Average heat pump installation cost
In 2026, a typical air-source heat pump installation runs about $6,000 to $14,000 installed, with most standard residential jobs landing around $8,000 to $11,000. The range reflects system type, capacity, efficiency, and whether existing ductwork or electrical needs work.
Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps are far more efficient but cost significantly more — often $20,000 to $35,000+ — because of the ground-loop excavation.
Cost by heat pump type
- Air-source (ducted): ~$6,000 – $14,000 installed — the most common residential choice.
- Ductless mini-split heat pump: ~$3,500 – $8,000 per zone depending on heads.
- Dual-fuel / hybrid (heat pump + gas furnace backup): ~$9,000 – $16,000 installed.
- Geothermal (ground-source): ~$20,000 – $35,000+ installed.
What drives the price
Like any HVAC job, two homes the same size can get very different quotes depending on what the new system connects to.
- Capacity (tons / BTU) sized to the home's heating and cooling load.
- Efficiency: HSPF2 for heating and SEER2 for cooling — higher ratings cost more upfront.
- Electrical: heat pumps may require a panel upgrade or a dedicated circuit.
- Backup heat: electric strip heat or a gas furnace for cold-climate dual-fuel setups.
- Ductwork condition and any zoning or thermostat changes.
- Rebates and tax credits, which can meaningfully lower net cost in many regions.
Heat pump vs. furnace + AC
A heat pump replaces both the air conditioner and the heating source with one system, which can lower operating cost in moderate climates. In very cold climates, a dual-fuel setup pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace so the furnace covers the coldest days.
When you present the options to a homeowner, quoting a heat pump alongside a traditional furnace-and-AC system helps them weigh upfront cost against long-term energy savings.
Estimate a heat pump job fast
Use the free HVAC calculator for a quick ballpark, then build the full line-itemized estimate in Fast Estimate. Snap photos of the existing equipment and electrical panel, and AI drafts the line items — including likely extras like an electrical upgrade or backup heat — so you can hand the homeowner a branded, signable PDF on the spot.