How Much Electricity Does a Heat Pump Use?
Before we can calculate cost, we need to know how many watts your heat pump actually draws. The two key formulas are simple:
Cooling Watts = BTU Capacity ÷ SEER Rating
Heating Watts = BTU Capacity ÷ HSPF Rating
A 3-ton heat pump (36,000 BTU) with a 16 SEER rating draws 2,250 watts in cooling mode. That same unit with an 8.5 HSPF rating draws 4,235 watts in heating mode.
Heating always draws more electricity than cooling. This is because heat pumps work harder to extract heat from cold outdoor air than to reject heat into warm outdoor air.
Heat Pump Wattage by Tonnage
Here's the full wattage table for central heat pumps in cooling mode at different SEER ratings. You can use this to estimate your system's electricity draw (source: DOE FEMP heat pump acquisition guidance):
| Heat Pump Size | BTU/h | 14 SEER (Watts) | 16 SEER (Watts) | 18 SEER (Watts) | 22 SEER (Watts) |
|---|
| 1.5 ton | 18,000 BTU/h | 1,286 W | 1,125 W | 1,000 W | 818 W |
| 2 ton | 24,000 BTU/h | 1,714 W | 1,500 W | 1,333 W | 1,091 W |
| 2.5 ton | 30,000 BTU/h | 2,143 W | 1,875 W | 1,667 W | 1,364 W |
| 3 ton | 36,000 BTU/h | 2,571 W | 2,250 W | 2,000 W | 1,636 W |
| 3.5 ton | 42,000 BTU/h | 3,000 W | 2,625 W | 2,333 W | 1,909 W |
| 4 ton | 48,000 BTU/h | 3,429 W | 3,000 W | 2,667 W | 2,182 W |
| 5 ton | 60,000 BTU/h | 4,286 W | 3,750 W | 3,333 W | 2,727 W |
Note: Real-world draw typically averages about 58% of the max calculated wattage due to cycling. These are max wattage figures used for cost estimation at full load.
How Many kWh Does a Heat Pump Use Per Month?
According to EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) data, the average U.S. household uses 3,784 kWh annually for heating and 3,084 kWh annually for cooling. That's about 315 kWh/month for heating and 514 kWh/month for cooling during their respective seasons.
An EnergySage analysis of DOE data found that the average heat pump uses roughly 5,500 kWh per year total. However, this varies enormously — from about 400 kWh in a mild climate with minimal heating needs to over 22,000 kWh in a cold climate with a large home.
How Much Electricity Does a Heat Pump Use Per Day and Per Hour?
For a typical 3-ton heat pump running 8 hours per day:
| Mode | Wattage (16 SEER / 9 HSPF) | kWh Per Hour | kWh Per Day (8 hrs) | kWh Per Month |
|---|
| Cooling | 2,250 W | 2.25 kWh | 18.0 kWh | 540 kWh |
| Heating | 4,000 W | 4.00 kWh | 32.0 kWh | 960 kWh |
The national average electricity rate is about $0.18/kWh as of early 2026 (EIA Electric Power Monthly). At that rate, the 3-ton heat pump above costs $3.24/day for cooling and $5.76/day for heating.
Heat Pump Running Cost by Size (Cost Per Hour, Day, and Month)
Now let's put it all together. Here's what it actually costs to run different sizes of central heat pumps, assuming a 16 SEER/9 HSPF system, 8 hours/day of runtime, and the national average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh (we use $0.16 as the conservative baseline since rates vary by state — you can use the heating cost calculator for your exact rate):
Central Heat Pump Running Cost Table
Cooling Mode (16 SEER, 8 hrs/day, $0.16/kWh):
| Size | Watts | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Month | Cost/Season (5 mo) |
|---|
| 1.5 ton | 1,125 W | $0.18/hr | $1.44/day | $43.20/mo | $216.00 |
| 2 ton | 1,500 W | $0.24/hr | $1.92/day | $57.60/mo | $288.00 |
| 2.5 ton | 1,875 W | $0.30/hr | $2.40/day | $72.00/mo | $360.00 |
| 3 ton | 2,250 W | $0.36/hr | $2.88/day | $86.40/mo | $432.00 |
| 3.5 ton | 2,625 W | $0.42/hr | $3.36/day | $100.80/mo | $504.00 |
| 4 ton | 3,000 W | $0.48/hr | $3.84/day | $115.20/mo | $576.00 |
| 5 ton | 3,750 W | $0.60/hr | $4.80/day | $144.00/mo | $720.00 |
Heating Mode (9 HSPF, 8 hrs/day, $0.16/kWh):
| Size | Watts | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Month | Cost/Season (4 mo) |
|---|
| 1.5 ton | 2,000 W | $0.32/hr | $2.56/day | $76.80/mo | $307.20 |
| 2 ton | 2,667 W | $0.43/hr | $3.41/day | $102.40/mo | $409.60 |
| 2.5 ton | 3,333 W | $0.53/hr | $4.27/day | $128.00/mo | $512.00 |
| 3 ton | 4,000 W | $0.64/hr | $5.12/day | $153.60/mo | $614.40 |
| 3.5 ton | 4,667 W | $0.75/hr | $5.97/day | $179.20/mo | $716.80 |
| 4 ton | 5,333 W | $0.85/hr | $6.83/day | $204.80/mo | $819.20 |
| 5 ton | 6,667 W | $1.07/hr | $8.53/day | $256.00/mo | $1,024.00 |
The 3-ton row is highlighted because it's the most common residential heat pump size (how to properly size a heat pump).
Mini Split Running Cost by BTU Size
Mini splits are inherently more efficient than central heat pumps for two reasons: they typically have higher SEER/HSPF ratings (18–22 SEER vs. 14–16 SEER for standard central units), and they eliminate duct losses which can account for 25–30% of energy waste. For proper mini split sizing, you'll want to match BTU capacity to your room size.
Mini Split Cooling Cost (20 SEER average, 8 hrs/day, $0.16/kWh):
| BTU Size | Room Size | Watts | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Month |
|---|
| 9,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq ft | 450 W | $0.07/hr | $0.58/day | $17.28/mo |
| 12,000 BTU | Up to 600 sq ft | 600 W | $0.10/hr | $0.77/day | $23.04/mo |
| 18,000 BTU | Up to 1,000 sq ft | 900 W | $0.14/hr | $1.15/day | $34.56/mo |
| 24,000 BTU | Up to 1,500 sq ft | 1,200 W | $0.19/hr | $1.54/day | $46.08/mo |
| 36,000 BTU | Up to 2,000 sq ft | 1,800 W | $0.29/hr | $2.30/day | $69.12/mo |
Mini Split Heating Cost (10 HSPF average, 8 hrs/day, $0.16/kWh):
| BTU Size | Watts | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Month |
|---|
| 9,000 BTU | 900 W | $0.14/hr | $1.15/day | $34.56/mo |
| 12,000 BTU | 1,200 W | $0.19/hr | $1.54/day | $46.08/mo |
| 18,000 BTU | 1,800 W | $0.29/hr | $2.30/day | $69.12/mo |
| 24,000 BTU | 2,400 W | $0.38/hr | $3.07/day | $92.16/mo |
| 36,000 BTU | 3,600 W | $0.58/hr | $4.61/day | $138.24/mo |
Sources: Wattage data from PICKHVAC mini split energy guide; Dellahome mini split wattage guide.
Are Mini Splits Expensive To Run?
No. Mini splits are among the cheapest HVAC systems to run.
A 12,000 BTU mini split costs roughly $23–$46/month to operate (cooling and heating respectively). Compare that to a window AC unit of similar capacity which costs $35–$55/month, or electric baseboard heaters which can run $150+/month for the same space.
The reason is efficiency. Mini splits typically achieve 20–25 SEER for cooling and 10–12 HSPF for heating. They also avoid the 25–30% energy loss from ductwork that central systems suffer, as noted by the DOE.
How SEER Rating Affects Cooling Cost
Your heat pump's SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating directly determines how much you pay to cool your home. The formula is simple:
Cooling Cost Per Hour = (BTU ÷ SEER) × Electricity Rate ÷ 1,000
Higher SEER = fewer watts per BTU of cooling = lower electricity bills. Here's a side-by-side comparison for a 3-ton (36,000 BTU) heat pump running 8 hours per day at $0.16/kWh (for a deeper dive into SEER, see our SEER rating guide):
Cooling Cost Comparison: 14 vs 16 vs 18 vs 22 SEER
| SEER Rating | Watts | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Month | Annual Cooling Cost (5 mo) | Savings vs 14 SEER |
|---|
| 14 SEER | 2,571 W | $0.41/hr | $3.29/day | $98.74/mo | $493.71 | — |
| 16 SEER | 2,250 W | $0.36/hr | $2.88/day | $86.40/mo | $432.00 | $61.71/yr |
| 18 SEER | 2,000 W | $0.32/hr | $2.56/day | $76.80/mo | $384.00 | $109.71/yr |
| 20 SEER | 1,800 W | $0.29/hr | $2.30/day | $69.12/mo | $345.60 | $148.11/yr |
| 22 SEER | 1,636 W | $0.26/hr | $2.10/day | $62.84/mo | $314.18 | $179.53/yr |
Upgrading from 14 SEER to 22 SEER saves nearly $180/year in cooling costs alone. Over a 15-year heat pump lifespan, that's $2,693 in cooling savings — and that doesn't include heating improvements.
In hot climates like Phoenix or Miami where you might run cooling for 7+ months, the savings jump to $250–$350/year or more.
How HSPF and COP Affect Heating Cost
Heating efficiency is measured by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) or COP (Coefficient of Performance). These are related:
COP ≈ HSPF ÷ 3.412
A heat pump with an HSPF of 10 has an average COP of about 2.93 — meaning it delivers nearly 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed. That's 3x more efficient than electric resistance heating (COP explained).
The catch: COP drops as outdoor temperature falls. At 47°F, a typical heat pump might have a COP of 3.5, but at 17°F that drops to COP 2.0. At 5°F, it could fall to COP 1.5 — which is why heating costs spike in cold climates (more on how temperature affects efficiency).
Heating Cost Comparison: COP 2.0 vs 3.0 vs 4.0
Here's the dramatic difference COP makes for a 3-ton (36,000 BTU) heat pump running 8 hours/day at $0.16/kWh:
| COP Level | Typical Scenario | Heating Watts | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Month | Cost/Season (4 mo) |
|---|
| COP 4.0 | Mild climate, 50°F+ | 2,638 W | $0.42/hr | $3.38/day | $101.31/mo | $405.25 |
| COP 3.5 | Standard test (47°F) | 3,014 W | $0.48/hr | $3.86/day | $115.78/mo | $463.14 |
| COP 3.0 | Cool weather (35°F) | 3,517 W | $0.56/hr | $4.50/day | $135.08/mo | $540.33 |
| COP 2.5 | Cold (17°F) | 4,220 W | $0.68/hr | $5.40/day | $162.10/mo | $648.39 |
| COP 2.0 | Very cold / old unit | 5,275 W | $0.84/hr | $6.75/day | $202.62/mo | $810.49 |
| COP 1.0 | Electric resistance | 10,551 W | $1.69/hr | $13.51/day | $405.25/mo | $1,620.98 |
The heating wattage formula: Watts = BTU ÷ (COP × 3,412). Sources: Engineering Toolbox; Wikipedia COP article.
The bottom row is the key comparison. Electric resistance heating (COP 1.0) costs $1,621/season — exactly double what a COP 2.0 heat pump costs and 4x what a COP 4.0 heat pump costs. This is why heat pumps crush electric resistance heaters on operating cost.
The takeaway: COP matters more than almost any other factor for heating cost. A heat pump at COP 3.0 is 3x cheaper to run than baseboard electric heat, and even at COP 2.0 in cold weather it's still 2x cheaper. The heat pump temperature range guide explains at what temperatures efficiency starts to drop.
Heat Pump Running Cost by State
Your electricity rate is the single biggest variable you can't control. The difference between cheap-electricity states and expensive ones can triple your annual operating cost for the exact same heat pump.
Here are the 10 cheapest and 10 most expensive states to run a heat pump, based on EIA residential electricity data via ElectricChoice.com. We calculated the monthly cost for a 3-ton, 16 SEER/9 HSPF heat pump running 8 hours/day:
10 Cheapest States To Run a Heat Pump
| State | Electricity Rate | Cooling Cost/Mo | Heating Cost/Mo | Combined Annual |
|---|
| North Dakota | $0.119/kWh | $64.26/mo | $114.24/mo | $657.45 |
| Idaho | $0.121/kWh | $65.34/mo | $116.16/mo | $668.50 |
| Louisiana | $0.124/kWh | $66.96/mo | $119.04/mo | $685.00 |
| Washington | $0.125/kWh | $67.50/mo | $120.00/mo | $690.00 |
| Arkansas | $0.133/kWh | $71.82/mo | $127.68/mo | $734.30 |
| Oklahoma | $0.135/kWh | $72.90/mo | $129.60/mo | $745.25 |
| Utah | $0.136/kWh | $73.44/mo | $130.56/mo | $750.80 |
| Wyoming | $0.137/kWh | $73.98/mo | $131.52/mo | $756.30 |
| Nebraska | $0.138/kWh | $74.52/mo | $132.48/mo | $761.80 |
| Montana | $0.139/kWh | $75.06/mo | $133.44/mo | $767.30 |
10 Most Expensive States To Run a Heat Pump
| State | Electricity Rate | Cooling Cost/Mo | Heating Cost/Mo | Combined Annual |
|---|
| Hawaii | $0.399/kWh | $215.46/mo | $383.04/mo | $2,203.85 |
| California | $0.338/kWh | $182.52/mo | $324.48/mo | $1,867.00 |
| Massachusetts | $0.315/kWh | $170.10/mo | $302.40/mo | $1,740.25 |
| Connecticut | $0.303/kWh | $163.62/mo | $290.88/mo | $1,673.95 |
| Rhode Island | $0.295/kWh | $159.30/mo | $283.20/mo | $1,629.75 |
| New Hampshire | $0.280/kWh | $151.20/mo | $268.80/mo | $1,546.80 |
| Alaska | $0.277/kWh | $149.58/mo | $265.92/mo | $1,530.25 |
| Vermont | $0.260/kWh | $140.40/mo | $249.60/mo | $1,436.40 |
| Maine | $0.255/kWh | $137.70/mo | $244.80/mo | $1,408.75 |
| New York | $0.245/kWh | $132.30/mo | $235.20/mo | $1,353.55 |
These are estimates based on national average run hours. Your actual cost depends on your local climate, home size, and average electricity usage. The annual figure assumes 5 months cooling + 4 months heating.
The spread is staggering. Running a 3-ton heat pump in Hawaii costs $2,204/year vs. $657/year in North Dakota — a $1,547 annual difference for the identical system.
Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace Monthly Cost
This is the million-dollar question (well, the thousand-dollar question). Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a gas furnace?
The answer depends on two numbers: your electricity rate and your natural gas rate. As a rule of thumb from the American Gas Association's energy analysis, if 1 therm of natural gas costs less than 10× your kWh electricity rate, the gas furnace is usually cheaper for heating.
Example: At $0.16/kWh electricity, gas needs to be below $1.60/therm for gas to win. The national average is about $1.20/therm — making it close in most regions.
Here's a regional comparison for a 2,000 sq ft home (for a broader picture, see gas vs electric heating costs):
| Region | Heat Pump Heating/Mo (16 SEER/9 HSPF) | Gas Furnace Heating/Mo (96% AFUE) | Winner | Notes |
|---|
| Southeast (Charlotte, NC) | $95–$140/mo | $80–$120/mo | Close — HP wins if you count AC savings | Mild winter, moderate elec rates |
| South (Houston, TX) | $60–$90/mo | $50–$80/mo | Very close | Short heating season |
| Midwest (Chicago, IL) | $160–$220/mo | $110–$150/mo | Gas furnace | Cold winter drops COP; cheap gas |
| Northeast (Boston, MA) | $180–$280/mo | $120–$170/mo | Gas furnace | Expensive electricity + cold |
| West (Phoenix, AZ) | $50–$80/mo | $55–$85/mo | Heat pump | Mild winter, HP stays efficient |
| Pacific NW (Portland, OR) | $70–$100/mo | $80–$110/mo | Heat pump | Cheap hydro electricity |
Sources: PICKHVAC gas vs heat pump calculator; HomeGuide cost comparison; Zero Homes operating data; EIA gas and electric pricing.
The critical nuance: heat pumps provide both heating and cooling. If you're comparing a gas furnace + separate AC vs. a heat pump alone, the heat pump often wins on total annual cost even if the gas furnace is cheaper for heating alone.
For a full comparison of just the cost to run an air conditioner, see our dedicated guide.
Heat Pump vs Electric Resistance Heater Cost
This comparison is not close. Heat pumps dominate electric resistance heating in every scenario.
Electric resistance heaters (baseboard heaters, electric furnaces, space heaters) have a COP of 1.0 — they convert electricity to heat at a 1:1 ratio. A heat pump with a COP of 3.0 delivers 3x the heat for the same electricity. For the full breakdown, see our electric heater running cost guide.
| Heating System | COP | Monthly Cost (36,000 BTU, 8 hrs/day, $0.16/kWh) | Annual Heating Cost (4 months) |
|---|
| Heat pump (COP 4.0) | 4.0 | $101/mo | $405 |
| Heat pump (COP 3.0) | 3.0 | $135/mo | $540 |
| Heat pump (COP 2.0) | 2.0 | $203/mo | $810 |
| Electric resistance | 1.0 | $405/mo | $1,621 |
Even a heat pump at COP 2.0 (operating in very cold weather) costs half as much as electric resistance. At COP 3.0 in mild weather, the heat pump costs one-third as much.
The DOE states that a modern air-source heat pump can deliver the same heating for about half the cost of electric resistance heaters (source). In mild climates, the savings are even larger.
Annual Heat Pump Operating Cost (Heating + Cooling Combined)
Let's bring it all together. What does a heat pump cost to run for an entire year — including both the heating season and cooling season?
For a 3-ton, 16 SEER/9 HSPF heat pump in a 2,000 sq ft home at $0.16/kWh:
| Climate Zone | Example City | Heating kWh/yr | Cooling kWh/yr | Total kWh/yr | Annual Cost |
|---|
| Hot/Dry | Phoenix, AZ | 1,500 kWh | 4,500 kWh | 6,000 kWh | $960 |
| Hot/Humid | Houston, TX | 2,000 kWh | 4,000 kWh | 6,000 kWh | $960 |
| Mixed/Moderate | Charlotte, NC | 3,000 kWh | 3,000 kWh | 6,000 kWh | $960 |
| Mild | Portland, OR | 2,500 kWh | 1,000 kWh | 3,500 kWh | $560 |
| Cold | Chicago, IL | 5,500 kWh | 2,000 kWh | 7,500 kWh | $1,200 |
| Very Cold | Minneapolis, MN | 7,000 kWh | 1,500 kWh | 8,500 kWh | $1,360 |
Sources: EnergySage DOE analysis (average 5,500 kWh/year); EIA RECS data; Palmetto DOE data; HeatPumpPricesReviews.com (DOE reference: $600–$1,200/year typical).
The sweet spot for heat pump economics is in mild-to-moderate climates (Zones 3–4) where annual costs land around $560–$960. In cold climates, costs rise to $1,200–$1,400 but are still significantly less than electric resistance heating.
How To Reduce Heat Pump Running Cost
Here are 8 practical ways to lower your heat pump electric bill:
-
Upgrade to a high-SEER/HSPF unit. Moving from 14 SEER to 20 SEER cuts cooling costs by roughly 29%. Moving from 8.2 HSPF to 10 HSPF reduces heating costs by about 18%.
-
Use a programmable or smart thermostat. The DOE estimates that properly programming setback temperatures saves 5–10% on heating and cooling costs per degree of adjustment.
-
Change air filters every 1–3 months. The DOE estimates that clogged filters reduce HVAC efficiency by up to 15%. On a $1,000/year operating cost, that's $150 in wasted electricity.
-
Seal and insulate ductwork. For central heat pumps, duct losses account for 25–30% of energy waste — especially if ducts run through unconditioned spaces like attics. Sealing ducts can save $200–$400/year.
-
Don't crank the thermostat. Every degree closer to outdoor temperature saves approximately 3% on operating cost.
-
Schedule annual maintenance. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, and worn components can increase electricity draw by 10–20%. A $100–$250 tune-up pays for itself.
-
Consider time-of-use electricity rates. If your utility offers TOU rates, running your heat pump during off-peak hours can save 20–40% on electricity costs.
-
Switch to a mini split for zone heating/cooling. Instead of conditioning the whole house, a mini split for your most-used rooms eliminates wasted energy in unoccupied spaces.
Worked Examples
Example 1: 3-Ton Heat Pump Running Cost in Charlotte, NC
Let's calculate the running cost for a typical home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- System: 3-ton central heat pump, 16 SEER, 9 HSPF
- Electricity rate: $0.14/kWh (North Carolina average)
- Cooling: 6 months, ~8 hours/day
- Heating: 4 months, ~6 hours/day
Cooling cost:
Watts = 36,000 ÷ 16 = 2,250 W
Daily cost = (2,250 × 8 × $0.14) ÷ 1,000 = $2.52/day
Monthly cost = $2.52 × 30 = $75.60/mo
Season cost = $75.60 × 6 = $453.60
Heating cost:
Watts = 36,000 ÷ 9 = 4,000 W
Daily cost = (4,000 × 6 × $0.14) ÷ 1,000 = $3.36/day
Monthly cost = $3.36 × 30 = $100.80/mo
Season cost = $100.80 × 4 = $403.20
Annual total: $453.60 + $403.20 = $856.80/year. That's about $71/month averaged over the full year.
Example 2: Mini Split Running Cost in Florida
A homeowner in Jacksonville, FL installs a 12,000 BTU mini split (20 SEER, 10 HSPF) to cool and heat a 500 sq ft bonus room.
- Electricity rate: $0.15/kWh (Florida average)
- Cooling: 7 months, ~10 hours/day
- Heating: 2 months, ~4 hours/day
Cooling cost:
Watts = 12,000 ÷ 20 = 600 W
Monthly cost = (600 × 10 × 30 × $0.15) ÷ 1,000 = $27.00/mo
Season cost = $27.00 × 7 = $189.00
Heating cost:
Watts = 12,000 ÷ 10 = 1,200 W
Monthly cost = (1,200 × 4 × 30 × $0.15) ÷ 1,000 = $21.60/mo
Season cost = $21.60 × 2 = $43.20
Annual total: $189.00 + $43.20 = $232.20/year. That's under $20/month averaged annually. Mini splits are remarkably cheap to run in warm climates.
Example 3: Heat Pump Heating Cost in Chicago at Low COP
Chicago winters are brutal. Let's see what happens when COP drops.
- System: 3-ton cold-climate heat pump in Chicago, IL
- Electricity rate: $0.18/kWh (Illinois rate)
- Average winter COP: 2.5 (accounting for temperatures often below 20°F)
- Heating: 5 months, ~10 hours/day
Heating cost:
Watts = 36,000 ÷ (2.5 × 3,412) = 4,220 W
Monthly cost = (4,220 × 10 × 30 × $0.18) ÷ 1,000 = $227.88/mo
Season cost = $227.88 × 5 = $1,139.40
That's over $1,100 just for heating. Compare that to a 96% AFUE gas furnace at $1.00/therm natural gas, which would cost roughly $800–$900 for the same heating load. In Chicago, a gas furnace or dual-fuel system often makes more economic sense.
Example 4: Old Heat Pump vs New High-Efficiency Heat Pump
A homeowner replaces a 15-year-old 10 SEER/6.8 HSPF heat pump with a new 20 SEER/10 HSPF unit. Both are 3-ton. Electricity rate: $0.16/kWh.
Old unit cooling (5 months, 8 hrs/day):
Watts = 36,000 ÷ 10 = 3,600 W
Season cost = (3,600 × 8 × 150 × $0.16) ÷ 1,000 = $691.20
New unit cooling (5 months, 8 hrs/day):
Watts = 36,000 ÷ 20 = 1,800 W
Season cost = (1,800 × 8 × 150 × $0.16) ÷ 1,000 = $345.60
Old unit heating (4 months, 8 hrs/day):
Watts = 36,000 ÷ 6.8 = 5,294 W
Season cost = (5,294 × 8 × 120 × $0.16) ÷ 1,000 = $813.17
New unit heating (4 months, 8 hrs/day):
Watts = 36,000 ÷ 10 = 3,600 W
Season cost = (3,600 × 8 × 120 × $0.16) ÷ 1,000 = $552.96
Old annual total: $1,504.37. New annual total: $898.56. Annual savings: $605.81. Over 15 years, the new heat pump saves roughly $9,087 in operating costs.
Example 5: Monthly Cost in Cheap vs Expensive Electricity State
Same 3-ton, 16 SEER/9 HSPF heat pump, 8 hours/day. Only the electricity rate changes.
| State | Rate | Cooling/Mo | Heating/Mo | Annual Total |
|---|
| Idaho | $0.12/kWh | $64.80/mo | $115.20/mo | $583.20 |
| National avg | $0.16/kWh | $86.40/mo | $153.60/mo | $777.60 |
| California | $0.34/kWh | $183.60/mo | $326.40/mo | $1,653.60 |
The California homeowner pays nearly 3x what the Idaho homeowner pays. This is why the state-by-state table above matters so much — your electricity rate is the single most impactful variable. Check your average electricity usage and local rates to get an accurate estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Run a Heat Pump Per Month?
A typical 3-ton heat pump costs $80–$150/month for cooling and $100–$200/month for heating at the national average electricity rate. Your actual cost depends on the system's SEER and HSPF ratings, daily run hours, and your local electricity rate. In cheap-electricity states like Idaho or Louisiana, monthly costs can be 30–40% lower.
Are Heat Pumps Expensive To Run?
No. Heat pumps are one of the most cost-effective HVAC systems available. A modern heat pump with a COP of 3.0 delivers 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity — making it 3x cheaper than electric resistance heating and competitive with gas furnaces in most regions. The DOE estimates that an ENERGY STAR heat pump can save $476 or more per year compared to a standard system.
How Much Electricity Does a Heat Pump Use Per Day?
A 3-ton central heat pump running 8 hours per day uses roughly 18 kWh/day in cooling mode (16 SEER) and 32 kWh/day in heating mode (9 HSPF). A 12,000 BTU mini split running 8 hours uses about 5–10 kWh/day for cooling and 10–15 kWh/day for heating.
Is a Mini Split Cheaper To Run Than Central Air?
Yes, in most cases. Mini splits achieve SEER ratings of 20–25+ compared to 14–16 for standard central systems, and they eliminate 25–30% duct losses.
A 12,000 BTU mini split typically costs $23–$46/month to run, while a central 2-ton system of similar capacity costs $58–$102/month. For proper sizing, see our mini split sizing guide.
Is It Cheaper To Run a Heat Pump or Gas Furnace?
It depends on your local gas and electricity prices. In mild climates (Southeast, Pacific NW, Southwest) with moderate electricity rates, heat pumps are typically cheaper — especially when you factor in that the heat pump also provides cooling.
In cold climates (Midwest, Northeast) with cheap natural gas, a gas furnace is usually cheaper for heating alone. The breakeven point is roughly when 1 therm of gas costs less than 10× your $/kWh rate. For a detailed comparison, see our gas vs electric heating guide.
How Much Does It Cost To Run a Mini Split in a Garage?
A 12,000 BTU mini split (sufficient for most 2-car garages) costs roughly $30–$60/month to run, depending on how many hours you use it and your local electricity rate. Garages are typically uninsulated, so the mini split will work harder and run longer than in a well-insulated room. Insulating your garage door and walls can cut mini split running costs by 30–40%.