A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, so one system can heat and cool. Its efficiency depends on climate and installation.
Draft. Some reference links and cost figures are still being verified.
A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, so one system can heat and cool. Efficiency depends on climate, equipment choice, and installation, and the federal ratings have changed recently.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| How does it work? | In heating mode it moves heat from outside air (or the ground) into the home. A reversing valve switches the cycle to cooling. |
| What ratings matter? | SEER2 for cooling, and HSPF2 for heating. ENERGY STAR's current heat pump specification sets minimums for each type. |
| What does it cost? | Fixr puts the national average at about $8,350, with most homeowners paying $5,000 to $15,000. Inch Calculator lists about $5,600. |
| When do I need a pro? | Always for installation, refrigerant work, defrost controls, and electrical work. |
An air-source heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air in heating mode and releases heat outdoors in cooling mode. The efficiency of this process falls as outdoor temperatures drop, so cold-climate models are designed to keep heating output in low temperatures. Ground-source (geothermal) systems draw on the earth's steady temperature, and they cost more to install.
| Type | How it works | Efficiency reference | Best fit | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air-source, standard | Moves heat between the home and outdoor air | ENERGY STAR split systems: 15.2 SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2 minimums (Version 6.2) | Mild and moderate climates | Output drops in deep cold; backup heat often needed |
| Air-source, cold climate | Designed to keep heating output in low temperatures | ENERGY STAR cold-climate split systems: 8.5 HSPF2 non-ducted, 8.1 HSPF2 ducted, and a low-temperature COP test | Cold climates | Usually higher purchase cost |
| Ductless mini-split | Indoor heads connected to an outdoor unit | Check ENERGY STAR ductless listings | Additions, homes without ducts, zone control | Per-zone cost; indoor heads need placement |
| Ground-source (geothermal) | Uses ground loops for heat exchange | DOE reports 30 to 60 percent energy reduction in its consumer guide | Sites with suitable land or drilling access | Higher installation cost; site work |
Federal rules and ENERGY STAR criteria have changed recently. Check current specifications before you buy.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Long run times that never reach the setpoint | Undersized unit, refrigerant problem, or dirty coil | Schedule a technician to check charge and airflow |
| Frequent backup heat use | Cold weather, a sizing problem, or a control issue | Ask a technician to check the balance point and controls |
| Ice that does not clear | Defrost system problem | Turn off the unit and call a technician |
| Uneven heating between rooms | Duct problem or poor airflow | Schedule a duct inspection |
| Steam or short bursts of noise during defrost | Normal defrost cycle | No action needed unless it's frequent or loud |
| Task | How often | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Replace or clean the filter | Check monthly; replace at least every three months (ENERGY STAR) | Homeowner |
| Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, leaves, and debris | Ongoing | Homeowner |
| Professional service | Once a year, ideally before the heating season (DOE and ENERGY STAR) | Licensed technician |
| Task | Homeowner? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear snow and debris from the outdoor unit | Yes | Keep at least the clearance the manufacturer specifies |
| Change or clean the filter | Yes | Follow the manufacturer's instructions |
| Refrigerant, defrost controls, or electrical work | No | Licensed technician; EPA certification for refrigerant |
| Install a heat pump or mini-split | No | Permit, electrical, and refrigerant work |
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installed air-source heat pump | Fixr national average about $8,350; typical $5,000 to $15,000 | Fixr |
| Installed heat pump (lower estimate) | About $5,600 national average | Inch Calculator |
| Real-world quotes | About $15,000 average before incentives | EnergySage |
| Ductless mini-split | About $2,000 to $8,000 per zone | Fixr |
Estimates vary widely with home size, climate, and ductwork. Federal tax credit rules have changed, so confirm current incentives before budgeting.
| Condition | What changes | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Cold winters | Standard models lose heating output in deep cold | Choose a cold-climate model, or plan for backup heat |
| Mild climates | Heat pumps often provide most of the heating and cooling | Compare total cost with a standard system |
| Hot climates | Cooling is the main load | Check SEER2 and dehumidification |
Yes, but output drops as temperatures fall. Cold-climate models use higher HSPF2 standards and a low-temperature test, and standard models may need backup heat in deep winter.
A short steam cloud and brief noise can be a normal defrost cycle. Frequent or loud defrost, or ice that does not clear, needs a technician.
Heat pumps move heat instead of creating it, so they can use less energy in mild and moderate climates. In very cold climates, a cold-climate model or a dual-fuel system may be needed to match a furnace's output.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| HSPF2 | Heating seasonal performance factor under the current federal test method |
| Reversing valve | The valve that switches the heat pump between heating and cooling |
| Defrost cycle | A brief reverse of the cycle that clears frost from the outdoor coil |
| Balance point | The outdoor temperature where the heat pump can no longer keep up alone |
| Dual-fuel system | A heat pump paired with a gas furnace |
Sources reviewed November 4, 2026. Independent professional review: pending. Confirm local rules with your building department.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (2026 guides) | DIY or pro | Permit usually? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reversing valve replacement | Unit stuck in one mode or runs the wrong way | About $200 to $800 (Angi, Fixr, HomeAidPros ranges) | Licensed HVAC technician | Usually not |
| Defrost control board replacement | Frost does not clear, or defrost runs at wrong times | About $150 to $700 (Fixr, HomeAdvisor 2025, HomeAidPros) | Licensed HVAC technician | Usually not |
| General heat pump repair | Any repair call | About $150 to $650, average about $400 (Fixr); about $161 to $661 (Angi) | Licensed HVAC technician | Usually not |
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (2026 guides) | DIY or pro | Permit usually? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual heat pump service | Once a year, ideally before the heating season | About $75 to $200 for a standard visit (contractor guides) | Licensed HVAC technician | No |
| Filter cleaning or replacement | Check monthly; replace at least every three months | Parts cost only; homeowner task | Homeowner | No |
| Outdoor unit clearance | Keep clear of snow, leaves, and debris year-round | Homeowner task | Homeowner | No |
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (2026 guides) | DIY or pro | Permit usually? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump replacement | Aging or failed system, or a switch to heat pump heating | About $5,600 to $8,350 installed (Inch Calculator; Fixr); see the Cost table | Licensed HVAC technician | Usually yes |
| Ductless mini-split installation | Additions, zoned heating, or homes without ducts | About $2,000 to $8,000 per zone (Fixr) | Licensed HVAC technician | Usually yes |