Heat pump installation cost by size
| Heat pump size | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 2 tons (about 1,000 sq ft) | $3,500–$8,500 | Small homes and additions |
| 3 tons (about 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft) | $3,900–$10,000 | The usual size for an average home |
| 4 tons (about 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft) | $4,000–$12,000 | Larger homes; sources start to disagree |
| 5 tons (about 3,000 to 3,500 sq ft) | $4,500–$12,000 | Large homes; the real cost can run higher than shown |
The guides we read disagree widely on heat pump prices. HomeAdvisor and Angi quote lower totals, while HomeGuide quotes complete-system prices that start where the others end. We built each range from what several guides support, and for the larger sizes the top of the range understates what some installers charge, so treat the high end as a floor for big homes and get several quotes. The labor share is adjusted for your state's HVAC technician wages, and the permit is ticked by default.
What changes the price
Home size and climate set the equipment size, but the existing system decides how much extra work you need. A home with usable ducts costs far less than one that needs new ductwork, and a cold-climate model costs more than a standard one. Higher-efficiency brands and variable-speed units cost more upfront. An older electrical panel that cannot carry the new load is another common surprise.
Extra costs to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| New or replaced ductwork | $1,000–$7,500 | Only when the home has no usable ducts |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $1,800–$2,500 | When the panel cannot take the added load |
| Remove old equipment | $200–$500 | Some installers include it in labor |
| Cold-climate model | $2,000–$5,000 | Regions with long freezing winters |
| Permit | $50–$300 | Most towns require one for HVAC work |
Check whether your utility or state offers rebates or tax credits before you buy, since they can change the net cost. This page shows the price before any incentives. Ductless mini-split systems are priced on their own page.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Was a load calculation done to size the system, or is it based on square footage?
- Is the price for the outdoor unit, indoor air handler, line set and labor together?
- Do my ducts need repair or replacement?
- Is a backup heat source needed in my climate?
- Does the quote include the permit and removal of the old equipment?
Methodology and sources
We build each size's range from the sources, adjust the labor share for your state's HVAC technician wages, and price ductwork, a panel upgrade, removal, a cold-climate model and the permit separately. Read how we estimate costs.
- HomeAdvisor: install a heat pump — prices by size, ductwork, labor, permits
- Angi: heat pump cost — prices by size, cold-climate, ductwork
- HomeGuide: heat pump cost — installed prices by home size, removal, panel
- Forbes Home: heat pump installation cost — installed range, labor share, ductwork
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 49-9021, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers) — state labor index, an HVAC technician proxy
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor |
|
| Angi |
|
| HomeGuide |
|
| Forbes Home |
|
Common questions about heat pump installation costs
How much does heat pump installation cost?
A typical job (3-ton heat pump) comes to about $7,150 nationally, within a range of $3,950 to $10,300. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
What about geothermal or mini-split heat pumps?
The ranges here are for central air-source heat pumps by size. Geothermal ground-source systems are not priced on this page. For ductless systems, see mini-split installation cost.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 4 published cost pages from 4 publishers, last checked Oct 8, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 4 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.
- HomeAdvisor: a 2-ton heat pump $3,500 to $5,500 including labor (updated Jun 2026)
- Angi: a 2-ton heat pump $3,500 to $5,500 including labor (updated Aug 2026)
- HomeGuide: air-source for 1,000 sq ft, 1.5 to 2 tons, $6,000 to $8,500 installed (written Oct 2025, no update date)
- Forbes Home: air-source $3,000 to $11,000, and about $8,100 for a 4-ton in a 2,000 sq ft home (audited Dec 2024)