Homeowners increasingly rely on heat pumps for efficient year-round comfort, but supplemental heat is needed in colder climates. Heat strips for heat pumps serve this role, offering an extra boost during freezing temperatures. Understanding heat strip costs, installation, and operating expenses is essential before investing. This guide examines types, pricing, sizing, installation, and cost-saving strategies for heat strips in American homes.
What Are Heat Strips And Why Are They Used In Heat Pumps?
Heat strips, also known as electric heat kits, are electric resistive heating elements installed inside heat pump air handlers. Their main function is to provide supplemental heat when a heat pump alone can’t maintain indoor comfort, usually during cold snaps.
- Backup heat: Essential in regions where winter lows may reduce heat pump efficiency.
- Emergency heat: Used if the primary heat pump system fails or freezes.
In summary: heat strips safeguard comfort and system performance in challenging weather, but they do come with specific costs and installation requirements.
Types Of Heat Strips Compatible With Heat Pumps
Most residential heat strips come as electric resistance elements, but they differ in configuration and size. Heat strips are typically integrated during installation or added as retrofit kits to existing systems. The most common types include:
- Single-phase heat strips (for standard residential systems, 120V/240V)
- Multi-phase heat strips (for larger or commercial units, 208V/480V)
Sizing options range from 3 kW to 20 kW, depending on the climate, home size, and heat pump capacity. Proper sizing is crucial to maximize performance and control operational costs.
Summary Table: Heat Strip Options
| Heat Strip Type | Power Range | Common Application | Approximate Cost (Unit Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-phase Electric Strip | 3 kW – 10 kW | Homes (most regions) | $75 – $350 |
| Multi-phase Electric Strip | 10 kW – 20 kW | Large Homes, Commercial | $200 – $500 |
Typical Heat Strip Cost For Heat Pumps In 2025
Understanding the total cost of adding or replacing heat strips involves three main factors: equipment cost, installation labor, and potential electrical upgrades. The following breakdown reflects recent U.S. market data.
Equipment Cost (Heat Strip Kit)
- 3–5 kW units: $75–$150
- 7.5–10 kW units: $120–$250
- 15–20 kW units: $200–$500
Brand, compatibility, and integrated control boards can affect the price. Some brands package heat strips with advanced sensors or diagnostics, increasing costs.
Professional Installation Cost
- Typical labor (retrofit/addition): $200–$500
- During new system install: $150–$300 (usually discounted)
Installation pricing includes necessary wiring, mounting, calibration, and initial function testing.
Electrical Upgrade Consideration
Many homes require electrical panel upgrades or dedicated circuits when adding heat strips, as these elements draw significant current. Expect:
- Minor upgrade (breaker, wiring): $150–$500
- Panel/service upgrade: $700–$2,500 (rare, for older or underpowered homes)
Average Total Heat Strip Installation Cost
| Heat Strip Size | Equipment Cost | Installation Labor | Electrical Upgrades | Total Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 kW | $75–$150 | $200–$500 | $0–$500 | $275–$1,150 |
| 7.5–10 kW | $120–$250 | $200–$500 | $0–$500 | $320–$1,250 |
| 15–20 kW | $200–$500 | $350–$700 | $0–$800 | $550–$2,000 |
Most American homeowners spend between $350 and $1,250 when adding or replacing heat strips in typical residential systems.
Operating Costs: How Much Do Heat Strips Add To Your Energy Bill?
Heat strips are energy-intensive due to their resistive heating action. Their cost of operation varies dramatically based on usage patterns and local electricity rates.
Key Factors Affecting Heat Strip Energy Costs
- Heat strip size (kW rating): More power equals higher draw.
- Run time per season: Typically used during the coldest days.
- Local electrical rates: National averages hover around $0.14–$0.18/kWh.
Sample Heat Strip Electricity Cost Calculations
For a 10 kW heat strip, running 2 hours per day over 30 cold days:
- 10 kW × 2 hours × 30 days = 600 kWh
- 600 kWh × $0.16 = $96 for the season
This cost multiplies for larger units, longer cold periods, or if the heat pump system relies on strips frequently. Some northern or drafty homes may see costs rise to $200–$400+ per season.
Factors Influencing Heat Strip Size And Cost
Proper sizing is critical. Overpowered strips waste money and risk tripping breakers; undersized strips can’t deliver needed comfort. Sizing is based on:
- HVAC system size (BTUs/hour)
- Climate zone
- Home insulation/air sealing
- Backup heat expectations
- Electrical panel capacity
Most U.S. homes fall between 5 kW and 10 kW for supplemental heat. Large homes or severe winters may warrant 15–20 kW units.
Heat Strip Installation: Process, Timelines, And Requirements
Proper installation ensures safety, efficiency, and warranty protection. The process and timeline typically follow these steps:
Typical Installation Steps
- Assessment of heat pump and air handler compatibility
- Selection of properly sized heat kit
- Power shutoff, panel and circuit inspection
- Mounting heat strip in air handler
- Integration with system controls and sensors
- Wiring and electrical safety check
- System test and commissioning
Most installations take 2–5 hours, depending on complexity and if electrical upgrades are needed. Retrofits may take longer if rewiring is required.
Maintenance And Service Costs For Heat Strips
Heat strips require little routine maintenance, but regular system checkups and safety inspections are vital. Key maintenance items include:
- Annual system inspection: $75–$200 (often included with HVAC tune-ups)
- Cleaning and checking electrical connections
- Testing controls and safety cutoffs
- Verification of correct operation during heating call
Heat strips typically last 10–20 years when not used constantly. Faulty strips or blown fuses may cost $100–$300 to diagnose and replace.
How To Save Money On Heat Strip Costs And Operation
Because heat strips are expensive to run, minimizing reliance is key. Here are money-saving strategies:
- Upgrade attic and wall insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Seal drafty windows and doors for better efficiency.
- Add smart thermostats to limit unnecessary strip activation.
- Maintain your heat pump regularly for peak performance and fewer strip cycles.
- Consider a dual-fuel system (gas furnace backup) in colder Southern or Northern regions for cost savings.
Programmable Thermostats And Smart Controls
Modern heat pump thermostats can prioritize primary heat and delay heat strip engagement until absolutely necessary. Investing in Energey Star-rated smart thermostats can pay back by lowering annual heating expenses.
Are Heat Strips Necessary In Every Climate?
Heat pumps in temperate states (South, Pacific Coast, parts of the Midwest) often require only small or optional heat strips. In the Northeast and North, however, heat strips or alternative backup heat are crucial during hard freezes and winter storms.
Climate zone maps help determine requirements for your region. HVAC pros can provide exact recommendations based on historical lows and building codes.
Brands And Models: Popular Heat Strips For Residential Heat Pumps
Most major HVAC brands offer OEM heat strip kits tailored for their air handlers, ensuring reliability and proper integration. Common manufacturers include:
- Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, Bryant, Amana
Compatibility between brands is limited; always match the strip to the heat pump/air handler model. Aftermarket universal kits exist but may void warranties or lack safety certifications.
Heat Strip Warranty Overview
- Most OEM strips offer 5–10 years warranty (with professional installation and registration)
- Aftermarket parts may offer shorter or parts-only coverage
Be sure to confirm details before purchasing.
Heat Strips Vs. Other Backup Heat Options
While heat strips are reliable, there are alternatives:
- Gas, propane, or oil furnaces (dual-fuel systems): Lower operating cost but higher installation price.
- Mini-split heat pumps with hyper-heat technology: More efficient than strips in mild to moderate cold climates.
- Wood/pellet stoves or fireplaces: Good as a backup but lack automatic operation.
Discuss options with your HVAC professional to select the best fit for comfort and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Strips For Heat Pumps
How Long Do Heat Strips Last?
Typical lifespan is 10–20 years, often matching the heat pump itself when usage is moderate and maintenance is consistent.
Can I Add Heat Strips To Any Heat Pump?
Most modern air handlers are designed to accommodate heat kits, but always check compatibility to ensure safe and effective operation.
What Size Heat Strip Does My Home Need?
Consult your HVAC installer. Average ranges are 5–10 kW for 1,200–2,000 sq. ft. homes, but climate and home specifics can vary recommendations.
Do Heat Strips Impact The Efficiency Of My Heat Pump?
Heat strips are significantly less efficient than heat pump operation—reserve use for emergencies or extremely low temperatures to avoid ballooning energy costs.
Should I Turn Off My Heat Strips In Warmer Weather?
Most systems handle this automatically, but confirming proper setup ensures strips run only when needed.
Is DIY Installation Recommended?
DIY installation is not recommended, as improper wiring can create major fire and safety hazards. Professional installation guarantees code compliance, safety, and warranty eligibility.
Key Takeaways: Heat Strips For Heat Pump Cost In The U.S.
- Average installed cost: $350–$1,250 (variable by size, labor, and upgrades)
- Operation is costly—expect $100–$400+/season depending on usage
- Correct sizing and smart thermostat controls help limit expense
- Installation quality and routine maintenance are vital for safety and system longevity
- Explore dual-fuel and advanced heat pump options for potential long-term savings