How Much Does Heat Pump Installation Cost?
Even though the heating pump is an ancient innovation, its use has gained popularity for many years. Their improved efficiency and affordability have made heat pump installation a worthy alternative to furnaces and air conditioners.
Since heat pumps focus on augmenting the natural flow of heat into and out of your house, they are highly efficient and could easily generate up to three kilowatts of temperature difference for each kilowatt of electricity. A heat pump installation project will not only make your home more comfortable but also help you keep your utility bills in check.
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Heat Pump?
Before we start, it's really a good idea to learn the basic terms used when looking into heat pump installation and when speaking to a contractor. Consider the following terms used to describe performance, size, and efficiency of a heat pump:
- SEER: Stands for "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio", and refers to cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the lower the operating costs will be. A 12 SEER heat pump will be cheaper to run than a 10 SEER heat pump
- HSPF: This stands for "Heating Seasonal Performance Factor", and refers to heating efficiency. This is the energy usage rating relative to its heating. A higher HSPF rating means a lower operating cost.
- BTU: This is a "British Thermal Unit", which is relative to the capacity or size of a heat pump. There are 12,000 BTUs per ton. A 2-ton heat pump will produce 24,000 BTUs of heating or cooling.
Heat Pump Installation Cost Breakdown
The cost to install a heat pump will range anywhere from $2,000 for a smaller DIY project to as much as $25,000 depending on the complexity, type, brand, and size of the heat pump. Most homeowners, however, spend between $4,500 - $6,500.
A typical 2,500 sq ft home requiring a heating and cooling load of 60,000 BTU could see your cost increase to anywhere between $20,000 - $25,000 to install.
Air source heat pumps are the most common as they are less expensive and efficient enough to service most homes and small sized commercial buildings.
Geothermal heat pumps need underground installation, making them more expensive. They are, however, more efficient and can service bigger buildings. Even though geothermal heat pump installation might be expensive, you stand to save more on utility bills in the coming years as heat pumps have a 20 to 25-year lifespan.
Before you can install any heat pump on your property, an HVAC contractor will need to complete a heating and cooling load test within the home. This will take the attic, windows, and several other measurements into account in order to provide adequate heating and cooling throughout the home.
Heat Pump Sizes
Consider the following heat pump size and price variations:
| Heat Pump and Fan Unit | Complete | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 tons, 800 cfm, 5kw | $1,400 | $3,300 |
| 2 tons, 800 cfm, 5kw | $1,500 | $3,600 |
| 2.5 tons, 1200 cfm, 7kw | $1,700 | $4,300 |
| 3 tons, 1200 cfm, 7kw | $1,800 | $4,600 |
| 3.5 tons, 1400 cfm, 10kw | $1,800 | $5,100 |
| 4 tons, 1600 cfm, 10kw | $2,000 | $5,600 |
| 5 tons, 2000 cfm, 10kw | $2,200 | $6,900 |
A new heat pump can regulate your homes temperature better and save you money by working more efficiently. But, this is by no means a simple DIY job. If you want the best value for your money when considering heat pump installation, make sure to compare at least 3 quotes from reputable contractors in your area.
Heat Pump Efficiency
Consider the pricing and the relative efficiency of a heat pump system. A standard efficiency heat pump will cost a lot less than an extremely efficient one. The below prices are based on a 3-ton heat pump unit.
| Heat Pump Efficiency | Complete | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 13-14 SEER, 7-8 HSPF (Standard efficiency) | $1,800 | $4,600 |
| 15-16 SEER, 8-9 HSPF | $2,100 | $5,700 |
| 17-18 SEER, 9-10 HSPF | $2,900 | $6,800 |
| 19+ SEER, 10+ HSPF (Extreme efficiency) | $3,800 | $8,100 |
What Determines The Actual Cost To Install Your Heat Pump?
While a good part of the heat pump installation bill will fund the professional labor costs, the majority of the money goes into buying the actual heat pump. Your labor costs will vary depending on the installation point. Expect to pay more if the contractor has to drill through your driveway or a concrete slab as opposed to just sitting the heat pump on a simple foundation next to your house.
Your heat pump installation will be affected by the following:
- The type, capacity, and brand of heat pump you choose.
- The installation requirements that will determine how long and how involved the heat pump installation procedure will be.
- Additional supplies like fittings, pipes, and ducts. Installing the heat pump on the surface or closer to your house could reduce the number of additional supplies you have to buy.
- Your heat pump installation contractor’s qualifications and certifications.
- Adding an electric heat pump might require that you hire an electrician to upgrade the electrical panel.
Keep Heat Pump Installation Costs Down
Heat pump installation is quite the investment. Most homeowners and real estate investors will always seek to cut down on costs without sacrificing performance and longevity. Matching up your home’s size and needs to the right heat pump will ensure that you spend only as much as you should.
Some of the important things to consider before making your purchase decision includes:
- Matching efficiency and unit size to get the right heating or cooling effect.
- Check your region’s climate to deduce how much heating or cooling your heat pump will have to do.
- Choosing the right heat pump installation will ensure that you spend only as much as you have to. It will give you the ultimate air conditioning power without breaking the bank.
The Department of Energy also offers some advice on what to look for when you are considering this type of installation.
Get In Touch With Local Professionals
Are you looking to reach out to contractors in your area for some professional assistance? You can now get a FREE estimate from an installer near you!
How To Get a Free Estimate
If you would like to get a more accurate breakdown of your cost, simply enter your home zip code in the form provided below. Do so now, and a contractor near you will contact you for some assistance and a 100% FREE, no-obligation estimate on the cost to install your heat pump.
Remember, you are not under any obligation to purchase, hire, or sign any contracts, so feel free to take advantage of this absolutely FREE offer today!
