How Much Does it Cost to Install a Heat Pump in Boise?

Installing a heat pump in Boise ranges from $3,200 to $13,500, with the average cost being around $8,350.

That’s a pretty broad price range, we know. But the cost to install your heat pump will depend on the following variable factors:

• The size of the heat pump
• The heat pump’s efficiency
• Whether or not you opt for a dual-fuel system
• Installation considerations
• The contractor you hire

Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail.

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When we talk about size, we’re not referring to the physical dimensions of the heat pump, but the cooling/heating capacity of the unit.

Heat pump size is measured in tons. The higher the tonnage, the bigger the heat pump (and the more expensive it will be). Most residential heat pumps range from 1 to 5 tons.

That said, you don’t actually get a choice in what size heat pump is right for your home—it depends on factors such as:

• Your home’s construction
• The quality of your ductwork
• The insulation levels
• And much more

Because the size of your heat pump depends on so many complicated factors, a professional will need to perform an analysis, called a load calculation, to help you determine what size heat pump you need.

Regular air conditioners and heat pumps are sized similarly. For more information about size, check out our blog, “What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need? A Boise Tech Answers.”

The more energy-efficient the heat pump, the more expensive it will be. However, highly efficient heat pumps lower your energy consumption, which means you’ll likely pay less every month in utility costs.

Heat pump efficiency is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor). The higher your heat pump’s SEER and HSPF rating, the more expensive the unit will be.

Most residential heat pumps range from 13 to 24 SEER and 8.2 to 13 HSPF. A professional can help you determine which heat pump efficiency is best for your home and budget.

For more information about SEER, check out our article, “What SEER Rating Should I Buy for My Boise Home?”

When homeowners are interested in purchasing a heat pump, we usually recommend that they install a dual-fuel system.

A dual-fuel system is the combination of an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. If you opt for a dual-fuel system, you’ll pay more upfront, but you’ll have greater indoor comfort and potentially high energy-savings over time.

You can learn more about the benefits of a dual-fuel system by reading our blog: “Dual-Fuel System vs Furnace in Boise.”

If the installer needs to significantly modify your home’s electrical wiring or ductwork to accommodate your new system, the overall cost to install your heat pump will be greater.

However, by having your system installed correctly, you’ll prolong the life of your heat pump and maximize your energy savings.

Like we just mentioned, having your system installed correctly saves you money in the long run, which is why it’s worth it to invest a little more upfront for a high-quality contractor who will do the job right — the first time around.

But how do you find a high-quality contractor?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are they licensed and insured? (Hint: if the contractor is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, then they are licensed, insured and bonded.)
• Do they offer guarantees on their work?
• Do they have positive customer reviews on sites like Google, Facebook and Yelp?

If you answered “yes” to the questions above, you’ve likely found a good contractor. If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, keep looking for a better company so you don’t risk getting a poor installation.