Ducted or Ductless
First, what type of system should you be considering, ducted or ductless?
Ducted systems are generally installed in two scenarios:
- A new construction build
- Retrofit into a home that already has a hot air furnace.
Ductless heat pumps, on the other hand, can be installed in almost any scenario from heating or cooling just one room of your home, to designing a multi-zone system to cover off more than one floor or multiple rooms.
What type of system best suits your home, is determined from a short in-home visit with one of our representatives.
The most popular brand of heat pumps we install is Daikin. Within the Daikin line there is a good, better, and best range of models, each works best in a particular situation.
The heat pump you choose should revolve around how you expect to use the machine and what type of heating you have now.
The average install price of a 12,000 BTU sized machine for the three models is:
- 19 Series model starts at $4,000.00 + HST
- LV model starts at $4,800.00 + HST
- Cold climate model starts at $4,800.00 + HST
*Electrical and run lengths may affect the overall install price.
What does that installed price include?
- Equipment (indoor and outdoor unit)
- Electrical disconnect
- Line sets and slim duct
- Stand or brackets
- Communication wire, misc materials for install
- All labor
- Best manufacturers warranty in the industry
Which Model is Right for Me?
The Daikin 19 Series unit is usually purchased by someone looking for great air conditioning and normal amounts of heating in the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall). This machine, while capable of producing heat during all winter months isn’t the unit to consider if you want maximum savings on your oil or electric bill.
The Daikin LV model is more efficient than the 19 Series and will produce moderate savings on your heating bill throughout the winter months. LV models have a few more bells and whistles on the indoor head and the head design is slightly different than that of the 19 Series and Aurora models.
The Daikin Aurora or Cold Climate model is the unit to consider if you’re looking for maximum savings on your heating costs. If you currently have electric heat or an oil boiler and are seeking maximum savings, then this is the model for you.
The Daikin Aurora heat pump operates at 100% capacity down to -20° Celsius ambient temperature and continues to provide enough heat, even when we are experiencing chilly outdoor temperatures, to keep you warm and cozy indoors.
All of the Daikin single zone systems operate down to -32° before shutting down, however we encourage all of our customers to determine the point where it becomes more efficient to use their primary source of heat when it gets too cold outside. This is to prevent causing any damage to your system and of course to maximize the comfort and energy used to get the heat you need in your home.
To determine the right system and size for your home, please give us a call or submit the form here to arrange a time for your free in home assessment by one of our heat pump specialists.
Single or Multi Zone Systems
The above pricing is for single zone machines, one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit. This type of ductless heat pump most often covers one room or open area of your home.
What if there are multiple areas of your home you want heated and cooled?
In some instances, it can make the most sense to install a dual or tri-zone machine (two or three heads connected to one outdoor unit) rather than two or three single zone machines.
Daikin has arguably the most efficient multi-zone machine on the market today. It operates in very low outdoor temperatures and maintains the amount of heat it produces as it gets colder outside very well.
Pricing multi-zone does require an in-home visit with one of our representatives, as there are so many combinations available (18,000 BTU, 24,000 BTU and 36,000 BTU sized outdoor units with a combination or multiple of 7,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, 15,000 BTU, 18,000 BTU and even 24,000 BTU sized indoor head units).
The average price range of systems we install in HRM is between $6,000 and $8,000.
Ducted Heat Pumps
There are two ways to retrofit your current home with a ducted heat pump.
- You can add a machine to your current hot air furnace.
- Totally replace your hot air furnace with a ducted Heat Pump and electric backup.
If you’re constructing a brand new home, we would advise you to install the second option, a fully ducted heat pump with electrical back-up.
The price for an add-on system is less than a full replacement as it uses your current furnace for backup heat and requires less labor for installation.
There are different sizes available from 2.0 ton to over 5 tons for residential applications. The size and layout of your home are the biggest contributing factors to what size you will need.
Pricing for an add-on ducted heat pump starts around $5,995.00 for a Goodman model and can be 18%-20% more for the Daikin brand systems.
To get rid of your oil furnace altogether and install a ducted Heat Pump with electric backup the average price starts at $8,495.00 for a Goodman model and in similar fashion, you can expect 18%-20% more for a fully ducted Daikin system.
The price for a full replacement ducted system is more than an add-on system, but you will no longer require your old furnace whatsoever. This could allow you also to get rid of your oil tank altogether. Which has been more common over the past few years with new rules with regards to oil tanks and the insurance for your home.
With both ducted and ductless units, it is important to have a professional review of your electrical service and panel to ensure there are adequate service and physical space to install the machine.
