Heat Pump Installation in Charlotte: $5,000-$10,000
Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Heat Pump Installation Cost in Charlotte?
A heat pump system in Charlotte costs $5,000 to $10,000 fully installed, with most homeowners paying $6,000 to $8,000 for a mid-efficiency system. Charlotte is one of the best markets in the US for heat pump installations because the climate is nearly perfect for heat pump technology: mild winters where the system operates at peak efficiency for heating, and hot, humid summers where it cools exactly like a central AC unit.
The Charlotte HVAC market is competitive, with several hundred licensed contractors serving the Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, and Gaston county areas. That competition keeps installation prices in line with regional averages, and during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, homeowners who collect three quotes routinely save $800 to $1,500 by comparing bids. Charlotte pricing tends to fall slightly below Atlanta and Raleigh for equivalent equipment, and noticeably below Washington DC and northern Virginia metros.
Cost by System Type
| System Type | Charlotte Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard air source heat pump (15-16 SEER2) | $5,000 to $7,000 |
| High-efficiency heat pump (17-20 SEER2) | $7,000 to $10,000 |
| Dual fuel (heat pump + gas furnace backup) | $8,000 to $14,000 |
| Ductless mini-split heat pump (single zone) | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Ductless mini-split (multi-zone, whole home) | $8,000 to $18,000 |
| Cold-climate heat pump (rated for sub-zero performance) | $7,500 to $11,500 |
| Geothermal heat pump (closed-loop, vertical bore) | $18,000 to $35,000 |
Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Typical System | Charlotte Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 to 1,800 sq ft | 2 to 2.5 ton | $4,500 to $7,000 |
| 1,800 to 2,500 sq ft | 2.5 to 3.5 ton | $5,500 to $8,500 |
| 2,500 to 3,500 sq ft | 3.5 to 4 ton | $7,000 to $10,000 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | 4 to 5+ ton | $9,000 to $13,000 |
What Goes Into the Installed Price
Equipment accounts for roughly 50 to 60% of the installed price. A 3-ton 16 SEER2 heat pump from a major brand like Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, or Goodman costs the contractor $2,800 to $4,200 wholesale. The matching indoor air handler adds $1,200 to $2,000. The remaining cost covers labor, materials, permits, and contractor overhead.
Installation labor runs $2,000 to $3,500 and accounts for the outdoor unit placement, indoor air handler installation, refrigerant line connections, electrical work, thermostat programming, and system testing. Mecklenburg County requires a mechanical permit ($50 to $200) for heat pump installation, and the work must pass a final inspection before the system is approved for permanent use. Surrounding counties have similar permit requirements at comparable prices.
Hidden cost items that occasionally appear in quotes include electrical panel upgrades ($1,500 to $3,500) when the existing panel cannot support a heat pump with backup electric heat strips, refrigerant line set replacement ($400 to $900) on older homes where the existing lines are undersized or contaminated, and condensate drain rerouting ($150 to $400) when code requires updated drainage. Ask each contractor to itemize these line by line so you can compare apples to apples. For a national perspective, see our complete heat pump cost guide.
Why Charlotte Is Ideal Heat Pump Territory
Charlotte sits in IECC Climate Zone 4A, which is the sweet spot for heat pump performance. The city's winters are mild enough that a heat pump operates at or near peak heating efficiency for the vast majority of the heating season, while the summers are hot and humid enough to demand serious cooling capability.
A heat pump is essentially an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer, it works identically to a central AC system, pulling heat from indoor air and transferring it outside using refrigerant (a chemical compound designed to efficiently absorb and release thermal energy). In winter, the process reverses: the heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it inside. Even when outdoor air feels cold, it contains thermal energy that the heat pump can capture and concentrate.
Charlotte's average winter lows are in the 30s, dropping below 20 degrees only a handful of days per year. A standard heat pump operates efficiently down to 25 to 30 degrees, and cold-climate models work well down to 0 to 5 degrees. Charlotte's winters are comfortably within the performance range of any quality heat pump. During the long shoulder seasons (October to November and March to April), when daytime temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, the heat pump runs at minimal load, using very little electricity.
Charlotte Climate Data and Heat Pump Performance
Charlotte averages approximately 1,400 heating degree days and 1,700 cooling degree days annually, with cooling demand slightly exceeding heating demand. That ratio favors heat pumps over gas systems because the equipment investment is justified by cooling performance and the heating side is essentially a bonus mode that costs almost nothing extra to add. Compare this to Minneapolis (8,300 heating degree days, 700 cooling) or Phoenix (1,100 heating, 4,200 cooling), and you see why Charlotte sits in such a favorable position for heat pump economics.
Average annual electricity consumption for a 2,500 square foot Charlotte home using a 16 SEER2 heat pump runs approximately 10,000 to 13,000 kWh per year for HVAC alone. At Duke Energy's residential rate, that translates to $1,200 to $1,650 per year in combined heating and cooling costs. The equivalent gas furnace plus central AC setup typically runs $1,400 to $1,900 per year when you combine the gas therms and AC electricity.
Duke Energy electricity rates in Charlotte are moderate at $0.11 to $0.14 per kilowatt-hour, making heat pump operating costs very competitive with natural gas heating from Piedmont Natural Gas. At current rates, a heat pump costs 20 to 40% less to heat a Charlotte home than a gas furnace running at 80% AFUE.
Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace in Charlotte: The Complete Comparison
This is the decision Charlotte homeowners care about most. The answer for most Charlotte homes is clear: a heat pump is the better financial choice. Here is the full comparison.
Upfront Cost
A gas furnace plus central AC costs $7,000 to $12,000 installed as two separate systems. A heat pump costs $5,000 to $10,000 and handles both heating and cooling with a single system. The heat pump is often $1,000 to $3,000 cheaper because you are buying one system instead of two. This alone makes the heat pump the value proposition, before considering operating costs.
Annual Operating Cost
At current Piedmont Natural Gas rates (approximately $1.30 per therm) and Duke Energy rates (approximately $0.12 per kWh), the heat pump wins on annual operating cost for most Charlotte homes by $100 to $300 per year. The advantage comes from the heat pump's COP (coefficient of performance): for every dollar of electricity consumed, a heat pump delivers $2 to $4 worth of heating, because it moves heat rather than creating it through combustion. A gas furnace, even at 96% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, the percentage of fuel converted to usable heat), can only deliver at most 96 cents of heat per dollar of gas.
Comfort
Gas furnaces blow very warm air from the vents (120 to 140 degrees), which feels satisfying in cold weather. Heat pumps deliver slightly cooler air (90 to 95 degrees), which some people initially notice. Modern variable-speed heat pumps largely eliminate this issue by running longer at lower intensity, maintaining a more consistent temperature without the hot blasts and cold gaps of single-stage furnaces.
The Extreme Cold Question
Charlotte gets 3 to 5 days per year below 20 degrees. On those days, a standard heat pump switches to electric resistance backup heat (essentially a large electric space heater built into the air handler), which is expensive to run. Options: a cold-climate heat pump handles 20 degrees fine without backup. A dual fuel system switches to gas on the coldest days. For Charlotte, even the standard backup heat is acceptable because it only runs a few days per year.
Maintenance and Repair Cost Comparison
Annual maintenance is similar between systems, running $150 to $250 per year for a tune-up. Heat pumps have one outdoor unit and one indoor unit to service, while gas systems have an AC outdoor unit, a furnace indoor unit, and a separate combustion safety inspection. Some homeowners find heat pump maintenance slightly simpler because everything is reviewed in a single visit.
Common repairs over a 15-year service life: a heat pump compressor replacement runs $1,800 to $3,500. A reversing valve replacement (the component that switches between heating and cooling mode) runs $600 to $1,200. A gas furnace heat exchanger replacement runs $1,500 to $3,000 and is often the trigger for full system replacement. On balance, lifetime repair costs between the two paths are similar.
Resale Value
Charlotte's housing market increasingly recognizes the value of a modern, efficient HVAC system. Homes with a 5-year-old or newer heat pump consistently appraise stronger than homes with aging gas-and-AC combinations, particularly in price tiers above $400,000 where buyers tend to be more attuned to operating costs. A heat pump installation typically returns 50 to 75% of its cost in increased home value, with the remainder paid back through energy savings over the life of the system.
Our recommendation for Charlotte: a standard heat pump is the best value for most homes. A dual fuel system ($8,000 to $14,000) adds gas furnace backup but is usually not cost-justified in Charlotte's mild climate. Going with a gas furnace plus AC is increasingly hard to justify financially in the Charlotte market.
The 2000s Construction Replacement Wave in Charlotte
Charlotte's population roughly doubled between 1990 and 2020. The resulting construction boom produced enormous numbers of homes in Ballantyne, Steele Creek, University City, Huntersville, Mooresville, Indian Trail, Matthews, and Mint Hill. These homes are now 15 to 25 years old with builder-grade HVAC systems approaching end of life.
Builder-grade systems were typically the cheapest option available at the time: 10 to 13 SEER AC units and 80% AFUE furnaces. They have lower build quality and shorter expected lifespans than premium equipment. The opportunity for these homeowners is significant: replacing a 20-year-old 10 SEER AC plus 80% AFUE furnace with a modern 16 SEER2 heat pump cuts energy costs by 30 to 50% while simplifying from two systems to one. Use our free age decoder to check your system's manufacture date.
For homeowners in this replacement wave, the timing question matters. Waiting until the existing system fails completely usually means an emergency replacement during peak summer or peak winter, when prices are higher, contractors are less negotiable, and you may have to accept whatever equipment is in stock rather than the model you actually want. Planning the replacement during a shoulder season, even by six to eight months, often saves $1,000 to $2,000 and produces a better installation because the contractor has time to size carefully, order the right equipment, and schedule the work properly. Review the warning signs in our when to replace your HVAC guide.
Duke Energy Rebates and Charlotte HVAC Incentives
Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress serve the Charlotte metro area and offer rebates for qualifying heat pump installations. Typical Duke Energy heat pump rebates have ranged from $200 to $750 depending on efficiency level. Check duke-energy.com for current program details, as rebate amounts and qualifying equipment change annually.
Duke also offers a Home Energy Assessment that may qualify you for additional weatherization and insulation rebates, which complement a new heat pump by reducing the heating and cooling load on the system. Piedmont Natural Gas has historically offered furnace rebates for those choosing dual fuel or gas furnace systems. Check piedmontng.com for current programs.
Stacking Rebates and Incentives
Charlotte homeowners can often combine multiple incentive sources for a single project. A typical stack might include a Duke Energy equipment rebate, a manufacturer instant rebate (Trane, Carrier, and Lennox each run seasonal promotions of $500 to $1,500), and contractor financing promotions like 0% interest for 12 to 24 months. The combined value of these stacked incentives can reach $1,500 to $3,000 on a single installation if you time the purchase to align with active promotions. Ask each contractor to list every available rebate and discount in writing on the quote.
The federal Section 25C tax credit expired December 31, 2025. For the latest incentive information, see our HVAC tax credits 2026 guide. Some North Carolina state-level programs and city-level energy efficiency incentives may still apply, and Mecklenburg County occasionally runs weatherization assistance programs for income-qualified households.
Heat Pump Sizing for Charlotte Homes
Proper sizing is critical for heat pumps because they handle both heating and cooling. In Charlotte's climate, the cooling load usually determines system size because summers are more demanding than winters. A Manual J load calculation (a detailed engineering analysis of your home's insulation, windows, orientation, and local climate) determines the exact size. If a contractor quotes a system size without performing this calculation, they are guessing.
Oversizing is worse with heat pumps than with AC alone. An oversized heat pump in Charlotte cools quickly but shuts off before adequately dehumidifying. Charlotte's humidity means dehumidification is as important as temperature control. A properly sized or slightly undersized heat pump runs longer cycles, removing more humidity and providing better overall comfort.
Why the Old Rule of Thumb Fails in Charlotte
The traditional rule of thumb (1 ton per 500 square feet) consistently oversizes systems for modern Charlotte homes. Better insulation, more efficient windows, and tighter construction in homes built after 2000 mean the actual cooling load is often 30 to 40% lower than the rule of thumb suggests. A 2,500 square foot home built in 2008 with code-compliant insulation and Low-E windows typically needs a 3-ton system, not the 5-ton system the old rule would specify. A contractor who insists on the larger size without running Manual J is signaling that they prioritize easy sales over installation quality.
Two-story Charlotte homes deserve special attention. The upper floor receives more solar gain through the roof and tends to hold heat longer in summer. A variable-speed heat pump paired with a zoned damper system (an additional $1,200 to $2,500) lets the upper and lower floors call for cooling independently, eliminating the common Charlotte complaint of a freezing first floor and a stifling second floor. For homes with finished bonus rooms over the garage, this zoning is nearly essential.
Charlotte Neighborhood Considerations
Different parts of the Charlotte metro present different heat pump installation challenges. Knowing the typical conditions in your neighborhood helps you ask the right questions during the quote process.
Pre-1950 Neighborhoods: Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth, Wesley Heights, Wilmore
These historic neighborhoods often have undersized ductwork, no ductwork at all, or systems retrofitted into former radiator-heated homes. Crawl spaces are common, basements are rare, and many homes have plaster walls that resist duct modifications. Ductless mini-split heat pumps are frequently the best solution, costing $8,000 to $18,000 for a whole-home multi-zone setup that preserves the architectural character. Some homes can accept a small ducted system serving the main floor with a separate mini-split serving a second floor or addition.
Mid-Century Neighborhoods: Cotswold, Sedgefield, Madison Park, Eastover, Myers Park
Homes built between 1950 and 1975 typically have ductwork sized for the lower cooling loads of that era. Replacing a heat pump in these homes often involves ductwork upgrades or sealing to handle the airflow of a modern system. Plan for an additional $1,500 to $4,000 if the contractor identifies undersized returns or leaky supply runs. A duct blaster test (a diagnostic that measures duct leakage) costs $150 to $300 and is worth doing before finalizing the new system size.
1980s and 1990s Suburbs: Carmel, Providence Plantation, McAlpine, parts of Matthews and Mint Hill
These homes typically have functional ductwork compatible with modern heat pumps. The original HVAC equipment is well past replacement age. Standard ducted heat pump installations work cleanly here, usually at the lower end of the cost range.
2000s and Newer: Ballantyne, Steele Creek, University, Highland Creek, Lake Norman, Fort Mill
Modern ductwork, good insulation, and convenient mechanical room layouts make these the easiest installations. Two-story plans with bonus rooms benefit most from variable-speed heat pumps with zoning. Lake Norman and Fort Mill homeowners should confirm that contractors are licensed in their specific county (Mecklenburg, Iredell, or York County in South Carolina), since licensing varies across the state line.
How to Find a Reliable Heat Pump Installer in Charlotte
North Carolina requires HVAC contractors to hold a license from the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Verify at nclicensing.org. Get three written quotes from Charlotte's competitive HVAC market.
Ask about heat pump experience specifically. Some contractors are more experienced with gas systems and may default to recommending what they know. A contractor who installs heat pumps regularly can advise on proper sizing, the right efficiency tier, and whether your existing ductwork can handle the slightly different airflow characteristics of a heat pump.
Questions to Ask Every Charlotte Heat Pump Contractor
- Will you perform a Manual J load calculation and share the results?
- How many heat pumps have you installed in the past 12 months?
- What is your standard warranty on labor, separate from the manufacturer's parts warranty?
- Will you pull the mechanical permit and schedule the county inspection?
- Will you test static pressure and airflow after installation and provide the readings?
- What brand and model are you proposing, and why this one over alternatives?
- Are you a factory-authorized dealer for that brand, and does that affect the warranty terms?
- What is your payment schedule, and is a deposit required before the equipment arrives?
Red flags include high-pressure sales tactics that expire the same day, quotes that lump equipment and labor into a single price without itemization, contractors unwilling to provide a written warranty separate from the manufacturer's warranty, and any contractor who recommends a system size without entering your home to inspect the existing conditions. A legitimate Charlotte heat pump quote takes 45 to 90 minutes on site for the assessment.
Neighborhood considerations: older homes in Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, and Elizabeth may have undersized ductwork or no ductwork at all (some have radiator heat). These homes are candidates for ductless mini-split heat pump systems. New construction in Ballantyne, Lake Norman, and Fort Mill typically has modern ductwork compatible with ducted heat pumps.
What to Expect During Installation
A typical Charlotte heat pump installation runs one to two days for a straightforward replacement and three to five days for a project involving ductwork modifications, electrical panel work, or new construction. Understanding the timeline helps you plan around the disruption.
Day One: Removal and Preparation
The crew arrives between 7:30 and 9:00 AM, lays floor protection along the path from the door to the mechanical area, and begins recovering refrigerant from the existing system (required by EPA regulations). The old outdoor unit, indoor air handler or furnace, and the existing thermostat are removed. The mounting pad outside is leveled or replaced. The refrigerant line set is inspected, flushed, or replaced as needed.
Day Two: Installation and Commissioning
The new outdoor unit is set on the pad and secured. The indoor air handler is positioned, leveled, and connected to the existing ductwork with new transition pieces and mastic sealant. Electrical connections are made to the disconnect and breaker. Refrigerant lines are brazed, pressure tested with nitrogen, evacuated with a vacuum pump (to remove moisture), and charged with the correct refrigerant amount. The thermostat is installed and programmed. The system is started in both cooling and heating mode, and the technician measures temperature splits, static pressure, and amp draw to confirm proper operation.
After Installation
You should receive a written commissioning report with the measured performance data, a copy of the permit and inspection record (or scheduling information if the inspection is pending), all manufacturer warranty registration confirmations, and contact information for warranty service. Keep these records together. Manufacturer warranties typically require proof of professional installation and proof of registration within 60 to 90 days of installation to maintain full warranty terms.
Charlotte-Specific HVAC Considerations
Pollen is a significant factor in Charlotte. The metro has some of the highest pollen counts in the US, especially from March through May. The outdoor heat pump coil needs cleaning two to three times per year. Heavy pollen coating reduces efficiency by 10 to 20%. A garden hose rinse from the inside out takes 15 minutes and prevents this efficiency loss.
Charlotte's red clay soil can shift and settle, potentially affecting the outdoor unit pad. Check annually that the unit is level. An unlevel unit can cause vibration, noise, and premature bearing wear. Composite plastic pads resist shifting better than poured concrete in clay soil and have become the preferred installation method for most Charlotte contractors.
HOA considerations are common in Charlotte suburbs. Many neighborhoods restrict outdoor unit placement, require screening, or have noise level restrictions. Check your HOA guidelines before installation. Some HOAs in Ballantyne and Providence Plantation require landscaping screens or specific paint colors for visible mechanical equipment. Two-story homes, extremely common in Charlotte suburbs, benefit from a variable-speed heat pump that adjusts output to maintain even temperatures between floors.
Severe weather is a recurring consideration. Charlotte sees occasional ice storms in January and February, with tree limbs falling on outdoor units. Tropical systems moving inland from the coast bring sustained winds and heavy rain in late summer. An outdoor unit installed on the windward side of the house benefits from a hail and debris guard ($150 to $300), which deflects falling ice and limbs without restricting airflow.
Maintenance Schedule for Charlotte Heat Pumps
- Monthly: Check and replace the air filter. Charlotte's pollen and dust load means most homes need a filter change every 30 to 45 days during peak pollen season.
- Spring (March/April): Professional tune-up focusing on the cooling mode. Coil cleaning, refrigerant charge verification, electrical connection check.
- Summer (after pollen drops): Outdoor coil rinse with garden hose. Clear vegetation within 24 inches of the unit.
- Fall (October): Professional tune-up focusing on heating mode and backup heat strip operation. Reversing valve test.
- Winter: Monitor for ice buildup on the outdoor coil during cold snaps. Some ice formation is normal during defrost cycles, but persistent ice indicates a problem.
How We Estimated These Costs
The Charlotte heat pump installation cost data on this page is based on national contractor rate surveys, manufacturer pricing data, regional labor market analysis, and verified homeowner-reported costs. We analyze pricing from HVAC contractors across multiple US regions, cross-reference with equipment manufacturer suggested pricing and wholesale distributor catalogs, and adjust for regional labor rate differences and local market conditions.
Climate zone plays a significant role in Charlotte heat pump installation pricing. Systems in extreme heat or cold climates experience accelerated wear, shorter component lifespans, and higher seasonal demand, all of which affect local repair and installation costs. Our regional pricing adjustments account for these climate-driven differences using DOE climate zone data and region-specific contractor feedback.
Cost ranges represent the middle 80% of reported prices. Unusually low quotes may indicate unlicensed work, excluded labor, or bait-and-switch pricing. Unusually high quotes may reflect emergency surcharges, premium brand markups, or regional supply constraints. We recommend getting 2 to 3 written quotes for any non-emergency HVAC work to confirm fair pricing in your local market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a heat pump cost in Charlotte?
A heat pump costs $5,000 to $10,000 installed in Charlotte. Most homeowners pay $6,000 to $8,000. Charlotte's climate makes heat pumps the most cost-effective HVAC option for both heating and cooling.
Is a heat pump better than gas heat in Charlotte?
For most Charlotte homes, yes. The mild winters allow heat pumps to operate efficiently nearly all season. Operating costs are 20 to 40% lower than gas heat, and a heat pump replaces both the AC and furnace with one system, typically costing less to install than separate units.
What SEER rating should I get in Charlotte?
The Southeast minimum is 15 SEER2. For Charlotte, 16 to 17 SEER2 is the sweet spot. Variable-speed models provide superior dehumidification in Charlotte's humid summers, which is worth the premium for comfort-conscious homeowners. See our SEER rating guide for the full efficiency tier breakdown.
How long does a heat pump last in Charlotte?
12 to 18 years typically. Heat pumps run year-round for both heating and cooling, accumulating more hours than standalone AC or furnace systems. Proper maintenance, including filter changes and annual tune-ups, maximizes lifespan.
What Duke Energy rebates are available for heat pumps?
Duke Energy offers $200 to $750 for qualifying heat pump installations. Check duke-energy.com for current programs. Duke also offers Home Energy Assessments that may qualify you for additional rebates.
Do I need a dual fuel system in Charlotte?
Probably not. Charlotte gets only 3 to 5 days below 20 degrees annually. A standard heat pump with electric backup handles those days adequately. Dual fuel adds $3,000 to $6,000 to the cost for a benefit that applies only a few days per year.
How does a heat pump work in winter?
It runs in reverse of cooling mode. Instead of pulling heat from indoor air and moving it outside, it extracts heat from outdoor air and moves it inside. Even cold outdoor air contains thermal energy that the heat pump captures and concentrates.
Is a heat pump loud?
Modern heat pumps operate at 55 to 70 decibels outdoors, comparable to central AC. Variable-speed models are quieter because they run at lower speeds most of the time. Indoor noise is minimal.
Can I replace my gas furnace with a heat pump?
Yes. The existing ductwork works with both systems. The gas furnace is removed and the heat pump's indoor air handler is installed in its place. If the gas line is no longer needed, it can be capped by a plumber.
What size heat pump do I need for my Charlotte home?
General estimates: 1,200 sq ft = 2 to 2.5 tons, 2,000 sq ft = 3 to 3.5 tons, 3,000 sq ft = 4 to 5 tons. A Manual J load calculation by your contractor determines the exact size. Oversizing causes humidity problems in Charlotte's climate.
Are mini splits a good option in Charlotte?
Yes, especially for older homes without ductwork in Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, and NoDa. Charlotte's mild winters mean basic mini-split models perform well year-round. Single zone: $3,000 to $5,000. For homes with ductwork, a standard heat pump is more cost-effective.
When is the best time to install a heat pump in Charlotte?
March through April or October through November offer the best pricing. HVAC companies are between peak seasons and more negotiable. Summer emergency installations cost $500 to $1,500 more.
What does a heat pump cost to operate per month in Charlotte?
For a 2,500 square foot Charlotte home, expect $80 to $140 per month for HVAC electricity averaged across the year. Summer peak months can reach $180 to $220 during prolonged heat waves. Winter months range from $90 to $160 depending on how cold the month runs and how often backup heat strips activate.
Should I get a smart thermostat with my new heat pump?
Yes. Modern heat pumps work best with thermostats designed for variable-speed and multi-stage operation. Most contractors include a basic compatible thermostat in the installation. Upgrading to an ecobee or Nest model adds $150 to $300 and provides remote control, scheduling, and energy reporting. Some Duke Energy demand response programs offer a rebate on qualifying smart thermostats.