New England Heat Pump Accelerator: Heat Pump and Water Heater Savings
The New England Heat Pump Accelerator gives New Hampshire homeowners an instant discount on qualifying heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. The 2026 incentive is $650 per qualifying air-source heat pump outdoor unit or $300 per qualifying heat pump water heater. It is available at all income levels and can be combined with eligible NHSaves incentives.
The short version
- The incentive is $650 per qualifying air-source heat pump outdoor unit.
- The limit is two heat pump incentives per qualifying dwelling.
- A qualifying heat pump water heater may receive a $300 incentive, limited to one per dwelling.
- It is available to eligible New Hampshire residents at any income level.
- It is available regardless of electric utility or existing heating fuel.
- The home must already exist. New construction is not eligible for this incentive.
- The qualifying equipment must meet the program's cold-climate efficiency requirements.
- The discount appears on the contractor's invoice when the equipment and transaction qualify.
How much is the Accelerator incentive?
For an eligible air-source heat pump smaller than 5.4 tons, the incentive is $650 for each qualifying outdoor unit. The amount is the same for ducted and ductless equipment. It is not $650 per ton.
A home with one qualifying outdoor unit may receive $650. A home with two qualifying outdoor units may receive $1,300. The program limits the incentive to two heat pumps per qualifying dwelling.
What about heat pump water heaters?
A qualifying heat pump water heater may receive a $300 point-of-sale incentive. The program limit is one heat pump water heater incentive per qualifying dwelling. The water heater must be an eligible ENERGY STAR model that meets the Accelerator's size and efficiency requirements.
As with a heating and cooling heat pump, the savings should appear on the contractor's invoice when the equipment and transaction qualify.
Who can qualify?
The Accelerator is much simpler than an income-based rebate. There is no household income limit. An eligible homeowner can participate whether the home currently heats with oil, propane, natural gas, electricity, or another fuel. The program is also available regardless of which New Hampshire electric utility serves the address.
The equipment must be installed in an existing single-family or multifamily home. Air-source heat pumps must meet ENERGY STAR Version 6.1 cold-climate criteria and the program's efficiency requirements. Not every heat pump model qualifies.
How do homeowners receive the savings?
The Accelerator works through participating distributors and contractors. When the equipment and project qualify, the savings are applied at the point of sale and shown on the contractor's invoice. Homeowners do not submit a separate Accelerator rebate after the installation.
A.J. LeBlanc Heating applies eligible Accelerator savings at the point of sale for qualifying heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. We confirm the equipment and program requirements before including the incentive in a proposal.
Can the Accelerator be combined with NHSaves?
Yes, when the equipment and project meet both programs' rules. The Accelerator's official guidance says its incentive can be combined with available NHSaves incentives. NHSaves has separate equipment, utility, installation-date, and application requirements.
The two programs also calculate incentives differently. The Accelerator pays $650 per qualifying outdoor unit. NHSaves heat pump rebates are generally based on qualifying system capacity and the customer's eligibility under the current utility program.
How long is the Accelerator available?
The current program period runs from February 1, 2026 through 2029. Incentives remain subject to program rules and available funding, so eligibility should be confirmed when the system is quoted.
How A.J. LeBlanc Heating can help
The incentive matters, but the system still has to fit the home. Our Home Comfort Advisors can review ducted and ductless options, determine the heating and cooling needs of the house, and confirm whether the proposed equipment appears on the current qualifying list. We can also review the current NHSaves path and show eligible point-of-sale savings clearly on the proposal.
Learn more about heat pump installation in Southern New Hampshire or contact A.J. LeBlanc Heating to discuss your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the New England Heat Pump Accelerator incentive in New Hampshire?
The 2026 incentive for a qualifying ducted or ductless air-source heat pump is $650 per outdoor unit, with a limit of two heat pump incentives per qualifying dwelling.
Does the Accelerator include heat pump water heaters?
Yes. A qualifying heat pump water heater may receive a $300 point-of-sale incentive, limited to one per qualifying dwelling.
Is the Accelerator based on income?
No. Eligible New Hampshire residents can receive the incentive at any income level.
Can I get the Accelerator if my home uses oil or propane?
Yes. The Accelerator is available regardless of the home's existing heating fuel, provided the home, equipment, and transaction meet the program requirements.
Can I combine the Accelerator with NHSaves?
Yes, when the project meets both programs' requirements. The Accelerator and NHSaves incentives are separate and may be combined.
Do I receive a rebate check after the installation?
No. The Accelerator is a point-of-sale incentive. Eligible savings appear on the contractor's invoice.
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026. Incentive amounts, qualifying equipment, program dates, and available funding can change. Current written program rules control.