New Year, New Rules: Mass Save 2026 Rebate Changes and Updates
- Sophia Griffin
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Changes are coming to the MassSave® program in 2026; Here’s what Massachusetts homeowners interested in updating their heating and/or cooling systems need to know.
What is MassSave®?
The MassSave® program is a collaborative of utility and energy providers, including those like National Grid and Eversource. They provide financial incentives for thousands of Massachusetts homeowners each year through their rebate programs, which cover various types of efficiency-enhancing equipment from heat pumps to thermostats. In 2023 alone, North Reading residents received $490,548 in incentives from MassSave®.[1]
This year, MassSave® rolled out some modifications to the previous 2025 rebate structures. While savings are still significant, we have observed a broader trend of reductions across all heat pump categories as well as the expiration of certain tax incentive programs. Read more to find out how much your family could save this year when choosing energy efficient home comfort solutions.
2026 MassSave® Rebates for Air-Source Heat Pumps
The following changes were put into effect on January 1st, 2026:
Whole-home heat pump rebates have decreased to $2,650 per ton, capped at $8,500
Partial-home heat pump rebates have decreased to $1,125 per ton, capped at $8,500
ALSO
Several federal tax credits authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act expired at the end of 2025, including for heat pumps. Expenditures made after December 31, 2025, are not eligible for this credit.
2026 MassSave® Rebates for Ground-Source Heat Pumps
The following changes were put into effect on January 1st, 2026:
The whole-home rebate for has decreased to $13,500 per home.
ALSO
IRA Section 25D tax incentives, which allow homeowners to credit up to 30% of the cost of installing solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and batteries against their taxes, expired at the end of 2025. As a result, any expenditures associated with these improvements made after December 31, 2025 are not eligible for the credit.
2026 MassSave® Rebates for Air to Water Heat Pumps
The following changes were put into effect on January 1st, 2026:
The rebate for Air to Water Heat Pumps has decreased to $2,650 per ton, capped at $8,500
ALSO
IRA Section 25C tax incentives, which allow homeowners to claim up to $3,200 annually for qualifying energy efficiency home improvements – including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and weatherization measures – is set to expire at the end of 2025. Expenditures made after December 31, 2025, will no longer be eligible for this credit. Air to water heat pump rebates are changing effective January 1, 2026
Heat Pump Model Eligibility Update
MassSave® is also bringing attention to the new refrigerant standards that have been enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the resulting amendments to the MassSave® program. Over the course of the past year, the EPA has been rolling out restrictions regarding the use of refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of over 700. R410A, which has been "the standard in residential HVAC systems for years"[2] has a GWP rating of 2,000+, putting it in conflict with the new regulations.
What does this mean for homeowners in Massachusetts? Essentially, heat pump models that use R410A refrigerant are no longer eligible for any MassSave® rebate and have been removed from their list of qualified products as per EPA requirement updates.
Thermostats, Room A/C, and Integrated Controls
Homeowners may also wonder about the MassSave® thermostat rebates in 2026, or the MassSave® integrated controls rebates in 2026. Good news here! There are no modifications currently to the incentives for smart thermostats or integrated controls systems. Discounts for ENERGY STAR® certified room A/C units also remain.
Upgrading to a Heat Pump in North Reading, MA
If you're ready to start your journey towards energy efficiency and utility savings, but aren't familiar yet with the MassSave® process, J. Griffin Heating, Plumbing & Cooling is here to help. Our team of efficiency aficionados can walk you through each step with ease, including: determining what type of heat pump system is optimal for your home, exploring financing options, and of course, completing the installation with the skill and professionalism we are known for! To get started, you can contact us through our booking form, or call (781) 520-1212.
Thanks for reading, for smarter, better heating!
-J. Griffin Heating, Plumbing & Cooling
Mass Save. (2024). Advancing customer savings and community benefits. https://www.masssave.com/-/media/Files/PDFs/2024-Mass-Save-Annual-Impact-Report.pdf
Haines, M. (2025, July 22). What is the 2025 refrigerant Phase-Out. AC Direct. https://www.acdirect.com/blog/refrigerant-phaseout-2025-epa-r410a-ban/