Heat Pump Installation & Replacement — Schmidt Heating & Cooling
Serving Greater Cincinnati — Hamilton County • Northern Kentucky • Anderson • Blue Ash • Loveland • Fairfield • Mason • West Chester and surrounding areas
Heat Pump Installation and Replacement Cost FAQ
A new air-source heat pump installation in the Cincinnati area
typically costs between $3,500 and $7,500, with the average
system ranging from $4,800 to $6,800.
Pricing depends on the unit’s SEER2/HSPF2 efficiency, system size, and installation details such as ductwork or electrical updates.
Pricing depends on the unit’s SEER2/HSPF2 efficiency, system size, and installation details such as ductwork or electrical updates.
A heat pump is a highly efficient system that heats and cools your
home using electricity instead of burning fuel.
Summer: Works like a central AC, moving heat outdoors.
Winter: Reverses operation to extract heat from the air—even in cold weather—and bring it indoors.
Because a heat pump runs on electricity, it can drastically reduce natural gas use, especially when paired with a high-efficiency furnace in a dual-fuel system for the coldest winter days.
Summer: Works like a central AC, moving heat outdoors.
Winter: Reverses operation to extract heat from the air—even in cold weather—and bring it indoors.
Because a heat pump runs on electricity, it can drastically reduce natural gas use, especially when paired with a high-efficiency furnace in a dual-fuel system for the coldest winter days.
Heat pumps are rated by two key metrics:
SEER2 – Cooling efficiency (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2)
HSPF2 – Heating efficiency (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2)
Ohio requires a minimum of 14.3 SEER2, but advanced Lennox models reach up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2 — among the best in class.
That efficiency translates directly to lower utility bills and quieter comfort year-round.
SEER2 – Cooling efficiency (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2)
HSPF2 – Heating efficiency (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2)
Ohio requires a minimum of 14.3 SEER2, but advanced Lennox models reach up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2 — among the best in class.
That efficiency translates directly to lower utility bills and quieter comfort year-round.
With professional maintenance, most air-source heat pumps last 16
to 20 years while maintaining high performance and energy
savings.
Yes. Modern Lennox heat pumps are designed for cold-weather
operation and perform efficiently during most of Cincinnati’s winter
season.
When temperatures dip below about 30°F, a dual-fuel setup (heat pump + gas furnace) automatically switches to gas heat, ensuring you’re never left in the cold.
When temperatures dip below about 30°F, a dual-fuel setup (heat pump + gas furnace) automatically switches to gas heat, ensuring you’re never left in the cold.
A furnace delivers air at 110–120°F, which feels instantly
warm.
A heat pump supplies air closer to 90°F, which still heats the room effectively but feels cooler on your skin because your body temperature is higher.
That’s normal operation — it heats the home evenly without the hot blasts of a gas furnace.
A heat pump supplies air closer to 90°F, which still heats the room effectively but feels cooler on your skin because your body temperature is higher.
That’s normal operation — it heats the home evenly without the hot blasts of a gas furnace.
Electricity costs in Cincinnati have doubled since 2023, climbing
from about 5¢/kWh to 10¢/kWh as PJM Interconnection capacity
prices surged.
Natural gas prices in Ohio also remain volatile; in 2025, Columbia Gas of Ohio nearly doubled its default supply rate.
This makes a dual-fuel heat pump system the smartest long-term choice: it automatically uses the cheapest energy source day by day, balancing comfort and cost.
Natural gas prices in Ohio also remain volatile; in 2025, Columbia Gas of Ohio nearly doubled its default supply rate.
This makes a dual-fuel heat pump system the smartest long-term choice: it automatically uses the cheapest energy source day by day, balancing comfort and cost.
SEER2: Measures cooling efficiency — higher ratings mean
lower summer energy use.
HSPF2: Measures heating efficiency — higher ratings mean less electricity in winter.
Lennox’s best variable-capacity models can achieve up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2, cutting total electricity use by as much as 40% compared to older heat pumps.
HSPF2: Measures heating efficiency — higher ratings mean less electricity in winter.
Lennox’s best variable-capacity models can achieve up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2, cutting total electricity use by as much as 40% compared to older heat pumps.
Replacement often makes sense when:
- The unit is 10+ years old or hasn’t been maintained regularly
- Repairs are adding up
- Energy bills keep climbing
- Comfort is uneven or inconsistent
As a Lennox Premier Dealer, Schmidt Heating & Cooling
offers:
Parts: 5–10 years (with registration)
Compressor: 10 years (with registration)
Warranties vary by model; extended coverage options are available upon request.
Parts: 5–10 years (with registration)
Compressor: 10 years (with registration)
Warranties vary by model; extended coverage options are available upon request.
Yes. You may qualify for:
- Lennox seasonal rebates
- Duke Energy efficiency rebates
- Federal tax credits (on qualifying systems)
Yes. Flexible financing options (with approved credit) make
high-efficiency heat pumps affordable year-round.
Most heat pump replacements are completed in one day.
Projects needing new ductwork or electrical upgrades may take
longer.
Why Homeowners Choose Schmidt Heating & Cooling
- Serving Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky since 1953
- Lennox Premier Dealer with certified technicians
- Transparent, written quotes — no surprises
- Fast, dependable local service
Ready to Upgrade to a Heat Pump?
Schmidt Heating & Cooling makes it easy. Schedule your free in-home estimate today.
We’ll evaluate your home, check ductwork and airflow, show system options, and provide a clear, written quote with all rebates and specials applied.
Typical installation cost: $3,500–$7,500, depending on efficiency level and configuration.