One of the most common questions we get asked is: “Do heat pumps use a lot of electricity?” To make it short, yes, but there’s a lot of nuance and factors, and most often, it’s still a net benefit on your utility bills. Let’s break it down:
Unlike a conventional gas furnace that burns fuel to produce heat, a heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to pull heat from outdoor air (air-source) or the ground (geothermal) and move it indoors. Because it only needs electricity to run the compressor and fans rather than produce heat from scratch, it often consumes fewer total resources.
According to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), proper insulation, airtight construction, and efficient systems can dramatically reduce heat pump energy consumption.
Heat pumps are often compared to conventional heating and cooling systems such as gas furnaces, electric resistance heaters, and air conditioners. Below is a comparison of their energy use for both heating and cooling modes:
Heat pump electricity use varies by home size and system efficiency. Compared to gas furnaces and boilers, heat pumps excel in efficiency but may cost more to operate if electricity prices are high. Here is a comparison:
Heat pumps generally consume less total energy but may cost more due to electricity’s price compared to natural gas.
Cost depends on electricity rates, system efficiency, and usage patterns. Heat pumps with higher COP or HSPF ratings use significantly less total energy but may cost more to operate due to the difference in energy density. Here is an example for a 2,000 square foot home in Colorado across different temperature bands:
With most cold climate heat pumps, at temperatures above 50°F, COP often exceeds 4.0, which significantly reduces operating costs.
Heat pump wattage depends on system type and usage. For example:
Heat pumps do not typically increase your bills overall, but they convert natural gas heating costs to electricity costs. This shift can be advantageous or costly depending on electricity prices, usage patterns or solar offset. For example:
Yes, but they can lower overall energy costs by replacing gas, oil, or electric resistance heating. In Colorado, a high-efficiency heat pump can reduce heating costs by up to 30%.
Heat pumps can only use electricity to transfer heat, so their usage reflects that dependency. However, high electricity use can be exaggerated by:
Costs vary with temperature and efficiency:
Heat pumps offer a significant net benefit for homeowners. They can lower energy costs, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide efficient heating and cooling year-round. For added flexibility, they can be paired with dual fuel setups to optimize performance in extreme cold. Plus, there are significant rebates available for residents of Denver, Littleton, Centennial, and surrounding areas to make installation more affordable.
If you’re considering a heat pump for your home, contact UniColorado for expert advice and professional installation. We’re here to help you find the best solution for your comfort and budget.
