HVAC · ducted heat pump
Central heat pump installation cost
A 3-ton centrally ducted air-source heat pump at SEER1 16 has a certified national retrofit benchmark of $7,994.61 (2023 USD) low, $14,247.02 (2023 USD) typical, and $20,499.43 (2023 USD) high.
Source year. Based on NREL REMDB Air Source Heat Pump, centrally ducted, in 2023 dollars.
Geographic scope. United States national modelled benchmark.
Model scope. Ducted ASHP only. Tons 1.5–5 and SEER1 13.8–24. Mini-splits are not certified here.
Important limitation. The workbook’s retrofit adder includes a new-circuit credit. This is still a 2023-dollar modelled benchmark, not a local quote.
Certified benchmark values
| Band | Value |
|---|---|
| installed low | $7,994.61 (2023 USD) |
| installed typical | $14,247.02 (2023 USD) |
| installed high | $20,499.43 (2023 USD) |
Benchmark estimator
Results are modelled 2023 USD benchmarks, not a contractor quote.
Modelled benchmark: Low $7,994.61 (2023 USD); typical $14,247.02 (2023 USD); high $20,499.43 (2023 USD)
Formula: retail=1065.28*m1(3)+594.74*m2(16)+-2291; installed=retail*1.5+-1384. This modelled range is not a contractor quotation.
Typical result $14,247.02 (2023 USD)
What this estimate includes
- Capacity and SEER1 regression
- Retrofit install multiplier and published adder
What moves the number
- Tons
- SEER1
- Electrical service, priced separately if a 200A panel is needed
Methodology and sources
- Uses the ASHP centrally ducted row, not the air-conditioner row.
- Does not convert AFUE furnaces or mini-splits through this equation.
Primary source: National Residential Efficiency Measures Database 2024.
How to use this result when planning
- This is a centrally ducted air-source heat pump. Mini-splits are not certified here.
- Certified domain is 1.5–5 tons and SEER1 13.8–24. The default point is 3 tons at SEER1 16.
- The workbook retrofit adder includes a new-circuit credit. A full 200A panel is still a different page.
Same capacity, higher in-domain SEER
Keep 3 tons. Change only SEER1 from 16 to 18.
Engine result: Low $9,065.15 (2023 USD); typical $16,031.24 (2023 USD); high $22,997.33 (2023 USD). Formula: retail=1065.28*m1(3)+594.74*m2(18)+-2291; installed=retail*1.5+-1384. This modelled range is not a contractor quotation.
When to get a contractor quotation
- Get a quote when you know the existing heat source, duct leakage, and whether backup heat is required in your climate.
- If the electrical service cannot support the outdoor unit, price the panel upgrade separately.
Limitations
- 2023$ historical REMDB retrofit benchmark, not a 2026 contractor quote.
- REMDB may include upstream RSMeans/retail-derived inputs; cite REMDB only.
- Centrally ducted ASHP only. Not a mini-split. Retrofit adder includes the workbook new-circuit credit.
Questions this evidence can answer
Does this include a new electrical panel?
No. If the house needs a 200A panel, use the certified panel page. That intercept is a different model.