Quick answer: how much a heat pump costs to install in BC

For a typical single‑family home in CRD and Cowichan:

• Ductless mini‑split, single zone: usually $6,500 to $9,000 installed
• Ductless multi‑zone (2 to 4 indoor heads): usually $8,500 to $16,000 installed
• Central ducted air‑source heat pump replacing a furnace or serving existing ducts: usually $12,000 to $22,000 installed
• Cold‑climate premium systems or complex homes: can reach $25,000 to $30,000 when multiple zones, long line sets, major electrical, or custom ductwork are required

These are typical pre‑rebate ranges for quality equipment and professional installation in our region. Net costs can be significantly lower with rebates and limited‑time programs.

What drives price: the 6 variables that matter

• Home size and layout: Larger square footage needs more capacity. Open‑plan homes often need fewer indoor units than chopped‑up layouts. Finished basements, suites, and sunrooms add zones and materials.
• Ducted vs. ductless: Ductless is often the most cost‑effective for homes without good ducts. Ducted systems add air handler, plenum modifications, and balancing time, which increase labour and materials.
• Cold‑climate performance: Equipment rated to maintain output at low outdoor temperatures costs more, but ensures reliable heat on those cold coastal snaps.
• Electrical upgrades: Panel space, dedicated breakers, outdoor disconnects, and wiring runs vary by home. Some installs need simple circuits. Others need a panel upgrade or load management.
• Line set length and concealment: Long or tricky refrigerant piping, soffit work, core drilling, or exterior covers add time and materials.
• Brand, controls, and extras: Premium brands, ultra‑quiet outdoor units, advanced filters, smart controls, and condensate pumps increase the total.

Typical labour portion in our market

Homeowners often ask, what is the average labour cost to install a heat pump? In CRD and Cowichan, labour commonly represents 35 percent to 55 percent of the installed price, depending on complexity.

• Straightforward single‑zone ductless: 12 to 20 labour hours for a two‑person crew
• Multi‑zone ductless: 20 to 40 hours depending on head count, line paths, and wall finishes
• Central ducted heat pump: 30 to 60 hours including removal of old equipment, plenum and return modifications, commissioning, and homeowner walkthrough
• Electrical scope: add 4 to 12 hours when new circuits, disconnects, or panel work are required

What does labour include? Site protection, core drilling, mounting, refrigerant piping, brazing, evacuation, pressure testing, wiring, condensate routing, startup, controls integration, and commissioning to manufacturer spec. With Mercury, it also includes permit handling where required and a clean, careful finish that protects your walls and trim.

Ductless mini‑split pricing in detail

• Single‑zone mini‑split heat pump cost in BC: most homes see $6,500 to $9,000 installed for a quality, efficient system sized for main living areas
• Two to three zones: plan for $8,500 to $14,000 in typical homes; add more if heads are spread across floors or long line runs are needed
• Four or more zones or cold‑climate mini‑splits: $14,000 to $20,000 plus, based on configuration and brand

These ranges include professional installation and commissioning. If you are comparing quotes, ensure line set concealment, wall sleeves, drain pumps where needed, and final commissioning are included rather than priced as add‑ons.

Air‑source (central ducted) heat pump pricing in detail

• Typical cost to install an air‑source heat pump system tied to existing ducts: $12,000 to $22,000 installed
• Systems with new or heavily modified ductwork, high static air handlers, or premium low‑temperature performance: $18,000 to $30,000

Duct condition matters. If your ducts are undersized, leaky, or poorly balanced, you may see additional cost for corrections that improve comfort and efficiency.

What about a 2,000 sq ft house?

For a well‑insulated, two‑storey, 2,000 sq ft detached home in Greater Victoria or the Cowichan Valley:

• Ductless approach: often a 2 to 3 head system in the $10,000 to $15,000 range
• Central ducted approach using existing ducts: commonly $14,000 to $22,000, depending on electrical and ductwork
• If the home is older, drafty, or multi‑suite, budget toward the upper end for capacity and zoning

Your exact number comes down to a proper load calculation, equipment selection, and the electrical path. Mercury completes those checks during a no‑pressure site visit.

Rebates and Mercury’s $299 CleanBC pathway

Stacked incentives can dramatically lower your net cost. When available and if you meet program rules, Mercury can guide you through a CleanBC pathway that can bring your out‑of‑pocket to $299. Eligibility, programwindows, and equipment criteria apply, and funding changes over time. We help you confirm current details, complete documentation, and choose systems that qualify.

If you are in the West Shore, you can also ask about $299 heat pump installs Langford for the latest status and requirements.

How Mercury handles the project from quote to commissioning

• Helpful, transparent quoting: We size your system, explain options in plain language, and give you a written scope with inclusions and exclusions so you can compare apples to apples.
• Electrical and permits: We handle electrical work related to the install and pull permits where required so the job is done right.
• Neat routing and finishes: We plan line set paths, cover exterior lines, and protect your interior. Our team is known for tidy, careful work.
• Commissioning and training: We pressure test, evacuate, charge, and verify performance, then walk you through controls and app setup so you are comfortable on day one.
• Ongoing support: Annual service is available, and we are local if you need help.

If you are price‑shopping, ask each contractor to confirm commissioning steps and whether electrical, permits, and line set concealment are included. It keeps surprises out of the final bill.

Local examples of installed price ranges

• Heat pump installations in Shawnigan Lake: ductless single zone often lands between $6,500 and $9,000; multi‑zone between $9,000 and $15,000 depending on room count and finishes
• In Duncan and North Cowichan: central ducted change‑outs frequently range $14,000 to $20,000 with existing ducts in reasonable shape
• In Colwood and Langford: townhomes and suites sometimes need compact outdoor units or line hide solutions, which can add a modest amount to material and labour

Every home is unique, but these ranges reflect what we see on the ground in CRD and Cowichan.

FAQ highlights, answered simply

• How much should a heat pump cost to install? Most BC homeowners will land between $6,500 and $22,000 installed, with outliers higher for complex or premium systems.
• What is the typical cost of installing a heat pump? For ductless, $6,500 to $16,000 depending on zones. For ducted air‑source, $12,000 to $22,000 in most cases.
• How much does it cost to have a ductless heat pump installed? Single zone commonly $6,500 to $9,000; multi‑zone $8,500 to $16,000.
• How much is a mini split heat pump cost in BC? Similar to above, with cold‑climate models priced toward the higher end.
• How much does it cost to install an air‑source heat pump system? Typically $12,000 to $22,000 installed with existing ducts in decent condition.
• What is the average labour cost to install a heat pump? Expect 35 percent to 55 percent of the installed price to be labour, varying with complexity.

Ready for clear numbers and a no‑pressure quote?

We are local and happy to help you pin down an exact figure for your home. If you are comparing options in the Cowichan Valley, you can learn more about heat pump Duncan. In the West Shore, planning a project with a heat pump installer in Colwood can start with an on‑site estimate and rebate check. If you want to keep things simple and stay on schedule, we also handle hvac installation Duncan with end‑to‑end support.

Summary: Most ductless installs land between $6,500 and $16,000. Most central ducted installs land between $12,000 and $22,000. Labour typically represents 35 percent to 55 percent of the total. Your final pricedepends on size, layout, duct condition, electrical, and cold‑climate performance. Mercury manages quoting, electrical, permits, and commissioning, and we will help you navigate incentives, including a potential $299CleanBC pathway if you qualify. Reach out for a friendly, transparent visit and a clear, local number you can trust.

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