About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Carrier, where he develops informative, straightforward content to help homeowners better understand heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. His writing is focused on empowering homeowners to make confident, well-informed choices about their home comfort systems.
2 Ton Heat Pump
A 2-ton heat pump is a compact yet powerful solution for heating and cooling smaller homes or individual zones within a larger home. Often ideal for spaces around 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, it provides year-round comfort. Whether you're replacing an old system or exploring heat pumps for the first time, understanding how a 2-ton unit works, what it costs, and how to choose the right one can help you make a confident decision. This guide covers everything you need to know about 2-ton heat pumps.
What Is a 2 Ton Heat Pump?
A 2-ton heat pump refers to the system’s capacity to heat and cool a home. In HVAC terms, a "ton" measures how much heat a system can move in one hour. Specifically:
- 1 ton = 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour
- 2 tons = 24,000 BTUs per hour
This means a 2-ton heat pump can deliver or remove 24,000 BTUs of heat energy each hour. Because heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, a 2-ton unit is typically suited for smaller homes or spaces around 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. Proper tonnage is essential to ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and reliable performance throughout the year.
Determining If You Need A 2-Ton Heat Pump
Whether a 2-ton heat pump is right for your home depends on factors like square footage, local climate, and insulation quality. While a rough estimate can be made using BTUs per square foot, it's best used as a general guide. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Moderate climates: About 20 BTUs per square foot is standard.
- Hot climates: You may need 25–30 BTUs per square foot.
- Cold climates: Expect to need 30–35 BTUs per square foot.
A 2-ton heat pump (24,000 BTUs) is typically suited for homes around 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, but a professional load calculation by your local Carrier dealer is the best way to determine the right size for your space.
Calculating The Size Heat Pump You Need
- Calculate your home's square footage. Measure the length and width of each room, multiply them to find the area, and add all room areas together for the total square footage.
- Multiply by the recommended BTUs per square foot for your climate. Take a 1,100 sq. ft. home in a moderate climate for example:
- 1,100 sq. ft. × 20 BTUs = 22,000 BTUs needed.
- Divide by 12,000 (since 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs):
- 22,000 ÷ 12,000 = 1.83 tons.
This suggests a 2-ton heat pump would likely be an appropriate fit. Keep in mind that factors like insulation, ceiling height, window type, and occupancy can all impact the final sizing, so a professional evaluation from your local Carrier dealer is recommended to determine whether you need a 2-ton heat pump, 3-ton heat pump, 4-ton heat pump, or 5-ton heat pump.
2 Ton Heat Pump Cost
Heat pump pricing is ultimately set by the local HVAC dealer handling the heat pump installation. Several factors influence the total cost, including your location, home size and layout, regional climate, and the specific heat pump model selected. Labor rates, ductwork modifications, and energy efficiency ratings can also impact the final price. In some cases, you may be eligible for rebates or federal tax credits that help offset the upfront investment. For a deeper breakdown, visit our page on heat pump pricing.
Work With a Carrier Dealer to Find the Right-Sized Heat Pump
Carrier offers a wide range of heat pump sizes to suit different home layouts and climates. Your local Carrier dealer will help you choose the right model by performing a Manual J load calculation—a detailed, industry-standard method developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). This process takes into account insulation, square footage, sun exposure, and more to ensure your system is properly sized for maximum efficiency and comfort. Schedule an appointment with your local Carrier expert today to get started.
2 Ton Heat Pump FAQs
The installed cost of a 2-ton heat pump usually ranges from $3,500 to $6,500, depending on the model, efficiency rating, and local labor rates. To get an accurate quote, talk to your local Carrier dealer. Learn more in our heat pump price guide.
A 2-ton unit may be undersized for a 1,500 sq ft home, especially in warmer climates. A load calculation by your local Carrier dealer is recommended to determine the right fit.
A 2-ton heat pump can typically heat homes between 1,000 and 1,200 square feet, depending on insulation, layout, and climate. Your local Carrier dealer can determine the right size heat pump for your home.
A 2 ton air conditioner provides 24,000 BTUs per hour of cooling capacity (1 ton equals 12,000 BTUs).
With proper maintenance, a 2-ton heat pump typically lasts 10 to 15 years, though high-quality models can exceed that range.
Explore Carrier Heat Pumps
Choosing a Carrier heat pump offers reliable performance and energy efficiency, making it an excellent long-term investment for both heating and cooling needs. With advanced technology and a strong reputation for durability, Carrier heat pumps provide optimal comfort while helping to lower heating and cooling bills. Our commitment to sustainability and quiet operation can help enhance your overall home environment. Explore Carrier's line of heat pumps today.
Our highest efficiency and most advanced heat pump with up to 23 SEER2 for premium energy savings with extremely quiet performance and premium comfort features.
Up to 18.5 SEER2 for enhanced energy savings with enhanced comfort features. Features InteliSense™ technology
Up to 16 SEER2 for moderate energy savings with standard comfort features.
Learn More About Heat Pumps
- Let's start with the basics - what is a heat pump?
- Learn about heat pump efficiency and SEER Ratings
- Find out more about heat pump service
- 3 Reasons To Consider A Heat Pump
- Heat Pumps: A Sustainable Comfort Solution
