How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $4,247 - $7,929
A heat pump costs about $6,081 on average. But this project may range from $4,247 to $7,929 depending on the home size, capacity, efficiency, and type.
The average heat pump costs $6,081, but you might pay anywhere between $1,500 and $12,000. Heat pump technology heats and cools your home without burning oil or gas. Despite the name, a heat pump can replace both your furnace and your AC. Additionally, its eco-conscious potential can lower energy costs by up to 50%, leaving extra room in your budget for that patio upgrade you've been dreaming up.
- Average
- $6,081
- Low end
- $1,500
- high end
- $12,000
HVAC Heat Pump Cost Breakdown
The cost of a heat pump varies depending on its size, type, ductwork, and other factors. Here’s a cost breakdown to help you budget for your project.
Heat Pump Size
The size of your heat pump can affect your heat pump replacement cost, with average prices ranging from $4,247 and $7,929.
Most homeowners choose a 3-ton-capacity heat pump, which costs between $3,900 and $6,200, including labor. If you choose a lower capacity, the price could decrease to $3,500, and if you choose a higher capacity, the price might increase to $8,800.
Refer to this chart for price differences by heat pump capacity:
| Capacity (Tons) | Size of House (Square Feet) | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1,000 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| 2.5 | 1,500 | $3,700–$5,800 |
| 3 | 2,000 | $3,900–$6,200 |
| 3.5 | 2,500 | $3,900–$6,400 |
| 4 | 3,000 | $4,000–$7,300 |
| 5 | 3,500 | $4,500–$8,800 |
Heat Pump Efficiency
Your heat pump unit has an HVAC efficiency rating called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Heat pump units cost between $1,600 and $9,500 on average for units ranging from 14 SEER to 20 SEER, not including labor. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the heat pump unit. Here’s a breakdown of heat pump costs by SEER ratings:
| Heat Pump SEER Rating | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 14 | $1,600–$4,900 |
| 15 | $1,800–$5,900 |
| 16 | $2,400–$6,200 |
| 18 | $2,900–$6,700 |
| 20 | $3,600–$9,500 |
Most dual-stage and variable-stage heat pumps have a high SEER number and cost more, while single-stage heat pumps have a lower SEER number and cost less.
Type of Heat Pump
The type of heat pump can mean the difference between tens of thousands of dollars. You’ll spend the least on a mini-split heat pump, which costs around $1,300 to $8,000 for the unit and installation. But you could spend significantly more on a solar heat pump, which costs between $18,000 to $39,000 to install.
Home Size
You’ll need about 1,000 BTU for every 500 square feet of space. For a home ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, anticipate spending $3,700 to $6,400.
You may only need a 2.5-BTU heat pump if you have a smaller home of around 1,500 square feet, while larger homes of around 2,500 square feet may need a 3.5-BTU capacity or more.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| 1,500 | $3,700–$5,800 |
| 2,000 | $3,900–$6,200 |
| 2,500 | $3,900–$6,400 |
| 3,000 | $4,000–$7,300 |
| 3,500 | $4,500–$8,800 |
Location and Efficiency
Where you live will affect how much you pay for your heat pump. For example, homes in colder regions require a larger, pricier heat pump. Certain rocky regions also make excavating for geothermal heat pump installations difficult. Here are the average price ranges for different U.S. areas.
| Region | Efficiency | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, Georgia | SEER 15+ | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Chicago, Illinois | SEER 14+ | $4,500–$5,500 |
| Denver, Colorado | SEER 14+ | $2,800–$10,000 |
| Houston, Texas | SEER 15+ | $3,800–$7,100 |
| Miami, Florida | SEER 15+ | $2,200–$3,700 |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | SEER 14+ | $3,200–$5,400 |
| New York, New York | SEER 14+ | $3,300–$7,300 |
| Portland, Maine | SEER 14+ | $2,300–$5,500 |
| St. Louis, Missouri | SEER 14+ | $4,200–$8,000 |
Labor
The cost of hiring a professional to install your heat pump varies depending on the complexity of the installation, the amount of work, and the time it takes to install the unit. Local heat pump installers charge an average of $75 to $125 per hour per worker.
Permits
You’ll need to acquire a permit for most heat pump installations. In some cases, you may even need multiple permits, depending on if you need to dig on your property or rent a dumpster near you. The cost of permits depends on your location and other local ordinances, but anticipate spending somewhere between $50 and $300.
Additional Heat Pump Costs to Consider
On top of the main cost factors, there are a few additional costs you’ll want to consider as you tally up your final expenses.
Brand: A common air-source heat pump brand costs less, between $4,500 and $8,000, whereas a high-end brand costs $6,000 to $12,000.
Ductwork: If you don’t already have ductwork and haven’t chosen a ductless mini-split heat pump, you’ll need to pay for ductwork. The average cost to install ductwork is between $3,000 to $7,500 for 300 linear feet.
Maintenance and Repairs: You’ll spend between $150 and $600 on average to hire a local heat pump repair pro, while a yearly tuneup costs $50 to $180.
Heat Pump Cost by Type
Let's look at each type of heat pump and its related costs.
| Type | Unit Cost |
|---|---|
| Mini-Split | $1,300–$8,000 |
| Hybrid | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Air Source | $4,500–$8,000 |
| Geothermal | $6,000–$20,000 |
Air Source
Transfers heat between the indoor and outdoor air using refrigerant.
It’s available in ducted and ductless systems and is common in homes across the U.S.
Costs range from $4,500 to $8,000.
Mini-Split
High-performance air-source heat pump that offers more efficiency, flexibility, and comfort compared to basic duct-only systems.
Commonly referred to as ductless, though some mini-splits use ducts.
Without ductwork, mini-split systems require technicians to install multiple refrigerant lines throughout the home to balance the temperature evenly.
Costs range from $1,300 to $8,000.
Geothermal
Also known as ground-source heat pumps, these work with the earth's stable underground temperatures, functioning even when the outside air is too hot or cool.
Uses pipes or ground loops installed underground with heat-transferring liquid. Ground loops can be installed horizontally, vertically, or in water.
Pulls or disperses heat into the ground for heating or cooling the home.
Higher up-front costs but lower long-term operating expenses.
It’s less common than air-source heat pumps but far more energy-efficient and cost-effective over time.
Costs range from $6,000 to $20,000.
Hybrid
Also known as dual fuel systems, a hybrid heat pump combines a heat pump with a second heating source, like a furnace or boiler.
It switches to a furnace or boiler when temperatures drop below a certain threshold.
Ideal for areas with regular below-freezing temperatures.
Available for both air-source and ground-source heat pumps.
Costs range from $2,500 to $10,000.
Cost to Install a Heat Pump Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY heat pump installation is an advanced project for the average homeowner, and in most cases is best left to a pro. Installing a heat pump on your own may not save much money, either.
For example, let’s say a pro quotes you $2,000 for an air-source heat pump unit and $1,500 for their work. Labor costs include all supplies, local permits, duct setup, and extra materials. If you go the DIY route, you must also factor in those extra costs.
Not only is the installation a complex process, but a heat pump's complicated wiring and ventilation setup means that one false move could lead to a costly and frustrating outcome.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace Cost
A furnace costs between $2,800 and $6,800 to install on average, compared to a heat pump’s average price of $5,900.
Though heat pumps initially cost around $800 to $1,400 more than a furnace, you can save up to 50% on your energy bills by switching from a heat pump to a furnace—if you live in a mild or moderate climate. For colder climates, you won’t see such high energy savings, as heat pumps are less efficient in colder weather.
In some cases, you might want to install a heat pump with an existing furnace for supplemental heat in northern climates where the temperature drops as low as 10 degrees. Adding a heat pump to a furnace costs between $2,500 and $6,000, while installing a completely new hybrid heat pump system costs between $4,500 and $10,000 on average.
Heat Pump Pros
Installing a heat pump is a big investment, but a heat pump can also be worth it by benefiting your home in several ways, including:
Long-Term Energy Savings
Who doesn’t appreciate a little extra money in their pocket at the end of the month? Heat pumps will save you money over some other heating methods, giving you more chances to save up for that DIY project you’ve been dreaming about.
Humidity Control
No one likes an overly humid or overly dry home, but what that means is different for everyone. With a heat pump, it’s easier to keep your home at the optimal humidity level for you and your family.
Better Air Quality
Heat pumps offer a better solution for people and families with allergies, as there’s room for high-quality air filters that get rid of a lot of the dust, dander, and other particulates that would otherwise float around in your home.
Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit
According to Energy Star®, installing a heat pump makes you eligible for the Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit. With this credit, you can get back up to 30% of your total project cost with a maximum credit of $2,000.
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit
Energy Star also highlights another great incentive: the Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit. When you install a geothermal heat pump on your property, you can expect to get a percentage of the project costs back, depending on when you installed the heat pump.
| Placed After | Placed Before | Percentage Back |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 2016 | Jan. 2020 | 30% |
| Dec. 2019 | Jan. 2022 | 26% |
| Dec. 2021 | Jan. 2033 | 30% |
| Dec. 2032 | Jan. 2034 | 26% |
| Dec. 2033 | Jan. 2035 | 22% |
Heat Pump Cons
Heat pumps are energy-efficient systems, but like any technology, they have their disadvantages.
Initial Cost
Some homes may require additional modifications or upgrades to accommodate a heat pump system, such as ductwork modifications or electrical panel upgrades, which can add to the installation cost.
Climate Sensitivity
Air-source heat pumps are less efficient in extremely cold climates. They may struggle to provide sufficient heat when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. In such cases, supplemental heating may be required, which means you could end up spending more on your energy bills.
Installation Challenges
Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps require significant excavation and installation work, which can be disruptive and costly. They are also impractical for some properties, especially those with limited space or unsuitable soil conditions.
Life Span
Heat pumps have a life span of about 10 to 15 years. This is generally shorter than a furnace's life span, which hovers around 25 to 30 years depending on the type and if it’s well-maintained.
Ways to Save on Heat Pump Installation Costs
With such a high price tag, you may be wondering how you can save money on your heat pump installation. Here are a few tips on how to save:
Tax Credits: Look into the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). Under this law, homes that reduce carbon emissions, such as installing a heat pump, will be eligible for a tax credit. Learn about the IRA and other tax rebates related to home energy via the U.S. Department of Energy website.
Local Rebates: Check your state’s Department of Revenue website to see what local tax rebates may be available.
Unit Size: Choosing the correct unit size is essential for saving money in the long run. A unit that’s too big or small won’t work efficiently and will cost more to run.
Go Ductless: If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork, choose a ductless heat pump to save money on new ductwork.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always consider the structure, location, and your home’s current HVAC system when choosing a heat pump. Heat pump costs primarily depend on the design you choose and the amount of installation required.
A high-quality heat pump should last between 10 and 15 years, and while there are occasional maintenance issues, staying on top of these will help keep your heat pump running efficiently.
As beneficial as heat pumps are for many homeowners, they’re not for everyone. Some of the downsides to heat pumps include susceptibility to very cold temperatures and a high upfront cost. If you live in a region with temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your heat pump becomes more likely to freeze and become damaged.
How long a heat pump can last depends on a few factors, including the quality of your pump and whether you make repairs as needed. If properly maintained, heat pumps typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, though some can last longer, while others last under a decade.
For your heat pump to be most efficient, the ideal climate is mild or moderate locations that rarely dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Your heat pump will become less efficient once it gets 40 degrees or cooler outside, and it will become increasingly less efficient at 25 degrees or colder. High Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)-rated heat pump systems can handle extremely cold temperatures better than those with low ratings, so be on the lookout for heat pump units with a high HSPF rating if you live in a cold climate and still want to benefit from heat pumps.