Central heat pump: electricity cost calculator
Quick answer: a typical central heat pump costs about $101/month while in use at the U.S. average electricity price (18.44¢/kWh) across a 7-month season (about $707/year). Your number depends on wattage, runtime and your state — calculate it below.
A whole-home heat pump draws 2,000–5,000 W while running and delivers 2–4× that power as heat. Runtime rises sharply in freezing weather, and resistance backup strips (5–15 kW) can multiply the bill during cold snaps.
18.00 kWh/day used · 548 kWh/month in use · 3835 kWh/year at 18.44¢ per kWh (7 months of use per year)
Low, typical and heavy use
Monthly cost while in use, at the U.S. average price of 18.44¢/kWh.
| Scenario | Watts | Hours/day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light use | 2,000 W | 3.6 h | $40.41 |
| Typical | 3,000 W | 6.0 h | $101.03 |
| Heavy use | 5,000 W | 9.0 h | $252.57 |
Common questions
Heat pump vs gas furnace — which is cheaper?
It depends on your electricity and gas prices. At the U.S. average, a modern heat pump is usually competitive with gas above roughly 30°F outdoor temperature, and cheaper than resistance heat everywhere.
Why did my winter bill spike?
Most often the backup resistance strips ran during a cold snap. They draw 5–15 kW — several times the compressor's draw — and many thermostats engage them silently.
Cost in every state
Monthly cost of a typical central heat pump (3,000 W, 6h/day) at each state's average residential price, May 2026.
| State | Avg price | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.77¢ | $91.88 |
| Alaska | 28.23¢ | $154.67 |
| Arizona | 15.23¢ | $83.44 |
| Arkansas | 14.36¢ | $78.67 |
| California | 33.25¢ | $182.17 |
| Colorado | 16.16¢ | $88.54 |
| Connecticut | 27.37¢ | $149.95 |
| Delaware | 19.38¢ | $106.18 |
| District of Columbia | 25.40¢ | $139.16 |
| Florida | 15.17¢ | $83.11 |
| Georgia | 15.84¢ | $86.78 |
| Hawaii | 52.00¢ | $284.89 |
| Idaho | 12.35¢ | $67.66 |
| Illinois | 23.85¢ | $130.67 |
| Indiana | 18.15¢ | $99.44 |
| Iowa | 14.14¢ | $77.47 |
| Kansas | 15.13¢ | $82.89 |
| Kentucky | 14.98¢ | $82.07 |
| Louisiana | 14.15¢ | $77.52 |
| Maine | 28.63¢ | $156.86 |
| Maryland | 21.77¢ | $119.27 |
| Massachusetts | 28.82¢ | $157.90 |
| Michigan | 22.01¢ | $120.59 |
| Minnesota | 16.95¢ | $92.86 |
| Mississippi | 16.16¢ | $88.54 |
| Missouri | 13.68¢ | $74.95 |
| Montana | 14.67¢ | $80.37 |
| Nebraska | 13.59¢ | $74.46 |
| Nevada | 13.60¢ | $74.51 |
| New Hampshire | 27.33¢ | $149.73 |
| New Jersey | 23.27¢ | $127.49 |
| New Mexico | 14.12¢ | $77.36 |
| New York | 29.93¢ | $163.98 |
| North Carolina | 15.09¢ | $82.67 |
| North Dakota | 13.61¢ | $74.57 |
| Ohio | 19.52¢ | $106.95 |
| Oklahoma | 13.38¢ | $73.31 |
| Oregon | 16.27¢ | $89.14 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.55¢ | $118.07 |
| Rhode Island | 29.46¢ | $161.40 |
| South Carolina | 16.18¢ | $88.65 |
| South Dakota | 15.73¢ | $86.18 |
| Tennessee | 14.47¢ | $79.28 |
| Texas | 16.44¢ | $90.07 |
| Utah | 12.96¢ | $71.00 |
| Vermont | 24.89¢ | $136.37 |
| Virginia | 17.61¢ | $96.48 |
| Washington | 14.95¢ | $81.91 |
| West Virginia | 16.80¢ | $92.04 |
| Wisconsin | 19.74¢ | $108.15 |
| Wyoming | 14.80¢ | $81.09 |
Related calculators
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Methodology & sources
Cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × price per kWh. Electricity prices are average residential prices by state from the EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (May 2026). EIA averages include delivery charges and taxes but are not any specific utility tariff — for an exact figure, use the rate from your own bill. Wattage presets reflect common product ranges; check your appliance's nameplate or a plug-in power meter for its true draw.
Last verified: July 30, 2026. Prices refresh automatically each month when EIA publishes new data.