How much does a heat pump cost in Ontario?
Trust Build Heating & Cooling · · 5 min read
Most installed heat pumps in Canada cost between about $2,000 and $20,000 in 2026. The wide range exists because the price depends on the type of system, how many rooms it serves, the state of your ductwork and your electrical panel. The ranges below come from a national installation guide, not from our quotes.
| System | Typical installed price |
|---|---|
| Ductless mini-split, single zone | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, two zones | $4,500 to $8,000 |
| Ductless mini-split, multi-zone | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| Ducted heat pump, existing ductwork | $4,500 to $10,000 |
| Ducted heat pump, no existing ductwork | $10,000 to $20,000 |
What changes the price
- Type of system: ductless units are priced by the number of indoor units, ducted systems by capacity and duct work.
- Home size and heat loss: a larger or leakier home needs a bigger system.
- Ductwork: existing ducts in good condition keep the price down. Repairs, sealing or new ducts add to it.
- Electrical work: an older panel may need an upgrade to carry the new equipment.
- The model: cold-climate models on the government's Eligible Products List differ in capacity and features.
- Permits and disposal of old equipment.
How the federal rebate may change the cost
The federal National Heat Pump Rebate pays $2,000 for most eligible homeowners and up to $10,000 for households at or below the median after-tax income for their province and household size. Eligible heat pumps installed on or after November 1, 2026 may qualify for a retroactive rebate. The online portal is expected to open in early 2027, and no payments are made before the program launches.
Here is a simple example, not a quote. A $10,000 installed system with the standard $2,000 rebate leaves $8,000. A household in the higher tier could receive up to $10,000, which depends on income and final program rules. The rebate is paid after you apply. It is not taken off the invoice.
The federal page does not say whether the rebate can be combined with provincial or utility programs, so confirm that before you rely on it. Funding is not guaranteed until an application is approved. Read how the federal rebate works for the steps.
How to compare quotes properly
- Ask for a written quote that shows the make, model and AHRI number, the number of units and the full project cost.
- Check that the quote includes ductwork, electrical work and permits, or says plainly what is excluded.
- Compare the same scope: a ductless quote and a ducted quote are different projects.
- Keep your invoice. The rebate application asks for your name and address, the installer, the model and AHRI number, the number of units and the total cost, within 6 months of installation.
What about running costs?
Installed price is only part of the picture. Compared with electric baseboards, oil or propane, a heat pump often costs less to run. Compared with natural gas it depends, and the Government of Canada warns that switching away from natural gas may not lower your bills. Your fuel prices and the efficiency of your home decide the result.
Not sure which type suits your home? See heat pump installation for the three common setups.