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The honest answer, backed by performance data at -13°F and below. The U.S. Department of Energy conducted its cold climate heat pump testing program in New Hampshire — because if they work here, they work anywhere in the lower 48.
Last updated February 2026 · NHSaves requirements current
Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate down to -15°F and maintain 60–75% of rated capacity at 5°F. At those temperatures, they are still 200–250% efficient — delivering 2–2.5 BTU of heat for every BTU of electricity consumed. No furnace or boiler comes close. For 95–98% of NH winter hours (even in Concord and Manchester), a properly sized cold-climate heat pump is the sole heat source your home needs.
COP (Coefficient of Performance) tells you how many units of heat you get per unit of electricity. A COP of 2.5 means 250% efficiency. For comparison, a 95% efficient gas furnace has a COP of 0.95.
Full rated output. Running at peak efficiency.
Still 250–300% efficient. Handles most NH winter days easily.
Still 200–250% efficient. More efficient than any furnace or boiler.
Still producing heat. Backup may supplement on the coldest nights.
Performance values represent typical cold-climate certified models. Actual COP varies by model, installation quality, and home insulation.
All six models carry ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certification and qualify for NHSaves rebates. Ductless models are priced per zone; ducted models are whole-home installed cost.
| Model | Type | Min Temp | HSPF2 | SEER2 | Noise | Price Range | Refrigerant | NHSaves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat | Ductless | -13°F | 12.5 | 22 | 19 dB indoor | $4,500–$7,000/zone | R-32 | |
| Fujitsu Halcyon XLTH | Ductless | -15°F | 12 | 20 | 21 dB indoor | $4,000–$6,500/zone | R-32 | |
| LG Red Series | Ductless | -13°F | 11.5 | 21 | 22 dB indoor | $4,200–$6,800/zone | R-32 | |
| Daikin FIT | Ducted | -4°F | 10 | 18 | 55 dB outdoor | $8,000–$15,000 ducted | R-32 | |
| Carrier Greenspeed | Ducted | -10°F | 13 | 24 | 51 dB outdoor | $10,000–$18,000 ducted | R-454B | |
| Bosch IDS 2.0 | Ducted | -4°F | 11 | 20 | 56 dB outdoor | $9,000–$16,000 ducted | R-454B |
The balance point is the outdoor temperature at which your heat pump can no longer cover 100% of your home's heating demand. Below this temperature, backup heat supplements the heat pump.
Percentage represents the share of annual heating hours covered by the heat pump alone (southern NH climate).
A dual-fuel system pairs a cold-climate heat pump with a backup heat source. It is the most practical approach for northern New Hampshire and for homeowners who want a safety net during their first winter with a heat pump.
Best for: Homeowners replacing oil or propane who want a gradual transition
Best for: New construction or homes with solar panels to offset strip heat costs
Best for: Well-insulated homes in southern NH, Seacoast, and Merrimack Valley
NHSaves is funded by all four NH electric utilities (Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, and NH Electric Co-op). To qualify for cold climate heat pump rebates, your equipment must meet these requirements:
Must appear on the ENERGY STAR Cold Climate product list. Standard ENERGY STAR is not sufficient.
R-410A units do not qualify, regardless of performance ratings. This is a GWP (global warming potential) requirement.
Must maintain at least 70% of rated heating capacity at 5°F outdoor temperature.
Unit must be rated to operate (not just survive) at -15°F or colder.
The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for residential heat pumps in 2026. State rebates (NHSaves) and income-qualified HEAR rebates remain available.
New Hampshire spans three ASHRAE climate zones and over 30°F of design temperature variation from the Seacoast to the White Mountains. The right system depends on where you live.
Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton
Mildest region. Ocean moderates extremes. Standard cold-climate units handle nearly all hours. Backup rarely needed.
Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Keene
Most of NH’s population. Cold-climate heat pumps handle 95%+ of hours. Backup recommended for polar vortex events.
Laconia, Wolfeboro, Meredith, Plymouth
Lake effect adds moisture but not extreme cold. Slightly higher demand. Dual-fuel setups common and effective.
Berlin, Littleton, Conway, Lincoln
Coldest region. Backup heat essential for 50–100 hours/year. Dual-fuel with existing boiler or propane is the standard approach. Heat pump still handles 85–90% of winter hours.
Full breakdown of NHSaves rebate tiers, eligibility, and how to apply. $250/ton standard, $1,250/ton enhanced.
Ductless vs. ducted pricing, installed costs, and net cost after all available NH rebates.
Why R-410A is being phased out, R-32 vs. R-454B comparison, and what it means for your rebate eligibility.
Get a free cold climate heat pump assessment. We'll calculate your heating load, recommend the right system for your region, and handle your NHSaves rebate application.