Updated June 29, 2026
Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator
Estimate heat pump electricity running cost per day, month, and season using input power, runtime, and your electricity rate.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this heat pump for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week uses about 606.7 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a heat pump cost to run?
A 2,500 W heat pump used for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, consumes about 606.7 kWh per month. At $0.30 per kWh, that is approximately $182.00 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
Heat pumps move heat rather than creating it directly, so the electrical input is not the same as heat output. Outdoor temperature, flow temperature, insulation, and system sizing all affect runtime.
Enter electrical input watts or average measured consumption. Do not enter the heating-output rating unless it is clearly labelled as electrical input.
Assumptions used in this example
This page starts with 2,500 watts, 8 hours of use per day, and 7 days per week. Those defaults are only a practical starting point. Replace them with the number on your product label, energy label, smart plug, or electricity bill.
Example heat pump costs
These examples use 2,500 W for 8 hours a day and 7 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.15 / kWh | $0.38 | $91.00 | $1092.00 |
| $0.25 / kWh | $0.63 | $151.67 | $1820.00 |
| $0.35 / kWh | $0.88 | $212.33 | $2548.00 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Keep flow temperatures as low as comfort allows.
- Use steady schedules rather than frequent large temperature swings.
- Clean filters and keep outdoor units clear.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.
FAQ
Heat pump running cost questions
How do I calculate heat pump running cost?
Divide the watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. This page pre-fills 2,500 W, 8 hours per day, and 7 days per week as a starting example.
How much does a heat pump cost per hour?
At 2,500 W and $0.30 per kWh, the example cost is about $0.75 per hour while it is actively using that power. Change the rate field to match your own bill.
Why might my real heat pump cost be different?
Enter electrical input watts or average measured consumption. Do not enter the heating-output rating unless it is clearly labelled as electrical input.
Should I use rated watts or measured watts?
Rated watts are useful for a quick estimate, but measured wall power or an energy-label kWh figure is usually more accurate because many appliances cycle on and off or change power during use.
Does the calculator include standing charges, taxes, or demand charges?
No. The calculator estimates usage cost from kWh only. If your bill includes standing charges, taxes, delivery fees, or demand charges, add those separately.
Can I share my result?
Yes. Use the share or copy button after entering your wattage, hours, days, rate, and currency. The page stores those inputs in the URL so you can revisit the same estimate.