How Much Does a Ductless Heat Pump Installation Cost in 2025?

Average Cost to Install a Ductless Heat Pump

Ductless Heat Pump Cost Factors

Most ductless heat pump installations cost between $1,500 and $10,000. Several factors affect your final price, most notably the size of your system, including the number of BTUs and zones. 

Size/BTUs

The size of your home dictates how many BTUs (British thermal units, a measure of how powerful it is) you'll need to heat or cool it with your ductless heat pump system. The larger your home, the larger the system you need. You'll also pay more as you add more zones, not only for the extra wall units but also for the increased power needed to use the extra zones. 

Heat Pump Efficiency

The more efficient the unit, the higher the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating. More efficient units tend to cost more upfront to purchase, but they translate to lower energy bills over the long run. 

• HSPF: This is used for heating systems. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. Most systems fall between eight and 11, with high efficiency rated as over 10 HSPF.

• SEER: This is used for cooling systems. Like HSPF, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. Most systems are 16 SEER but can go up to 33 SEER.

Note: According to the National Association of Home Builders, as of January 2023, heat pump regulations moved from SEER and HSPF to SEER2 and HSPF2 to denote a change in how system testing is done. Systems manufactured before then will continue to use the old rating system. 

Cost per Zone

Heat pump installation costs are often advertised with one or two zones in kits. A complete five-zone mini-split heat pump costs up to $17,000 for kit materials alone, plus $500 to $2,000 or more in labor. Basic single-zone units run from $700 to $2,200 but can vary up to $4,300, depending on the brand and size. 

You’ll pay about $1,500 to $3,000 more per zone in ductless heat pump costs, depending on the location, brand, and installation involved. Expect to pay around $1,000 more per zone for the equipment alone. Keep the following points in mind when determining how many zones you need:

• Each zone adds another interior cassette, including running the refrigerant lines and electricity. 

• Zones typically include each room you plan to heat or cool in your home.

• Each zone requires more BTUs, which means a larger outdoor unit, adding to the price. 

• Outdoor units typically can't support more than four or five zones. If you need more, you'll need multiple outdoor units.

Brand

Most brands are similarly priced in a competitive and growing market, but there are differences in how much their mini split heat pump costs. Choose a brand that you and your local heat pump pro trust. Daikin, Fujitsu, and LG are more affordable at $1,000 to $11,000, with low to average efficiency. By comparison, Mitsubishi, Trane, and Toshiba Carrier high-efficiency ductless heat pumps cost a little more, at $1,500 to $12,500 and up. 

Climate

The climate you live in regulates how efficient and how much energy you’ll need to run your heating and cooling system. Northern climates need more efficient systems made specifically for colder climates. You’ll likely pay up to $2,000 more for these systems. 

Other Ductless Heat Pump Installation Cost Factors

Along with varying costs based on the size of your system, ductless heat pump installation costs can also vary based on other pricing factors. 

Labor

Professional HVAC system installation costs $500 to $2,000 in most cases, depending on the number of zones. Large, complex installs might cost up to $5,000 for labor alone. That's about 30% to 50% of the total cost of a mini-split. Installation typically takes five to 16 hours, but large multi-zoned installs may take longer. Your HVAC pro may also need the help of an electrician or a carpenter.

HVAC Professional

HVAC professionals typically charge about $75 to $150 per hour. You'll usually call them to install a mini-split heat pump system because it's an HVAC system. They'll also be able to give you quotes and ideas for alternatives to a mini-split. 

Carpenter 

In most cases, you won’t need to budget for a carpenter when working out your ductless heat pump installation cost. If you need one, hiring a carpenter costs $25 to $100 per hour plus trip fees. Expect to pay a total of about $200 to $300. 

Carpenters might cut holes or alter walls to accommodate the cassette systems or refrigerant lines. You’ll need a pass-through hole for the lines that connect the indoor and outdoor units. You may also need to hire a siding specialist for custom siding work.

Electrician 

Hiring an electrician costs about $50 to $100 per hour or $300 to $700 for this project. Heat pumps require their own dedicated 220-volt circuit. Running a new circuit may also require you to budget for the cost of upgrading your electrical box. In some places, you may be able to have your HVAC installer do this work. However, most locations require a licensed electrician to install the electrical circuit.

Location and Accessibility

The location of your installation can affect how long the project takes. The higher the complexity and more inaccessible the areas your pro needs to reach, the more you’ll end up paying in labor and added material costs. Expect to pay around $10 to $20 per foot for materials. 

Take note of the following:

• Higher floor installations require more conduit and wiring. 

• Installations in attics often require the movement or removal of insulation. 

• Hard-to-reach places require both more work and more materials.

• Add an extra hour or more of labor for higher floors and hard-to-access areas.

Permits

Permits are usually necessary to install a new electrical circuit to run the system. Most of the work doesn’t usually require a permit. If one is required in your location, your installer will know how much a permit costs. Always check with your homeowners association before installing anything outside your home.

Other Home Upgrades

You may want to reduce your system's energy usage even further by increasing your home's energy efficiency. Consider adding insulation, high-efficiency windows, and weather stripping to seal your home.

• Adding insulation costs $1,400–$6,300

• Installing high-efficiency windows costs $400–$2,000

• Adding weather stripping costs $150–$500

Ductless Heat Pump Split System Part Prices

System kits range from $800 to $10,000, with some five-zone systems reaching around $12,000. Ductless heat pump installation kits usually include all the components necessary to install the system, such as wires, lines, connectors, and more. However, they don’t usually include the evaporative cooler or cassettes.

For a customized setup, consider purchasing each component individually.

Split Heating and Air Conditioning Wall Units (PTAC) vs. Ducted Heat Pumps

A ductless mini-split heat pump costs $2,500 to $9,500 on average, more than most other types of HVAC systems. As such, you may want to consider alternatives before deciding. Ductless heat pumps and packaged terminal air conditioner units (PTACs) are flexible options for homes where installing ductwork is impossible or cost-prohibitive. 

An HVAC installer will know the specific pros and cons of your area, climate, and home type. Consult with a local pro before deciding.

Ductless Mini-Split Pros and Cons

Ductless mini-splits make for an affordable and energy-efficient choice for HVAC needs, but they have some notable pros and cons.

Pros:

• Flexible placement options

• Energy efficient

• Fast installation

• Quiet and unobtrusive

• Low heat pump repair costs

Cons:

• Higher installation cost at $2,200–$8,500 for 1,000 sq. ft.

• More even heating and cooling

• Visible wall- or ceiling-mounted units

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Units Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of a PTAC unit include some similarities with ductless systems, but you'll also note a few differences. 

Pros:

• Less expensive installation at $1,000–$1,500 for 1,000 sq. ft.

• Easy to install

• Heat pumps are energy-efficient

Cons:

• Limited temperature control

• Limited placement options

• Very loud

• AC units are expensive to run, but heat pump types are more efficient

Does Installing a Ductless Heat Pump Increase Home Value?

Installing a ductless heat pump in your home could be a strategic investment that potentially increases your home’s market value and attractiveness to potential buyers. These energy-efficient systems are considered desirable home upgrades, offering long-term advantages in lower energy bills and zoned temperature control. 

Homeowners may recoup up to 50% of ductless heat pump installation costs through increased home value and lifetime energy savings. Homes with these types of HVAC systems may also sell more quickly than comparable properties in competitive markets, as buyers appreciate the modern technology and potential utility savings. 

Budgeting for a Ductless Heat Pump

To get the best value without breaking the bank on ductless heat pump costs, follow these key budgeting strategies and make a more informed decision:

• Collect at least three professional estimates to compare installation pricing and ensure you’re getting a competitive rate.

• Discuss potential models with your local HVAC pro to decide which might work best for your home.

• Research federal, state, and local energy efficiency rebates that may significantly offset your installation costs.

• Measure your space and determine your BTU requirements accurately to avoid spending too much on an oversized unit.

• Estimate your potential energy cost savings over time to justify a slightly higher initial investment in a more efficient system.

• Set aside an extra 10% to 15% for unexpected expenses like upgrades and hardware.

• Zone strategically, focusing on the most-used areas of your home and possibly expanding to other zones later.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.