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Heat Pump vs. Central Air Conditioning (AC): Cost, Maintenance, Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps cost more upfront than central air but can heat and cool your home with higher energy efficiency.
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Dalia Ramirez writes about home services for NerdWallet. She has previously written about estate planning, cryptocurrencies, small business software and other personal finance topics. Dalia has a B.A. in bioethics and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in Los Angeles.
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Heat pump systems can heat and cool, while a central air system only cools. A central air conditioning system (AC) is typically paired with a furnace or boiler, creating a full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Heat pumps typically cost more upfront than a traditional central air system, but they are more energy efficient and can help you save on ongoing utility costs.
Nerdy Perspective
Heat pumps can be especially worth the investment in moderate climates, but the systems may occasionally struggle to produce heat effectively in extreme cold (or cool as well as an air conditioner in extreme heat). Heat pump systems made specifically for cold climates, though, can work in temperatures as low as -22° F. You can also pair a heat pump with another heat source, such as natural gas.
Dalia Ramirez
Deciding factors
Central AC
Heat pump
Unit cost
$2,000 to $3,000.
$3,000 to $6,000. May be offset by tax incentives.
Heat pumps typically cost more upfront than AC units, though energy bill savings and ongoing maintenance costs can help offset that investment.
Unit costs
Heat pumps tend to cost a bit more than AC units, though prices can be similar depending on the model of the unit. Popular AC units cost between $2,000 and $3,000, according to EnergySage, while heat pumps range from $3,000 to $6,000.
Also, heat pumps replace both heating and cooling in your home, while AC units only cool, so make sure to factor in the added cost of a furnace or boiler, which can range from around $2,000 to $10,000.
Installation costs
Heat pumps typically cost between $4,000 and $7,000 to install. Central AC installation costs about the same — from $3,500 to $7,000, according to Angi. Expect higher costs if you need to install or replace ductwork, which can be necessary for both central AC and heat pumps if you don’t have a ductless system.
Average heat pump repairs cost between $160 and $640. Air conditioner repairs can cost as little as $200, but sometimes cost $2,000 or more, depending on the issue. Heat pumps may need repair more frequently, though, because they typically run during multiple seasons, while air conditioning typically only runs during the hot months.
Expect a heat pump to last around 15 years, and a central air system to last between 15 and 20 years.
Energy efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimated in a 2024 news release that 62% to 95% of American households would see a drop in energy bills by switching to a heat pump
. Heat pumps also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially if they’re a replacement for a system that was using fossil fuels.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) evaluates the energy efficiency of home heating and cooling systems. Central AC and heat pump systems are both available with high SEER2 ratings, but heat pump systems tend to score higher.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Some energy-efficient heating and cooling systems qualify for tax rebates. Look for an Energy Star Certified label on your air-source heat pumps or central air conditioner.
Alternatives
There are several other options for heating and cooling your home that may be more cost-effective, energy-efficient or functional, depending on your needs.
Ductless mini-split systems create modular, room-by-room solutions for cooling and heating without ducts. These work best for cooling smaller spaces or focusing air conditioning in a specific zone, as multiple mini-splits can cost more than a central air system.
Portable window units are small AC units that cool just one room. They’re easy to turn on and off, allowing energy-conscious consumers to use them only when they really need cool air for comfort.
Geothermal heat pumps require extensive excavation but can produce high energy efficiency and low maintenance costs over a long lifespan. These systems can be a great investment for larger buildings, but may be too costly upfront for most homeowners.
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