What Is the Cost of Heat Pump Replacement?

09, Sep. 2024

 

What Is the Cost of Heat Pump Replacement?

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The cost of heat pump replacement ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, but the average homeowner spends $5,500, according to Forbes (as of ). If you're adding ductwork or a geothermal or solar-powered system, the cost can balloon to as much as $30,000!¹ Heat pump replacement costs vary so much for many reasons. We'll look at a few to help you budget and plan for the project.

Heat Pump Replacement Cost Factors

From the type of heat pump to its size, brand, and level of efficiency, numerous factors impact what you pay for a new system. These include:

Type of Heat Pump

There are several types of heat pumps available. The most common types (and their total costs of installation) are:

  • Air-Source (6,500 to $13,500)¹

    : When considering just the price of equipment ($2,000 to $5,000), air-source heat pumps are among the most affordable; you'll save if you have existing ductwork. The system draws heat from outside, even if it's relatively cool, and transfers it to your home.

  • Geothermal ($9,000 to $26,000)¹

    : A geothermal system draws heat from soil or a water source. Much of the high cost is due to the fact that part of the system is buried underground.

  • Solar ($17,000 to $30,000)¹

    : A solar heat pump is highly efficient. However, you will incur the cost of installing solar panels on your property.

  • Hybrid ($3,000 to $16,000)¹

    : A hybrid heat pump combines a heat pump with a furnace. The second heater kicks in when the temperature outside drops too low for the system to work effectively.

  • Ductless Mini-Split ($2,500 to $11,000)¹

    : If you don't have ductwork, a ductless mini-split system allows for zoned heating and cooling in summer and winter.

Type of Installation 

An entry-level heat pump costs less to install than a mid-range or high-end system. The determining factor impacting the cost of each is whether the system is single-stage, two-stage, or variable-capacity. That's not counting labor or the cost of a replacement furnace. If you have a hybrid system, an HVAC technician will determine whether the equipment matches (if not, both will need to be replaced at the same time).

Size/Capacity

The size, or capacity, of a heat pump is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or tons. A 24,000 BTU/2-ton heat pump is suited for a 1,000-square-foot home and can cost between $2,500 to $5,000. Meanwhile, a 60,000 BTU/5-ton heat pump ranges in cost from $6,000 to $10,000.¹

To determine the right sized unit for your home, a contractor will consider its square footage and layout, the ceiling height, and the number and location of windows. Other factors to consider include insulation quality, air filtration, location of heat-generating appliances, and the number of occupants in your home. These are input into a Manual J load calculation, which helps a contractor find the best-sized heat pump for your house and local climate.

Brand

The top brands of heat pumps include Amana, American Standard, Carrier, Goodman, Lennox, and Rheem/Ruud. Bosch heat pumps tend to be more on the expensive side. However, a Coleman heat pump is generally more affordable.

Efficiency Rating

When measuring heat pump efficiency, look at a unit's Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). High-efficiency systems rate at 10+ HSPF and 19+ SEER. While more costly to install upfront, these units can reduce energy costs over time. However, standard heat pumps are less efficient but can cut upfront costs by as much as half.

Location and Climate

The cost of heat pump replacement varies by city and region. It's generally more expensive to install one in a colder climate as you'll need a hybrid system or a larger, more efficient unit. For example, installing a heat pump in Denver costs more than installing one in Miami. 

Climate is a significant cost factor with heat pumps. You'll need a smaller, less powerful unit in the South and a more powerful one in a moderate climate. In colder climates, there are more efficient heating methods that can cost less to install or replace.

Labor and Permits

The labor for heat pump replacement varies significantly. A ductless mini-split may cost $1,500 to install, while a solar-powered system can cost up to $25,000 just for labor.¹ Your HVAC contractor will also have to pull a permit. Building and other permits come with different fees and requirements, depending on your state and city.

Home Modifications

Any necessary home modifications to accommodate a new heat pump will cost extra. A couple of examples include:

  • Electrical

    : An HVAC system's electrical components, including the electrical conduit, outside electrical disconnect, breaker, and thermostat, cost extra. You may also need to have an electrician update your breaker panel and home wiring.

  • Ductwork

    : Depending on the size of your home, duct installation can cost $1,000 to $5,000. Therefore, a ductless system can save you thousands of dollars.¹

Tips on Saving Money

Heat pump replacement is an investment that can benefit you over the long run. But you can save on heat pump installation by considering:

  • Federal, state, and local tax credits and potential utility rebates.

  • Alternate types of heat pumps, such as an air-source or ductless system.

  • Multiple quotes and a reputable contractor with the lowest bid.

  • Off-season installation; a company may charge less in the fall or spring.

Contact Monarch Home Services 

We install and replace heaters in the San Joaquin Valley, whether you prefer a furnace, heat pump, or ductless mini-split system. When it's time for heat pump replacement, we can evaluate your home, determine the best type and sized unit, and ensure a flawless installation by licensed and insured professionals. Our maintenance agreements have your system covered throughout its life. To schedule heat pump replacement in Bakersfield, Visalia, or Fresno or receive a free quote, call (661) 215- today.

Source:

How Much Does a Heat Pump Installation Cost In ?

The primary cost factors when installing a heat pump depend on the type of pump you choose and the size of your home. Here's how that breaks down.

By Type

The type of heat pump you choose will likely be the biggest cost factor, as this impacts the installation process. Here are the five main types to choose from, along with price ranges, pros and cons.

  • Air-source: This is the most common type of heat pump out there. It features a simple design that, as the name suggests, pulls heat from the air. This is an affordable option for most people, but not the best pick for colder-than-average climates. Air-source heat pumps cost an average of $3,000 to $11,000, though the higher number assumes a high-efficiency unit.
  • Geothermal: Ground-source, or geothermal, heat pumps pull heat from the soil beneath our feet. This setup includes underground piping, which requires professional excavation. In other words, geothermal pumps cost more than air-source pumps, with an average installation cost of $5,000 to $20,000. However, they are better at dealing with cold temperatures than air-source pumps.
  • Solar: This type of heat pump is available as a geothermal or air-source model, as the solar element merely refers to the power source. The primary benefit here is that you won't have to pay that monthly energy bill. The downside? You need solar panels, and installing solar panels can be prohibitively expensive. The actual units aren't that pricey, but the total installation cost ranges from $3,500 to $19,500. If you need panels installed, that price rises by an average of $16,000.
  • Hybrid: Otherwise known as a dual-fuel heat pump, hybrid units are exactly what they sound like: a combination of a traditional furnace with a heat pump. This option is the best choice for frigid climates, as the furnace kicks in during the winter. These units benefit from adequate insulation, which could add to the cost. The total installation price here is $3,000 to $13,700, depending on the efficiency rating of the heat pump portion.
  • Ductless mini-split: Looking for the cheapest heat pump option? It's a ductless mini-split. As the name suggests, this type of heat pump doesn't even require ducts, further lessening the overall cost. Instead, mini-splits use refrigerant lines that run throughout the interior. This option is absolutely perfect for a small home, but things can get expensive with larger homes, as each zone will require its own unit. On the plus side, adding multiple units eliminates cold spots. Installing a ductless mini-split heat pump costs $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the number of units required.
HEAT PUMP TYPE UNIT COST INSTALLATION COST TOTAL COST

Air-source

$2,000 ' $7,000

$1,000 ' $4,000

$3,000 ' $11,000

Geothermal

$2,800 ' $9,000

$2,200 ' $11,000

$5,000 ' $20,000

Solar

$2,200 ' $9,500

$1,300 ' $11,000

$3,500 ' $19,500

Hybrid

$2,000 ' $8,200

$1,000 ' $5,500

$3,000 ' $13,700

Ductless mini-split

$1,000 ' $4,000

$500 ' $5,000

$1,500 ' $8,000

Note: Labor costs in the table above assume your home already has the necessary ductwork, if applicable. If you don't, this extra work will add to this cost.

By Size

The overall size of your home, along with the local climate, determines the size of the heat pump you need to adequately regulate the temperature throughout the year. The size of a heat pump is illustrated in tons, with models available in 2 to 5 tons. The costs increase as you start looking into larger-capacity heat pumps. Small units range from $3,800 to $6,600, while larger-capacity units cost up to $9,000 or more, depending on the efficiency rating.

HOUSE SIZE (IN SQUARE FEET) SIZE (IN TONS) SIZE (IN BTUs)

500

1

12,000

1,000

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2

24,000

1,500

3

36,000

2,000

4

48,000

2,500

5

60,000

3,000

6

72,000

By Top Brands

Many reputable manufacturers specialize in heat pumps. Here are some of the big players in the industry, along with the average price range to purchase a unit. These ranges take into account both standard and high-efficiency heat pumps. The price range also fluctuates according to the type of heat pump the company specializes in.

BRAND HEAT PUMP UNIT COST

Amana

$1,800 ' $2,800

American Standard

$1,900 ' $3,200

Bosch

$1,200 ' $8,200

Carrier

$2,300 ' $4,000

Coleman

$1,300 ' $3,500

Goodman

$1,500 ' $4,100

Lennox

$2,500 ' $4,700

Panasonic

$1,300 ' $3,000

Rheem/Ruud

$1,600 ' $3,400

By Location

Like most home renovation projects, your location can determine the price range. This is especially true of heat pumps, as certain types just don't do well in cold weather. Air-source pumps are one of the cheapest options but aren't the best fit for those living in colder regions.

With this in mind, it'll be pricier to install a heat pump in the colder parts of the country when compared to areas with moderate or warm climates. Colder regions also demand larger heat pumps, further impacting the price.

CITY HEAT PUMP UNIT COST

Atlanta

$1,000 ' $3,500

Chicago

$4,000 ' $5,500

Denver

$2,600 ' $9,800

Houston

$1,500 ' $6,500

Los Angeles

$1,000 ' $6,500

Miami

$1,000 ' $3,700

New York

$3,200 ' $6,900

St. Louis

$3,800 ' $8,200

Note: This table looks at unit costs. Keep in mind that labor rates (not factored in) can also vary depending on your city's cost of living

Labor

Installing a heat pump is work best left to a qualified HVAC professional, unless you have a boatload of experience in various home systems. HVAC pros charge anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour and will likely account for 30 to 40% percent of your total budget.

Labor costs also truly depend on the type of heat pump you purchased. For a standard installation of a ductless mini-split heat pump, you could pay as little as $500 for labor, as this job is straightforward and quick.

However, other types of heat pumps often require more contractors to handle specific tasks. For instance, geothermal units must be buried at least 4 feet into the ground, often requiring an excavation expert. Solar-powered pumps will require the professional installation of panels.

Finally, most heat pump types deliver cooled and warmed air through ducts. If you lack the proper ductwork, that'll also drastically increase labor costs. With all of this in mind, the cost range for labor here is vast. Some jobs cost as little as $500, while others extend all the way to $20,000.

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