Price guide · Heat Pumps & Mini-Splits
Heat Pump Cost
Heat pump, installed
Quick answer: A heat pump costs about $6,087 installed on average, and most homeowners pay $4,236 to $7,942, according to Angi. HomeGuide reports higher totals of $10,000 to $25,000 or more for an air-source system including the air handler. Ductless mini-splits cost less for a few rooms, while geothermal systems cost $15,000 to $50,000 or more.
A heat pump heats and cools with one outdoor unit by moving heat instead of burning fuel. Angi puts the average installed price at $6,087, with most homeowners paying $4,236 to $7,942 and a full range of $1,454 to $12,000. HomeGuide's figures run much higher, $10,000 to $25,000+ for an air-source system including the air handler, so get several quotes.
Cost by type
| Type | Angi | HomeGuide |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-split / ductless | $1,300 – $8,000 | $2,000 – $17,000+ |
| Hybrid (dual fuel) | $2,500 – $10,000 | – |
| Air-source | $4,500 – $8,000 | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Geothermal | $6,000 – $20,000 | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
A hybrid or dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace that takes over in very cold weather. See mini-split installation cost and geothermal heat pump cost.
Cost by size
| Size | Home size | Angi |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ton | about 1,000 sq ft | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| 2.5 ton | about 1,500 sq ft | $3,700 – $5,800 |
| 3 ton | about 2,000 sq ft | $3,900 – $6,200 |
| 3.5 ton | about 2,500 sq ft | $3,900 – $6,400 |
| 4 ton | about 3,000 sq ft | $4,000 – $7,300 |
| 5 ton | about 3,500 sq ft | $4,500 – $8,800 |
HomeGuide's installed figures by home size: $6,000 to $8,500+ for 1,000 sq ft, $10,000 to $20,000+ for 2,000 sq ft and $18,000 to $25,000+ for 3,000 sq ft.
Cost by efficiency
| Rating | Unit only | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 14 – 15 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
| 16 – 17 SEER2 / 8 – 9 HSPF2 | $4,000 – $6,500 | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
| 18 – 19 SEER2 / 9 – 10 HSPF2 | $5,500 – $8,500 | $11,000 – $18,000+ |
| 20+ SEER2 / 10+ HSPF2 | $7,000 – $12,000 | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
Source: HomeGuide. SEER2 measures cooling efficiency and HSPF2 heating efficiency.
Labor and add-ons
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | $75 – $125 per hour per worker | Angi |
| Labor | $80 – $200+ per hour | HomeGuide |
| Ductwork | $2,000 – $7,500 | Angi |
| New ductwork | $40 – $65 per linear foot | HomeGuide |
| Air handler replacement | $1,500 – $3,400+ | HomeGuide |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $1,800 – $2,500 | HomeGuide |
| Refrigerant line set | $15 – $25 per foot | HomeGuide |
| Concrete pad | $300 – $500 | HomeGuide |
| Old equipment removal | $200 – $500 | HomeGuide |
| Permits | $50 – $300 | Angi, HomeGuide |
| Cold-climate design | $2,000 – $5,000 more | Angi |
| Higher-end brands | $1,500 – $4,000 more | Angi |
Replacement vs first-time install
HomeGuide says replacing an existing heat pump usually costs less because most of the infrastructure stays in place. A first-time install may need electrical work, ductwork and a new pad.
Heat pump or AC plus furnace?
In mild winters, a heat pump can replace both an air conditioner and a furnace. Compare AC replacement cost and HVAC replacement cost.
Ongoing costs
Angi lists a yearly tune-up at $50 to $180 and repairs at $150 to $600. See heat pump maintenance cost.
How a heat pump works
A heat pump moves heat instead of making it. In summer it works like an air conditioner, pulling heat out of the house. In winter it reverses and pulls heat from the outdoor air into the house. Because it moves heat rather than burning fuel, it can be very efficient.
Types of heat pumps
- Air-source, ducted: a central system that uses the home's ductwork.
- Ductless mini-split: wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor units with no ducts.
- Dual fuel: a heat pump paired with a gas furnace that takes over in very cold weather.
- Geothermal: uses the ground instead of outdoor air.
What affects the price
- System size and efficiency ratings (SEER2 for cooling, HSPF2 for heating).
- Single-stage or variable-speed compressor.
- Ductwork condition and any changes needed.
- Electrical upgrades, such as a new circuit or panel work.
- Backup heat, such as electric heat strips.
More on heat pump or AC plus furnace
If you already have a working gas furnace, a dual-fuel setup can be a middle ground. In an all-electric home, a heat pump replaces both the air conditioner and electric resistance heat, which can lower winter electric bills.
Questions to ask
- How will the system perform on our coldest nights?
- What backup heat is included, and when does it turn on?
- Is my electrical panel large enough?
In Texas
Much of Texas has mild winters and long cooling seasons, which suits heat pumps well. In the Panhandle and other colder areas, ask about cold-climate models or dual-fuel systems that handle hard freezes.
Cold-climate heat pumps
Standard heat pumps lose capacity as the outdoor temperature drops, and below a certain point they rely on backup heat. Cold-climate heat pumps use variable-speed compressors and improved designs to keep heating efficiently at much lower temperatures. They cost more but can reduce or eliminate the need for backup heat in colder regions. In mild climates, a standard heat pump is usually enough.
Backup heat options
Electric heat strips in the air handler are the most common backup. They are simple but expensive to run, so a well-designed system uses them as little as possible.
Dual-fuel systems pair a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles mild weather, and the furnace takes over when it gets cold. This can be the most economical setup where gas is available.
Efficiency ratings
Heat pumps have two ratings: SEER2 for cooling and HSPF2 for heating. Higher numbers mean more efficient operation. In hot climates, the SEER2 rating matters more. In colder climates, the HSPF2 rating and the unit's low-temperature performance matter more.
Replacing an AC with a heat pump
If your AC needs replacing and you have a furnace, a heat pump can replace the AC and provide efficient heating in mild weather, with the furnace as backup. The heat pump costs somewhat more than an AC of the same size, but it can lower heating bills. The installer needs to make sure the thermostat and controls support the dual-fuel setup.
Rebates
Some utilities and state programs offer rebates for heat pumps. Check before buying, since programs may require specific efficiency ratings or approved installers.
How long a heat pump lasts
Because a heat pump runs for both heating and cooling, it gets more hours of use each year than an air conditioner. Regular maintenance and a properly sized unit help it reach its full expected life.
Thermostat
Use a thermostat designed for heat pumps to limit backup heat use.
Sources
HVAC contractors in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 1,058 HVAC contractors across 6 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 464 | 4.7 | 72,003 |
| Dallas | 121 | 4.8 | 26,510 |
| San Antonio | 200 | 4.7 | 63,399 |
| Austin | 108 | 4.8 | 39,568 |
| Fort Worth | 99 | 4.7 | 25,658 |
| El Paso | 66 | 4.5 | 11,208 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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