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

Normal Range: $4,914 - $5,519

In Detroit, a heat pump costs $5,172 on average, with most projects ranging from $4,914 to $5,519 based on the type, size, and efficiency of the heat pump. A local HVAC pro can give you an accurate quote.

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

  • Air-source and hybrid heat pumps are most common in Detroit.

  • Heat pump permits in Detroit cost $29 to $254, plus inspection and plan review fees.

The average heat pump cost in Detroit, Michigan, is $5,172, but many homeowners here will spend between $4,914 and $5,519, depending on the type of heat pump, capacity, and SEER. With winter average lows around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs in the 80s, Detroit is a prime location for a heat pump to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round.

Heat Pump Cost Factors

A heat pump is an energy-efficient system that relies on the natural temperature of the air or ground, plus electricity and refrigerant, to heat or cool your home. Heat pump costs in Detroit, Michigan, depend on a number of different factors.

Size

In Detroit, the average home needs a heat pump with a 2.5-ton capacity. However, the more square footage you need to heat and cool, the higher capacity you’ll need on a heat pump.

It’s best to have a local HVAC pro in Detroit, Michigan, determine what size heat pump you’ll need. If you guess the wrong size, your system will need to work harder to try to heat or cool your space, so leave the estimates to the pros.

Heat Pump Capacity in TonsHome Size in Square FeetAverage Cost Range
21,000$4,914–$5,000
2.51,500$4,997–$5,519
32,000$5,400–$6,630
3.52,500$7,000–$7,730
43,000$7,500–$8,830
53,500$8,000–$9,000

Type

The type of heat pump you choose plays a major role in the total cost of this project. Air-source heat pumps are most common in Detroit homes, but there are many options to consider.

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.

Here are the pros, cons, and costs of each type of heat pump:

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

Efficiency

Heat pump efficiency is measured by SEER, or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This metric is the maximum cooling output divided by the heat pump’s total energy usage, and the higher the ratio, the more efficient it is.

All heat pumps in Detroit must have at least 14 SEER. Higher SEER models come at a higher up-front investment, but they offer greater energy savings month after month than standard-efficiency models.

SEERAverage Cost Range
Standard efficiency (14–15)$4,914–$4,997
High efficiency (16–18)$4,997–$5,519
Premium efficiency (19+)$5,519–$9,000

Ductwork

While there are ductless air-source heat pumps available, ducted systems are more common in Detroit. As such, you’ll want to have an HVAC pro come inspect your ducts and make any necessary repairs or replacements. In Detroit, air duct replacement costs $382 to $914 on average.

Prep

If you have the space to install a ground-source heat pump, you’ll need to hire an HVAC pro to inspect your land and prepare it for laying the ground loop. The cost for land excavation in Detroit is $1,181 to $3,866. Costs will be higher for people in more densely populated areas of the city, while those with properties on the outskirts will pay less for excavation.

HVAC Pro Costs

Detroit labor costs for installing a heat pump are 40% of the project total. That means for a project that costs $5,172, about $2,070 of that total is for labor. Because installing a heat pump means working with refrigerants, this job should always be handled by a licensed, certified pro.

Your HVAC contractor will need to secure permits from the City of Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. Permit costs for heat pumps depend on the compressor’s horsepower, with permit fees ranging from $29 to $254. Installations will also require payments for inspections and plan review fees.

Does a Heat Pump Increase Home Value?

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

A heat pump may increase the value of your Detroit home by 3% to 7%, depending on the type and efficiency. Models with a higher SEER rating offer more value to prospective buyers. In Detroit, hybrid models are an attractive selling point because they offer an affordable backup heating option if the heat pump can’t keep up on the coldest days of the year. 

However, even if you’re not selling your home any time soon, a heat pump offers an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home, making it essential to your family’s year-round comfort.

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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