Heat Pump Installation Cost in Ohio

By Affordable Air

More homeowners in Chillicothe and across Southern Ohio are choosing heat pumps. One system handles both heating and cooling, and modern heat pumps keep homes comfortable well into an Ohio winter while using far less electricity than baseboard or furnace heat strips.

The question we hear most is what a heat pump costs to install. Like any HVAC system, the price depends on your home and the type of system that fits it. This guide breaks down the options, the cost factors and what to look for in a quote.

Typical heat pump installation costs in our area

These are general ranges, not quotes. An in-home estimate is the only way to get an accurate number, and Affordable Air’s estimates on new systems are free.

The main types of heat pump systems

Ducted (central) heat pumps

A ducted heat pump replaces a central air conditioner, or an older heat pump, and uses your home’s existing ductwork. The outdoor unit looks almost identical to an AC condenser. Inside, it pairs with either an air handler (with electric backup heat) or a gas furnace.

This is the most common choice for homes that already have good ductwork.

Dual-fuel systems

A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles cooling all summer and most of your heating in spring, fall and milder winter days. When temperatures drop low enough that the furnace becomes the more economical choice, the system switches to gas automatically.

If you already have a gas furnace in good shape and your AC is ready for replacement, swapping the AC for a heat pump can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades available. Our guide on heat pumps vs. furnaces covers the trade-offs.

Ductless mini-split heat pumps

Ductless systems mount indoor units on the wall or ceiling, connected to an outdoor unit by a small line set through the wall. They’re ideal for:

• Additions, sunrooms and finished garages
• Older homes without ductwork
• Rooms that never get comfortable on the central system
• Replacing window units or baseboard heat

A single-zone system serves one room. Multi-zone systems connect several indoor heads to one outdoor unit. Affordable Air is a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractor Preferred, so ductless is one of our specialties. Learn more about mini-split installation.

What affects heat pump installation cost

1. Proper sizing

Heat pumps are sized in tons, just like air conditioners. But a heat pump also has to heat, so sizing matters even more. Too small and it leans on expensive backup heat in winter. Too large and it short-cycles, wastes energy and struggles with summer humidity.

A proper load calculation looks at your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, air leakage and ductwork. Be cautious of a quote that simply matches the size of your old unit.

2. Efficiency ratings

Heat pumps carry two efficiency ratings:

• SEER2 measures cooling efficiency
• HSPF2 measures heating efficiency

Higher numbers mean lower operating costs and a higher upfront price. In Southern Ohio, where a heat pump works hard in both seasons, it’s worth looking closely at the heating rating.

3. Cold-climate performance

Newer cold-climate heat pumps use variable-speed compressors that keep producing heat at much lower outdoor temperatures than older single-stage models. They cost more, but they rely less on backup heat during cold snaps. Whether that’s worth it depends on your home and whether you have gas backup.

4. Backup heat

Every heat pump in our climate needs a backup heat source for the coldest days. That’s either electric heat strips in the air handler or a gas furnace in a dual-fuel setup. Adding or upgrading backup heat affects the price.

5. Electrical work

Switching from gas heat to an all-electric heat pump with heat strips can require a larger electrical circuit or, in some homes, a panel upgrade. If you’re keeping your gas furnace in a dual-fuel setup, electrical changes are usually minor. A good contractor checks your panel before quoting.

6. Ductwork

Heat pumps move a lot of air at moderate temperatures, so ductwork that’s leaky, undersized or poorly balanced has a bigger effect on comfort than it does with a furnace. Some homes need duct sealing or modifications as part of the job.

7. Installation details

Ask what’s included: removal of the old equipment, a new pad, line set, thermostat, condensate drain, electrical disconnect, permits and startup testing. Two quotes can look far apart simply because one includes these and the other doesn’t.

Operating costs: where heat pumps pay you back

The upfront price is only part of the picture. A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, so it can deliver two to three times more heat energy than the electricity it uses in mild and moderate weather. Compared with electric baseboard or electric furnace heat, that’s a big drop in your winter bills.

Compared with natural gas, the savings depend on local gas and electric rates. That’s exactly why dual-fuel systems are popular here: they use whichever source is cheaper at the current outdoor temperature.

Ways to manage the cost

Financing

Affordable Air offers financing for all credit types, including 0% APR for 72 months, with approved credit through Service Finance Company, LLC. See our financing page.

Rebates and incentives

There are currently no state or utility HVAC rebate programs in Ohio that we're aware of. Manufacturer promotions come and go, and we'll tell you about any that apply when we give you an estimate.

Maintenance

Because heat pumps run year-round, they benefit from two tune-ups a year. Our Comfort Club covers annual heating and cooling tune-ups, priority service and 10% off repairs.

How to compare heat pump quotes

• Was a load calculation done?
• What exact equipment is quoted? Outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, and backup heat, by model number.
• What are the SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings of the matched system?
• How does it handle cold weather? Cold-climate model, heat strips or dual-fuel?
• What electrical and ductwork changes are included?
• What are the warranty terms on parts and labor?

Already have a quote? Get a free second opinion from Affordable Air.

Frequently asked questions

Do heat pumps work in Ohio winters?

Yes. Modern heat pumps heat effectively well below freezing, and backup heat covers the coldest stretches. Cold-climate models perform even better at low temperatures.

Can I add a heat pump to my existing furnace?

Often, yes. If your gas furnace is in good shape, replacing your AC with a heat pump creates a dual-fuel system without replacing the furnace.

How long does a heat pump last?

With regular maintenance, most heat pumps last 12 to 15 years. Because they run in both seasons, yearly maintenance makes a bigger difference than it does for an AC alone.

How long does installation take?

Most ducted heat pump replacements take one day. Ductless and multi-zone installations can take one to three days, depending on the number of indoor units.

Get a free heat pump estimate in Southern Ohio

Affordable Air has installed heating and cooling systems in Chillicothe and the surrounding counties since 2006. We’ll recommend the right type and size of heat pump for your home and explain your options clearly.

Call (740) 779-0079 or request an estimate online.