How much does it cost to install a heat pump?

$10,353 (geothermal cooling active 5-ton)

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Cost Guides

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.

How much does it cost to install a heat pump?