Aarvaks heat pump installation starts at $17,000 for a single-zone system. A heat pump heats in winter and cools in summer, so it replaces both a furnace and an air conditioner.
What Changes a Heat Pump Quote
- Ducted or ductless. A ducted heat pump uses your existing ducts; a ductless system uses wall-mounted indoor units. See ductless mini-splits.
- Size and zones. We size the system with a load calculation. More rooms on separate controls means more equipment.
- Electrical capacity. Some homes need a new circuit or a panel upgrade, which the quote lists separately.
- Ductwork. Heat pumps depend on well-sized, sealed ducts. We check them at the estimate.
Heat Pump vs. a New Furnace and AC
A gas furnace alone starts at $7,500 and central AC at $10,000. If both are near the end of their lives, the fair comparison is a heat pump against both of those together. Our heat pump vs. gas furnace guide walks through the trade-offs.
Rebates in 2026
The federal 25C tax credit covered improvements through December 31, 2025, and the TECH Clean California and HEEHRA single-family programs are fully reserved. MCE, which serves Marin, Napa and many Contra Costa and Solano communities, lists up to $400 per 500 square feet for a heat pump heating and cooling system. Albany and Piedmont run income-qualified city rebates. Current details are on our rebates page.
What You Get for the Price
A heat pump installation replaces two systems with one. It covers the outdoor unit, the indoor air handler or indoor units, refrigerant lines, the thermostat or controls, and startup testing in both heating and cooling modes. A ducted system connects to your existing ductwork; a ductless system adds wall or ceiling units where you want them.
Running Costs
A heat pump runs on electricity instead of gas. Whether your monthly bills go up or down depends on your electric rate plan, how efficient the old furnace was and how much you heat and cool. Ask your utility about electric rate plans designed for homes with heat pumps before you decide.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Was the system sized with a load calculation?
- Does my electrical panel need an upgrade, and is it on the quote?
- Will my ducts carry the airflow a heat pump needs?
- Which rebates apply to my address, and who files them?
Want your number? Book an estimate or read about heat pump installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a heat pump cost to install in Berkeley?
Aarvaks heat pump installation starts at $17,000 for a single-zone system. Larger homes, multiple zones and electrical upgrades raise the price.
Is there still a federal tax credit for heat pumps?
No. The Section 25C credit covered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Do heat pumps work in Bay Area winters?
Yes. Bay Area winter temperatures are mild compared with the cold-climate regions heat pumps are routinely installed in. See are heat pumps a good fit for the Bay Area.
Does a heat pump need a backup heater in the Bay Area?
Many systems include auxiliary heat for the coldest hours. Because Bay Area winters are mild, it runs rarely. We test auxiliary heat during every heat pump tune-up.