Standard split, mini-split, dual-fuel, or cold-climate—calculate the full installed cost including air handler, line set, electrical, and labor so your heat pump quote is complete before you write the proposal.
A heat pump outdoor unit must be matched to a compatible indoor coil or air handler by the manufacturer. Installing a Carrier outdoor unit with a York air handler may work electrically, but it voids the warranty on both units and may not hit the rated SEER efficiency. Always match systems from the same manufacturer or use a manufacturer-approved compatible coil. Document the matched system on your proposal—it protects you when the customer calls about efficiency.
Standard heat pumps lose efficiency below 35–40°F and typically need auxiliary electric strip heat below 20°F. Cold-climate heat pumps (Mitsubishi Hyper Heat, Bosch IDS, Carrier Infinity) maintain rated capacity down to 5°F or below—significantly reducing backup heat costs. In northern climates, the efficiency premium for a cold-climate unit pays back in 3–5 years. Include the backup heat source in your proposal and calculate what it costs to run at design temperature.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% tax credit (up to $2,000) for qualifying heat pump installations for homeowners. If you're not mentioning this in your sales conversation, a competitor who does will win the job. You don't need to be a tax expert—just tell customers to ask their accountant about the 25C credit. Providing the equipment's SEER rating and confirming it qualifies is all you need to do. This is a free conversion tool that costs you nothing to use.
The HVAC Business Starter Kit includes a flat-rate price book for 35 common heating and cooling jobs, service agreement template, and heat load calculation reference. Guide from $19 — Complete Kit with all 19 templates, $49.
Get the HVAC Kit →Heat pump installation pricing is driven by system type (split vs. packaged), efficiency rating, refrigerant line set length, electrical service requirements, permit costs, and whether a backup heat strip or dual fuel setup is needed. This calculator builds a complete installation quote from all components so you're pricing heat pump jobs accurately as they become the dominant system type in new construction and replacements.