Heat Pump Cost Calculator & Price Guide

A heat pump moves heat instead of making it, which lets one system cool your home in summer and warm it in winter. That dual role is why the price depends so much on the type you choose and the size of the house. Ductless mini-splits sit at the low end, air-source systems in the middle, and geothermal systems well above both.

Prices below come from published guides and carry a check date of Oct 11, 2026. Use the tables to find the type and home size closest to yours.

Air-source heat pumps are the most common choice. They use an outdoor unit and typically connect to existing ductwork. Ductless mini-splits skip the ducts and serve individual rooms or zones, which suits additions, garages, and homes without ducts. Geothermal systems exchange heat with the ground and need excavation or drilling, which is why the installed price runs far higher.

A larger home needs more capacity, and more capacity means more equipment and more installation work.

Square footage is only a starting point. Insulation quality, window type, and climate decide the actual load. A contractor who runs a proper load calculation will size the system better than one who goes by floor area alone.

Most of the installation price is equipment, but labor still matters, especially when ducts need work or the electrical service needs an upgrade.

• System type. Mini-split, air-source, and geothermal differ widely in equipment and labor.
• Capacity. Larger homes need larger units or multiple zones.
• Efficiency rating. Higher efficiency models cost more up front.
• Existing ductwork. Usable ducts save money. Leaky or undersized ducts add repair costs.
• Electrical capacity. A heat pump needs its own circuit, and an older panel may need an upgrade.
• Climate. Cold regions may call for cold-climate models or backup heat.
• Site conditions. Geothermal costs depend heavily on soil, lot size, and drilling or trenching.
• Permits. Most areas require a permit and an inspection.

Air-source. It is the usual replacement for a central air conditioner and works with existing ducts. It costs less than geothermal, and its efficiency drops as outdoor temperatures fall, so cold climates may need a cold-climate model.

Ductless mini-split. It avoids ducts and allows room-by-room control. It costs less for a small space, but covering many rooms requires multiple indoor heads, and each one adds to the total.

Geothermal. It uses stable ground temperatures and costs the most to install. The price reflects the ground loop, which is buried or drilled.

Repairs cover a wide range, from small electrical fixes to major component replacement.

A compressor failure is the most expensive repair in the table. On an older system, the repair cost can approach the cost of a new unit, which pushes the decision toward replacement.

Guides differ in which heat pump types they include and whether they count ductwork, electrical upgrades, or permits.

The This Old House HVAC guide covers HVAC installation more broadly, so its range is not a heat pump-only figure. Compare labels before comparing numbers.

A repair makes sense when the system is relatively new and the failure is a single part such as a capacitor, contactor, or sensor. Replacement is worth pricing when the compressor fails, when repairs keep recurring, or when the unit is old and uses a phased-out refrigerant. Ask the technician for a written repair quote and a replacement quote so you can compare them side by side.

Most places require a permit for a heat pump installation. The permit confirms the electrical and refrigerant work meets code, and it often triggers an inspection. Permit costs vary by jurisdiction. Check whether your contractor includes them in the quote.

Installing a heat pump involves refrigerant handling, which requires federal certification, along with high-voltage wiring and precise charging. Mistakes shorten equipment life and can create safety hazards. Many manufacturers also require licensed installation for warranty coverage. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor, and have a licensed electrician handle panel upgrades if needed.

• Which heat pump type and model is quoted, and what is its efficiency rating?
• Was a load calculation done for my home?
• Does the price include ductwork repairs, electrical work, and the permit?
• Is backup heat included, and is it needed in my climate?
• What are the warranty terms on parts and labor?
• Are any manufacturer or utility rebates available for this model?