How Much Does It Cost to Install a Heat Pump in Iowa?

The cost to install a heat pump in Iowa varies from $8,000 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying around $9,000.

Several different factors will affect the cost of your heat pump installation, including:

We’ll take a closer look at each of these factors to help you estimate the cost of your heat pump installation and budget for it.

A larger heat pump will be more expensive than a smaller one.

Physical dimensions do not measure a heat pump's size. Instead, its cooling and heating capacity is measured in tonnage. Tonnage is a term that describes how much heat the heat pump can transfer in one hour. The most important thing to know is: the bigger the heat pump, the more heat it can move in or out of your home within an hour.

It’s important to select the right size heat pump for your home. Most residential heat pumps are 1 to 5 tons, but that doesn’t mean the biggest one will be the best fit for your home. Installing a heat pump that is too large or too small will cause problems down the line. For example:

• An oversized heat pump will have problems short-cycling (turning on and shutting off frequently). Short cycling causes more wear and tear on your system and leads to more frequent breakdowns. It will also increase your energy bill.
• An undersized heat pump will constantly run as it tries to cool your home. The result? Uneven temperatures around your home and more expensive energy bills.

The more efficient a heat pump is, the more expensive it will be upfront. However, you’ll save money in the long run with reduced energy costs.

To help you compare the efficiency of different heat pumps, you’ll need to be familiar with two types of ratings:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating): SEER measures how efficient a heat pump is when it’s cooling your home. Higher SEER ratings are better because the heat pump is more efficient, saving you money on your monthly energy bills. The federal minimum requirement for a heat pump SEER rating in Iowa is 14. Installing a heat pump with a SEER rating beyond the minimum will cost you more upfront but will save you money in operational costs.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): Heat pumps both cool and heat your home, so the HSPF rating is a measure of its heating efficiency. Much like a SEER rating, the higher the HSPF, the more energy-efficient the heat pump will be when it’s in heating mode and the more expensive it will be. The federal minimum requirement for a heat pump HSPF rating in Iowa is 8.2, but you can choose to install a higher HSPF-rated system if you prefer to save more in the long run.

If you choose to install any additional features with your heat pump, the overall cost of the installation will be higher.

You may choose to pay for extra add-ons to enhance the convenience and comfort your system provides. These features might include:

• Smart thermostat upgrades
• UV lights and dehumidifiers
• Noise-dampening strips or noise-reduction fan blades
• Air filtration systems

If you’re unsure whether these features are worth the investment, consult with a trustworthy HVAC professional to get honest recommendations that align with your household’s lifestyle and preferences.

Buying an extended warranty with your new heat pump will provide longer-lasting coverage, but you’ll also have to pay more for it.

Heat pump warranties can help you manage the expense of any repairs you may need in the future. Just a standard warranty can provide excellent protection from expensive repair bills, but opting for extended warranties can bring you more peace of mind.

Heat pumps come with two types of warranties, both of which you can extend for more coverage:

• Manufacturer warranty: The heat pump manufacturer provides this type of warranty (also called a parts warranty). It covers the cost of fixing or replacing any faulty parts. The warranty’s length will vary depending on the manufacturer, but most last for 5-10 years. Purchasing an extended parts warranty will extend your coverage, but you’ll pay more upfront.
• Labor warranty: The contractor that installed your heat pump provides this type of warranty. It covers the cost of labor to fix any issues caused by a faulty installation. Generally, these warranties last for 1-5 years after the original installation. If you buy an extended labor warranty, the coverage for labor costs will last longer, but you’ll pay more for it.

The more experienced the contractor is, the more they will charge for heat pump installation.

Sure, as you look around the Des Moines area, it might be tempting to go with the lowest quote you can get. But purchasing and installing a heat pump is an investment, so you’ll want to make sure it’s correctly installed. After all, a proper installation will ensure that you won’t have to deal with any premature breakdowns or inefficient operation, which will increase your monthly bills.

To find a high-quality HVAC contractor in Iowa, you should look for the following qualities:

• An Iowa license (listed on their website)
• Several years of professional experience
• Positive reviews on websites like Google and Facebook
• Upfront written estimates