Heating and cooling
Heat pump installation (ducted): what it costs in Massachusetts
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials | $7,000 | $15,000 |
| Labor: 20 to 40 hours × $100 to $140 an hour | $2,000 | $5,600 |
| Fees: disposal, permits, supplies | $200 | $900 |
| Total, rounded | $9,200 | $21,500 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $38.41 an hour, times 2.6 to 3.6 to cover what a contractor bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Materials are a band from basic to high-end. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your home, materials and contractor change the number.
Replace or pair with a furnace using an air-source heat pump that heats and cools through your ducts. Common with Mass Save rebates.
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What is usually included
- Outdoor heat pump unit and indoor air handler
- Refrigerant lines and electrical hookup
- Thermostat and controls
- Condensate drain and pad
- Startup and commissioning
What moves the price
- Cold-climate rated model vs standard
- Number of zones and ductwork repairs
- Electrical panel upgrade needed
- Rebates (Mass Save) lowering your net cost
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is the unit rated for Boston winters (cold-climate)?
- Will I keep the furnace as backup?
- What rebates were applied to this quote?
- Is a panel upgrade needed?
Can you do it yourself?
Not a DIY. Licensed refrigeration and electrical work is required.
Common questions
Can a heat pump heat a New England home?
Yes, cold-climate models work well well below zero. Many homes keep a backup for the coldest days.
Is it cheaper to run than gas or oil?
Often cheaper than oil, propane and electric baseboard. Versus natural gas it depends on rates.
What rebates exist?
Mass Save has offered large rebates for qualifying homes. Ask for current amounts before you sign.
How much does heat pump installation (ducted) cost in Massachusetts?
A typical range is $9,200 to $21,500. It is an estimate built from labor wages and material prices, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $9,200 to $21,500 |
| New York City area | $9,200 to $21,500 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $9,100 to $21,100 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $9,200 to $21,300 |
| Houston area, Texas | $8,700 to $20,100 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $8,700 to $20,100 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $8,800 to $20,300 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $8,700 to $20,100 |
| Miami area, Florida | $8,700 to $20,100 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $9,300 to $21,900 |