How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ductless Heat Pump?

What Is a Ductless Heat Pump?

A ductless heat pump, also known as a mini-split system, is a highly efficient heating and cooling solution that does not require ductwork. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air-handling units. Ideal for both new installations and retrofits, ductless heat pumps provide zoned temperature control and energy efficiency.

How Much Does a Ductless Heat Pump Cost?

The cost of a ductless heat pump depends on several factors, including the size of the system, the number of indoor units, and installation complexity. Here’s a breakdown:

• Average Cost: $3,000 to $8,000
• Single-Zone System: $1,800 to $6,000
• Multi-Zone System: $6,000 to $15,000
• Installation Cost: $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the number of units and layout of your home

To get an accurate estimate, use our ductless heat pump cost calculator or hire a contractor today.

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Average Heat Pump Prices by Type

Here is a common price breakdown you could expect to see based off of typical ductless heat pump installation costs:

Mini Split Single Zone Heat Pump

A single Indoor Heat Pump Unit could handle anywhere from 6,200 BTUs to 35,000 BTUs and be used in a small home or garage to maintain heat and cooling. You could expect to pay around $1,850 for installation.

Multi Zone Heat Pump System (4 Units) 

If you replace or install a 4 zone (rooms) ductless mini split heat pump system you could expect to pay anywhere from $8,500 to $10,000 for installation costs.

Large Multi-Zone Heat Pump System (5+ Units)

A homeowner installing a large mini split ductless heat pump system with 5 or more units could expect to pay more for materials as well as labor needed to get all of them installed in each room. You could expect to pay $15,000 or more depending on local labor rates and brand you choose to install.

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Comparing Ductless Heating System Costs to Traditional Systems

Factors Affecting Ductless Heat Pump Costs

• System & Home Size: Larger homes or multi-zone setups require more powerful systems and additional indoor units.
• Installation Complexity: Homes without existing electrical capacity may require upgrades, adding to the overall cost.
• Efficiency Ratings: Higher efficiency models cost more upfront but save money on energy bills over time.
• Brand and Model: Premium brands often come with higher price tags but offer better warranties and advanced features.

Additional Cost Add-ons

• Adding insulation to your home’s attic
• Sealing off heat and air leaks in your home around the doors and windows.
• Adding a low-e film to your windows can also be helpful to save money with a ductless heat pump.

Ductless Heat Pump Energy Efficiency

The energy efficient levels of your ductless heat pump unit are an important factor in their costs. The more energy efficient your unit is, the more you will pay for upfront installation costs. However, you will save in the long run on lowered utility bills. Using the yellow energy star rating label can be very helpful for you to make an informed installation decision. You will want to be cognitive of the types of ratings that influence a ductless heat pump’s energy such as:

• HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor:  This rating will give you insight into the amount of electrical output to heat input you will want for your home. In areas with colder climates you will want at least a 10 HSPF.
• SEER Ratings – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio: This rating is comparable to the HSPF but for cooling input vs electrical output of your ductless mini split unit. Most units start at 16 SEER but can go as high as 23 SEER.
• Energy Star Ratings – Energy star ratings are simple and efficient ways to get a feel for if the ductless heat pump you want to install has a good energy efficiency level.

Ductless Heat Pump Components

A ductless heat pump system consists of three main components:

Outdoor Heat Pump Unit:

An outside air unit, also known a condenser, houses the compressor and heat pump fan and usually is installed on a flat concrete pad ($150 to pour concrete if needed) or on the side of the house.

Indoor Air Handler Unit (AHU)

The indoor unit also known as an air handler is usually installed at a high point on the wall, on the baseboards below, or on the ceiling. You can have a single zone system with only one AHU or a multi zone system with 5 or more air handler units.

Heat Pump Refrigerant Line

A heat pump system has a line that a small hole is drilled from the outdoor unit to the correlating indoor air handler units through your walls. This line carries the electric cables, refrigerant lines, and condensate line.

What Size Ductless Heat Pump Do I Need? 

A ductless heat pump system size is a very important factor in order to figure out what type of heating and cooling capability your home will need based off of your home’s size and the extremities of temperatures in your area. You will need a mini split ductless system with the capability to handle more BTUs per square foot of home depending on the zone you live in. Use or climate zone BTU guide below to decide which unit size you should install in your home.

Depending on the square footage of each zone you are trying to heat or cool you will want to have a certain amount of BTU capability for your square footage and climate. Use the following chart to decide what size ductless mini split heat pump you will need for each zone or room:

Pros of Ductless Heat Pump System

• A major advantage to ductless air conditioning systems is that it works wonders as a retro-fit (add-on) to non-ducted systems and when installing, you do not incur the cost of ductwork installation.
• Ductless heat pumps are also easier to install compared to other HVAC system. All that is necessary for the contractor is to bore a three-inch hole through whichever wall you choose. The hole is for the conduit and cables.
• The air-handler has a lot of flexibility when it comes to positioning. The ductless heat pump unit(s) can be hung directly on a wall, mounted flush against a ceiling, or hung/suspended from a ceiling. Some brands also offer free-standing floor models.

Cons of Ductless Heat Pumps

• While fast, quick, convenient, and an economical source for providing additional heat to an already established heating method, a ductless heat pump does not provide the same heating or cooling power of a forced-air system. The ductless system is used more as an enhancement versus the main source of heating or cooling in areas with medium to heavy winter climates.