Are you also confused about Heat Pump vs an Air Conditioner and don't know which is the right one? There are a few things that you should consider before making your choice.

In this article, we have discussed both of these systems individually and gone through their installation costs and the major contributing factors towards this cost.

What is a Heat Pump system?

A prototypical central HVAC system works by transporting heat from one area to another. This means that a heat pump does not generate heat but moves it. A heat pump comes in three different types:

• Air Source heat pump 

The cost of the unit alone is around $3300 - $6275

• Ground source heat pump

The upfront unit cost of a GSHP is around $6800

• Water source heat pump

A WSHP unit cost falls in the range of $2700 to $5300

This system uses electricity to function and does not need any natural resources. So, for those who prefer sustainability, this is an optimal choice.

Installation Cost Breakdown of Heat Pump System

The above discussion only provides you with the unit cost. In the following discussion, we will discuss the installation costs breakdown and what it is based on:

• For an Air source unit, the installation cost starts from $4050 and can go up to $8400

• The ground source unit is the most expensive one due to the additional work of underground piping. Its installation cost ranges from $24600 - $44500

• The installation cost of a water source unit falls in the range of $3800 - $12100

Air Conditioners - An Introductory Overview

An HVAC system is commonly referred to as an air conditioner. In technical terms, this HVAC system can also be categorized as an air-to-air heat pump.

This system includes two units, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit. The following are the most common types of air conditioners in the United States, and their unit costs are:

Central Air Conditioner

The normal cost range for this type of system is $3200 to $4500

Packaged Air Conditioner

This system's cost starts from $4750 and can go up to $11800

Window Air Conditioner

This type of system is the most affordable, with prices starting from $600 to $1375.

Cost Installation Guide for an Air Conditioner

Read the following cost guide to comprehend how much the installation will cost you for an air conditioner:

• The installation cost for a central air conditioner starts from $5700 and can go up to $14300

• The average cost of installation for a packaged air conditioner in the United States can go up to $12650

• The installation cost for a window air conditioner is around $775.

Key Cost Drivers to Consider for Installation 

The determinants that drive up the costs are as follows:

• A larger home will require a stronger system to meet the heating or cooling demands

• If the installation process is complex, this will increase the installation costs associated with the workforce

• If you are looking for higher efficiency ratings for your heat pump and air conditioner, then this will also boost the costs.

• Location and climate are other cost drivers that can impact the installation costs.

• Both systems require piping, but the ductwork is not required if you choose certain types of heat pumps. Choosing a system that requires ductwork will definitely elevate the costs.

• A highly advanced system offering more features will be costly and will require an expert HVAC technician for proper installation, which will surely increase the cost.

Now the question that comes to mind is how to estimate the costs accurately by taking into account all the necessary factors. The answer lies ahead!

Get Professional HVAC Services!

Yes, to estimate the full extent of either a heat pump or an air conditioner, the most feasible choice would be to hire an HVAC specialist for Mechanical Estimating Services. Depending on your needs, they will devise a detailed plan for your system that will efficiently meet your heating and cooling objectives.

The market is filled with countless HVAC experts, and choosing the right specialist is essential for the efficient installation of your system. We are here to resolve this problem for you, as you can choose SMA MEP Estimate for your heating or cooling system estimation and installation. They are a well-recognized and certified estimating company that offers a wide range of services.

End Note

By following this article, you can easily navigate through the selection process between a Heat Pump vs Air Conditioner. In this article, we have discussed in great detail various types of both systems with their installation costs. We have also shed light on the cost contributing factors you have to consider for both systems. Additionally, how you can effectively plan your finances by hiring an HVAC specialist has also been discussed thoroughly.