Jun. 30, 2025
Heat pumps in general are an objectively great idea. But the decision gets a little muddier when you try to narrow it down to which specific heat pump you should get. There are reasons most people aren’t just going out to Home Depot and bringing home whatever random heat pump they find on the shelves. You can even order one with free shipping on Amazon, but we wouldn’t recommend doing that, either.
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Unless you’re already an experienced home renovator, you’ll need to find a contractor to help you through your heat pump journey—and the way that works for your situation will depend on a number of factors, including the kind of home you live in, as well as your local climate and incentive programs. That’s why instead of recommending the best heat pump for most people, we’ve come up with some basic criteria to help you navigate the process of upgrading the HVAC system in your home.
For the purposes of this guide, we’re focusing primarily on air-source heat pumps (sometimes referred to as “air-to-air” heat pumps). As their name suggests, these models exchange the heat between the air around you and the air outside. Air-to-air heat pumps are the most common option for American households and are the most easily adapted into various living situations. However, you can also find other kinds of heat pumps, which pull heat from different sources. A geothermal heat pump, for example, draws heat from a well in the ground. We have some advice to get you started on that process as well.
The size you need depends on the size and layout of your home, your energy needs, your insulation, and more.
Air conditioning capacity is typically measured in British thermal units, or Btu. When you’re buying a window AC or a portable unit, you usually need to choose one based on the size of the room you plan to use it in. But selecting a heat pump system is a little more complicated than that. It’s still based, in part, on square footage—experts we interviewed agreed with the general calculation of about 1 ton of air conditioning (equivalent to 12,000 Btu) for every 500 square feet in your home. In addition, there is a set of standards maintained by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America trade association called Manual J (PDF), which calculates the impact of other factors such as insulation, air filtration, windows, and local climate to give you a more accurate load size for a specific home. A good contractor should be able to help you with this.
You also have a few monetary reasons to size your system correctly. Most statewide programs base their incentives on the efficiency of the system—after all, a more efficient system uses less electricity, which helps cut back more on fossil-fuel consumption. In Massachusetts, for example, most residents can get up to $10,000 back by installing heat pumps in their entire home, but only if the system achieves a certain performance standard set by the state. In other words, an inefficient home with an under- or oversize system could actually disqualify you from a rebate, as well as add to your monthly energy bills.
A heat pump almost certainly will work in your home, because heat pumps are especially modular. “They’re able to be adapted to basically every situation,” said Dan Zamagni, the director of operations at Boston Standard Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, the company that worked on the Ritters’ house. “Whether it’s a really old home, or we’re limited by the construction we can do in people’s homes without being too disruptive—there’s always a way to make it work.”
Zamagni went on to explain that a heat pump condenser—the part that goes outside your home—can be mounted on a wall, the roof, or the ground, typically on a bracketed stand or leveling pad. Ductless systems also provide you with plenty of versatility for interior mounting (assuming you don’t already have a duct system or room to add one). Things might get a bit complicated if you live in, say, a tightly packed row house in a historic district that restricts what you can put on the facade. There are also some limits on the length of the lineset (piping) that runs between the condenser and the indoor units But generally speaking, a savvy contractor should be able to figure something out that works for you.
When you’re buying something as expensive and long-lasting as a heat pump, you should make sure you’re getting something from a manufacturer that has a good reputation and can provide you with quality customer support for years to come. Daikin, LG HVAC, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi / Trane all offer warranties up to 12 years, for example, while Carrier and Rheem cover you for up to 10 years.
That being said, the heat pump you ultimately pick will likely have more to do with finding a good contractor than going with your personal preference. More often than not, your contractor or installer will be the one sourcing the parts. There may be some models that have better efficiency or distribution in certain geographic regions. And you should be confident that the contractor is familiar with this expensive equipment that they’re permanently installing in your home.
All of the manufacturers we mentioned above also have some sort of preferred dealer program—contractors that are specifically trained in their products and can provide manufacturer-approved service. Many preferred dealers also have priority access to parts and equipment. Dan Zamagni of Boston Standard, which is recognized as a Mitsubishi and Trane preferred installer, said, “We try to stick with a few brands for repetition with the installers and them knowing the equipment. Same with the sales desk, so they can all speak to this and are well trained on the products.”
Generally speaking, it’s better to find a good preferred contractor first and then take advantage of their expertise with the brands they’re familiar with. That service often comes with better warranties, too. It doesn’t do much good to fall in love with a specific heat pump only to find that no one in your area knows how to service or install it.
Looking at a heat pump’s ratings can help, but don’t focus exclusively on that. Almost any heat pump offers such major advantages over traditional equipment that it’s usually not necessary to seek out the absolute highest metrics within the heat pump category.
Most heat pumps have two different efficiency ratings. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER2, measures the system’s cooling capacity as it compares to energy use. By contrast, the heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF2, measures heating capacity as it relates to energy consumption. The US Department of Energy recommends seeking out a higher HSPF2 in colder climates or a higher SEER2 in warmer climates.
Heat pumps that qualify for Energy Star status need to meet a certain threshold for both SEER2 and HSPF2; different states may also have their own energy-efficiency standards that factor in local climate considerations.
As with heat pump sizing, the ultimate energy efficiency of your entire home will depend on a number of factors in addition to the heat pump itself, such as weatherization and air filtration, the climate in which you live, and how you plan on using your system.
If you really want to get into the weeds, the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership has compiled one of the most comprehensive databases of heat pump performance efficiency in different weather conditions. Again, we would not recommend just picking the top performing model off the list, because it won’t necessarily be the best choice for your particular home, in your specific region, with the installers and service options available to you. But if you want to make sure you’re considering some decent models, the NEEP list is a good (if slightly overwhelming) place to start.
Yep, if you already have a central air system in your home, you can use your existing duct system to move the air from your heat pump. And you don’t actually need ducts: Air-source heat pumps are also available in the form of ductless mini-splits. Most manufacturers offer both options, and a good contractor can advise you on setting up different zones within your home to maximize comfort and make the best use of what your home already has installed.
Heat pumps are versatile when it comes to retrofits into existing ducting, and they can also work within a hybrid system that has both ducted and ductless units, feeding off a single condenser unit the house. When the Ritter family was upgrading their Boston home with heat pumps, for example, they used the existing air handlers to create a new ducted air system on the second floor, and then they added two ductless mini-splits to cover the office and the master bedroom upstairs, all of which tied back to the same source. “It’s a bit of a unique system,” Mike Ritter told us, “but in our case, it just ended up working best.”
In general, try to get a few different ideas from contractors about how to adapt your existing HVAC system. Doing so might save you some money, or it might not be worth the effort or expense. One encouraging factor we found in our research is that your existing system, whatever type it is, shouldn’t prevent you from getting a heat pump to supplement, offset, or replace what’s already there. You can adapt a heat pump to pretty much any home layout, as long as you (and, really, your contractor) know what you’re doing. (Case-in-point: I live on the lower level of a converted townhouse built into the backside of an old 19th-century industrial rubber mill, and we were still able to make a heat pump system work.)
Yes, but we don’t recommend such models. Sure, if you live somewhere that has a warmer climate year-round, it might sound redundant to add a new heating system to your home. But such a system is “essentially the same piece of equipment with a few extra parts, and you can make the swap with almost no extra work,” said Nate Adams, a home-performance consultant, in an interview with The New York Times. Those extra parts cost only a few hundred dollars more, and that markup is likely to be covered by a rebate anyway. There’s also the fact that heat pumps get exponentially more efficient as the home’s temperature approaches that comfort zone in the mid-60s. So on those rare days when it does drop into the 50s, the system barely has to use any energy to warm your home back up. You’re basically getting the heat for free at that point.
If you already have an oil- or gas-powered heat source that you don’t want to replace, you could install a hybrid-heat or dual-heat system that uses those fossil fuels as a backup or supplement to the heat pump. This kind of system can save you some money during a particularly frigid winter—and believe it or not, it can actually be a better choice for reducing carbon emissions (in the winter, at least). We have a separate section with more details below.
The contractor you hire to install your heat pump could be more important to your overall experience (and cost) than the heat pump itself. “As everyone’s trying to price-shop around, you can find yourself with a real low-level contractor,” said Dan Zamagni of Boston Standard. “Probably the third-biggest purchase people make in their homes is heating and cooling systems, and you wouldn’t treat a car or a home purchase in the same way. People try to nickel-and-dime that, but you do get what you pay for.” In other words, if you’re paying tens of thousands of dollars for someone to make your home more comfortable, more affordable, and better for the planet, you should make sure they do it right.
While pricing varies, a heat pump system is likely going to cost you between $8,000 and $30,000, depending on how many units you need to cover your home. There are also a wide range of rebates and tax credits available to offset that cost, including a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. You may be eligible for other financing incentives as well, depending on where you live. And regardless of location, a heat pump can help reduce the utility bills in nearly every US household by a median amount between $300 to $650 per year, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Those savings add up over time, too.
Some anecdotal examples we’ve come across in conversation during this research:
These prices aren’t just for the hardware—they include labor costs and insulation, along with any specialized work such as architectural planning, wall construction, masonry installation work, and so on. While it’s a wide range, it should hopefully give you a rough idea of what to expect when you start talking to contractors.
Of course, not everyone has an easy time finding the help they need. So we’ve put together some other guidance to keep you on the path.
The fact that you’re reading this guide already gives you a good head start. For this guide, we spoke to several contractors, all of whom told us the same thing: Only about half of their heat pump customers come to them knowing ahead of time that they’re specifically looking to install a heat pump.
“Just knowing that heat pumps are an option is helpful,” 3H Hybrid Heat Homes co-author Alexander Gard-Murray told us. “I think the most important thing consumers can do is just to actively try to get a contractor who’s up on heat pumps, who can give them a good picture of what’s available with the current models, and the current climate zones.”
That being said, we don’t recommend making all of your decisions before you find a contractor. You might have your heart set on a specific heat pump model only to find that parts and service for it are hard to come by in your area (which is especially the case in a world that’s already facing other supply-chain issues). A good contractor will know what’s available, how its performance would compare with that of more traditional HVAC options, and what’s best for the climate you live in.
One of the best ways to find a contractor is to find someone else who worked with a contractor they liked. If you see a friend or a neighbor with heat pumps at their home, ask them about their experience. Check your local community social media forums on Facebook or Neighbors, as well. People may even recommend that you try a different contractor, or they may offer some advice on unexpected issues that surprised them, and all of that is helpful, too.
“Find someone you know who had a heat pump installed and ask them about it,” Gard-Murray said. “Basically anyone who installs a heat pump gets really excited about it, and you start hearing more and more. It’s like an avalanche of excitement about heat pumps. I think consumer experience is the biggest thing selling them.”
Many heat pump manufacturers, including Carrier, Daikin, LG HVAC, and Mitsubishi / Trane, all have some kind of preferred partnership program for independent contractors. To qualify, those contractors have to meet a certain level of standards in working with the equipment and thus meet the manufacturer’s ideal expectations. If a contractor has earned this seal of approval from one or more manufacturers, that’s a good sign.
Contractors’ membership in such programs is not just a testimony to their knowledge and skill, as these contractors also tend to offer better warranties on parts and labor (and have the relationships to make sure they can get the parts they need). Although most standard Trane ductless heat pumps come with a 10-year warranty (PDF), for example, a heat pump installed by a certified Trane Comfort Specialist usually has a 12-year warranty for the equipment, plus additional coverage for parts and labor directly through your contractor.
A good sign of a reliable contractor is their willingness to prepare for you a written document detailing the potential project and costs, with no commitment or payment from you. A representative might come by your home for a site visit and give you an eyeball estimate of the project costs, but if they won’t commit it to paper—before you start negotiating—that’s a huge red flag.
Before Mike Ritter settled with Boston Standard for his heat pump renovation, the two parties went through six rounds of project proposals over the course of three months before finding one that worked. Boston Standard presented a few different ideas—ducted versus ductless systems, different zoning options, and such—as well as the costs associated with each. Those documents even included information on warranties, as well as the potential rebates that Ritter could expect once the project was done. It was that sort of attention to detail that convinced him to take the leap, despite the higher up-front cost. “We didn’t know much about heat pumps beforehand,” Ritter told us. “We were planning on just replacing the boiler, but as we talked with Boston Standard, we started to realize it might actually work to put in a heat pump and get air conditioning out of the equation, as well.”
Heat pump systems are impressively modular, and there should be a way to make them work in almost any home situation. But this is also your home we’re talking about, and you’re the one who will have to live with whatever changes the contractor makes to it. A good contractor should be on the lookout for any potential problems or hiccups from the very first site visit. And that means you should be getting answers to lots of questions. Are they paying attention to the amperage on the circuit breaker, for example? Are they giving you a preliminary idea of how and where they might install the units? Are their project proposal quotes accurate and detailed?
“A lot of contractors can find themselves sort of slapping these systems in without really taking the right measurements and things that should be taken into account,” Zamagni of Boston Standard told us. He specifically mentioned things such as the software the contractor uses to size your system, and whether they’re factoring in elements like windows and weatherization. There are also acoustic considerations: Although heat pumps are typically quieter than other HVAC systems, the outdoor units still have fans and compressors and other mechanical parts that could cause problems in an alleyway or next to a bedroom window. These are the sort of questions you should ask—but you should also look for a contractor who looks for things you didn’t think to look for.
Choose a contractor who provides more than just labor. “Consumers should be asking contractors—and doing the math themselves—to understand the long-term savings, and not just the up-front costs,” said Alexander Gard-Murray.
A good contractor will understand the significance of this long-term investment and should be able to walk you through it, as well. Ideally, they also should be able to help you figure out how to pay for it, whether that’s by offering financing options or helping you secure one of the many, many heat pump rebates available. In addition to the federal tax credit of up to $2,000 available under the Inflation Reduction Act, there are also many statewide incentive programs available, depending on where you live. In Massachusetts, for example, the Mass Save program offers rebates for heat pump installation projects up to $16,000, depending on your income level, as well as seven-year, zero-interest loans of up to $50,000 to help cover the remaining costs, including weatherization. A good contractor should at least be aware of the full range of options available to you and help you navigate the requirements.
One other thing to keep in mind is that these funds don’t always come from the same place or arrive at the same time. Some states provide rebates at or before the point of sale, while others may require you to submit a form and wait for a check to come back to you in the mail. There are also tax-based incentives, like the credits available that come in the form of tax credits, so you might not even notice them until next April (by which point you’ll hopefully find yourself pleasantly surprised by the unexpected surplus).
When you’re looking at the total cost of your proposed project, think about what you’re actually getting out of the deal. It’s not just the heat pump itself. It’s also the customer service, it’s also the warranty, and it’s also the expertise and guidance on how to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Some contractors even offer additional services, such as handling all of that complex and confusing financial paperwork. That’s a major reason Mike Ritter went with Boston Standard for his heat pump renovation: The company handled all of the paperwork as part of the proposal, which meant he didn’t have to wait around for the rebate check to process.
“We collect everything from the customer, we process the rebates for them, we submit everything,” explained Zamagni of Boston Standard. “It takes the burden away from the homeowner, who may be overwhelmed with the process overall. It helps with our whole package, so it’s basically a turnkey system for them.”
While working on this guide, I did hear a few anecdotes about people who weren’t able to get the rebates they were expecting or planning on because of some miscommunication or confusion with the contractor, or some mishandled paperwork. How often this actually happens isn’t clear, but it’s still a good reminder that some things are worth being more selective on when you hire, especially when you’re already spending tens of thousands of dollars on an HVAC system that’s supposed to last you 15 years or more.
“A lot of these [HVAC replacement] decisions are made under duress, like when a system fails in the middle of winter,” said Robert Cooper, president and CEO of Embue, a company that specializes in sustainable options for multi-family buildings. “You’re going to replace it with the quickest thing that you can get somebody in there. You’re not going to shop around.”
Although we can’t prevent those kinds of emergencies from happening, we can encourage you to start thinking about your future heat pump ahead of time so you’re not ending up in a situation that forces you into a 15-year commitment to an inefficient fossil-fuel heater. It’s completely normal to take a few months to negotiate over project quotes, and then again to schedule your installation based on the availability of equipment and labor. If a potential installer tries to pressure you into acting fast, especially if you’re not in a heating or cooling emergency, that’s another red flag.
Aside from living with the equipment for 15 years, you may also be entering a long-term relationship with your contractor. If anything goes wrong, you’ll continue seeing them as long as you’re covered under warranty.
It bears repeating that heat pumps in general are not only greener and more efficient than other home heating and cooling systems but also more modular and adaptable. Up until this point, we’ve tried to focus on advice that’s broadly applicable to anyone looking to buy a heat pump. But there is some other helpful information we’ve gathered in our research that could be either absolutely crucial or completely irrelevant to you depending on your situation.
Even if you buy the most cutting-edge heat pump system available, it won’t do much if your home is drafty. Without proper weatherization, nearly 40% of heat pump owners could actually see an increase in their energy bills, according to a study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These poorly insulated homes can leak up to 20% of their energy, per Energy Star. That’s not just bad for your budget; it’s also bad for the environment. In fact, just one-third of US homes are responsible for nearly 75% of all residential carbon emissions, according to the US Energy Information Administration, which has a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and people of color.
But you won’t have to worry about any of that if your home is sealed and weatherized.
Many statewide heat pump incentive programs do not merely encourage but require updated weatherization before you qualify for a rebate or a loan. Some of these states also provide free weatherization consultation services, which may include free or heavily discounted insulation and air sealing. If you live in a drafty home, this is something to look into even before you start reaching out to contractors about installing a heat pump.
Most heat pumps use inverter technology. Whereas traditional air conditioners have only two speeds—completely on or completely off—inverters allow a system to run continuously at variable speeds, using only as much energy as it needs to maintain a comfortable temperature. Ultimately it uses less energy, makes less noise, and feels more comfortable pretty much all the time. The top picks in our guides to portable air conditioners and window air conditioners are all inverter units, and we highly recommend that you choose a heat pump with an inverter compressor, too.
Inverter technology also works well in conjunction with the variable efficiency of heat pump technology. You don’t have to worry about turning the system down or off when you leave the house for a while, as the system will regulate itself so well that it’ll work to maintain the temperature while barely using any energy. Turning the system on and off would actually use more electricity than just letting it run.
This is one of the most common concerns that come up when people talk about heat pumps: How well do they work when it’s cold outside? It is true that older heat pump models had a bad reputation in climates where it regularly dropped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But heat pump technology has improved tremendously over the years, and most modern models will continue working even in sub-zero conditions. They will, however, start to lose some efficiency as the temperature drops below freezing (though most will still be more efficient). “The colder it is outside, the harder it is for that machine to take heat from that air and move it inside,” explained Harvey Michaels, a lecturer in system dynamics and information technology at MIT Sloan. “It’s like pushing uphill.”
Put another way, it’s harder for the heat pump to move the heat around when it has to find that heat to begin with. But that’s really only a problem in extreme conditions. Even if a heat pump’s efficiency drops from 350% to 150% when it’s 5 degrees outside, it would still be more energy efficient than any other home heating method. If you want to know more, the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership has a comprehensive list of cold-climate-certified heat pumps; it also tracks efficiency changes at different temperatures.
If you do live somewhere that frequently experiences sub-zero temperatures, you may be able to combine a heat pump with a fossil-fuel heating system. This kind of hybrid or dual-heat system can actually help to reduce both costs and carbon emissions—but again, only in extreme conditions. If you’re not regularly dealing with sub-zero temperatures, then a good, high-efficiency heat pump should be able to warm your home on its own.
There are a few situations where installing a new heat pump and keeping your gas- or oil-fueled burner as a backup might actually be cheaper and less carbon intensive than strictly relying on the heat pump. This kind of installation is called a dual-heat or hybrid-heat system, and it works best in places that regularly deal with temperatures below freezing. Since heat pumps can be less efficient in extremely cold weather, the idea is to offset the difference by using fossil fuels to help the room maintain a baseline temperature, at which point the heat pump kicks in to do the rest. Think of it as being similar to how a hybrid car works.
Harvey Michaels of MIT Sloan, who has served as an advisor on state and federal climate-policy commissions, expanded on the potential of hybrid heat pumps in a article. Once the temperature starts to drop below freezing, as he explains in that article, natural gas could be a cheaper option than a heat pump, depending on local energy pricing. And even if you do turn the gas on for those coldest days, you’re still reducing your home’s carbon emissions by at least 50%, so it’s still a win for the environment.
This might sound counterintuitive on the surface: How can you reduce carbon emissions by using carbon-based energy sources? But the math bears that conclusion out. If your heat pump is operating at only 150% efficiency because of the cold weather (as opposed to the 300% to 450% at which it normally operates), you’re using three times as much of the electricity to heat your home back up to the optimal performance conditions. In a state like Massachusetts, where roughly half of the regional electricity is generated by natural gas, that ends up using more fossil fuels than if you were to just turn on the gas heat in the basement. This can also help you save more money on your utility bills, particularly in sub-zero temperatures.
“Obviously we want to reduce the emissions of fossil fuels as much as possible,” said Alexander Gard-Murray, whose work on the 3H Hybrid Heat Homes report examined the way such systems can work to speed up heat pump adoption and overall decarbonization. “If you’re thinking, ‘I’ve got a gas furnace that’s newly installed, I’m not gonna rip that out,’ but you want to get a new cooling system, they can work in tandem. And that’s something else to ask your heat pump contractor about.”
Hybrid heat systems typically work best in places that regularly deal with winter temperatures below 10 degrees or so. They’re also not meant to be a permanent solution, but rather a transitional tool to help ease the stress on both the electrical grid and peoples’ wallets, while the utility companies make the shift toward a more renewable grid overall.
HeatPumpPriceGuides.com is a consumer price guide dedicated to helping homeowners learn about heat pump prices for their home HVAC systems. The information published on this site is kept as current as possible, and continually updated with the latest - heat pump pricing data that we compile from leading online resources, direct interaction with visitors like yourself, as well as HVAC industry data.
Updated 01/30/ – If you prefer, use our simple and free cost estimator to get a rough estimate of your heat pump replacement cost.
Split System Heat Pumps are comprised of three or more main components, a thermostat control, and installation accessories that connect the components and allow them to work together properly. Anytime we refer to a complete heat pump system, we’re referring to the outdoor heat pump condensing unit, an air handler with evaporator coil, electric heating strip, duct system, thermostat, and a refrigerant line-set to connect the system.
How much does a heat pump cost? There’s no easy answer to that due to the many variables affecting heat pump prices.
Type of Unit: Heat pump types to consider are air source split systems (Most common), packaged units (Least common), mini split heat pumps (Common in small areas) and geothermal heat pumps (Most expensive).
Equipment Brands: Quality is just one of the factors affecting heat pump brand pricing. You might be surprised at some of the other reasons some brands cost more.
Equipment Size: Residential heat pumps range in sizes from 18,000 to more than 60,000 BTUs.
Efficiency: Heat pump efficiency is important to consider.
Performance: Heat pump performance features like staged heating and air conditioning affect indoor climate control and comfort.
Installation: Your replacement options include just the installation of a new outdoor unit and indoor coil, but there are an appealing range of add-ons to consider.
Job Needs: Are you installing a new heat pump to a new home? This is going to cost a considerable amount more due to the needs of ductwork, added wiring for electricity and a thermostat, etc. Replacing your current system costs less due to a majority of mechanical systems remaining in place.
All these cost factors are discussed at length below in detailed FAQ and Buying Guides that will inform and assist as you make your heat pump purchasing decision. For example, consider your system preference. Would your home be best served by a packaged or split system heat pump, a furnace plus an AC or a heat pump for both cooling and heating? Important questions of system size and the energy efficiency of the equipment are also discussed.
You have several types to consider when it’s time to replace your heat pump. Here’s an overview of the replacement cost of a heat pump system, with wholesale prices that contractors pay, as well the cost for the full system installation. These replacement costs are based on the average of all sizes and efficiency ratings, which is why the replacement cost range is so wide. If you prefer, visit our heat pump cost estimating form, where you can input your specific system details and get an idea of the estimated cost to replace your heat pump system.
Costs include the heat pump system and all required components, including installation cost from a licensed contractor.
Type of Heat Pump System System Only Typical Installed Cost Air Source Split System $1,860 – $8,900 $5,200 – $14,500 Packaged Heat Pumps $3,160 – $7,140 $5,700 – $12,000 Mini-Split / Ductless $940 – $13,340 $2,900 to $17,800 Geothermal Heat Pump $5,980 – $16,560 $9,500 to $25,000Cost: $5,200 – $14,500, Installed
The installed cost of an air course, split system heat pump system ranges from $4,400 to $8,500 for average-sized homes. Large, high-performance heat pumps can exceed $10,000. Cost factors include the energy efficiency of the system, whether it offers staged heating and cooling that improves indoor climate control and the difficulty of the installation. Ductwork can run another $2,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the size of the home.
Ducted air source heat pumps are the most common replacement heat pump systems. They are also popular for new construction when homeowners want a “tried and true” option they’re familiar with. These systems are a good choice for regions of the country without extreme winter cold.
Equipment: Air source heat pumps are also called split system heat pumps. The outside unit is the condensing unit, though often simply referred to as the heat pump. An indoor air handler contains a blower fan that circulates treated air – air that has been heated or cooled. Coils are installed in both locations. A line set containing refrigerant runs between the coils, absorbing heat in one location and dispersing it in the other. System sizes range from 1.5 tons, or 18,000 BTUs, to 5 tons, aka 60,000 BTUs.
Performance: The systems are controlled by a thermostat. When the thermostat is set to COOL, the system collects heat indoors and pumps it outside. When in HEAT mode, a reversing valve in the system changes the direction of the refrigerant flow, and the system collects heat outdoors to pump inside and release. Heat pumps are available in single-stage, 2-stage and variable-capacity heating and AC performance.
Cost: $5,700 – $12,000, Installed
Average installed cost of a typical 3 ton, 2-stage packaged heat pump will be $5,700 to $8,000 depending on installation factors. Add-ons to improve air quality raise cost.
These all-in-one systems are mostly installed in homes without a basement. Rather than having the equipment take up living space, it is located entirely outside, usually on the ground, but occasionally on the roof. Because packaged units aren’t as common, you have a limited number of options for energy efficiency and performance.
Equipment: Packaged heat pump systems combine the condensing unit and air handler in a single cabinet that is installed outside. The equipment is connected to the home’s ductwork, and air is circulated by a blower in the air handler. Like a split system heat pump, it is controlled by a thermostat. Sizes range from 2 tons to 5 tons.
Performance: Most packaged heat pumps offer single-stage or 2-stage performance, but a limited number of variable capacity packaged units are hitting the market. Energy efficiency ranges from low to average; You don’t have the super-efficient options that split system and mini split systems offer.
For more information, please visit Air Source Heat Pump For Sale.
Cost: $2,900 to $17,800, Installed
Ductless heat pump cost varies widely based on system size and the number of indoor units. Installed price averages about $2,200 to $4,000 for single-zone systems; about twice that for multi-zone heat pumps.
These popular split systems offer excellent efficiency and climate control. Mini split systems are also called ductless heat pumps because no ductwork is required, so they’re a good choice for new construction and areas of a home not adequately served by the central HVAC system.
Equipment: Their name comes from the compact size of the condensing unit, about half the size of a standard heat pump. Each outdoor condensing unit serves from one to four indoor units called evaporators. Wiring, refrigerant lines and a drain line connect the outdoor and indoor equipment. Your size options range from 9,000 BTUs to 48,000 BTUs for most systems.
Performance: All mini split heat pumps have variable capacity compressors to deliver outstanding temperature balance and energy efficiency that is higher than most split system and packaged heat pumps.
Cost: $9,500 to $25,000 and up, Installed
While pricing has come down as more manufacturers and installers enter the geothermal market, but the cost of a geothermal heat pump averages about $15,000, and some cost much more.
Ground source heat pumps, aka geothermal heat pumps, take advantage of the stable temperatures underground or in a body of water. This improves efficiency by making it easier to collect and disperse heat. They’re also called ground source heat pumps.
Equipment: Most geothermal systems are split heat pumps with an outside condensing unit and indoor air handler. Additionally, they employ water-filled tubing laid in horizontal troughs or vertical shafts or wells to collect and “dump” heat based on whether the system is heating or cooling the home.
Performance: Energy efficiency is excellent, though not significantly better than the most efficient air source and mini split heat pump systems. For this reason and due to the higher cost, geothermal might not be the best value for your home.
The price list below is based on heat pump replacement cost for a complete 3-ton system change out. We needed to set this baseline in order to provide an equal comparison between each of the top rated heat pump brands listed below. This is a split system, meaning there is equipment installed both outside and inside your home. The system includes: A 3-ton (36,000 BTU) heat pump condenser outside, cfm air handler with built in coil indoors, insulated copper line-set and basic 7-day programmable heat pump thermostat.
The combined efficiency of the complete heat pump system is rated at: 16 seer, 9.0 HSPF and would adequately heat and cool most homes between - sq. ft.
Note: The Complete System column shows the price for the equipment only (condensing unit, air handler with coil, the refrigerant line set and thermostat. The Complete System Installed column includes the cost of labor, refrigerant, installation materials such as a pad for the condensing unit and the permit required to install a heat pump.
Leading Heat Pump BrandsDid you Know? There are many brands, but very few manufacturers of HVAC equipment. Here is a list of the manufacturers and the brands they make.
Carrier: For decades, Carrier was part of United Technologies Corporation. Carrier became its own entity in , retaining the Bryant brand and ICP – International Comfort Products. Carrier also owns Payne, a brand that makes a limited selection of low-cost heat pumps, furnaces and more.
Daikin: The Daikin Corporation is one of the largest heating and cooling manufacturers in the world. In , Daikin bought Goodman and the Amana brand with it for the purpose of getting into the North America residential heating and cooling market. The Daikin, Goodman and Amana heat pump lines are identical.
Trane Technologies: This company makes Trane and American Standard. The brands are nearly identical.
International Comfort Products: When the Carrier Corporation split from United Technologies Corporation, it retained ICP. International Comfort Products are known for value – the equipment is identical, or nearly so, to Carrier and Bryant, but the cost is up to 35% less.
If you’re not going to spend on a Carrier but might buy a Day & Night heat pump, Carrier still makes a profit. ICP brands are Heil, AirQuest, Day & Night, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, KeepRite and Tempstar. Some of these brands aren’t well represented across the country, so you might not be able to find all of them sold where you live.
Pro tip: One of the ways Carrier saves money on its ICP brands is by allowing any HVAC installer to sell and install its products. Carrier/Bryant require its dealers to be factory trained and certified. The point is this: Whatever heat pump brand you consider, get estimates from multiple installers. Check their online reviews and ratings, and choose a contractor with a track record of quality installation.
Johnson Controls: As the HVAC equipment industry consolidated, Johnson Controls acquired Coleman, Luxaire and York brands.
Lennox: This well-known brand manufactures the Lennox line of HVAC heat pumps and other HVAC equipment. But it also owns the Armstrong and AirEase brands plus Ducane. The various brands are similar to Lennox in the parts used, but they are not as identical as Carrier and Bryant and the ICP lines.
Nortek Global: This large corporation makes many “household” name brands including Maytag and Frigidaire. Gibson and Broan are also Nortek heat pump brands. All of the brands are identical – just the name plate is different. Nortek also owns the once-popular Nordyne brand, though the label isn’t currently used.
Paloma Industries: This Atlanta-based HVAC manufacturer makes two identical heat pump brands, Rheem and Ruud.
Why different pricing for identical heat pumps? Heat pump manufacturers sell their products at different prices to attract a wider range of customers. For example, Carrier equipment is priced near the top of the spectrum for two reasons beyond Carrier’s large marketing budget. First, homeowners expect more from a Carrier heat pump, so they are willing to pay more. Some of this is perception, though Carrier does make some of the highest-quality heat pumps available.
Secondly, some consumers will say, “I’m not paying top-dollar for a Carrier! They’re over-priced!” But they might buy a Day & Night heat pump, which is nearly identical in its quality and parts, for about 20% less. Carrier/ICP still makes the sale and gets a profit, even if it isn’t as high as if the homeowner bought a Carrier. It’s better for them to make a lower profit than to not make the sale.
Before a heat pump system is installed in your home, a licensed HVAC company needs to run a heating and cooling load calculation on your home. They will take several measurements, look at your windows, your attic and all areas of your home to determine heat gain and heat loss. They do this to be sure you have a properly sized heat pump system ranging from 1.5 tons to 5 tons in size.
Heat Pump, Fan Unit, Heat StripNote: For the purpose of this heat pump price list, we are including a complete unit with the following equipment: 15 SEER Heat Pump Condenser, Air Handler Fan Coil, Electric Heat Strip, (Backup heat) 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, and a New Copper Line-set. The pricing is set to an average manufacturer like Bryant, Heil, Lennox or Rheem. We also assume the installation would be of average difficulty, taking two skilled HVAC mechanical pros one day to complete.
Heat pump systems, just like central air conditioners and other major home appliances, come in several different efficiency ratings which are measured in SEER for cooling, and HSPF for heating your home. Standard efficiency heat pumps cost much less than the price of high efficiency heat pump systems for your home.
In this next price table, we want to share the effect of efficiency, on heat pump prices. The pricing data is based on a complete, and ARI matched 3-ton heat pump system.
Heat Pump Efficiency RatingA basic air source heat pump offers 14 SEER efficiency with a single-stage compressor. This means that the unit runs at full capacity whenever on, which can lead to noticeable temperature swings.
As you upgrade efficiency and comfort control, cost will increase. In extreme climates, the cost of the upgrade will be paid back in a reasonable number of years. In moderate climates, the upgrades might not be cost effective, but you still might enjoy the improved temperature balance and increased summer dehumidification that comes with the upgrade.
Let’s break down these performance features with a look at what the upgrade will cost and what you’ll get for the money.
Efficiency: Air source heat pump maximum efficiency increases every year as manufacturers strive to meet consumer demand for greener heating and cooling. The most efficient heat pumps now have SEER ratings in the low 20s, a remarkable improvement from a couple decades ago.
Cost: Upgrading efficiency from 14 SEER will produce a cost increase of about 10% for a 16 SEER unit to 100% or more for the most efficient model available. For example, Trane’s most efficient heat pump starts at about $10,000 installed while its least efficient model is around $5,200 installed.
Staged Heating and Air Conditioning: Single-stage heat pumps are the most affordable and can be found in SEER ranges from 14 to about 18.
All brands make two-stage (2-stage) heat pumps too. The two stages are 65% or 70% of capacity, depending on the brand, and, of course, 100%. The units are designed to run on low whenever that stage can keep up with the demand for heat or air conditioning. They run on high when necessary – typically when you “crank up” the heat or AC by several degrees on the thermostat or when the temperature outside is changing rapidly.
There are two main advantages to two-stage performance. The first is energy efficiency. It takes less energy to run at 65% than 100%, and that factor alone will boost SEER by 2-3 points.
The second reason to consider a 2-stage heat pump is better climate control. Running at low capacity creates better temperature balance, usually keeping it within a degree of the thermostat setpoint, while a single-stage unit will create slight swings you might notice.
Summer dehumidification is better with 2-stage cooling too. When a unit runs on low, the cycles are generally longer, which is a good thing. Coupled with a variable speed blower in the air handler, long, low-stage cycles move humid air over the cold evaporator coil at a rate that leads to more of the moisture condensing onto the coil and being removed from the air.
This is where climate control and energy efficiency meet. When the air is drier, you’ll feel comfortable at a higher temperature. This allows you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher and enjoy cool, dry air rather than setting it lower and risking a cool, clammy feel sometimes produced with single-stage heat pumps.
The cost of a two-stage 16 SEER heat pump is about 15% higher, depending on the brand, than a 16 SEER single-stage unit.
Next level performance: Most brands now make variable capacity heat pumps, aka modulating or variable speed heat pumps. The compressors run at capacities as low as 25% to 40% depending on the brand, and up to 100%. The analogy of a vehicle’s cruise control is often used to explain modulating performance.
The compressor adjusts in increments of 1% or less to precisely deliver the right amount of heating or air conditioning to keep the indoor temperature exactly where you want it. The variable capacity performance improves efficiency and climate control above what a 2-stage unit is capable of. The SEER ratings for variable capacity heat pumps range from 18 to 23+.
Variable capacity heat pumps are very expensive and not a cost-effective option in most climates. Unless your AC season is long, very hot and humid, you likely won’t recoup the larger investment in a variable capacity heat pump through lower energy costs over the life of the heat pump.
What does a heat pump system itemized bill look like?
Here is a breakdown of the average cost for the equipment, material and labor charges for a typical 16 SEER, single-stage 3 ton heat pump system. Cost will rise with upgraded efficiency and performance such as 2-stage and variable capacity heating and air conditioning.
$4,815 | Total Equipment, Parts and Supplies
+ $1,885 | Labor Cost
= $6,700 | Total Average Installed Heat Pump Cost
If you’re replacing a heat pump with one of the same size and performance, then you might get away without additional costs.
But the HVAC salesperson will make sure your current ductwork and connecting sheet metal, the plenum and cold air return, are compatible and in good condition.
Other potential add-ons to the system will be for the purpose of enhanced indoor climate control. Here is a comprehensive list of these features and their average cost to have them installed.
Here are some of the most commonly researched questions regarding the purchase and installation of a residential heat pump system. Detailed answers are included.
The difference is pretty simple. And each type has its pros and cons.
A split system includes a condensing unit, sometimes just called the heat pump, which is installed outside. There’s indoor equipment too – an air handler outfitted with an evaporator coil plus, in most cases, electric heat strips used for emergency or supplemental heat.
A packaged heat pump includes all the primary equipment in one large cabinet installed outdoors on the ground or roof. It contains every found in a split system, but in a single housing. The unit is connected to the home’s ductwork.
Thermostats are used to control each system type.
Efficiency: Standard split system heat pumps have SEER ratings ranging from 14 to 23+. The HSPF ratings are as high as 13. Packaged units are less efficient, mostly in the range of 14 to 16 SEER with HSPF ratings up to 8.5.
Sizes: Split system heat pumps usually start at 1.5 or 2.0 tons. Packaged units start at 2.0 tons. Other sizes common to both are 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 5.0 tons.
Installation: Installing a packaged unit is easier, especially if located on the ground. The refrigerant lines are factory-installed and pre-charged with refrigerant, reducing onsite labor cost. The refrigerant line set for a split system has be cut to length and installed onsite, and refrigerant has to be added.
Durability: Because the air handler is located outside and subject to the elements, packaged heat pumps are considered less durable and higher maintenance than split system heat pumps.
Why would a homeowner choose a packaged heat pump?
The main reason is space. When there’s little room inside the home for an air handler, it makes sense to install it outdoors. Also, homes without basements are more likely to have packaged units than those with a basement.
Packaged units, since the equipment and installation costs are lower, are worth considering where temperatures are moderate and you don’t need to higher efficiency offered by a standard split heat pump.
Most HVAC pros recommend heat pump systems as the most efficient equipment. The exception is in climates with extreme cold.
What’s the problem with freezing weather? While some heat pump manufacturers claim their units can effectively heat in sub-freezing weather, the reality is that efficiency is compromised. First, it is more difficult to extract enough heat from outside air when it is that cold to adequately heat a home.
Secondly, when the heat pump can’t keep up, the system turns on its supplemental heat strips – basically large space heater elements inside the air handler. And if you’re familiar with electric heat costs, then you’re aware that it is the most expensive type of heating compared with gas heat or heat obtained by cycling refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor coils. If your system uses the heat strips a lot, the efficiency advantage heat pumps usually have is lost – and you’d be better off with a gas furnace.
Cold-climate Air Source Heat Pumps, or ccASHP: These units are designed to effectively heat in sub-freezing weather. However, they are costly; they will lose efficiency at very low temperatures outside, and they likely will rely on their electric power strips. Will they work in freezing weather? Yes, but not as effectively or efficiently.
What are dual fuel heat pumps? Aka hybrid heat pumps, the systems are comprised of a heat pump and a gas furnace. When winter temperatures are above freezing, the heat pump is sufficient to provide heat without relying on the heat strips. When the outside temperature drops and the heat pump can’t keep up, the system automatically switches to the furnace for heat.
[Mark – Here’s a generic Zone Map. I couldn’t copy/paste the image]
Residential heat pumps range from 18,000 BTUs, or 1.5 tons, to 60,000 BTUs, or 5.0 tons.
The general rule is that your home needs 15 to 30 BTUs per square foot. So, a typical 2,000 square foot home will have a heat pump in the range of 30,000 BTUs to 60,000 BTUs, or 2.5 to 5.0 tons.
Climate: Obviously, the warmer your climate is, the more BTUs of AC you’ll need per square foot. And as you get into the colder zones, the same is true. If you decide to use a heat pump in a cold region, it will need to be larger than if your home were located in a more temperate area. Just keep in mind our advice about choosing a gas furnace instead of a heat pump in the colder zones.
Your Home: The contractor you choose should do some type of load calculation to determine exactly the size heat pump required – not too big and not too small.
The load calculation, such as a Manual J calculation, considers your climate of course, but it also factors your home’s building materials, level of insulation, floor plan number of levels, number of windows and the directions they face and, importantly, how airtight your home is. Each factor is weighted, and the numbers are crunched to get a precise heat pump size.
Pro Tip on Heat Pump Replacement: If you’ve made insulation upgrades to your home – new siding with vapor barrier (house wrap), insulated siding, energy efficient windows, extra attic insulation or similar upgrades, then your replacement heat pump should probably be smaller than the old one! You simply won’t need as many BTUs of heat and AC.
The Problem with the Wrong Size Heat Pump: A unit that is too small might not adequately heat or cool in the most extreme weather. That’s obvious.
But homeowners sometimes don’t realize that “too big” isn’t much better. When the heat pump is significantly too big, your home is likely to feel cool and clammy. The unit does a good job cooling the air – too good, in fact, and the thermostat setpoint is quickly reached. When this happens, the cycle isn’t long enough to allow the system to condense much humidity out of the air. Cool, humid air isn’t very comfortable!
There are several factors affecting how efficient your heat pump should be.
Where you live: The hotter your summers, the more it makes sense to invest in a very efficient heat pump – consider 17 SEER and above. Yes, it will cost more for the equipment, but your payback period will be less than 5 years. What that means is that your savings on energy costs in the first 5 years will more than make up for the higher equipment cost.
In a temperature climate, paying more for a super-efficient heat pump isn’t a cost-effective choice.
Cost of electricity: Cost varies across the country, with New Englanders paying the most for power (along with those in California, Alaska and Hawaii) at about 21 cents per Kilowatt hour. Prices tend to be among the cheapest in the warmest regions like the South Central from Kentucky to Texas, but also in the Midwest where costs average 50% lower. The higher the cost, the more it makes sense to invest in a higher-efficiency heat pump.
How comfortable you want your home to be: As noted above, heat pumps are manufactured in three performance levels: single-stage, 2-stage and variable capacity or modulating. Efficiency tends to rise with performance.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of High Temperature Heat Pump Price. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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