Cost to run a heat-pump water heater
Water heating · typical wattage 500 W (400 W-1,500 W)
A heat-pump water heater draws about 400 W-1,500 W (typically 500 W). Run 5 hours a day, it uses about 913 kWh/year, which costs roughly $14.11/month and $169/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Heat-pump water heater at a glance
| Figure | Heat-pump water heater |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 500 W (400 W-1,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 5 h/day, 365 days/yr |
| Energy used | 913 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $14.11 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $169 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (3 h/day) | $8.35 | $102 |
| Typical use (5 h/day) | $13.92 | $169 |
| Heavy use (8 h/day) | $22.27 | $271 |
Cost at different state rates
The same heat-pump water heater at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $14.11 | $169 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $10.80 | $131 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $12.29 | $150 |
| California (33.35¢) | $25.01 | $304 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Hybrid heat-pump water heaters draw about 400–1,500 W and use roughly one-third the energy of a resistance tank.
Tip to cut the cost: Best installed in a warm space such as a garage or utility room where it can draw heat from the air.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a heat-pump water heater?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a heat-pump water heater (about 400 W-1,500 W, typically 500 W) used 5 hours a day costs roughly $14.11 per month and $169 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a heat-pump water heater use?
Hybrid heat-pump water heaters draw about 400–1,500 W and use roughly one-third the energy of a resistance tank.
How much electricity does a heat-pump water heater use per year?
About 913 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 2.50 kWh per day at 5 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a heat-pump water heater?
Best installed in a warm space such as a garage or utility room where it can draw heat from the air.
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Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20