Home Repair Decoded

Heat Pump Installation Cost

$4,450 – $11,600A typical heat pump installation costs about $4,450 to $11,600 in the U.S. That covers a central heat pump on existing ductwork. The range reflects parts, job difficulty and local labor rates.
Part of the jobLowHigh
Parts and materials (our assumption)$4,000$10,000
Labor hours (our assumption)612
Billed labor rate per hour$73$132
Estimated total$4,450$11,600

Our estimate, not a quote. Billed rate is the national median wage from BLS (2025, $29.33 an hour) times 2.5 to 4.5 to cover payroll costs, overhead, travel and profit. How we estimate

What our assumptions are based on

ItemSourced figureBasisSource
Parts$2,955 – $5,720Budget Heating listed prices for 20 complete 3-ton heat pump split systems, including some wall-mount apartment types.Budget Heating
Labor hours6 – 8Typical installation 6 to 8 hours, plus 1 to 2 hours to remove the old unit. The same page also gives 1 to 2 days for 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.Today's Homeowner

What other publishers report

National figures as published by each source, checked 2026-11-03. Their scope can differ from ours.
PublisherLowHighScope
This Old House$4,500$8,000Air-source heat pump installed. Page dated June 2026.
Fixr$5,000$15,000Air-source (ducted) installed. Page dated January 2026.
Today's Homeowner$6,500$13,300Air-source (ducted) installed. Page dated February 2025.
Bob Vila$4,206$7,688All heat pumps installed, citing Angi. Page dated April 2024.

This job often needs a permit. Check with your local building department before work starts.

Estimated cost by state

StateHVAC Technician median wageLowHigh
Alabama$23.26$4,350$11,300
Alaska$37.23$4,550$12,000
Arizona$28.56$4,450$11,500
Arkansas$23.13$4,350$11,200
California$34.88$4,500$11,900
Colorado$31.35$4,450$11,700
Connecticut$36.83$4,550$12,000
Delaware$29.96$4,450$11,600
District of Columbia$40.57$4,600$12,200
Florida$27.24$4,400$11,500
Georgia$27.11$4,400$11,500
Hawaii$31.47$4,450$11,700
Idaho$27.04$4,400$11,500
Illinois$37.21$4,550$12,000
Indiana$29.05$4,450$11,600
Iowa$29.17$4,450$11,600
Kansas$29.07$4,450$11,600
Kentucky$28.18$4,400$11,500
Louisiana$28.20$4,400$11,500
Maine$30.37$4,450$11,600
Maryland$33.67$4,500$11,800
Massachusetts$37.16$4,550$12,000
Michigan$29.26$4,450$11,600
Minnesota$36.71$4,550$12,000
Mississippi$23.41$4,350$11,300
Missouri$28.82$4,450$11,600
Montana$29.26$4,450$11,600
Nebraska$28.77$4,450$11,600
Nevada$29.09$4,450$11,600
New Hampshire$35.51$4,550$11,900
New Jersey$35.79$4,550$11,900
New Mexico$24.17$4,350$11,300
New York$35.78$4,550$11,900
North Carolina$27.53$4,400$11,500
North Dakota$35.81$4,550$11,900
Ohio$30.06$4,450$11,600
Oklahoma$27.67$4,400$11,500
Oregon$30.26$4,450$11,600
Pennsylvania$30.00$4,450$11,600
Rhode Island$32.39$4,500$11,700
South Carolina$27.22$4,400$11,500
South Dakota$29.51$4,450$11,600
Tennessee$26.68$4,400$11,400
Texas$27.77$4,400$11,500
Utah$28.24$4,400$11,500
Vermont$29.88$4,450$11,600
Virginia$28.72$4,450$11,600
Washington$36.38$4,550$12,000
West Virginia$23.49$4,350$11,300
Wisconsin$29.67$4,450$11,600
Wyoming$26.30$4,400$11,400

Download this table (CSV)

Common questions

How much does heat pump installation cost?
A typical heat pump installation costs about $4,450 to $11,600 in the U.S. That covers a central heat pump on existing ductwork. The range reflects parts, job difficulty and local labor rates.
Which states cost the most for heat pump installation?
Labor is the part that changes by state. See the table on this page for each state's estimate.
How long does heat pump installation take?
Today's Homeowner says a typical installation takes six to eight hours, and that complex systems might require two days. The process includes removing the old equipment and, if needed, setting a new concrete pad for the outdoor unit. Source
Can a heat pump replace a furnace and air conditioner?
In most climate zones it can, according to ENERGY STAR, which describes an air-source heat pump as a drop-in replacement when a central AC or furnace needs replacing. Cold-climate models are tested down to 5°F, and a contractor can advise on backup heat for colder weather. Source
Is there a federal tax credit for heat pumps?
The IRS page says you can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which listed heat pumps, for improvements made through December 31, 2025, and it gives no later date. This is general information, not tax advice, so ask a tax professional about your situation. You can also check for state or utility programs. Source
Sources

General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.