“Nothing lasts forever” is a popular saying that echoes the truth that no matter how long-lived an event, feeling, or even a product might last; it is bound to have an end. This saying applies even to heat pumps that have a somewhat long lifespan.
When the old unit reaches the end of its lifespan and you need to get a new product; hence, the cost of a heat pump is one thing that will primarily take center stage in your thoughts. This is especially true for folks who bought their old pump 10 to 20 years ago since this is the average lifespan range for these products.
Knowing the cost of a replacement in 2021 before you go shopping will allow you to make the best bargain. Hence, we have decided to arm you as much as possible with relevant information to ensure you get the best product but at the best bargain.
Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing how much a heat pump replacement cost in 2021…
What is the Cost of a Replacement?
The cost of replacing a heat pump is not fixed; this is the first thing you need to know. Several factors influence the final cost of any of these units. Hence, these factors need to be considered as you go shopping.
However, an average replacement job might cost a minimum of about $1,500. The maximum you could pay is about $5,900. Factors such as the product’s type, size, and location of installation determine the bill to a large extent. Nevertheless, a great number of homeowners in the United States of America will end up paying around $4,000 to $6,500 for a replacement in 2021.
The replacement’s overall cost is dependent on some of the factors which we have mentioned above but primarily on the following:
1. The pump type:
You could choose to go for an air-driven or geothermal unit. The former is cheaper, smaller, and adequate for small and simple home use. On the other hand, the latter is more costly not only to buy but to also install. They are also perfect for large buildings rather than small homes. Therefore, if you choose a geothermal unit over an air-driven pump, you should expect to pay more.
2. The state of existing amenities and fixtures:
If you are making a replacement instead of a new installation, your former amenities and fixtures will still be in place. Hence, this will cut down the cost of installation compared to someone who is fixing the unit for the first time. In the case of replacement, all you need to do is to connect the new unit.
However, you might still end up paying more if the amenities and fixtures you have in place aren’t in a good state. In such a case, you will have to replace the damaged amenities and fixtures as well.
3. Your chosen contractor’s labor rates:
You should know by now that the job of installing the product you purchase is not something you can do. You will have to hire the services of an HVAC professional to do the job. Hence, they will charge you for their services which will also affect the overall cost of the replacement.
Since the rates vary from one contractor to another, we recommend that you get quotes from several contractors to give you an idea of which one offers the best deal. Hence, you can choose which one is more suitable for you and is affordable according to your budget.
We equally advise that you shouldn’t allow the labor rate to influence the choice of who you hire thereby selecting the cheapest of the lost thinking you have a good deal. Sometimes, a very low rate is an indication that the contractor might not be good at their jobs.
Instead, you should check the several quotes you have received, and then find out what the average rate is. After that, make your selection from those that fall within the average range which you determined.
What Influences the Prices of Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are rated by most manufacturers as high, mid, and low-quality units as determined by the following:
1. SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) deals with the cooling efficiency of the unit. If a unit has a higher SEER rating, it will have a lower operating cost. Hence, a unit with a 16 SEER is less expensive to run compared to that of a 14 SEER product.
2. HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) deals with the heating efficiency of the unit. If the HSPF rating of a unit is higher, then its operating costs will be lower.
3. BTU
British Thermal Unit (BTU) deals with the size or capacity of the unit. Each ton contains 12,000 BTUs. Hence, a unit with 3 tons will have a cooling or heating of 36,000 BTUs. Click here to learn more about BTU
Cost Breakdown of Heat Pumps
An average cost range of $1,000 – $4,000 can be spent on a mid-quality unit. When other accessories and labor rates are added to this, you could end up paying about $1,500 to $5,300.
For high-quality pumps, you get to pay more since the labor rate will increase drastically. Therefore, you might end up paying a maximum of $9,000. Furthermore, if your old can needs replacement or you need to get new ducting, the cost sometimes could triple the original cost.
Below is a comparison of heat pumps from some brands:
1. Amana:
Low quality – $550 to $650
Mid quality – $700 to $800
High quality – $900 to $1,000
2. DuctlessAire
Low quality – $1000
High quality – $1,200
3. Gree
Low quality – $1,900 to $2,000
Mid quality – $2,500 to $2,800
High quality – $3,700 to $4,300
4. Panasonic
Low quality – $1,300
High quality – $1,400
Conclusion
The article above has revealed how much a heat pump costs as well as its replacement and factors that influence the overall cost of replacement.
