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CostHelper.com > Home & Garden > Heat Pump
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Heat Pump Cost |
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How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost? |
 | Low: Window Units Can Run $500-$1,500 |
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 | Medium: Whole House Systems Can Run $2,000-$6,000+ |
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 | High: Geothermal Heat Pumps Can Run $10,000-$25,000 |
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| By moving heat from one area to another, a heat pump heats your home in winter and cools it in summer using just one system instead of two (such as a furnace and air conditioner). Heat pumps are best suited for climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, but dual-fuel models can be paired with back-up fossil-fuel furnaces for reasonable comfort in colder regions. There are two basic types -- air-source heat pumps capture and move heat between the indoors and outdoors, while geothermal (ground-source or water-source) heat pumps capture and move heat between the indoors and the relatively constant temperatures just below the earth's surface. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Installing a small through-the-wall or window unit air-source heat pump to cool and heat a single room runs about $500 -$1,500.
- For a whole house system with existing ductwork, a typical split system (one unit inside, one outside) air-source heat pump runs $2,000 -$5,000 for an average home (3 ton capacity). For homes without existing ducting, professional installation of a ductless mini-split electric air-source heat pump can run $4,500 -$6,000 or more, depending on the number of indoor units (zones).
- For less moderate climates, installing a dual-fuel air source heat pump that works with a natural gas or propane furnace under a single control system can run $2,500 -$5,500 to install just the heat pump, or $5,000 -$10,000 or more for a complete system that includes both the electric heat pump and a fossil-fuel furnace.
- Complete installation of a geothermal heat pump (ground-source or water-source) runs $10,000 -$25,000 or more, depending on the length and depth of the underground pipes, soil conditions and other excavation and installation factors. More expensive systems may include options such as a two-stage compressor or a hot water heater.
- The technology is still evolving for residential use of absorption heat pumps, which are air-source heat pumps driven by natural gas, propane or solar-heated or geothermal-heated water. Also called gas-fired heat pumps, most current absorption heat pumps are sized for industrial or commercial use, or for residences of 4,000 square feet or larger (and usually without an outside electricity source).
What should be included: | - Because heat pumps move heat rather than generating it, they are an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air-conditioners, according to the US Department of Energy. A properly working heat pump warms a house slowly and maintains an even temperature, sometimes without the blasts of hot air provided by other methods, such as a forced-air furnace. Kansas City Power & Light provides a detailed overview of the different types and uses of heat pumps.
- The most common type is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between indoor and outdoor air, bringing warmth inside in the winter and expelling it in summer. Generally, all heat pumps require ductwork (like any central air system), except for ductless mini-split heat pumps. For colder climates, a dual fuel heat pump is an air-source unit designed to operate as a single system with a gas or propane-powered furnace providing back-up heat when outside temperatures drop below freezing. Often called geothermal systems, a ground-source or water-source heat pump transfers heat between your home and the earth (or underground water) by circulating fluid through long loops of underground pipe. Geothermal systems are the most energy-efficient, but are expensive to buy and install.
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: | - Utility companies and other agencies may offer rebates when you purchase an energy-efficient heat pump; check with your local power company or search for rebates listed at EnergyStar.gov.
- An energy-efficient heat pump may qualify for a federal tax credit.
Shopping for a heat pump: | - The Department of Energy explains the advanced features to look for that will improve your heat pump's performance.
- The Cornhusker Public Power District provides a checklist for hiring a heat pump contractor.
- Get several estimates, making clear what is (and isn't) include in each quote. Request and check references; ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure the company is properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state. Check whether there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated February 2009 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| problems |
| Amount: $15,000.00 |
| Posted by: ze in Cumming, GA. | Posted: February 25th, 2010 07:02PM |
| Brand: Rheem | Model: |
| Installer: Maintenance Air | Type: 2.5,3 ton |
| I have replaced all the parts on the 3 ton unit,inside and outside. The compressor is now out for the second time and will cost $1500. for labor,even though the part is covered. This is the third company that has worked on it. |
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| is my quote acceptable? |
| Amount: $9,300.00 |
| Posted by: Billy in Austin, TX. | Posted: April 29th, 2010 08:04AM |
| Brand: Lennox | Model: XP14-024,CBX27UH,ECB29-10CB,PC012,7day p |
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| Ripped off- $7,472 for 1,850 sq.ft. |
| Amount: $7,472.00 |
| Posted by: MadatHawkAir in Hendersonville, NC. | Posted: July 3rd, 2010 06:07PM |
| Brand: carrier | Model: comfort |
| Installer: Hawk Indoor Air Inc. | Type: heat pump |
| We have a small, single story home with 1850 sq.ft. The heat pump blew and we replaced with a Carrier Comfort series (25hcc536a003) 15seer. We also asked to install the dehumidifier to the system. This costs an extra $800. The house relative humidity is between 70 and 54 when set at 46. In order to get the house cool enough we hae to set the temp at around 68 or lower. Installer would not call back twice after installation and I called again, very mad, and he said he would call next week. What does the dehumidifier that we paid for look like? There is no other box or system except for the standard outside unit and inside unit. We think this guy has ripped us off big time. Have to use a window AC in the bedroom of this small, open house. No duct work or other work was required. We live in the mountains of NC where it does not get very hot/humid so this should not have been an issue. Ideas? We are very mad and about to hit the BBB and a lawyer. |
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| Re: MadatHawkAir |
| Amount: $7,472.00 |
| Posted by: Hendry Heating & Cooling in CHICAGO, IL. | Posted: September 28th, 2010 07:09PM |
| The indoor coil of your heat pump inherently and automatically dehumidifies the air that passes over it. This is seen as condensation that should be properly drained out of the indoor unit, usually with pvc pipe. Something may be wrong with your indoor coil, could be dirty or maybe the fan speeds need to be adjusted to make sure that the air has adequate time to condense moisture out onto the coil. If the system is oversized, it may turn off and on too frequently, and again not allow enough time for moisture to be brought out of the air. Whole-house dehumidifiers are window-unit sized boxes that attach to the return air ducting near the indoor unit. It would be pretty hard to miss. Chances are, that $800 you paid was not used honestly. |
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| compressor cycling |
| Amount: $4,500.00 |
| Posted by: GUS.S in winder, GA. | Posted: November 16th, 2010 07:11PM |
| Brand: payne | Model: fb4anf030 |
| Installer: builder | Type: heat pump |
Compressor cycles quickly off & on for apx 3 to 5 minutes when aux heat turned on, then works normaly,apx 1 to 2 hours.Then cycles fast again.
Wanted an idea of problem before calling a repair man.
Thank you
gus |
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| Bids on system |
| Amount: $12,024.00 |
| Posted by: Jack in Kansas in Kansas City, MO. | Posted: January 27th, 2011 11:01AM |
| Brand: Trane, Everest | Model: |
| Installer: AB May | Type: |
Was provided three bids by AB May. The first is for a Trane system combination gas and heatpump. It was for a 95% furnace and a 16 seer 3 ton heatpump. The unit was also a two stage for further efficiency. This included install, humidifier, ionizing air filter which is reusable, cleaning of the existing ductwork for mold etc, programmable thermostat, and a 10 year parts and labor warranty as long as they come out and check the system twice a year costing $150.00 each year. The system would qualify for a $750.00 discount from the electric company, $225.00 discount from the Gas Company, and $500.00 worth of tax incentives. The price was $12,024 after rebates.
The second bid was for an identical system except from their house brand Everest which is a re-badged Goodman system. Still would qualify for the rebates same BTU and Seer rating. This was priced at $8,206 after rebates.
They also provided a bid for the most basic Trane system. This included a 95% furnace still, but only a 13 Seer single stage heat pump. The system only qualified for the $225.00 Gas Company discount. This was priced at $6,125 after the rabate. |
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| Heat Pump - real cost to run |
| Amount: $0.00 |
| Posted by: Joseph in Harrisburg, PA. | Posted: February 5th, 2011 02:02PM |
| Brand: Trane | Model: XL1000 |
I believe as with many things in life one must consider variables when forming an opinion on products.
Heat pumps are declared as efficient - less expensive to HEAT a home. But NOT in northern climates.
In my all electric home, using the OTHER appliances the same as usual thru the year...when the temperatures here in Harrisburg, Pa go down, those really cold 2/3 months increase my electric bill by $400.00 per month. (total bill IS $597.00 for dec2010/Jan 2011).
What IS NOT BEING SAID when the business folks (electric co.; heat pump MFGs and others believing themselves to know about heating) declare a heat pump as being better economically is that the colder it is outside in your geographic area the more expensive or higher your bill will be. The system can not achieve the COMFORT level you request of your system (by the setting you place on your thermostat) without the auxiliary heat unit turning on. This auxiliary heat is very expensive.
I have thought about this so many times. If I could afford it - I would have individual heating in my rooms.
Interesting too is that several have offered to REPLACE my unit with what they say are more efficient units BUT... the BREAK EVEN point would be more than 25 to 30 years. And they say I should NOT think about the thousands I had to take from the bank or borrow - as long as I pay less per month. I think more and more folks are smoking crack.
YOU sitting out there are probably drowning with the following thoughts: He has a problem with insulation - Nope. His system is not functioning correctly - nope. The setting is 70 degrees - I notice WE start to have illnesses with a setting lower than 70.
The real problem with heating is...WE are all being gouged with UNFAIR prices for electric, oil and natural gas. You remember what you learned in school about supply & demand - well did you ever think your fellow citizen would take you to the poor house so that THEY could sit in comfort while you are cold? |
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| Replaced existing heat pump-Was the cost too high? |
| Amount: $12,150.00 |
| Posted by: Louise in Bethlehem, PA. | Posted: May 11th, 2011 09:05PM |
| Brand: EverRest | Model: 4 ton 16 Seer |
| Installer: Tru Comfort | Type: Variable speed |
| Our existing Trane Heat pump "died" suddenly. It was really hot out and our service people said they could replace it within the week. The supervisor came out that same evening and gave us a quote of 12,150.00 to replace it with an EverRest. We had a new propane boiler put in a year ago with this same company which supplies the axillary heat (in coils which are pumped with hot water that are attached to the air handler). No ductwork was replaced. Only the outside unit and the air handler needed to be replaced and hooked up to our existing ductwork, etc. We also have a humidifier and air filtration system(aprilaire) which were already existing. Two guys spent 8 hours in our house replacing the system. The company has always been very professional helpful and knowledgable when we had a problem. BUT, in researching prices, it seems as if we were overcharged for this job? Anyone know what is the actual cost for this unit? Thanks for any help we can get! |
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| Water source heat pump |
| Amount: $0.00 |
| Posted by: Donna Malia in Douglass, KS. | Posted: May 22nd, 2011 02:05PM |
| Brand: Climate master | Model: |
| We are total electric with well water in Kansas. We have replaced heat pump 3 x in 25 years. Considering closed system heat pump. Wondering what should expect for pricing. |
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| Replaced 2 Zone AC/Gas Heat |
| Amount: $13,000.00 |
| Posted by: Paul Frederick in Mechanicsville, VA. | Posted: June 17th, 2011 08:06AM |
| Brand: Lennox | Model: XP14 |
| Installer: James River Air | Type: R410 Heat Pump |
I live in the Richmond, VA area. Got the dual fuel Cadillac. I just replaced my 11 year old heating/cooling system with a Lennox XP14-030 coupled with a Lennox Signature variable speed 2 stage gas furnace. Please note that this was a two zone installation so I basically bought two of each. I took advantage of a spring sale with James River Air Conditioning Company and their partnership with Costco to reduce costs even more. They even fixed some airflow issues that were inherent with the house by replacing the return ventilation with 16 in compared to the 14 in that was there. Also threw in the 16x25 Honeywell air cleaner filter. Installation includes 2 new thermostats.
All work was completed in 1 day. I did this on my terms rather than wait for system failure. James River Air has stellar reputation and their technicians performed as I expected.
All told, I paid $13000. With the Costco cash back rewards for paying with the Costco AMEX card, I'll get another $1000 back to use on in store purchases. Also, will receive a $300 Energy Efficiency rebate check from state of VA. Also, will claim federal tax credits when I file my 2010 taxes.
I guess I'm actually only paying around $11000 for this system.
From what I can tell by what others have paid, I've done pretty darn well |
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| Replacing existing heat pump with all new ductwork |
| Amount: $8,500.00 |
| Posted by: Debbie Beasley in Landrum, SC. | Posted: July 8th, 2011 12:07PM |
| Brand: Lennox | Model: 14HPX-036 |
| Installer: Barton Brothers | Type: heat pump |
| To install all new system to old space and additional newly built space, to remove old AC and old Gas Furnace |
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| heat pump systems |
| Amount: $0.00 |
| Posted by: jay mc in malden, MA. | Posted: November 26th, 2011 12:11PM |
| Brand: owners choice | Model: |
| Installer: I own a H.V.A.C business | Type: |
| I keep hearing talk about heat pump system and would just like to add my opinion . For people living in the New England area I would not recommend them . When you live in a area that gets really cold and stays in the 0 to 30 degrees for the winter heat pump system don't work that efficient . I know there is electric back up heat in the system . This is fine when it is used now and then but it is not ment to run twenty four seven . It should not be your primary source of heat . They work better in parts of the country that have mild winters. |
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| Home Warranty Coverage |
| Amount: $5,500.00 |
| Posted by: Willa in Branson West, MO. | Posted: January 17th, 2012 12:01PM |
| Service man for home warranty co. Came out twice & concluded the system is working fine. However, it runs almost constantly & makes very little difference in temp in house. 1800 sq ft home with Dec bill of $419. Not even very cold (SW MO) in this area. Runs on auxiliary heat most of the time. Home is for sale but have to replace heat pump. Does the quoted price seem fair? Any ideas on dealing with warranty co.? System is 18 yrs old. New compressor last year replaced thru home warranty plan. |
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