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Use the calculator for an instant estimate, or read on for a full breakdown of how this cost is calculated.
Quick Answer
$80–$150/month (combined heating & cooling)
Varies by equipment & usage
Heat pumps serve dual roles — cooling in summer (measured by SEER rating) and heating in winter (measured by HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). A higher HSPF means less electricity per BTU of heat delivered.
For cooling: same formula as central AC — (tons × 12,000 BTU) ÷ SEER = watt draw. For a 3-ton, 15 SEER unit: 2,400 watts at full load.
For heating: annual heating kWh ≈ (heating load in BTU/hr × heating hours) ÷ (HSPF × 1,000). A 3-ton unit with HSPF 9 in a climate with 3,000 heating hours uses roughly 5,200 kWh/year for heating — about $832/year or $69/month averaged over the year.
These costs are significantly lower than equivalent electric resistance heating (baseboard or furnace), which provides 1 BTU per watt vs. a heat pump's 2–4 BTUs per watt.
Estimate Your Cost
System size
3
tons
SEER (cooling)
16
HSPF (heating)
9
Cooling hrs/day
6
hrs
Heating hrs/day
6
hrs
Electricity rate
0.16
$/kWh
Est. monthly cost
$80.40
~6,030 kWh/year
SEER rating for cooling efficiency (higher = better)
HSPF rating for heating efficiency (higher = better; modern units are 8–13 HSPF)
System size in tons
Climate — extreme cold reduces heat pump efficiency; below ~25°F many units need supplemental heat
Number of heating and cooling hours in your climate zone
Home envelope quality — insulation, windows, air sealing
Electricity rate in your area
Pro Tip
The biggest savings usually come from upgrading the least efficient items first. Use Watt Wisdom to see exactly which loads are driving your bill before spending money on improvements.
Watt Wisdom calculates your full household energy profile — every appliance, your climate zone, and your usage habits — and tells you exactly what's driving your bill.
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