How much does a ductless heat pump cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a ductless heat pump cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a ductless heat pump cost?

$2,000 – $4,000single-zone system cost
$3,000 – $8,000dual-zone system cost
$7,000 – $17,000 multi-zone system cost (3+ zones)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$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)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tamatha Hazen
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Jennifer Carlson
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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.

Ductless heat pump cost by number of zones - Chart
Ductless heat pump cost by number of zones - Chart
Ductless heat pump cost by number of 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

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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.

Mini-split heat pump prices by size
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

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.

Mini-split heat pump 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.

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Ductless heat pump units next to a home
Ductless heat pump units next to a home

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.

Ductless heat pump pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Zoned heating and cooling
  • Reduced energy losses common with ductwork systems
  • Easier and less invasive installation
  • Flexible outdoor unit placement
  • Energy-efficient with high SEER/HSPF ratings
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Higher upfront costs than some other heating and cooling systems
  • Indoor units can be unsightly when wall-mounted
  • Performance can decrease in very cold climates
  • Units require regular maintenance
  • Indoor air handlers can be noisy
  • Many require additional units or supplemental heating in larger homes

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.

Alternative heating and cooling systems
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)

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.

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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?