturer and Model
Use the search filters to select your heat pump manufacturer and model series. You can also filter by equipment type (ductless, ducted, air-to-water), capacity, and efficiency ratings.
Verify Cold Climate Certification
Look for the ENERGY STAR Cold Climate designation. The model must meet the Cold Climate North specification. Check that HSPF2, SEER2, and COP at 5°F meet the Vermont minimums shown in the criteria table above.
Confirm COP at 5°F Performance
The COP at 5°F is the most important metric for Vermont installations. A COP of 1.75 or higher at 5°F means the system produces heat efficiently even during cold Vermont winters. Higher COP = lower operating costs.
Note the Refrigerant Type
Check the refrigerant used. R-32 (GWP 675) and R-454B (GWP 466) are the current standard. R-410A models still qualify in Vermont but may face future restrictions as the industry transitions to low-GWP refrigerants.
Official NEEP ccASHP Database
For the most current qualification data, search the NEEP database directly. Filter by manufacturer, model, and Cold Climate designation.
Visit ashp.neep.orgFrequently Asked Questions
What heat pumps qualify for Efficiency Vermont rebates?
Heat pumps must meet ENERGY STAR V6.1 Cold Climate North specifications and be listed in the NEEP Cold Climate ASHP database. For ductless mini-splits, the minimums are HSPF2 8.5, SEER2 15.2, and COP 1.75 at 5°F. For ducted systems, HSPF2 8.1, SEER2 15.2, and COP 1.75 at 5°F. All 12 brands that NuWatt installs have qualifying models as of March 2026.
Does Vermont have a Qualified Products List like Mass Save?
No. Vermont does not maintain a proprietary QPL spreadsheet. Instead, Efficiency Vermont references the NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump database at ashp.neep.org. You can filter the NEEP database for Vermont to see qualifying models. This is a key difference from Massachusetts, which maintains its own 160,000+ entry QPL.
How much is the Efficiency Vermont heat pump rebate in 2026?
Efficiency Vermont offers three rebate levels: $475 per indoor head for ductless mini-splits, $2,200 per system for ducted heat pumps, and up to $6,000 for air-to-water heat pumps (AWHP). Income-eligible customers with Green Mountain Power can receive an additional $2,000 per condenser. There is no federal residential tax credit in 2026 — Section 25C expired December 31, 2025.
Do I need a certified installer for the EVT heat pump rebate?
Vermont does not require a formal Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) certification like Massachusetts. Equipment must be new and installed by a licensed contractor in a Vermont residence. This makes Vermont the least restrictive state in New England for heat pump rebate eligibility. NuWatt Energy is licensed and handles all EVT rebate paperwork.
What is the GMP income-eligible heat pump bonus?
Green Mountain Power (GMP) offers a $2,000 per condenser income-eligible bonus for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). This stacks with the base EVT rebate. For example, an income-eligible GMP customer installing a 3-head ductless system could receive $1,425 (3 x $475 EVT) plus $2,000 (GMP income bonus) = $3,425 total.
Does Mitsubishi qualify for Efficiency Vermont rebates?
Yes. Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat H2i series is one of the most popular qualifying brands in Vermont with 198 NEEP database entries. All ductless Mitsubishi models qualify for the $475/head EVT rebate. The Hyper-Heat series maintains rated capacity down to -13°F, making it well-suited for Vermont Zone 6 winters.
What is the NEEP ASHP database?
The NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships) Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump database at ashp.neep.org is a regional database of heat pumps that meet cold-climate performance standards. It is used by several New England states, including Vermont, as the reference for rebate qualification. You can search by manufacturer, model number, or performance specifications and filter by state.
Can I get the EVT rebate for a ducted system replacing my oil furnace?
Yes. Ducted central heat pump systems qualify for the $2,200 EVT system rebate. This is a common installation in Vermont, where many homes have existing ductwork from oil or propane furnaces. The heat pump must meet NEEP cold-climate criteria: HSPF2 8.1+, SEER2 15.2+, and COP 1.75+ at 5°F.
What is an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP) and why is the rebate $6,000?
An air-to-water heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it to a hydronic (water-based) distribution system — typically radiators, radiant floor heating, or baseboard. The $6,000 AWHP rebate is the highest tier because these systems directly replace oil or propane boilers, which heat 55%+ of Vermont homes. AWHPs are complex installations with higher equipment costs, and the larger rebate reflects both the cost and the significant fossil fuel displacement.
Are VPPSA customers eligible for income-eligible bonuses?
Yes. Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA) member utilities offer a $1,000 income-eligible bonus that stacks with the EVT base rebate. VPPSA members include municipal utilities in Morrisville, Ludlow, Northfield, Swanton, Hardwick, Barton, Hyde Park, Jacksonville, and Johnson. Income eligibility is at or below 80% AMI.
What refrigerant do qualifying heat pumps use in Vermont?
The NEEP database includes heat pumps using R-32 (GWP 675), R-454B (GWP 466), and some R-410A (GWP 2,088) models. Vermont has not formally banned R-410A from rebate eligibility like Massachusetts did in 2026, but the industry trend is toward low-GWP refrigerants. NuWatt installs R-32 and R-454B systems to future-proof your investment.
Data Accuracy Disclaimer
The qualification data on this page reflects our analysis of the NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump database and Efficiency Vermont program criteria as of March 2026. The NEEP database is maintained by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships and updated periodically. NuWatt Energy does not control the NEEP database or Efficiency Vermont qualification criteria. For the most current and official qualification data, always verify at ashp.neep.org (filter by Vermont) and efficiencyvermont.com. Specific rebate eligibility depends on your utility, home configuration, equipment selection, and installation. Model numbers, efficiency ratings, and qualification status may change without notice.
Get a Free Vermont Heat Pump Quote
NuWatt selects NEEP-qualifying cold-climate equipment, checks your utility-specific income bonuses, and handles all Efficiency Vermont rebate paperwork — so you get the maximum rebate with zero hassle.
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