Heat Pump & Optional Weatherization Rebate Program

Eligible Customer Class(es): ALL (see rebate limitations regarding eligibility for gas customers)

Description: To promote electrification and reduce net carbon emissions, RMLD offers rebates to customers who install a heat pump in their home or business, and an optional add-on incentive for installing weatherization upgrades. Heat pumps are an HVAC technology that provides all-in-one heating and cooling and offer many advantages over traditional oil, propane, or electric resistance systems including cost savings, improved efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions. The efficiency of heat pumps is improved by pairing them with improved weatherization.

Maximum Incentive: 

• Heat Pump: Heat pump rebate paid will not exceed $6,000 (six-thousand dollars).
• Weatherization Add-on: Weatherization rebate paid will not exceed $2,500 (two-thousand, five-hundred dollars).

Rebate Limitations: Two heat pump rebates per account (meter) every 12 years. One weatherization add-on rebate every 12 years. Gas customers who participate in MassSave heat pump rebates are not eligible for these rebates.

Eligible Equipment and Incentive Amounts:

*Actual tons are calculated based on AHRI-rated cooling capacity divided by 12,000 BTUs. Rebate amount based on actual tons.

**Not to exceed 50% of total installed costs (including tax).

***Replacement of non-cold climate ASHPs (not on NEEP ccASHP list) eligible for $1,000 per ton rebate. Must provide nameplate and spec sheet of previous ASHP system.

****Customers may also be eligible for federal tax incentives for installing ASHPs, geothermal heat pumps, and weatherization improvements. Consult with a tax professional for more information.

Requirements/Process Steps:

• Recommended Consultation with a Heat Pump Specialist:
  • Abode Energy Management (Abode) provides no-cost consultations to RMLD customers and contractors, providing support with:
    • Understanding how heat pumps work
    • Guidance on working with contractors
    • Reviewing and comparing quotes

  • Consultation is highly recommended but not required for Air Source Heat Pump Rebate Program 

  • Customers can schedule a consultation here:

• Obtain Preapproval (Optional):
  • The contractor MUST call RMLD at 781-942-6598 to obtain a Utility Authorization Number (UAN). 
  • The contractor must obtain a Town Electrical Permit.
  • The contractor can submit an Optional Pre-Approval Form to verify that a project qualifies for the Air Source Heat Pump Rebate Program: http://abodeem.com/preapproval . The optional pre-approval does not exempt the project from the required Install QA Form, which must be submitted by the contractor after installation. 
• Install System
  • System must be connected by a licensed electrician.
  • After installation, the contractor must complete the Quality Assurance Form  for final review and approval by Abode. The following must be uploaded to the post-install QA Form: for final review and approval by Abode. The following must be uploaded to the post-install QA Form:
    • Final Invoice(s), which must include the following information:
      • date
      • vendor
      • customer name & address
      • equipment installed including model #
      • price paid
      • zero balance or paid in full
    • Photos for each installed unit:
      • Exterior Photos:
        • Close up photo of model number nameplate on the installed outdoor system(s)
        • Photo (less than three feet away) of exterior line set(s) connected to outdoor unit(s) showing insulated line set
        • Distant photo of installed outdoor system(s) showing entire line set and outdoor unit
      • Interior Photo(s):
        • Picture of indoor air handler(s) if installed

    • AHRI Certification(s) 

    • Product Specification Sheet(s) 

    • The contractor must ensure that the Town Wiring Inspection is completed.
    • Upon approval, the Air Source Heat Pump & Optional Weatherization Rebate Application Form is sent to the customer by Abode.

Requirements/Process Steps (Weatherization Add-On):

• Consult with a Weatherization Specialist:
  • Abode Energy Management (Abode) provides no-cost consultations to RMLD customers regarding weatherization
  • Customers are required to work with an approved home performance contractor (HPC) to qualify for the weatherization add-on incentive.
  • Customers can schedule a consultation here:
• Complete Home Performance Contractor (HPC) Scoping Visit:
  • All approved HPCs use the same pricebook and scoping guidelines.
  • Abode will approve the project before installation starts
  • Weatherization must be installed in conjunction with a heat pump system.
• Install Weatherization Upgrades:
  • After installation, HPC completes a post-installation quality assurance (QA) form for the weatherization installation.
  • Upon approval, the Heat Pump & Optional Weatherization Rebate Application Form is sent to the customer by Abode.

How to Apply: Submit completed rebate application to rmld@abodeem.com.

Application Deadline: Application must be received within 180 days of final wiring inspection.

Payment Method: This rebate will be issued as a check. If customer also receives the Weatherization Add-On rebate, both rebates will be issued in the same check.

Noteworthy changes from previous version of program:

06.22.23 – Added information on Optional Weatherization Add-On rebate. Updated eligibility to include ground source heat pumps.

01.01.23 – Updated QA process, so that pre-approval form is streamlined and optional. Updated efficiency requirements for eligible equipment. 

09.29.22 – Updated rebate limitations from one to two rebates per account (meter) every 12 years.

02.25.22 – Updated eligible customer class and rebate limitations to reflect that gas customers who are eligible to participate in MassSave heat pump rebates are not eligible for this rebate. Updated rebate limitations from “location” to “account (meter)” for clarification.

01.20.22 – Updated how to apply directing customers to send completed rebate applications to Abode.

05.11.21 – Updated application deadline language from “submitted” to “received.”

05.05.21 – Clarified details regarding required photos/documentation and the final invoice. Clarified efficiency requirements. Updated maximum incentive to $6,000; removed 50% cap. Updated rebate limitations to one rebate per location every 12 years rather than one rebate per building zone every 12 years. Removed integrated controls add-on rebate.

01.29.21 – Changed nominal capacity to cooling capacity where cooling capacity is clearly stated on AHRI spec sheets.

10.01.20 - Pre-approval and post-installation processes through Abode Energy Management were added.

04.27.20 – Incentive amounts updated.

03.05.20 – ASHPs removed from Appliance rebate into stand-alone program; incentive amounts updated. 

Effective Date: January 20, 2021