Heat pumps

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A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, so one system can heat and cool. Its efficiency depends on climate and installation.

Draft. Some reference links and cost figures are still being verified.

A heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, so one system can heat and cool. Efficiency depends on climate, equipment choice, and installation, and the federal ratings have changed recently.

Quick facts
Question	Short answer
How does it work?	In heating mode it moves heat from outside air (or the ground) into the home. A reversing valve switches the cycle to cooling.
What ratings matter?	SEER2 for cooling, and HSPF2 for heating. ENERGY STAR's current heat pump specification sets minimums for each type.
What does it cost?	Fixr puts the national average at about $8,350, with most homeowners paying $5,000 to $15,000. Inch Calculator lists about $5,600.
When do I need a pro?	Always for installation, refrigerant work, defrost controls, and electrical work.

How it works

An air-source heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air in heating mode and releases heat outdoors in cooling mode. The efficiency of this process falls as outdoor temperatures drop, so cold-climate models are designed to keep heating output in low temperatures. Ground-source (geothermal) systems draw on the earth's steady temperature, and they cost more to install.

Types compared

Heat pump types
Type	How it works	Efficiency reference	Best fit	Tradeoffs
Air-source, standard	Moves heat between the home and outdoor air	ENERGY STAR split systems: 15.2 SEER2, 11.0 EER2, and 7.8 HSPF2 minimums (Version 6.2)	Mild and moderate climates	Output drops in deep cold; backup heat often needed
Air-source, cold climate	Designed to keep heating output in low temperatures	ENERGY STAR cold-climate split systems: 8.5 HSPF2 non-ducted, 8.1 HSPF2 ducted, and a low-temperature COP test	Cold climates	Usually higher purchase cost
Ductless mini-split	Indoor heads connected to an outdoor unit	Check ENERGY STAR ductless listings	Additions, homes without ducts, zone control	Per-zone cost; indoor heads need placement
Ground-source (geothermal)	Uses ground loops for heat exchange	DOE reports 30 to 60 percent energy reduction in its consumer guide	Sites with suitable land or drilling access	Higher installation cost; site work

Federal rules and ENERGY STAR criteria have changed recently. Check current specifications before you buy.

Warning signs

Symptoms and next steps
Symptom	Possible cause	Next step
Long run times that never reach the setpoint	Undersized unit, refrigerant problem, or dirty coil	Schedule a technician to check charge and airflow
Frequent backup heat use	Cold weather, a sizing problem, or a control issue	Ask a technician to check the balance point and controls
Ice that does not clear	Defrost system problem	Turn off the unit and call a technician
Uneven heating between rooms	Duct problem or poor airflow	Schedule a duct inspection
Steam or short bursts of noise during defrost	Normal defrost cycle	No action needed unless it's frequent or loud

Maintenance

Routine maintenance
Task	How often	Who
Replace or clean the filter	Check monthly; replace on the manufacturer's schedule	Homeowner
Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, leaves, and debris	Ongoing	Homeowner
Professional service	Once a year, ideally in fall before the heating season (ENERGY STAR)	Licensed technician

DIY or call a pro

Common tasks
Task	Homeowner?	Notes
Clear snow and debris from the outdoor unit	Yes	Keep at least the clearance the manufacturer specifies
Change or clean the filter	Yes	Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Refrigerant, defrost controls, or electrical work	No	Licensed technician; EPA certification for refrigerant
Install a heat pump or mini-split	No	Permit, electrical, and refrigerant work

Codes and permits

Installations typically need a permit, and the electrical circuit and any backup heat must meet the electrical code.
Refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification, and the Technology Transitions rule affects which refrigerants new systems may use.
Utility and state incentive programs often require installation by certified contractors. Check current programs before you buy, since incentive rules change often.

Cost

2026 cost ranges
Job	Typical range	Source
Installed air-source heat pump	Fixr national average about $8,350; typical $5,000 to $15,000	Fixr
Installed heat pump (lower estimate)	About $5,600 national average	Inch Calculator
Real-world quotes	Varies widely; get local quotes	Source figures conflict
Ductless mini-split	Get a local quote	Fixr

Estimates vary widely with home size, climate, and ductwork. The federal 25C tax credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Check current state, utility, and federal rebate programs before budgeting.

Regional notes

How conditions change the advice
Condition	What changes	Advice
Cold winters	Standard models lose heating output in deep cold	Choose a cold-climate model, or plan for backup heat
Mild climates	Heat pumps often provide most of the heating and cooling	Compare total cost with a standard system
Hot climates	Cooling is the main load	Check SEER2 and dehumidification

Frequently asked questions

Do heat pumps work in cold weather?

Yes, but output drops as temperatures fall. Cold-climate models use higher HSPF2 standards and a low-temperature test, and standard models may need backup heat in deep winter.

Why does my heat pump make noise during defrost?

A short steam cloud and brief noise can be a normal defrost cycle. Frequent or loud defrost, or ice that does not clear, needs a technician.

Are heat pumps more efficient than furnaces?

Heat pumps move heat instead of creating it, so they can use less energy in mild and moderate climates. In very cold climates, a cold-climate model or a dual-fuel system may be needed to match a furnace's output.

Hiring checklist

Confirm the contractor is licensed, insured, and holds EPA Section 608 certification.
Ask for a load calculation and confirm the unit is sized to it.
Compare SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings, and confirm ENERGY STAR or cold-climate status.
Ask about incentives, and whether the contractor meets their requirements.

Glossary

Terms
Term	Meaning
HSPF2	Heating seasonal performance factor under the current federal test method
Reversing valve	The valve that switches the heat pump between heating and cooling
Defrost cycle	A brief reverse of the cycle that clears frost from the outdoor coil
Balance point	The outdoor temperature where the heat pump can no longer keep up alone
Dual-fuel system	A heat pump paired with a gas furnace

Sources reviewed November 4, 2026. Independent professional review: pending. Confirm local rules with your building department.

Repair

Repair services
Service	When you need it	Typical cost (2026 guides)	DIY or pro	Permit usually?
Reversing valve replacement	Unit stuck in one mode or runs the wrong way	Get a local quote	Licensed HVAC technician	Usually not
Defrost control board replacement	Frost does not clear, or defrost runs at wrong times	Get a local quote	Licensed HVAC technician	Usually not
General heat pump repair	Any repair call	About $150 to $650, average about $400 (Fixr, 2026)	Licensed HVAC technician	Usually not

Maintenance

Maintenance services
Service	When you need it	Typical cost (2026 guides)	DIY or pro	Permit usually?
Annual heat pump service	Once a year, ideally before the heating season	Get a local quote	Licensed HVAC technician	No
Filter cleaning or replacement	Check monthly; replace on the manufacturer's schedule	Parts cost only; homeowner task	Homeowner	No
Outdoor unit clearance	Keep clear of snow, leaves, and debris year-round	Homeowner task	Homeowner	No

Installation

Installation services
Service	When you need it	Typical cost (2026 guides)	DIY or pro	Permit usually?
Heat pump replacement	Aging or failed system, or a switch to heat pump heating	About $5,600 (Inch Calculator) to $8,350 (Fixr) installed; see the Cost section	Licensed HVAC technician	Usually yes
Ductless mini-split installation	Additions, zoned heating, or homes without ducts	Get a local quote	Licensed HVAC technician	Usually yes

References

Categories: Heating and cooling (HVAC)