November 4, 2025
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Construction

How Much to Replace a Heat Pump | CountBricks Pros

James Miller
Head of Sales

How Much to Replace a Heat Pump? CountBricks Breaks Down Every Dollar

When Kentucky homeowners ask “how much to replace a heat pump,” the true answer is never a single number. A replacement can range from \$5,500 for a compact 1.5-ton unit to well over \$14,000 for a 5-ton high-efficiency system with duct upgrades. The spread comes from labor, materials, permitting, electrical upgrades, and regional pricing shifts. At CountBricks, we use real-time voice capture and AI-powered databases to deliver line-item estimates that remove the guesswork for residential clients.

Why Accurate Heat Pump Pricing Matters

• Homeowners need realistic budgets before signing a contract

• Contractors need tight numbers to protect profit margins

• Lenders and utility rebate programs demand documented cost breakdowns

CountBricks.com/services lets you generate an interactive proposal in minutes, complete with material SKUs, local labor rates, and optional add-ons.

Key Cost Components in a Heat Pump Replacement

1. Equipment Cost

The compressor, air handler, and thermostat form the core package. Standard-efficiency 14 SEER2 equipment starts around \$3,200 retail, while 20+ SEER variable-speed systems can exceed \$8,000. CountBricks syncs daily with regional distributors to keep pricing live.

2. Labor and Installation

Labor usually makes up 35-45 % of the ticket. Louisville’s average rate is \$78-\$92 per technician hour. A straightforward swap is about 14 crew hours. Complex jobs—crawlspace work, tight attics, or refrigerant line rerouting—can double the hours. CountBricks voice capture logs site conditions and auto-adjusts labor in real time.

3. Ductwork Modifications

Older homes often have undersized or leaky ducts. Expect \$600-\$2,000 for sealing, resizing, or re-insulating. Our blueprint takeoff tool flags duct runs directly from PDFs, so you see exact footage and insulation quantities before demo starts.

4. Electrical Upgrades

Heat pumps draw 20–60 amps. Upgrading a 100-amp service to 200-amp can add \$1,500-\$3,000. CountBricks automatically inserts panel upgrade tasks when the amperage on file is insufficient.

5. Permits and Inspections

Louisville permit fees sit around \$185, and most jurisdictions require two inspections. These soft costs are itemized in every CountBricks estimate so clients aren’t blindsided at closing.

Regional Pricing Trends We’re Tracking

• Copper line-set prices jumped 18 % this year

• R-410A refrigerant is up 11 % as phase-down deadlines near

• Utility rebates now cover \$1,200-\$2,000 of qualifying replacements

Because CountBricks references live supplier feeds, your quote updates automatically if material costs swing between the initial visit and proposal signing.

Comparing Heat Pump Types

1. Standard Split Heat Pump – \$5,500-\$10,000 installed

2. Cold-Climate (Hyper-Heat) – \$8,500-\$14,000 installed

3. Ductless Mini-Split – \$4,200-\$7,800 per zone

4. Geothermal – \$18,000-\$36,000 with loop field

CountBricks estimators can toggle each system option inside the same estimate so homeowners see ROI differences side-by-side.

Five Pro Tips to Control Heat Pump Replacement Costs

• Opt for mid-tier efficiency when utility rates are moderate

• Schedule install off-season (March–April or October) to lower labor premiums

• Bundle duct sealing and attic insulation to capture utility rebates

• Lock in material prices with a signed CountBricks quote—our pricing is held for 30 days

• Finance through programs that roll rebates into the loan to reduce out-of-pocket cash

How CountBricks AI Estimating Works

1. Voice Conversation – Our mobile app records a guided site walk-through

2. Instant Parsing – AI converts speech to tasks, dimensions, and materials

3. Live Pricing – The engine matches tasks with current supplier costs

4. Auto-Draft Proposal – A branded PDF with scope, schedule, and payment terms is generated

5. One-Click e-Signature – Homeowners approve directly from their inbox

Case Study: The Jefferson Square Upgrade

A 2,400 sq ft brick ranch in Jefferson Square needed a failing 3-ton heat pump replaced. Using CountBricks, the contractor captured site data in 18 minutes, and the AI produced three options:

• 14.3 SEER2 baseline – \$9,120

• 17 SEER dual-stage – \$10,560

• 19 SEER variable – \$12,220

The homeowner chose the mid-tier option. Thanks to duct sealing and a utility rebate logged by CountBricks, net cost dropped to \$8,840. Final invoicing matched the original quote within \$38, demonstrating the platform’s accuracy.

Financing and Incentive Integration

CountBricks quotes automatically flag applicable federal tax credits and local rebates. Our partners pre-populate finance offers so clients can see monthly payments beside total cost. This transparency shortens decision cycles by up to 42 % in our tracked projects.

Getting Started

Ready to know exactly how much to replace a heat pump in your home? Visit CountBricks.com/consultation or call our residential team. We’ll schedule a 30-minute virtual walk-through, generate your AI estimate, and email a full permit-ready scope the same day.

The Bottom Line

Replacing a heat pump doesn’t have to feel like rolling dice. With CountBricks’ real-time pricing, automated takeoffs, and voice-driven site capture, both contractors and homeowners gain clarity—and savings—before the first tool comes out of the van.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

CountBricks Heat Pump Replacement Playbook

Homeowners often hesitate because past projects ran over budget. CountBricks eliminates that risk with a repeatable, data-driven process.

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Pre-Call Audit – We pull county records to confirm square footage, breaker size, and existing duct locations.

2. Virtual Walk-Through – Using your smartphone, narrate a room-by-room tour. Our AI timestamps HVAC components and auto-tags photos.

3. Instant Takeoff – The system calculates line-set length, pad size, and register counts. No manual spreadsheets required.

4. Dynamic Pricing – Material and labor costs update every 12 hours. If copper drops \$0.25/lb, your quote reflects the savings.

5. Permitting Package – Once accepted, CountBricks auto-generates permit forms, AHRI certificates, and load calculations.

What Sets CountBricks Apart

• Single Source of Truth – Field data, estimate, and invoice live in one dashboard, reducing errors

• Real-Time Collaboration – Homeowners, technicians, and office staff comment on the same digital scope

• Blueprint Takeoffs – Upload a remodel plan and our AI outlines new duct runs within seconds

• Post-Install Validation – Final static pressure and refrigerant charge readings are logged into the project file for warranty claims

Success Snapshot: Fern Creek Bungalow

A 1,600 sq ft bungalow had limited attic access. Traditional bids varied by \$4,000 because contractors guessed labor hours. Using CountBricks, the installer mapped joist spacing with a phone flashlight and voice notes. The AI estimated 19 technician hours at \$82/hour—final tally: 19.3 hours. Savings went straight to the homeowner, who then added a smart thermostat upsell.

Ready for Clarity?

If you’re still asking “how much to replace a heat pump,” schedule a demo at CountBricks.com/services. See live numbers, explore financing, and lock in pricing before market volatility takes another jump. CountBricks—the fastest path from question to confident contract.