How Much Does Heat Pump Replacement Cost?

Common Range: $5,345 – $8,890

National Average: $6,985, Installed

Get Heat Pump Cost Quotes
Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes
Updated: February 9, 2024. Written by: Steve Hansen and: GHS HVAC of Charlotte

To ensure we provide the most precise and current cost estimates to you, we compile costs from industry data, licensed contractors, our users completed projects, and home improvement industry experts. We may earn commission from our partners when you utilize the services through our website. Our editorial integrity and quality remains our top priority, and recommendations do not affect our opinion or evaluations. Learn more about us and our editorial process, and read our advertiser disclosures.

Heat Pump System Cost Range

The cost range to replace a 2.5-ton split system 15 SEER heat pump and indoor fan coil is between $5,345 and $8,890 when installed by a licensed HVAC pro in your area. The prices increase for larger heat pumps and when additional components are also replaced.

Average Installed Cost

The average cost to replace your heat pump system is around $6,985. This takes into account a complete system change out or replacement, using existing duct work, plenum, etc. It includes the cost to replace the heat pump condenser and pad, air handler, cleaning and inspection of the existing refrigerant lineset, a new thermostat, all labor and installation costs and permits or inspection.

Average Do It Yourself Cost
$2,490 (Not Suggested)
Average Contractor Installed Cost
$6,985
Typical Replacement Cost Range
$5,345 – $8,880

two new heat pump system cost estimate

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

Overview of Split System Heat Pump Replacement

Heat pumps are a fast-growing sector of the residential HVAC market because they heat and cool your home with excellent efficiency and climate control. Like most mechanical systems in your home, they need regular maintenance and eventually they will fail and need to be replaced.

Since the heat pump and air handler (or gas furnace on dual fuel HVAC systems) must be compatible, it’s often necessary to replace the entire system to maximize the system’s energy efficiency and indoor climate control. Having the complete heat pump system replaced together also saves money compared with replacing them separately as needed. Factors that affect cost are explained below.

This Costimate gives accurate heat pump replacement cost for the outdoor unit, technically known as the condensing unit, and the indoor air handler.

Heat Pump System Cost Factors

The outdoor unit, commonly called the heat pump but technically known as the condensing unit, is the most expensive part of most HVAC systems. The heat pump condenser contains the compressor, fan motor and reversing valve that circulates refrigerant through the outdoor coil where heat is dispersed in AC mode, or picked up in heating mode before circulating it to the indoor evaporator coil, where is blown into your home through the air handler and duct system.

You will also need to replace the evaporator coil in your air handler or furnace with one that matches the capacity of the new heat pump. There are related costs that include a refrigerant charge and a set of copper lines to circulate the it between the outdoor and indoor coils.

Capacity or Size of the Heat Pump (BTU/Ton)

Heat pumps range in capacity from 1.5 to 5.0 tons. That is 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs. You don’t have an option here. The HVAC technician will do a load calculation to determine the heating and cooling requirement for your home, that is, the capacity of the heat pump needed. Note: If you have made energy efficient upgrades to your home such as adding attic insulation, triple-pane windows or insulated doors, it is possible you will be able to install a heat pump that is smaller than the one it replaces. If you’ve made those upgrades, make sure your technician is factors them when calculating the heat pump size needed.

Efficiency (SEER for cooling and HSPF for heating)

Here’s one factor where you do have a choice. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is, and the more it will cost. Heat pumps must have a SEER ratings start of at least 13 (14 in southern states). The most efficient have ratings above 22. The tradeoff is higher upfront cost for efficient equipment but lower operating costs. The more extreme your weather is, especially where summers are hot and humid, the more cost-effective it is to buy an efficient heat pump.

Compressor Performance – Number of Stages

Heat pumps are made with single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity (modulating) compressors. Two-stage and modulating compressors cost more, but are quieter and used in heat pumps that are more efficient than single-stage models.

Warranty Length and Benefits

Cheap heat pumps have a 5-year parts warranty. The industry standard is 10 years, and the best are 12 years. Some brands offer unit replacement coverage on the compressor and outdoor coil. If one of them fails while under warranty, the entire outdoor unit is replaced. The best warranty coverage is often on the most expensive units. Extended warranties that also cover labor (not covered by standard warranties) are available through your contractor but are third-party warranties and not recommended.

Heat Pump System Brand Quality

National consumer surveys have been done asking homeowners whether their heat pump has required repairs. Rheem, Ruud, Goodman and Amana are among the brands with poor repair records while American Standard and Trane ranked highest. The rest of brands are in the average range.

The Marketing Budget

This sounds cynical, but it plays a role. Carrier, Trane and Lennox outspend the rest of the competition on marketing, so costs are up to 15% higher.

Cost of Living Near You

Where you live will affect cost by up to 20%. Prices across the board are higher on and near the East and West coasts. They are lowest in the rural Midwest and South. Other regions are in the average range.

Demand at the Time of Replacement

Like any product and/or service, supply and demand play a significant role in the cost of a heat pump system. If yours has failed in the heat of the summer when all contractors are busy and don’t need the work to stay busy, the price will be higher. On the other hand, if you replace your system when they are slow, the cost can be considerably less. 10-20% lower pricing is often seen in off-peak times.

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

System and Installation Supplies Cost

This list of equipment costs and supplies should help you see where your money goes. Keep in mind that heat pump contractors have high overhead costs too including trucks, equipment storage, liability insurance and bonding and high wages for certified technicians (average of $47,000 per year per the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Replacement Cost by Size of Heat Pump System

This includes the outdoor heat pump, indoor air handler and evaporator coil, as well as a new pad, thermostat and electric disconnect whip. Installed costs are in the 3rd column and include all labor costs, permit and inspection, as well as disposal of the old unit. Not included in this table are the refrigerant lineset, or any duct changes that ay be needed in more extensive installations.

Heat Pump Size Unit Cost Range Average Installed Cost Range
1.5 Ton System $1,820 – $2,640 $4,340 – $6,200
2 Ton System $2,140 – $2,990 $4,910 – $6,995
2.5 Ton System $2,170 – $3,240 $5,345 – $8,890
3 Ton System $2,380 – $3,450 $5,990 – $9,245
3.5 Ton System $2,580 – $3,510 $6,380 – $10,450
4 Ton System $2,710 – $3,690 $7,120 – $11,860
5 Ton System $2,980 – $3,935 $8,170 – $12,980

Installation Supplies

  • $35 – $100 | Miscellaneous copper tubing and fittings.
  • $150 – $300 | Copper line-set to connect indoor and outdoor coils.
  • $45-$60 | Refrigerant
  • $40 – $760New thermostat if needed.
  • $15 – $50 | Condensate drain line pipe and fittings.
  • $10 – $50 | Misc. fasteners and screws, metal seam tape, etc.
  • $25 – $75 | Outdoor condensing unit pad.
  • $40 – $250 | Electrical wire, disconnect, supplies and/or circuit breaker.

Permits, Inspection, and Installation Costs

Due to electrical and mechanical connections required for heat pump installation, it is likely you will need a permit. The benefit is that it includes an inspection to ensure the work is done safely for your protection. If your contractor tells you no permit is needed, we recommend verifying it with your local building department.

Permits and Inspection

  • $50-$200 ea. | You might need separate electrical and mechanical permits and inspections, or these functions could be combined in a single permit.|

System Installation Cost and Time

Many HVAC contractors start with flat rates for heat pump installation. They adjust that rate based on the time and materials they estimate will be needed given the complexity of the work and other factors. Others use hourly rates to create estimates. Either way, overhead, wages and fair profit are factored.

If the work is priced hourly, standard rate ranges are:

  • $60 – $90 per hour | Certified HVAC installer
  • $50 – $75 per hour | An apprentice or helper

Completed Installation Time

Direct replacement of the heat pump is the fastest. As the complexity of the work (removing and replacing a line set, connecting to an air handler in a difficult location like an attic or crawlspace or modifications to sheet metal for the installation of the indoor coil), time goes up. Most heat pump installations are two-person jobs that take 4-10 hours.

  • 4-6 hours | Easy Installation

Same placement location, use of existing line set and thermostat, air handler easy to reach in a utility room or walkout basement

  • 5-8 hours | Most Common Installation

Utility closet, most basements, small amount of sheet metal work, use of some existing materials such as the drain or line set but the installation of a new thermostat

  • 8 hours or more | Difficult Installations

Difficult access to the indoor and/or outdoor unit, replacement of most supplies including the line set, connection to the electrical panel, installation of a programmable thermostat, etc.

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

HVAC systems are an integral part of the mechanical system of every home. Here are related HVAC projects you might be planning for your new home construction project.


Gregory Robinson – GHS of Charlotte

GHS Charlotte, or Gregory’s Home Services is a licensed HVAC (34266) and Electrical (31980 & 34511) Installation and Repair service company in the Charlotte NC area. Owned and managed by Gregory E Robinson since 2018.

Website | LinkedIn

DIY or Hire a Pro – Can You Replace a Heat Pump Yourself?

Even experienced DIY homeowners leave heat pump installation to the pros. The biggest roadblock to installing the heat pump yourself might be that charging a system requires a refrigerant handling certification. Your local HVAC wholesaler won’t sell you a system with refrigerant without the Section 608 refrigerant certificate.

There’s also a science to charging a system to allow it to run at maximum efficiency. For example, low refrigerant level will cause inadequate heating and cooling, and the heat pump will work too hard.

Costly specialty tools are used – vacuum pump, superheat/subcooling meter, high-temp torch for brazing. Properly charging a heat pump system requires calculating the necessary refrigerant amount given the capacity of the heat pump and the length of the refrigerant line set. Many heat pump systems must be adjusted to account for your climate – arid, average or humid.

As an experienced do-it-yourselfer that handles most projects, I want my heat pump installed by someone who does it every day. That’s the best way to ensure that it will run as efficiently and durably as it should.

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

Get Free Heat Pump Price Quotes

Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costimates

steve hansen of costimates-sm Steve Hansen, that's me, the Senior Editor of Costimates. (Learn more about myself and our team) I'm an avid home improvement professional with more than 37 years experience working on all types of residential new home building, upfits, repairs and remodeling.

"Like most homeowners, I was frustrated with the lack of quality information available on specific home improvement repairs and renovations. In 2015, Costimates was formed to help homeowners learn as much as possible about various projects and their costs so they could make better financial decisions."