Does Mass Save Pay for a Heat Pump in Quincy, MA? (2026 Rebates, Loans and What They Cover)
Last updated: October 17, 2026
FRESHNESS: rate/stat-dependent (Mass Save rebate amounts, caps, and income tiers change by program year; refresh each January and whenever Mass Save announces a new plan)
HOME OWNERSHIP
Does Mass Save Pay for a Heat Pump in Quincy, MA? (2026 Rebates, Loans and What They Cover)
November 1, 2026 | By Krista Recker
Yes. Quincy homeowners can qualify for Mass Save rebates of up to $8,500 on a whole-home heat pump, plus a 0% interest HEAT Loan of up to $25,000 in total for qualifying upgrades. The catch is the order of operations: many projects need a no-cost Home Energy Assessment first, and heat pump rebates require an installer in the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network, or the rebate can be denied after the work is done.
I am a real estate salesperson, not an energy auditor or an HVAC contractor, so use this as a map and confirm every dollar figure with Mass Save before you sign a contract.
Who this applies to
This is written for you if any of the following is true:
- You own a single-family, condo, or 2 to 4 unit home in Quincy and your heating system is aging, oil-fired, or expensive to run.
- You are buying an older Quincy home and want to know what an energy upgrade could cost after closing.
- You are selling and wondering whether a heat pump or insulation upgrade is worth doing before you list.
- You are an investor with a Quincy two or three family and want to lower the building's operating costs.
What does Mass Save actually pay for on a heat pump?
For eligible 2026 installations, Mass Save offers whole-home air source heat pump rebates of $2,650 per ton, up to $8,500, when the heat pumps become the home's sole heating and cooling source and the project meets weatherization requirements. Partial-home rebates are $1,125 per ton, up to $8,500, with additional control and eligibility requirements. Partial-home projects can add two $500 bonuses, one for qualifying weatherization and one for qualifying whole-home sizing, and not every project earns them.
Figures checked against Mass Save program pages and the IRS in October 2026. Mass Save sets the official numbers and can change them, so confirm before you sign a contract.
| Upgrade | Rebate or incentive reported for 2026 | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-home heat pump (sole heating and cooling source) | $2,650 per ton, capped at $8,500, with weatherization requirements | Homeowners replacing an oil boiler or old furnace and ready to stop using it |
| Partial-home heat pump | $1,125 per ton, capped at $8,500, plus up to two $500 bonuses | Homeowners adding efficient heating and cooling to a home but keeping the existing system as backup |
| Heat pump water heater | $750, often applied instantly through participating retailers; $1,500 for qualifying split systems | Homeowners in 1 to 4 unit homes replacing a tank water heater that is 10+ years old |
| Smart thermostat | Up to $100 each for eligible Energy Star models, limit of three | Any homeowner with a compatible system |
| Insulation and air sealing | 75% to 100% off approved work, depending on the property and pathway | Owners of older Quincy homes with drafty attics, walls, or basements |
What is the HEAT Loan and who qualifies?
The Mass Save HEAT Loan is a 0% interest loan of up to $25,000 in total for qualifying improvements such as heat pumps, insulation, and air sealing. Mass Save describes that maximum as a lifetime limit across your energy upgrades, not a fresh $25,000 for every project, and applicable rebates are subtracted when the lender figures out how much of the project can be financed. Loans are approved by participating lenders, so your repayment term and credit requirements are set by the lender. Ask for them in writing before you commit, and do not start work until the lender approves the loan.
Two and three family owners take note: 2 to 4 unit homes are eligible, but the $25,000 maximum applies to the entire property.
Quincy is served by National Grid for both electricity delivery and natural gas, and the city's Quincy Community Electricity program only changes who supplies your electricity, not who delivers it. Eligibility depends on your utility account, your current heating fuel, and the project, so confirm it when you book your assessment.
Are there income-based Mass Save options in Quincy?
Yes. Mass Save advertises greater discounts and no-cost options for income-qualifying households, and the income limits and amounts are set by Mass Save and update periodically. If your household income is on the lower side, ask about the income-based offers before you accept a contractor's quote, because they can change which upgrades make sense.
How do you get the Mass Save heat pump rebate? Step by step
The order matters. Skipping step 1 is the most common reason a rebate gets denied.
- Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment through Mass Save. Plan for up to two hours, and the auditor looks at insulation, air leaks, and your heating system. Mass Save requires one for whole-home heat pumps and for partial-home projects pursuing the bonuses, so book it first.
- Get quotes from installers in the Mass Save Heat Pump Installer Network. Ask each one to confirm in writing that the equipment is on the Mass Save qualified product list and that the system will be sized for your home.
- Decide whether to apply for the HEAT Loan before work starts, so the financing and the rebate paperwork match.
- Have the contractor install and submit the rebate application.
- Allow about 8 weeks for the heat pump rebate to process. Missing paperwork or a required inspection can delay payment.
Is there a federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2026?
No. The federal 25C energy efficiency tax credit is unavailable for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025, and the placed in service date is what counts, not the date you ordered or paid a deposit. A qualifying 2025 installation can still be claimed on your 2025 return. If a contractor or website is still advertising it for a 2026 install, ask them to show you the current IRS guidance. Mass Save rebates and the HEAT Loan are the main incentives left for most Quincy homeowners.
Should you do insulation before a heat pump?
Usually yes. Insulation and air sealing lower how much heat your home needs, which can mean a smaller and cheaper heat pump. The Home Energy Assessment is where the auditor flags this. Mass Save advertises 75% to 100% off approved insulation and air sealing, and coverage depends on the property, the approved scope, and the program pathway. Eligible rental properties and some 2 to 4 unit condo buildings can qualify for up to 100%. The HEAT Loan can help with costs that are not covered.
Does a heat pump add value when you sell a Quincy home?
It can help, but it is not a guaranteed dollar-for-dollar return. Buyers in Greater Boston increasingly ask about heating costs, central air, and whether a home still depends on oil. A modern heat pump answers all three, and it tends to matter most for a buyer comparing two otherwise similar older homes. Before you spend money to sell, ask for a local opinion on your specific house. I can run that comparison with you using recent Quincy sales.
If you are buying, an aging oil system or an underground oil tank is worth pricing out before you make an offer. See also our guide on underground oil tanks in Quincy.
Which Quincy homes benefit most?
Older single-families in Wollaston, Houghs Neck, Adams Shore, and Squantum, and the many two and three family homes across the city, often have uneven insulation and older boilers. Those are the homes where an assessment most often finds meaningful savings. Newer condos in buildings such as Marina Bay often share a heating system run by the association, so a building-wide change is an association decision, not yours alone. Individually owned condo units can generally apply for in-unit equipment, but check your condo documents and get association approval for anything touching exterior walls, roofs, or common electrical.
The Bottom Line
If your Quincy home heats with oil or an old boiler, a Mass Save assessment is the right first call because it is free and it unlocks the rebates and the 0% HEAT Loan. The numbers move from year to year, so confirm them with Mass Save, and do not let a contractor start work before the assessment is done.