Heat pump installation cost: 2, 3 and 4 ton systems, by state
A 3 ton heat pump system: about $7,600 to $8,700, typically $8,000. That's a split heat pump system, the outdoor unit at 15 to 16 SEER and an indoor air handler with a heat strip and coil, with the old equipment taken out, plus the contractor's overhead, profit and sales tax. New ductwork, a new line set, electrical work, a thermostat and permits are extra.
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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What it costs
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| A 2 ton heat pump system | $6,500 to $7,500 |
| A 3 ton heat pump system | $7,600 to $8,700 |
| A 4 ton heat pump system | $8,800 to $10,000 |
Totals include the contractor's overhead and profit (20%) and the state's average sales tax. Prices as of November 2026.
What’s in these numbers
Each total is a typical job, priced the way a contractor’s estimate is priced:
| 2 ton | 3 ton | 4 ton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor unit | Heat pump, 15 to 16 SEER | Same | Same |
| Indoor unit | Air handler with a heat strip and coil | Same | Same |
| Old equipment | Taken out | Taken out | Taken out |
On top of the work:
- Overhead and profit: 20%, the standard markup on a contractor’s estimate.
- Sales tax on the materials, at the state’s average rate.
Not in them: new or replaced ductwork, a new refrigerant line set, a new circuit or panel work, a new thermostat, a concrete pad, and permits.
What a ton means
A ton of heating or cooling is 12,000 BTU an hour, so a 3 ton heat pump moves about 36,000 BTU an hour. The size comes from a load calculation, not the square footage alone: the residential code calls for heating and cooling equipment sized by ACCA Manual S from loads worked out with ACCA Manual J or another approved method (IRC M1401.3).
Heat pump, air conditioner or furnace
A heat pump is an air conditioner that also runs in reverse: it moves heat out of the house in summer and into it in winter. The heat strip in the air handler is backup heat for the coldest hours. Where the house already has a furnace, the furnace replacement cost guide and the central air cost guide price those, and a house without ducts can use a ductless mini split.
What moves the price
- Size. Each step up in tons costs more.
- Efficiency. Higher-efficiency units cost more than these 15 to 16 SEER ones.
- Ducts and line set. Reusing sound ducts and lines keeps the job to the equipment; replacing them adds work.
- Where you live. Pick your state in the box above.
Common questions
How much does it cost to install a heat pump?
About $7,600 to $8,700 for a 3 ton system with the old equipment taken out, typically $8,000.
How much is a 2 ton heat pump installed?
About $6,500 to $7,500, typically $6,800.
How much is a 4 ton heat pump installed?
About $8,800 to $10,000, typically $9,300.
What size heat pump do I need?
The one a Manual J load calculation calls for (IRC M1401.3). A rule of thumb by square footage can’t see the insulation, windows or climate.