How Much Does a Wall-Mounted vs Central Heat Pump Cost: Price Guide

Heat pump pricing depends on much more than the brand printed on the box — system type, area to cover, the state of your electrical setup, and whether ducts already exist all play a role, often a bigger one than the choice between two competing manufacturers.

Wall-mounted (single unit)

For one room or a small open space, expect roughly $4,000 to $7,000 installed. This is the most common entry-level option for a first heat pump project, often in a home heated with electric baseboards.

Wall-mounted multi-zone

For several rooms with independent indoor units connected to one outdoor unit, pricing climbs to $8,000-$15,000 depending on the number of zones — each additional unit adds to the cost, but the outdoor unit and base installation are shared, making the cost per additional zone lower than the first zone.

Central heat pump

If you already have working ductwork, expect $6,000-$12,000. If ducts need to be installed in a home that's never had them, the price can easily exceed $15,000-$20,000 due to the construction work required — opening up walls, lost space, specialized labor.

Price range comparison table

Factors that move the price beyond system type

• Required capacity (measured in tons or BTU), determined by your home's size and insulation level — a poorly insulated home needs a more powerful, and therefore more expensive, system for the same result
• Electrical upgrade — a 100A panel may need upgrading to 200A to support the unit, a frequent additional cost not always mentioned in an initial quote
• Installation complexity — difficult access to the planned outdoor unit location, distance between indoor and outdoor units, unusual home structure
• Model and brand — higher-end lineups with high SEER ratings and better cold-climate performance cost more upfront but lower the energy bill year after year

What quotes don't always spell out

A quote that just says "wall-mounted heat pump, installation included" without specifying the exact model, BTU capacity, and whether an electrical upgrade is needed is incomplete. Always ask for these three details before comparing two quotes against each other — without them, a price gap between two contractors may simply reflect different inclusions, not a quality difference.

Rebates lower the net cost

Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program can significantly reduce a heat pump's net cost, especially when replacing an oil or electric baseboard system. See our full guide to heat pump rebates to know exactly which program covers what.