Air Heat Pump Cost

How Much Does an Air Heat Pump Cost?

Window or Wall Unit: $500-$2,000

Whole House Ductless System: $2,000-$7,000

Whole House, Ducted: $2,000-$24,000+

By moving heat from one area to another, a heat pump warms a house in winter and cools it in summer using just one system. Also called air-to-air, an air source heat pump is usually effective as a heater down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. For temperature below 30 degrees, a supplemental heat source is needed. For colder climates, consider a dual-fuel (add-on) heat pump, which pairs an electric-powered heat pump with a fossil-fuel furnace (natural gas, propane or oil).

Typical costs:

Expect to pay $500-$2,000 to install a self-contained through-the-wall or window unit air-source heat pump in a single room (no ductwork is required). More expensive units have a greater heating and cooling capacity and this price range may include installation. Lower prices are do-it-yourself installation, particularly for window units, which are relatively easy to install.
It typically costs about $2,000-$8,000 to install a whole-house electric heat pump system in an average home (three-ton capacity) with existing usable ductwork. Higher-priced models have options such as a two-stage compressor for more power when additional heat is needed, or include a hot water heater as part of the system. The total costs can double or triple to $4,000-$24,000 or more if new ductwork must be installed or failing ductwork must be replaced. CostHelper readers report paying $3,000-$15,000 to have an air source heat pump installed, for an average cost of $7,792.
If adding ductwork is cost-prohibitive, professional installation of a ductless mini-split electric air-source heat pump system (an outdoor compressor and mounting one or more indoor units) for an average home (three-ton capacity) can cost $2,000-$7,000 or more but averages about $4,000-$5,000, depending on the number of indoor units or zones installed.

What should be included:

Air-source heat pumps work best in climates where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Through-the-wall or window units are usually a single self-contained unit, but can only heat or cool a single room. For a standard single-family home, a typical split-system air-source heat pump system has two parts, an indoor unit with a coil (providing electric resistance heat) and a blower that pushes warm or cool air through the house, and an outdoor unit with another coil, fan and a compressor or pump. There are also "packaged" air-source systems that combine the standard indoor and outdoor units into a single outdoor cabinet which is typically installed on the roof. The US Department of Energy provides a detailed overview[1] .
Similar to ductless air conditioning, a ductless mini-split heat pump system consists of an outdoor compressor or condenser and multiple indoor air-handling units. The indoor units are linked to the outdoor unit by a conduit system. Mini-split heat pumps are flexible because they create a number of heating-cooling zones within a home, each with its own thermostat. The indoor units can be mounted in the floor, wall or ceiling. They are usually less intrusive than window air conditioners but don't typically have the built-in look of ducted central systems. The US Department of Energy lists the advantages and disadvantages[2] of mini-split heat pumps.

Additional costs:

In an older home, adding an electric heat pump might require hiring an electrician to upgrade the electrical panel to 200 amps, which can cost an additional $1,300 -$3,000.

Discounts:

Energy-efficient heat pumps often qualify for low-cost loans, tax credits or rebates. For example, for installation of a ductless heat pump Tacoma Public Utilities in Washington offers an $800 rebate or a seven-year, zero-interest loan, and low-income customers might qualify for a grant covering all costs. The database of State Incentives for Renewables & Energy Efficiency[3] tracks energy-efficiency incentives offered by utilities and by state, federal and local government agencies.

Shopping for an air heat pump:

Major manufacturers include Armstrong Air[4] , Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems[5] , Carrier[6] , Lennox[7] and Trane[8] .
The Department of Energy lists factors to consider[9] when buying a heat pump.
The Cornhusker Public Power District provides a checklist[10] for hiring a heat pump contractor.
Referrals are available from the North American Technician Excellence certification program[11] and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America[12] -- and the local power company may have a list of contractors in the area.
Request and check references; ask about length and type of experience; and be sure they are properly bonded, insured and licensed.

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Mini Split Heat Pump Sytem

Amount: $8,500.00

Posted by: Douglas M in Baltimore, MD.	Posted: January 27th, 2021 07:01AM
Brand: Senville	Model:
Installer: Climate Pro Mechanical

I had 2 separate outdoor units (28k btu each) installed for either side of my 1930s home. Each unit serviced 3 air handlers for a total of 6. The total cost was split between labor and the units themselves. This is a steal for a whole home heat/ac solution.