January 16, 2018
A heat pump is a cost effective way to heat your Denver home. But how much does it cost to install one?
Well, a heat pump installation in Denver costs anywhere from $4,500 to over $10,000, with the average homeowner paying $5,200.
So, what determines the price you’ll end up paying? Well, the biggest factors that affect the cost of a heat pump install include:
We’ll take a closer look at these 2 price factors and how they affect how much you’ll pay.
Heat pump units are priced according to their:
Now let’s look at specifically how these 2 features affect the price of a heat pump unit:
Heat pumps aren’t sized by their physical dimensions. Instead, heat pumps are sized according to how much heating and cooling they can provide in one hour—this is measured in “tonnage”.
Residential heat pump sizes are anywhere from 1 to 5 tons. The higher the tonnage, the more heating/cooling it can provide.
Wondering what size you’ll need? Well, first off, you don’t get to just pick whatever size you want.
Why is this sizing process so detailed? Because an improperly sized heat pump wastes a lot of money and leaves you uncomfortable. So, make sure that the contractor you choose to install your heat pump performs a heat/cooling load calculation to properly size your heat pump
Because a heat pump provides both cooling and heating, each unit receives 2 efficiency ratings:
The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of a heat pump measures how efficient the unit is at cooling. Residential heat pumps can range in SEER from 13 to over 26 and the higher the SEER the more efficient the unit is. We suggest getting a unit with a SEER rating of at least 16.
The HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating measures how efficient the unit is at heating. Residential heat pumps can range in HSPF ratings from 7.5 to over 12. The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit. We suggest getting a unit with a HSPF rating of at least 8.5.
So, what does “single-stage” vs “two-stage” heat pump compressor really mean? Well, this feature refers to the levels of cooling that the unit can provide.
While two-stage heat pumps generally cost more upfront, they also:
Here’s the bottom line: Higher quality contractors cost more but save you more money in the long run.
Would you choose the cheapest doctor around to perform a major surgery on you or a loved one? Probably not, right? In fact, you're probably going to stay far away from doctors who offer oddly low prices.
The same concept should apply to a heat pump installation. Your heating/cooling system is one of the most expensive appliances/systems in your home. Why leave its installation in the hands of an inexperienced or lazy contractor just for the sake of saving a few bucks?
We suggest getting various quotes but don’t settle for the lowest price. Instead, base your final decision on whether or not the contractor/company is:
Need help looking for the best HVAC contractor? Just check out the detailed tips in our blog, “7 Things to Look for in the Best HVAC Contractor in Denver, CO”.
Considering a heat pump for your Denver area home? Call Plumbline. We’ll send out a highly experienced and qualified HVAC technician who will inspect your home and current heating/cooling system before offering a fair estimate on your heat pump installation.
For your convenience, you can request an appointment in one of two ways:
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