How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost in Baltimore? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $4,155 - $7,255

A heat pump costs $5,705 on average in Baltimore. Most homeowners spend between $4,155 and $7,255 depending on the heat pump type, size, and SEER. An HVAC pro can tell you what your final project cost will likely be.

How we get this data
Heat pump exterior backyard
Photo: Maudib / Getty Images
Heat pump exterior backyard
Photo: Maudib / Getty Images
Highlights
  • The average home in Baltimore needs a 2.5-ton heat pump.

  • Heat pumps in Baltimore must have at least 15 SEER.

  • Mechanical permit fees for a new heat pump are $34 to $85.

Baltimore offers comfortable weather year-round with winter low temperatures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs up to 89 degrees. These less extreme temps are easily managed with heat pumps, which cost $5,705 on average for homes in Charm City. Heat pump costs range between $4,155 and $7,255 in Baltimore, depending on the heat pump type, its capacity, and its efficiency rating.

Heat Pump Cost Factors

The cost of a heat pump depends on several factors. How much square footage are you heating and cooling? Do you need other work done, like excavating to lay pipes for a geothermal heat pump or a ductwork replacement?

Here are the biggest factors that influence heat pump costs.

Size

What size heat pump you need will depend on the size of your home. For every 500 square feet, you’ll need one ton of capacity in a heat pump. In Baltimore, the median home size is 1,500 square feet, which would need a 2.5-ton heat pump.

Rather than guessing the right size heat pump for your home, let a local HVAC pro in Baltimore, Maryland, help. A pro can inspect your property and make heat pump recommendations that best suit your needs.

Heat Pump Capacity in TonsHome Size in Square FeetAverage Cost Range
21,000$1,500–$5,810
2.51,500$4,155–$7,255
32,000$4,990–$8,100
3.52,500$5,820–$8,930
43,000$6,650–$9,770
53,500$8,310–$10,600
What is a heat pump?

Heat pumps both heat and cool your home and can be ducted or ductless. They work similarly to air conditioners, but heat pumps can reverse the cooling process and also warm your home.

Type

The most common type of heat pump in Baltimore is an air-source heat pump, which is a lower-cost option that works well for climates with less extreme weather. But homeowners in Baltimore benefit from a wide range of heat pump options.

Consider the following pros, cons, and costs when deciding on a heat pump for your home.

Heat Pump TypeAverage Cost RangeProCon
Air-source$1,300–$8,000Lower costLess efficient in cold climates
Hybrid$2,500–$10,000Ideal for backup heat in cold climatesHigher maintenance
Ground-source$6,000–$20,000Longest lifespanHigher cost
Water-source$10,000–$20,000Eco-friendlyRequires nearby water source

Efficiency

Heat pumps are known for being efficient, but some models are more efficient than others. Efficiency for heat pumps is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Units with a higher SEER rating cost more up front compared to lower SEER models, but they offer more energy savings over the life of the system.

HVAC systems must meet SEER requirements. For Maryland, the minimum SEER required for cooling systems is 15.

SEERAverage Cost Range
Standard efficiency (15–16)$1,500–$4,155
High efficiency (17–19)$4,155–$7,255
Premium efficiency (20+)$7,255–$10,600

Ductwork

If it’s been a couple of decades since your ductwork was last updated, it may be time for a replacement if you’re installing a ducted heat pump system. Air duct replacement costs $458 to $1,699 in Baltimore.

You can also hire an HVAC pro to inspect and repair any ductwork leaks to avoid some of the most common heat pump problems after installation.

Prep

In order to install a long-lasting ground-source heat pump, you’ll need to pay pros to dig out your property. This is necessary for laying the ground loop (the piping for the heat pump). In Baltimore, the cost for land excavation ranges from $1,528 to $6,016.

HVAC Pro Costs

Labor costs make up 25% to 40% of the total cost to install a heat pump in Baltimore. For the average installation totalling $5,705, the labor costs would account for $1,430 to $2,290 of that. Always budget for pro installation because DIYing could lead to costly errors and could void the heat pump’s warranty.

Plus, your HVAC contractor can navigate the permitting process for installing a heat pump (which, if done incorrectly, can lead to costly fines). You’ll need a mechanical permit, which costs $34 to $85, through Baltimore County’s Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections.

Does a Heat Pump Increase Home Value?

Heat pump essential maintenance tips, including checking and updating the thermostat settings

Energy-efficient heating and cooling is attractive to home buyers in Baltimore, and a heat pump could increase the value of your home by 4% to 7%. Even if you’re not selling your home, a heat pump is a strong investment that could save you hundreds in energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the average Baltimore household could save up to $1,449 per year by switching to a heat pump.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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