How much does a ductless heat pump cost?
How much does a ductless heat pump cost?
$2,000 – $4,000 single-zone system cost
$3,000 – $8,000 dual-zone system cost
$7,000 – $17,000 multi-zone system cost (3+ zones)
Ductless heat pump cost
A ductless heat pump costs $2,000 to $17,000 depending on the number of zones installed. Mini split heat pumps cost $2,000 to $4,000 to heat and cool a single zone. The cost of a ductless heat pump is $3,000 to $8,000 for a dual-zone system or $7,000 to $17,000 for 3 or more zones.
| Zones | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 2 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| 3 | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| 4 | $9,000 – $14,000 |
| 5 | $11,000 – $17,000 |
The more zones a ductless system has, the greater the flexibility and personalized comfort it can offer, but also the more complex and costly the installation will be.
Cost of a ductless heat pump by size
Mini-split heat pumps cost $500 to $12,000 on average in equipment alone. The size you need depends on the room size, number of occupants, insulation, climate, and sun exposure. The following table can help you estimate the size and cost of the ductless heat pump you need.
| Tons | Square feet of coverage | Average unit cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Up to 250 | $500 – $1,500 |
| 0.75 | 250 – 400 | $600 – $1,800 |
| 1 | 400 – 550 | $650 – $2,000 |
| 1.5 | 550 – 1,000 | $850 – $2,800 |
| 2 | 1,000 – 1,600 | $1,000 – $3,200 |
| 2.5 | 1,600 – 2,000 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| 3 | 2,000 – 2,500 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| 3.5 | 2,500 – 3,000 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| 4 | 3,000+ | $4,000 – $12,000 |
*Not including installation
An HVAC pro will use a load test to determine the correct size of each indoor handler and the best location for its installation to get the most energy efficiency from the system.
Cost to install a ductless heat pump
The labor cost to install a mini-split heat pump is $1,000 to $5,000 on average, depending on the installation size and complexity. Larger and more complex installations with multiple units cost more. Permits, electrical work, and removal of old HVAC equipment also contribute to the installation costs.
| Cost factor | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC labor | $75 – $150 per hour | Installing a ductless mini-split system typically takes an HVAC professional 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of indoor units involved. |
| Electrician labor cost | $40 –$100 per hour | The ductless heat pump system requires high-voltage electrical connections between the outdoor compressor/condenser unit and the indoor air handling unit(s). |
| Electrical circuit cost | $250 – $900 | Installation may require a new dedicated 220V electrical circuit from the main panel to the outdoor unit location. |
| Removal of old HVAC equipment | $80 – $150 | Most HVAC contractors include this cost in their quote for a new mini-split installation. |
| Permits & inspections | $250 – $400 | Most installations require a permit, but the actual cost can vary depending on the local regulations and requirements. |
Mini-split heat pump cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of a ductless heat pump installation:
Home size and number of zones: The size of your home and the number of rooms or zones you need to heat and cool will directly impact the cost. Larger homes or those with multiple living spaces typically require a more complex multi-zone system, which costs more than a single-zone setup.
Equipment efficiency: Ductless heat pumps come in a range of efficiency ratings, measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Higher-efficiency models will generally cost more but can provide significant long-term energy savings.
Brand and model: Premium brands with advanced features and technology may cost more than more basic or entry-level options.
Installation complexity: Factors such as the accessibility of the installation site, the need for electrical upgrades, and the complexity of the refrigerant line runs can all contribute to higher installation costs.
Additional accessories and upgrades: Investing in additional accessories or upgrades, such as wi-fi-enabled thermostats, air purification systems, or enhanced sound-dampening features, can further increase the system costs.
Pros and cons of ductless heat pumps
Ductless heat pumps offer a flexible, energy-efficient, and customizable heating and cooling solution. However, you should weigh the benefits with the higher upfront cost and potential aesthetic concerns.
The following table details the pros and cons of ductless heat pumps to help you make an informed decision about whether a ductless heat pump is right for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Alternative heating and cooling systems
When choosing between a ductless heat pump or other HVAC systems, budget is a major factor. However, you should also consider your climate, home characteristics, efficiency needs, and installation/maintenance factors to find the optimal heating and cooling system to meet your needs.
The following table details the installed costs for alternative heating and cooling systems to a ductless heat pump.
| HVAC system | Heating / cooling | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless heat pump | Both | $2,000 – $11,000 (up to 3 zones) |
| HVAC system with ductwork cost | Both | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Heat pump cost | Both | $3,800 – $8,200 |
| Geothermal heat pump cost | Both | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Air-source heat pump cost | Both | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Oil furnace cost | Heating only | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Electric furnace cost | Heating only | $1,900 – $5,600 |
| Gas furnace price | Heating only | $2,000 – $6,900 |
| Baseboard heater cost | Heating only | $400 – $1,200 each |
| Central AC with ductwork | Cooling only | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Window AC unit cost | Cooling only | $300 – $1,100 each |
| Whole-house fan cost | Cooling only | $600 – $2,300 |
| Swamp cooler cost | Cooling only | $1,200 – $3,600 |
| Ductless mini-split AC cost | Cooling only | $2,000 – $10,500 (up to 3 zones) |
Running costs are another factor that can impact the best heating and cooling system for you. The cheapest way to heat a home is with a natural gas furnace, but in warmer climates, this won’t offer cooling benefits.
Ductless heat pump FAQs
What is a ductless heat pump?
A ductless heat pump is an efficient, flexible, and zoned heating and cooling system that does not require traditional air ducts, making it a good option for homes without existing ductwork.
Is a ductless heat pump the same as a ductless mini-split?
Many people use the terms "ductless heat pump" and "ductless mini-split air conditioner" interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing. A ductless heat pump provides both heating and cooling capabilities, while a ductless mini-split air conditioner focuses on providing cooling, without the ability to efficiently heat the home.
How does a ductless heat pump work?
A ductless heat pump, also called a mini-split heat pump, consists of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units connected by refrigerant lines, rather than relying on ducts to distribute air.
Are ductless heat pumps worth it?
The long-term energy savings and zoned cooling and heating may make ductless heat pumps worth the investment for many homeowners. Consulting with a qualified HVAC contractor can help determine if a ductless system is the right choice for your specific home and needs.
Are ductless heat pumps noisy?
Ductless heat pumps generally operate at lower noise levels compared to traditional HVAC systems. The indoor units have sound ratings between 18 and 30 decibels, which is very quiet. Older or poorly maintained ductless systems can be noisier.
Getting estimates from ductless heat pump installation companies
To select a licensed heat pump contractor near you with the expertise to properly evaluate your heating and cooling requirements and determine the ideal system size make sure to:
Seek out NATE or ACCA-certified technicians who have a proven history of successfully installing ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Obtain at least three detailed estimates from different installers. Inform the contractors that you're gathering multiple bids, as this can encourage them to provide you with a competitive price.
Research their online reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google to assess their reputation, quality of work, and customer satisfaction.
Choose installers who are insured, bonded, and have been operating in the industry for at least 5 years. Avoid simply going with the lowest quote, as this could compromise the quality of the installation.
Request a comprehensive written contract that outlines the terms of the installation, as well as any applicable warranties or guarantees.
Avoid making substantial upfront payments. Instead, work with the contractor to establish a payment schedule based on the completion of the various stages of the installation process.
Questions to ask a ductless heat pump installer
Asking these questions allows you to thoroughly vet the installer, ensure they are qualified, and that the proposed solution meets your specific needs:
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded with 5+ years of heat pump installation experience?
What size ductless heat pump would you recommend for my home?
How many zones or indoor air handlers do you recommend for my home?
Which brands and product lines do you carry, and can you help me choose between them?
Are there any accessories or upgrades you recommend for improving energy efficiency?
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the installation?
Will you handle the permitting process?
What warranty policy do you include with the installation?
What is your preferred payment schedule?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.