Free Tool
Is Your Heat Pump Quote Fair?
Enter your quote details and we'll compare it against real prices from homeowners in your state. Based on 3,500+ crowdsourced installation reports.
Enter Your Quote
We'll compare your number against what other homeowners in your state actually paid.
Not sure? Pick the one that sounds closest.
Total installed price — equipment + labor + materials.
Why Heat Pump Prices Vary
Two homeowners in the same city can get quotes that differ by 40–60%. That doesn't necessarily mean someone's being ripped off. Here's what actually moves the price:
Labor rates
HVAC installers in expensive metros (Boston, San Francisco, NYC) charge 2–3x what they do in smaller cities. Labor is typically 30–50% of the total installed cost.
System type
A ducted system (connects to your existing air vents) is usually cheaper if you already have ductwork. A ductless mini-split (wall-mounted units) costs more per zone but doesn't need ducts. Multi-zone ductless systems are the most expensive.
Brand premium
Premium brands (Mitsubishi, Daikin) often cost 20–40% more than value brands (Goodman, Rheem). They typically offer better warranties and higher efficiency, but installation quality matters more than brand.
Home complexity
Older homes, multi-story homes, and homes that need new electrical work or ductwork modifications add to the price. A straightforward swap costs less than a complex retrofit.
Tips for Getting a Fair Price
Get 3+ quotes. Our data shows the cheapest and most expensive quotes for the same job differ by 40–60%. You won't know if your quote is fair without comparison.
Ask what's included. Make sure the quote covers equipment, labor, materials, permits, and disposal of old equipment. Some quotes sneak in extras later.
Check for rebates first. Some contractors bake rebates into their pricing, others don't. Know what programs you qualify for so you can negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Verify licensing. A licensed HVAC contractor carries insurance and pulls permits. Going unlicensed to save money can void your equipment warranty and create safety issues.
Ask about the load calculation. A good contractor will do a Manual J load calculation to size your system properly. If they size it based on "rules of thumb" or the size of your old system, that's a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this tool?
It compares your quote against real prices homeowners reported paying — not manufacturer list prices or contractor estimates. The more quotes we have for your state, the more reliable the comparison. States with fewer than 10 quotes will show wider ranges.
My quote is above the median. Am I being overcharged?
Not necessarily. The median means half of homeowners paid more and half paid less. If you're getting a premium brand, a complex installation, or you're in an expensive metro, being above median is expected. Compare within your brand and system type for a more meaningful benchmark.
Where does the data come from?
We collect and verify installation costs from homeowner discussions online. Each quote includes the price, location, system type, and brand. We exclude outliers (under $1,000 or over $100,000) and quotes that don't include enough detail.