How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ductless Heat Pump?

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ductless Heat Pump?

Ductless heat pumps typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000 installed, or $8,500 on average. Single-room systems sit on the low end. Whole-home multi-zone systems cost more. This guide covers single-zone and multi-zone pricing, cost per square foot, how ductless compares to other heat pump types, operating costs, brand pricing, and what the installation process looks like.

Ductless Heat Pump Cost Ranges

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Ductless Mini-Split Installation Cost

A mini-split with one indoor unit heats or cools a single space. Expect $3,000 to $8,000 installed depending on capacity, efficiency, mounting style (wall, ceiling cassette, floor console), and distance between the indoor and outdoor units. It is the simplest, least expensive ductless heat pump setup.

Related: Ductless Mini-Split AC

Cost of Ductless Multi-Split

A multi-split runs several rooms from one outdoor unit. Expect $8,000 to $15,000 for three to four zones, with costs rising as you add indoor units and increase line-set lengths (the length of tubes that connect indoor and outdoor units). Whole-home designs with five or more zones commonly exceed $12,000.

Related: Ductless Multi-Split AC

Ductless Heat Pump Cost Per Square Foot

As a planning shortcut, ductless heat pumps cost, on average, about $6 to $14 per square foot installed, with smaller homes and single zones toward the high end and larger, multi-zone systems toward the low end.

How Ductless Heat Pump Costs Compare to Other Heat Pump Types

Cost to Run a Ductless Heat Pump

Ductless heat pumps are efficient because they move heat instead of creating it. In many homes, they lower heating and cooling costs compared to baseboard heat, window ACs, or electric furnaces. Monthly costs depend on your electricity rates, thermostat settings, insulation, and usage. As a rough guide, a properly sized single-zone mini-split often costs $30 to $90 per month to heat or cool a typical room during peak seasons. Remember that you’ll pay more to run a multi-zone system. Extreme climates will have higher costs as well.

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Are Ductless Heat Pumps Worth It?

For homes without ducts, additions, and rooms with hot-and-cold spots, ductless systems offer quiet operation, strong efficiency, and precise temperature control by room. Whole-home multi-zone systems can match ducted heat pump comfort when designed well. If wall-mounted heads are a concern, consider ceiling cassettes or low-wall consoles.

Ductless Heat Pump Installation Cost by Brand

Heat pump pricing varies by brand, series, efficiency, and warranty. Prices for the heat pump brands below are equipment-only; installation adds labor, materials, and permits, which can raise costs.

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What Is a Ductless Heat Pump?

A ductless heat pump, often called a mini-split, is a compact heating and cooling system that does not use ductwork. Instead, it pairs one small outdoor unit with one or more slim indoor units mounted on a wall, in the ceiling, or near the floor.

Each indoor unit controls a room or zone, so you can set different temperatures in different areas. That zoning saves energy, reduces hot-and-cold spots, and adds comfort without tearing into walls for ducts. Ductless is a smart fit for homes without existing ducts, additions and garages, finished attics or basements, sunrooms, and rooms that never feel quite right.

How Do They Work?

Ductless systems move heat rather than create it. In winter, the outdoor unit pulls heat from the outside air and sends it indoors; in summer, it does the reverse and moves heat out of your home.

Thin, insulated lines connect the outdoor unit to each indoor unit. They carry refrigerant (the fluid that moves heat), power, and a small drain line to remove moisture. Each indoor unit has its own remote or wall control, so you can warm one room, cool another, or turn units off in rooms you’re not using. Most modern mini-splits use variable-speed compressors that ramp up and down quietly to hold a steady, comfortable temperature while using less energy.

Mini-Split Heat Pump Installation Process

Installing a ductless system is a pro job. Here’s what a licensed contractor will do:

• Plan the Right Setup: They’ll make sure the system is the right size for your home, decide which rooms get indoor units, and choose safe spots for the equipment and the small drain line that carries away moisture.
• Mount the Equipment: The outdoor unit goes on a small pad or wall bracket. Thin tubing and wires run through a small hole in the wall to each indoor unit. The indoor units are mounted on a wall or in the ceiling.
• Prepare and Test the System: The tech removes air and moisture from the lines (a quick vacuum step), checks for leaks, starts the system, and makes sure each room gets the right airflow and temperature.
• Finish the Hookups and Show You How It Works: They complete the electrical connection, handle any permits and inspections, clean up, and then walk you through the remote or app, basic maintenance, and what to expect on day one.

Conclusion: Is a Ductless Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

If you want room-by-room comfort, lower energy use, and a clean install without new ducts, a ductless heat pump is worth a close look. Single-room setups are an affordable way to fix a problem space, while multi-zone designs can serve most or all of your home with precise control. To choose the right size and layout, ask a licensed contractor to evaluate your rooms, insulation, and electrical panel, then provide an itemized quote that fits your goals and budget.