SPONSORED CONTENT: Want to make a real difference in your community and help preserve the planet for future generations? In this series, the Town of Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee shares six practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint—for example, by converting your home heating and cooling to efficient, eco-friendly heat pumps.
Heat pumps are among the most energy-efficient solutions today. By switching from natural gas, oil, propane, or electric resistance heating, you can significantly reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and lower your energy bills.
Why Choose a Heat Pump?
- Climate Impact: Heat pumps are up to four times more efficient than traditional fossil fuel heating systems. Wellesley’s buildings, including residences, contribute 63% of the town’s greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, 70% of the electric power Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) supplies its customers comes from non-carbon emitting sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, and nuclear). So upgrading to a heat pump is a powerful way to help us achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Comfort: Enjoy better humidity control and filtered indoor air, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
- Savings: Reduce heating and cooling costs, particularly if you are replacing oil, propane, electric resistance heating, or window air conditioners. Use the Mass Save® Heating Comparison Calculator to estimate your annual fuel and electricity savings, equipment costs, and payback period (enter $0.17/kWh as the WMLP’s “Current electricity price”).
- Incentives: Act now to take advantage of federal tax credits and combine them with local and state rebates for whole-home systems and partial-home systems. Federal tax credits of 30% (up to $2,000) are available for installations completed before December 31, 2025.
- Zero-interest loans are available through participating lenders. Read more about heat pump incentives here.
Ready to take action?
Connect with a Wellesley Energy Coach (EnergyCoach@wellesleyma.gov) to get started with a free home energy assessment, weatherizing your home, and confirming that a heat pump is right for you.
Join us at the upcoming event: Heat Pump Forum and Pizza Party
DATE: October 16, 2025
TIME: 6:30–7:00 p.m. for Pizza and socializing; 7:00–8:30 p.m. – Sessions and Q&A
LOCATION: Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington Street, Wellesley
REGISTER: Here
Hear from heat pump experts and installers, Town staff, and neighbors about how heating and cooling with heat pumps can lower your energy bills and carbon footprint. Register at bit.ly/heatpump25.
