Heat Pump Costs
A heat-pump can provide both heating and cooling to interior spaces, and in some cases heat domestic water supply. The various types of heat-pumps are seen in the table below.
In the following table the Cost figure is based on an average heat-pump installation; and includes all related labor, materials, supplies, transport, equipment, finish-trim, final adjustments and clean-up.
| Type | Pros | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Standard solution | Energy bill | $5,745 |
| Wide capacity range | Air transfer primarily | ||
| Geothermal Active | Energy bill savings | Geo dependent | $10,353 |
| Hydronic or air transfer | Plus ground work | ||
| Geothermal Free | More energy bill savings | More Geo dependent | $11,839 |
| Hydronic or air transfer | Plus water-well work |
Typical capacity unit conversions are:
1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.5 kW = 4.6 BHP
Domestic heating and cooling capacity demand always depends upon regional climate zone conditions. In Phoenix (AZ) for example, 1 Ton of cooling capacity will cool about 500 square feet of living space (well insulated and sealed). In Minot (ND) it will cool about 650 square feet (or 30% more).
Heating capacity demand per square foot follows a similar but reversed regional pattern. In regions near the 49th parallel for example, each Ton of cooling capacity indicates the need for 3 to 4 Tons of heating capacity.
Other considerations and costs
- Ground-installations cost will vary with soil and site conditions.
- Energy efficient heating and cooling will save money, and in some cases rebates may be available.
- For units of greater than 12,000 BTU/h (or 3.5 kilowatts, or 1 ton) a 240V or multi-phase electrical circuit is generally required.
- For a sunny room, add 10% more cooling capacity than required for room size.
- Add 600 BTU/h cooling per person if usually occupied by more than two persons.
- For the kitchen, add 4,000 more BTU/h cooling than required for room size.
- During the initial inspection the contractor should inform the homeowner of any and all necessary modification or upgrade on electrical circuits or building structure.
- Labor cost will rise with a “hidden” installation in a finished environment.
- These prices are for service in the immediate area of the provider.
- Taxes and permit fees are not included.
Check out our guide if you need a loan for your home improvement project.
DIY considerations
- These products are usually supplied and installed by a specialist service and may not be suitable for DIY.
- Sheet metal duct, refrigeration piping, system testing and pressure balancing all require special tools and skills.
References
- Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2015.
- Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
- Literature review of DIY Web sites.