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How much does a heat pump cost in Maine? From $3,500 for a single-zone mini-split to $28,000 for a hybrid ducted system. Efficiency Maine rebates reduce costs by $1,000-$9,000 depending on income and number of units. This guide breaks down pricing by system type, metro area, and utility territory.
Important: The federal 25C heat pump tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for residential heat pumps in 2026. Pricing below reflects Efficiency Maine rebates only (the remaining primary incentive).
$3,500
Single zone (low end)
$8K-$18K
Multi-zone (most common)
$12K-$24K
Ducted central
$14K-$28K
Hybrid dual-fuel
Heat pump costs vary significantly by system type. Multi-zone ductless systems are the most popular choice in Maine because most oil-heated homes lack ductwork.
One indoor unit serving a single room or open area. Ideal for supplemental heating or a primary living space.
Best for: Single rooms, additions, or supplemental heating
$3,500 - $6,500
before rebates
Rebate: $1,000 - $3,000 (1 unit)
Net cost: $500 - $5,500
2-5 indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. Each zone can be independently controlled.
Best for: Whole-home comfort without ductwork
$8,000 - $18,000
before rebates
Rebate: $2,000 - $9,000 (2-3 units)
Net cost: $0 - $16,000
Central heat pump using existing ductwork. Single outdoor unit with air handler.
Best for: Homes with existing ductwork in good condition
$12,000 - $24,000
before rebates
Rebate: $1,000 - $3,000 (1 unit)
Net cost: $9,000 - $23,000
Heat pump paired with oil or propane backup. Switches to backup below a set temperature.
Best for: Northern Maine (Zone 6), existing boiler homes
$14,000 - $28,000
before rebates
Rebate: $1,000 - $3,000 (1 unit)
Net cost: $11,000 - $27,000
Additional costs to consider: Electrical panel upgrade ($1,500-$3,000), new 240V circuit ($500-$800), line set cover/protection ($200-$500), snow stand for outdoor unit ($150-$300), mini-split ceiling cassette upgrade ($500-$1,000/zone).
Heat pump costs vary across Maine due to climate zone, contractor availability, and utility territory. Northern Maine generally costs more due to extreme cold requirements.
| City | Zone | Design Temp | Avg Cost | Utility | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | Zone 5 | -1F | $14,500 | CMP | $0.27/kWh |
| Lewiston | Zone 5 | -5F | $14,000 | CMP | $0.27/kWh |
| Augusta | Zone 6 | -7F | $15,000 | CMP | $0.27/kWh |
| Bangor | Zone 6 | -7F | $15,500 | Versant | $0.32/kWh |
| Caribou | Zone 6 | -18F | $16,500 | Versant | $0.32/kWh |
Average costs shown for a 3-zone ductless mini-split system (before rebates). Actual costs vary by contractor, equipment brand, and home-specific requirements.
Your utility territory significantly affects heat pump economics. CMP customers save more annually than Versant customers due to lower electricity rates.
Note: Payback periods assume replacing oil heat at $3.82/gal, 845 gallons/year average, with a COP of 2.5 for the heat pump. Versant customers have longer payback due to higher electricity rates, but still save significantly compared to oil. Add air conditioning value for a more complete ROI picture.
Use our calculator to estimate your heat pump cost after Efficiency Maine rebates based on system type, number of units, and income level.
40% off with rebates
25C is dead. No federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2026. Efficiency Maine rebates are the primary incentive.
Rebate is per unit (not percentage-based). Up to 2 units at $1,000/unit.
Southern Maine (Zone 5) has milder design temperatures (-1F Portland) and can use standard cold-climate models. Northern Maine (Zone 6) with design temps of -18F (Caribou) often requires premium cold-climate equipment or dual-fuel backup, adding $2,000-$5,000 to the project.
Larger homes need more zones or higher capacity. A 1,200 sq ft ranch may need 2 zones, while a 2,500 sq ft colonial may need 4-5 zones. Multi-story homes with many rooms require more indoor units to achieve even comfort.
Older Maine homes (especially those built for oil heat) may need a panel upgrade from 100A to 200A ($1,500-$3,000). Each heat pump zone needs a dedicated 240V circuit. Multi-zone systems can stress older panels.
Rural Maine locations may have higher installation costs due to contractor travel time. Limited contractor availability in northern and western Maine can also affect pricing. Portland and southern Maine have the most competitive contractor market.
A typical whole-home heat pump system in Maine costs $8,000-$18,000 for a multi-zone ductless system before rebates. After Efficiency Maine rebates ($1,000-$3,000 per unit, max 3 units), net costs range from $0 to $16,000 depending on system size, income tier, and whether HEAR applies (mobile homes/multifamily only).
Northern Maine (Caribou, Presque Isle, Aroostook County) is in Climate Zone 6 with design temperatures as low as -18F. This requires cold-climate rated equipment that maintains capacity at extreme temperatures, which costs more. Dual-fuel hybrid systems are often recommended, adding $2,000-$5,000 to the project cost. Contractor availability is also more limited in rural northern areas.
CMP (Central Maine Power) charges approximately $0.27/kWh and serves about 70% of the state. Versant Power charges approximately $0.32/kWh and serves about 30% (primarily eastern and northern Maine). For a typical heat pump running 8,000 kWh per year for heating, this difference means Versant customers pay about $400 more annually in electricity costs.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for residential heat pump purchases in 2026. Efficiency Maine rebates are your primary incentive. HEAR is only available for mobile/manufactured homes and affordable multifamily housing.
Efficiency Maine rebates are $1,000/unit (standard), $2,000/unit (moderate-income, 80-150% AMI), or $3,000/unit (low-income, below 80% AMI). Maximum 3 units per property. The rebate is applied at point of sale through registered contractors. Equipment must meet Efficiency Maine cold-climate specifications.
Payback depends on your current heating fuel and utility territory. Replacing oil heat (at $3.82/gal) with a CMP-territory heat pump (at $0.27/kWh), typical annual savings are about $1,590. With a net cost of $12,000-$15,000 after standard rebates, payback is approximately 7.5-9.5 years. Low-income households with maximum rebates may see payback in 2-4 years.
If you have existing ductwork in good condition, a ducted central heat pump ($12,000-$24,000) can be cost-effective. However, most Maine homes switching from oil boilers do not have ductwork. Multi-zone ductless mini-splits ($8,000-$18,000) are the most popular choice because they require no ductwork, offer zone-by-zone temperature control, and qualify for multiple Efficiency Maine rebates.
In southern Maine (Zone 5, Portland area), modern cold-climate heat pumps handle the full heating load efficiently. A hybrid system is usually unnecessary. In northern Maine (Zone 6, Caribou area with -18F design temps), a dual-fuel hybrid that switches to oil/propane backup below -10F to -15F can be a smart investment, reducing both risk and the strain on the heat pump in extreme cold.
A typical heat pump installation includes indoor and outdoor equipment, refrigerant line sets, electrical wiring, condensate drainage, a programmable thermostat, permits, and labor. Costs may increase if you need an electrical panel upgrade ($1,500-$3,000), new 240V circuit, additional wall penetrations, or specialized mounting brackets for snow and ice considerations.
Yes. Efficiency Maine offers the HEAT Loan program for energy efficiency improvements including heat pumps. The rebate is deducted first, and you finance only the net amount. Many contractors also offer third-party financing. The HEAT Loan typically offers lower interest rates than standard home improvement loans.
$1K-$3K/unit, income-tiered.
Models for Zone 5/6 Maine winters.
Oil at $3.82/gal savings analysis.
Efficiency Maine contractor list.
$3K/unit for low-income households.
$0.27 vs $0.32/kWh comparison.
Every home is different. Get a free, detailed quote that accounts for your specific climate zone, home layout, and Efficiency Maine rebate tier. See your net cost and projected savings before you commit.