Heat Pump Cost in Canada: Ducted, Hybrid and Ductless
A ducted heat pump typically costs {cost:heat-pump-ducted:mid} before GST/HST. See how hybrid and ductless compare, and what moves a quote.
A typical ducted heat pump in Canada costs $12,000 installed, with most quotes falling between $9,350 – $15,600, before GST/HST. That is for a 3-ton system, so the price works out to roughly a third of that figure per ton, though the per-ton view only goes so far. The system type and the state of your ductwork often matter more than capacity.
Our full cost guide is at Heat pump installation. This article answers a narrower question: which type of system should you price, and what pushes a quote above or below the middle figure?
Ducted, hybrid or ductless: what you pay
The three main set-ups suit different homes. These are typical mid-range costs for a 3-ton equivalent, before GST/HST:
| System | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted air-source | $12,000 | Homes with good ductwork and a furnace due for replacement |
| Dual-fuel hybrid | $13,000 | Homes with a working gas furnace, or very cold winters |
| Ductless multi-zone | $10,900 | Homes with no ducts, additions, or room-by-room control |
The full table, including usual ranges and lifespans, is below:
| Material | Typical | Usual range | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ductless multi-zone (whole home) | $10,900 | $8,450 – $14,100 | – |
| Ducted air-source heat pump | $12,000 | $9,350 – $15,600 | – |
| Dual-fuel hybrid (keeps gas furnace) | $13,000 | $10,100 – $16,900 | – |
Which one should you choose?
- Ducted replaces your central air conditioner and, in most cases, your furnace as the main heat source. It is the simplest option if your ducts are sound.
- Hybrid keeps your gas furnace as backup for the coldest days. The upfront cost can be lower, and you keep a safety net, but you still maintain two systems.
- Ductless multi-zone avoids ducts altogether. Cost climbs with each indoor head, so a whole-home layout can cost more than a ducted system.
The per-ton view, and why it misleads
Many people want a single dollar-per-ton figure. We understand why, but it hides more than it shows. Installation labour, electrical work and ductwork are largely fixed jobs. A 2-ton system costs less than a 3-ton, but not proportionally less. Equally, a 4-ton unit does not double the bill of a 2-ton one.
If a contractor quotes by the ton, ask what is included. A low per-ton price with no ductwork, electrical or removal costs is not a low price.
The extras that move a quote
When we build our figures, we start with labour hours multiplied by local rates, add equipment and materials, then check the result against market prices and real quotes. These are the items most likely to push you above the typical figure:
- Electrical upgrades. An older panel may need more capacity or a new breaker circuit. Electrical work needs a licensed trade and usually a permit. In Ontario, a licensed electrical contractor files the notification or permit with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
- Ductwork changes. Undersized or leaky ducts reduce performance. Sealing, resizing or adding return air all add cost.
- Removing the old equipment. Taking out an old furnace, tank or outdoor unit and disposing of it is often a separate line.
- Location of the outdoor unit. Long line sets, wall brackets or a pad on difficult ground add time.
- Cold-climate rating. In most of Canada you want a cold-climate model. It costs more than a basic unit but performs far better in a deep freeze.
- Backup heat and controls. Electric backup elements, smart thermostats and dual-fuel controls all appear as extras.
If you are replacing a gas furnace at the same time, see our Furnace replacement guide. Gas furnaces made since July 3, 2019 must be at least 95% AFUE, so an 80% furnace is not an option for a normal Canadian home. That matters when you compare a hybrid with a ducted system, because the furnace in a hybrid is also a cost. If you want cooling without touching the ducts, our Ductless mini-split guide covers ductless mini-splits.
Before and after rebates
Our figures are before GST/HST (13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta), so add tax when you budget. Rebates change the picture, but only for some homes:
- The federal Greener Homes Grant and Loan are closed.
- Oil to Heat Pump Affordability offers up to $10,000, or up to $25,000 where co-delivered with the province, for oil-heated homes. Applications closed on 31 Jul 2026 in AB, MB, NWT, QC and SK.
- Ontario Home Renovation Savings pays up to $7,500 for a cold-climate air-source heat pump in electric, oil, propane or wood-heated homes, or up to $2,000 for gas-heated Enbridge customers. You need pre-approval and a participating contractor before work begins.
So an Ontario home heated with oil or electricity can see a much larger reduction than a gas-heated home. For other provinces, check what your utility and province offer, as programs change.
Check your quote before you sign
Get at least three written quotes that list the system type, capacity, ductwork, electrical work, removal and permits as separate lines. Then run each one through our "is my quote fair" tool to see how it compares with our live figures. A quote far below the range often leaves out electrical work or permits. One far above it usually bundles in upgrades you may not need.
If you only want one number to plan with, use $12,000 for a ducted system, add your tax, and then subtract any rebate you are sure you qualify for.