Is a heat pump expensive to run?

Even at ~3,000 running watts, a heat pump's efficiency means it heats for much less than baseboards or a space heater. At typical use it adds about $120.30 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $84.02 in the cheapest states to $312.88 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a heat pump use?

Heat Pump typically draws about 3,000 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 6,000 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a heat pump use?

At typical use (3,000 W for 8 hours a day), a heat pump uses about 24 kWh per day — roughly 730 kWh per month, or about 85% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a heat pump?

Even at ~3,000 running watts, a heat pump's efficiency means it heats for much less than baseboards or a space heater. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Heat Pump?

A heat pump moves heat instead of generating it, so it delivers far more heating or cooling per watt than resistance heat or a furnace's electric strips. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a heat pump costs about $120.30/month ($1,443.65/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 8

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a heat pump

$1,444/yr

Per day: $3.96
Per month: $120.30
Energy per year: 8,760 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a heat pump use?

At 3,000 W for 8 hours a day, a heat pump uses about 24 kWh per day — roughly 730 kWh per month and 8,760 kWh per year. That's about 85% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a heat pump draws.

Cost to run a heat pump by electricity rate

Same 3,000 W appliance, 8 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$84.02	$1,008.28
US average	16.5¢	$120.30	$1,443.65
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$312.88	$3,754.54

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a heat pump drawing 3,000 watts for about 8 hours a day costs roughly $3.96 per day, $120.30 per month, and $1,443.65 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Heat Pump?

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Cost to run a heat pump by electricity rate

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