Cost to run a heat pump
Heating & cooling · typical wattage 3,000 W (545 W-7,500 W)
A heat pump draws about 545 W-7,500 W (typically 3,000 W). Run 8 hours a day, it uses about 3,600 kWh/year, which costs roughly $55.68/month and $668/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 at a glance
| Figure | Heat pump |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 3,000 W (545 W-7,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 8 h/day, 150 days/yr |
| Energy used | 3,600 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $55.68 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $668 |
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 (4 h/day) | $66.82 | $813 |
| Typical use (8 h/day) | $134 | $1,626 |
| Heavy use (12 h/day) | $200 | $2,439 |
Cost at different state rates
The same heat pump at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $55.68 | $668 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $104 | $1,261 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $118 | $1,436 |
| California (33.35¢) | $240 | $2,921 |
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
Heat pumps draw roughly 545–7,500 W depending on size and outdoor temperature; they cycle and are far more efficient than resistance heat.
Tip to cut the cost: A cold-climate heat pump still beats electric resistance heat per unit of warmth; keep the outdoor coil clear.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a heat pump?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a heat pump (about 545 W-7,500 W, typically 3,000 W) used 8 hours a day costs roughly $55.68 per month and $668 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 use?
Heat pumps draw roughly 545–7,500 W depending on size and outdoor temperature; they cycle and are far more efficient than resistance heat.
How much electricity does a heat pump use per year?
About 3,600 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 24.00 kWh per day at 8 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a heat pump?
A cold-climate heat pump still beats electric resistance heat per unit of warmth; keep the outdoor coil clear.
Keep exploring
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