How much does a roof top heat pump cost?

A packaged rooftop unit is a complete AC system in which all components are housed in the same heavy duty steel cabinet. The system does not encroach on the living area. It instead serves the area through ductwork.

A packaged unit works in the same way as a central air system. Warm air is absorbed by coils containing pressurized refrigerant (which is hot, not cold). The air is exhausted to the outside and replaced by much colder air. The system does not produce cold air; it allows cold air to occupy the space previously occupied by warm air. This process can take place in components that reside inside, outside, or in the case of a packaged system, completely within the steel cabinet outside.

The difference between a split system and a packaged unit is that the components of a split system are separated, with one part (condenser) residing outside and another part (air handler) residing inside. With a packaged unit, all components are housed in the same metal cabinet outside.
This is one time when thinking inside the box is preferable. Essentially, these units put the air conditioner and heater in the same box as the air handler. Typically, the air handler goes on the inside of the house while the condenser stays outside. But for various reasons - usually space limitations - it just makes better sense to keep it all together in a box cabinet. In addition to traditional houses, these units are perfect for mobile and manufactured homes.

This combination heating and air conditioning unit can be mounted on the roof, especially in the case of businesses with flat roofs. It can also be mounted on a slab at ground level. This is more often the best placement for private homes.

The components that go into a package unit are essentially the same as regular AC systems, and the type of components you get depends on your individual needs. For much of the country, a condenser/air handler/heat pump system is the ideal choice. But for those living in more northern climes, a condenser/air handler/gas furnace system might work better. Those living in the south can get by with a two-phase system that includes just the condenser and the air handler.

Some of our packages are dual fuel, meaning the furnace is gas-fueled, while everything else is electric, making for an extremely efficient heating and cooling system, letting you save on your monthly energy bills.

HVAC Direct offers the best value in package units by way of our wholesale pricing and free shipping on big units.

Carrying top brands like Goodman; it's easy to see why HVACDirect.com has become one of the largest wholesalers of furnaces in the United States. Our HVAC system sizing guide will help you make the smartest and most efficient purchase for your home. Want to buy furnace accessories? We've got those too!

The primary cost factors when installing a heat pump depend on the type of pump you choose and the size of your home. Here’s how that breaks down.

By Type

The type of heat pump you choose will likely be the biggest cost factor, as this impacts the installation process. Here are the five main types to choose from, along with price ranges, pros and cons.

• Air-source: This is the most common type of heat pump out there. It features a simple design that, as the name suggests, pulls heat from the air. This is an affordable option for most people, but not the best pick for colder-than-average climates. Air-source heat pumps cost an average of $3,000 to $11,000, though the higher number assumes a high-efficiency unit.
• Geothermal: Ground-source, or geothermal, heat pumps pull heat from the soil beneath our feet. This setup includes underground piping, which requires professional excavation. In other words, geothermal pumps cost more than air-source pumps, with an average installation cost of $5,000 to $20,000. However, they are better at dealing with cold temperatures than air-source pumps.
• Solar: This type of heat pump is available as a geothermal or air-source model, as the solar element merely refers to the power source. The primary benefit here is that you won’t have to pay that monthly energy bill. The downside? You need solar panels, and installing solar panels can be prohibitively expensive. The actual units aren’t that pricey, but the total installation cost ranges from $3,500 to $19,500. If you need panels installed, that price rises by an average of $16,000.
• Hybrid: Otherwise known as a dual-fuel heat pump, hybrid units are exactly what they sound like: a combination of a traditional furnace with a heat pump. This option is the best choice for frigid climates, as the furnace kicks in during the winter. These units benefit from adequate insulation, which could add to the cost. The total installation price here is $3,000 to $13,700, depending on the efficiency rating of the heat pump portion.
• Ductless mini-split: Looking for the cheapest heat pump option? It’s a ductless mini-split. As the name suggests, this type of heat pump doesn’t even require ducts, further lessening the overall cost. Instead, mini-splits use refrigerant lines that run throughout the interior. This option is absolutely perfect for a small home, but things can get expensive with larger homes, as each zone will require its own unit. On the plus side, adding multiple units eliminates cold spots. Installing a ductless mini-split heat pump costs $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the number of units required.

By Size

The overall size of your home, along with the local climate, determines the size of the heat pump you need to adequately regulate the temperature throughout the year. The size of a heat pump is illustrated in tons, with models available in 2 to 5 tons. The costs increase as you start looking into larger-capacity heat pumps. Small units range from $3,800 to $6,600, while larger-capacity units cost up to $9,000 or more, depending on the efficiency rating.

By Top Brands

Many reputable manufacturers specialize in heat pumps. Here are some of the big players in the industry, along with the average price range to purchase a unit. These ranges take into account both standard and high-efficiency heat pumps. The price range also fluctuates according to the type of heat pump the company specializes in.

By Location

Like most home renovation projects, your location can determine the price range. This is especially true of heat pumps, as certain types just don’t do well in cold weather. Air-source pumps are one of the cheapest options but aren’t the best fit for those living in colder regions.

With this in mind, it’ll be pricier to install a heat pump in the colder parts of the country when compared to areas with moderate or warm climates. Colder regions also demand larger heat pumps, further impacting the price.

Labor

Installing a heat pump is work best left to a qualified HVAC professional, unless you have a boatload of experience in various home systems. HVAC pros charge anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour and will likely account for 30 to 40% percent of your total budget.

Labor costs also truly depend on the type of heat pump you purchased. For a standard installation of a ductless mini-split heat pump, you could pay as little as $500 for labor, as this job is straightforward and quick.

However, other types of heat pumps often require more contractors to handle specific tasks. For instance, geothermal units must be buried at least 4 feet into the ground, often requiring an excavation expert. Solar-powered pumps will require the professional installation of panels.

Finally, most heat pump types deliver cooled and warmed air through ducts. If you lack the proper ductwork, that’ll also drastically increase labor costs. With all of this in mind, the cost range for labor here is vast. Some jobs cost as little as $500, while others extend all the way to $20,000.