Danvers, Mass. – September 26, 2026 -- Massachusetts homeowners can now access rebates of up to $8,500 through the state's Mass Save energy-efficiency program when upgrading to a heat pump, according to Danvers-based HVAC company Townsend.
The rebates, which range from a few hundred dollars to the $8,500 maximum depending on qualifications, are paired with 0% interest financing through Mass Save's HEAT Loan program and free home energy assessments that identify which upgrades a property needs.
Paperwork keeps many homeowners from claiming free money
Townsend says the rebate application process is often too complicated for homeowners to complete on their own, requiring eligibility documentation, contractor forms, and navigation of an online portal that many find difficult to use. The company created a dedicated rebate team led by rebate specialist Melissa Clark, who manages the process from start to finish, including gathering documentation, uploading paperwork, tracking deadlines, and following up on missing information.
"Townsend is one of the only companies that will hold the customer's hand through this whole process," said Jimi Letchford, Chief Growth Officer at Townsend. "Most other companies will say, 'submit your paperwork,' and then leave it all to the customer."
Two myths stop homeowners from applying
Townsend says one common misconception is that homeowners must fully replace an oil or gas furnace to qualify for a rebate. They don't -- a heat pump installed as a supplement to an existing fossil fuel system still qualifies, though typically at a smaller rebate tier than a full whole-home conversion.
A second myth is that heat pumps can't handle New England winters. Townsend says older systems struggled in extreme cold, but modern heat pumps are built to perform efficiently even on the coldest days. The company also notes that advertised rebate amounts can vary based on the size and type of system installed, which its sales team reviews with customers before paperwork is submitted.
Assessments now avoid mid-winter emergencies
Townsend recommends homeowners start with a home energy assessment, which audits the property and produces recommendations -- most often a heat pump paired with weatherization -- that guide both the project and rebate eligibility. Starting before winter gives homeowners time to secure financing and build a complete rebate application rather than scrambling after a system fails in cold weather.