Norfolk County’s Building Decarbonization Mandate: Why Homeowners Must Switch from Gas Heat by 2030

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Massachusetts Building Decarbonization Goals: Why Norfolk County Homeowners Should Consider Switching from Gas Heat by 2030

While there isn’t a specific mandate forcing Norfolk County homeowners to abandon gas heating by 2030, Massachusetts has established ambitious climate goals that are driving a massive shift toward electric heating systems across the Commonwealth. Understanding these evolving policies and the incentives available can help homeowners make informed decisions about their heating systems.

Massachusetts Climate Goals and Building Electrification

Massachusetts signed the Next Generation Roadmap Law into law on March 26, 2021, setting ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and requiring the Commonwealth to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030. Statewide, buildings generate about 35% of Massachusetts’ overall annual emissions, making them the second-biggest source of planet-warming pollution after the transportation sector.

There are about 2.6 million homes in Massachusetts, and approximately 80% use fossil fuels for heating. The state’s climate plan calls for electrifying 26% of households by 2025 and 38% by 2030. This translates to about 100,000 heat pumps installed by 2025 and 500,000 by 2030.

The Heat Pump Revolution

Heat pumps have emerged as the preferred solution for building decarbonization in Massachusetts. Heat pumps use electricity to provide heating and cooling — think of them like an air conditioning unit that can also work in reverse. They’re not a new technology, but the development of systems that work well in cold weather has enabled states like Massachusetts to make them a central part of their climate plans. Even though more than half of New England’s electricity comes from burning fossil fuels — primarily natural gas — electric heat pumps are more efficient than natural gas furnaces, meaning using one to heat your home results in fewer carbon emissions.

In an agreement announced Wednesday, the participating states — Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island — are aiming to have 65% of all new residential HVAC and hot water heating systems be electric heat pumps by 2030. By 2040, that goal rises to 90% of all new systems.

Financial Incentives Making the Switch Affordable

Massachusetts offers substantial financial incentives to help homeowners transition to heat pumps. Under this program, you can qualify for residential heat pump rebates of up to $10,000 for air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) and $15,000 for ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs). Additional incentives are available for income-qualified households.

Massachusetts already incentivizes heat pump installations through its energy efficiency program, Mass Save, and residents can also take advantage of generous federal tax credits established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The Mass Save HEAT Loan Program provides 0% interest loans of up to $25,000 for weatherization services, heat pumps, and electric panel upgrades.

The state’s Department of Public Utilities announced yesterday that customers of all three of the state’s electric utilities will be eligible for discounted seasonal heat pump rates, starting this November. “The new rates effective this winter make our clean energy transition more affordable and accessible,” DPU Commissioner Staci Rubin said in a statement yesterday.

Growing Momentum and Market Trends

The heat pump market in Massachusetts is experiencing explosive growth. In 2021, Mass Save recorded 8,603 home heat pump installations. In 2022, that number jumped to 18,362. The next year: 28,084. And for 2024, 40,000 homes made the switch.

Massachusetts’ network of vetted and trained heat pump installers is emerging as an essential asset for achieving the state’s ambitious heating electrification goals. Since its launch in early 2022, the network has enrolled nearly 850 contractors who completed more than 18,000 heat pump installations last year, more than doubling the numbers from the previous year.

Why Norfolk County Homeowners Should Act Now

For Norfolk County residents, working with an experienced Norfolk County HVAC Contractor is essential when considering the transition to heat pumps. At Dempsey Energy, we understand that your home’s comfort depends on reliable North Attleboro HVAC, plumbing, electrical and energy systems. For over 30 years, families across Massachusetts have trusted us to keep their homes running efficiently and comfortably.

Several factors make 2025 an ideal time to consider switching:

  • You can still take advantage of the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. The credit includes up to $2,000 a year for installing a heat pump, as well as up to $1,200 for certain other types of energy-efficiency improvements to your home. However, the heat pump must be installed by Dec. 31, 2025 in order to qualify.
  • Massachusetts’ climate plan includes a goal of reaching 500,000 heat pumps by 2030. As of last September, the state said over 90,000 heat pumps had been installed through Mass Save.
  • In a report released late last year, a state analysis found that Massachusetts is on track to meet the 2025 goal, but will need to significantly ramp up heat pump adoption to meet the 2030 goal.

Building Code Changes Supporting Electrification

The updates do not prohibit natural gas hookups in new buildings but incentivize builders to opt for electric heat pumps instead. The changes stem from 2021 legislation that required Massachusetts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% below 1990 levels by 2030.

To give heat pumps another leg up, the DOER gave them a three-point HERS advantage. Building all-electric in the updated stretch energy code will likely be sufficient to achieve a 45 HERS score, because heat pumps are more efficient than gas furnaces, DOER Energy Efficiency Division Deputy Director Ian Finlayson said.

The Bottom Line for Norfolk County Homeowners

While there’s no specific mandate forcing Norfolk County homeowners to switch from gas heat by 2030, the combination of state climate goals, generous financial incentives, and improving technology makes heat pumps an increasingly attractive option. With fast, same-day repairs, fully stocked trucks, and 24/7 emergency services, we’re here when you need us most—ensuring your home stays safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

The transition to clean heating is happening across Massachusetts, and Norfolk County homeowners who act now can take advantage of substantial rebates, tax credits, and financing options while positioning themselves for a cleaner, more efficient future. As the state works toward its 2030 and 2050 climate goals, early adopters will benefit from the best incentives and avoid potential future restrictions on fossil fuel heating systems.

“Working with other states on the transition to zero-emission buildings will not only advance our work, but also will build on our longstanding collaboration to address climate change, reduce air pollution, improve public health, and promote sustainability,” Rebecca Tepper, the state’s secretary of energy and environmental affairs, said in a statement.