Heat pump vs gas, oil & electric
Pick your climate zone and current heating fuel. The calculator runs the real math: BTU demand, equipment efficiency (HSPF/AFUE), fuel price and gives you yearly running cost side-by-side.
Your home
Defaults reflect a typical 2,000 ft² US home in each climate zone.
Current heating system
Heat pump option
Annual heating cost
Side-by-side, same comfort delivered.
10-year forecast
The physics in one line
A 90 % AFUE furnace turns 1 unit of fuel energy into 0.9 units of heat. A modern heat pump moves 3 units of heat using only 1 unit of electricity — because it's not generating heat, it's pumping it from outside (yes, even at 0°F).
cost_current = (annual_BTU ÷ fuel_BTU_per_unit ÷ AFUE) × fuel_price
cost_heat_pump = (annual_BTU ÷ 3412 ÷ (HSPF ÷ 3.412)) × elec_rate
= annual_kWh × elec_rate
Frequently asked questions
What is COP and HSPF and why do they matter?
COP is heat delivered / electricity consumed. A COP of 3 means a kWh of electricity moves 3 kWh of heat into your home. HSPF is the US season-weighted equivalent — divide by 3.412 for an approximate season-average COP.
Do heat pumps work in cold climates?
Modern cold-climate (ccASHP) models operate down to −13°F / −25°C with COP near 2. Common in Maine, Vermont, Minnesota. Below that, an electric or gas backup is wired in.
Is the heat pump tax credit still 30 % in 2026?
The Section 25C federal credit (up to $2,000) was eliminated in July 2025. State rebates may still apply — check DSIRE for your state.