Heat pumps are an excellent way to provide year-round comfort for your North Carolina home. That’s why more and more residents are switching to these systems.
The average cost for heat pump installation in North Carolina is between $3,000 and $10,000 for a standard ducted heat pump and $2,500 to $9,500 for ductless heat pumps. They’re more expensive than installing AC alone, but with the power to both heat and cool your property, a heat pump costs less than a new AC and furnace combination.
The HVAC experts at Comfort First Heating & Cooling are here to help you understand the various factors that impact the cost of a heat pump in North Carolina and what to expect during installation.
Common Causes of Heat Pump Failure
Most heat pumps only last about 15 years. As they age, they’ll start to experience issues that impact your overall comfort. The most common causes of heat pump failure include:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electrical issues
- Excessive corrosion
- Advanced wear and tear
- Failed compressor
- Worn-out heat exchanger
What to Expect During Heat Pump Replacement
At Comfort First, we offer a streamlined heat pump replacement process that includes:
- Assessment: Our experts will assess your current system and ductwork to determine what’s needed for your new HVAC setup.
- Selection: We’ll help you choose a heat pump that meets your comfort and energy efficiency needs and fits your budget.
- Removal: We’ll carefully disconnect and remove your old heat pump or other HVAC system.
- Installation: Our team ensures precise and professional installation.
- Testing: We run a full range of tests to ensure your new system is running properly.
Factors Affecting Heat Pump Costs
When selecting a heat pump for your North Carolina home, many factors can impact the overall cost of your home comfort investment, including:
- System size: Heat pump sizing is based on British Thermal Units (BTUs), which measure heating or cooling capacity. Most homes need about 20 to 25 BTUs per square foot. This means a 1,500 sq. ft. home needs a 37,000 BTU system, whereas a 2,000 sq. ft. home would require closer to 50,000 BTUs.
- Installation: The cost of labor can fluctuate depending on the complexity of your installation. It’s important to hire a licensed installer to ensure code compliance and optimal performance.
- Energy efficiency ratings: The more efficient a heat pump is, the more it costs. Systems have a SEER rating for cooling and an HSPF rating for heating. Any system with 16 SEER or higher and 9 HSPF or higher is considered highly efficient. The SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency updates also increased pricing.
- Ductwork: Your new heat pump may require ductwork replacement or repair, but ductless heat pumps don’t and will, therefore, be cheaper.
- Dual-fuel capability: Heat pumps work well in the North Carolina climate. However, you can also install a gas furnace to provide backup heating. It will cost more than just having a heat pump.
- Equipment brand: The cost of a heat pump can vary depending on the brand. Luckily, there’s a variety of systems on the market at varying price points.
- Rebates and tax credits: Heat pumps that are highly efficient may be eligible for incentives, including federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility rebates.
- Refrigerant mandates: As of Jan. 1. 2025, R-410A, or Puron, is no longer manufactured or imported to the U.S. R-454B is the new refrigerant used in most heat pumps, air conditioners, and mini-splits.
Choose Comfort First for Heat Pump Replacement in NC
If you’re ready to schedule a heat pump replacement for your North Carolina home, call the team at Comfort First Heating & Cooling.
Our licensed and insured experts offer free estimates on all replacements and unmatched HVAC installation guarantees. Our financing options allow you to invest in your home comfort while paying it off over time.
Call Comfort First to request heat pump replacement in the Triangle, the Triad, Charlotte, Jacksonville, or the Outer Banks today.
