A heat pump in Los Angeles costs $6,218, with most homeowners paying between $3,457 and $9,141, depending on its capacity, type of heat pump, and SEER rating.
The average heat pump cost in Los Angeles, CA, is $6,218.
A typical Los Angeles home needs a 3-ton heat pump.
The minimum SEER for California is 15, but higher SEER means more energy savings.
Air-source heat pumps are well-suited to the mild climate of Southern California.
Mechanical permits in Los Angeles are priced by component.
A heat pump in Los Angeles costs $6,218 on average. However, depending on what type of heat pump you install, the size of your home, and how efficient the heat pump model is, you’re likely to spend between $3,457 and $9,141. In sunny Los Angeles, a heat pump offers an energy-saving way to cool your home for much of the year and stave off the slight chill the city’s short winter can bring.
Installing a heat pump in Los Angeles is a cost-effective heating and cooling solution, but the cost of this project depends on several different factors.
Wondering what size heat pump you need? The median home size in Los Angeles needs a heat pump with around a 3-ton capacity, or you can estimate a 1-ton capacity for every 500 square feet. Better yet, let an HVAC pro in Los Angeles, California, determine what heat pump size is right for your home.
Heat Pump Capacity in Tons | Home Size in Square Feet | Average Cost Range |
---|---|---|
2 | 1,000 | $2,000–$6,100 |
2.5 | 1,500 | $2,880–$7,620 |
3 | 2,000 | $3,460–$9,140 |
3.5 | 2,500 | $4,040–$10,670 |
4 | 3,000 | $4,610–$12,190 |
4.5 | 3,250 | $5,190–$13,720 |
5 | 3,500 | $5,770–$15,000 |
Another major factor in your installation cost is the type of heat pump you choose. In Los Angeles, where the climate is mild, most heat pumps will perform well for both heating and cooling. Here are the average costs based on the heat pump type you install.
Heat Pump Type | Average Cost Range | Pro | Con |
---|---|---|---|
Air-source | $2,000–$8,000 | Lower installation cost | Requires outdoor space for unit |
Ground-source | $6,000–$20,000 | Long lifespan | Challenging to install in densely populated areas |
Water-source | $10,000–$20,000 | Eco-friendly | Difficult to install in water-scarce city |
Solar | $18,000–$39,000 | Eco-friendly | Requires solar panel installation in addition to a heat pump |
Heat pumps have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, to measure how effective and efficient they are at cooling a space.
The minimum SEER in California is 15. However, heat pumps with higher SEER ratings are not only more efficient, but local utility providers, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, offer better rebates for high- or premium-efficiency heat pumps.
Air duct replacement costs are around $790 to $3,070. If you’re installing a heat pump that will push heated or cooled air through your air ducts, you’ll need a pro to inspect for any leaks and make upgrades. If your ducts are in poor condition, you won’t benefit from the energy savings your heat pump is meant to provide.
If you’re installing a geothermal heat pump, you’ll need to pay pros to prep and excavate the land. Land excavation can be expensive in Los Angeles. The cost for land excavation is an average of $2,000 to $6,880.
In a high cost of living city like Los Angeles, you’ll pay more for labor. Typically, you’ll spend about $75 to $150 per worker per hour, and it takes between four hours and three days to install a heat pump, depending on the type and how big your home is. In total, labor costs will be around $1,200 to $3,500.
To install a heat pump, you’ll need a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety. HVAC permits may include multiple fees for different project aspects, such as for the compressor, vent system, and various system components, with fees ranging from $5 to $160 each. Leave the permitting process to your local heat pump pro, who can ensure you have the proper permits to avoid project fines and delays.
Installing a heat pump in Los Angeles can increase home value by 4% to 7%, especially for systems with higher SEER ratings. An efficient cooling system is a highly attractive feature to home buyers in Southern California, especially when heat pumps can save 30% to 70% on energy bills.
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