HCLHVAC Cost Lab

Calculators / Operating cost

Operating cost

Heat Pump vs. Gas Cost Calculator

Compare fuel cost on the same delivered-heat basis. Enter your local electric and natural-gas rates instead of relying on national averages.

Your planning inputsUpdates automatically
MMBtu
Estimate from an energy audit or prior fuel use.
A seasonal planning value, not the peak nameplate COP.
$/kWh
Use the all-in marginal rate from your bill.
% AFUE
Rated or estimated seasonal efficiency.
$/therm
Include commodity and variable delivery charges.

Estimated result

Heat pump $942 · Gas $816

Gas furnace is lower by about $126 per modeled year before fixed charges and maintenance.

How to use this estimate

  • The lower modeled annual cost wins only on fuel expense; installation, maintenance, and fixed utility charges are separate.
  • Test more than one COP to see cold-weather sensitivity.
  • Solar, time-of-use pricing, and avoided gas connection charges may change the decision.

Transparent method

We expose the planning formula so you can challenge it and replace assumptions with local evidence.

heat pump: delivered kWh ÷ COP × electric rate; gas: delivered therms ÷ AFUE × gas rate

What this calculator cannot see

  • A therm is treated as 100,000 BTU and a kWh as 3,412 BTU.
  • Actual COP changes with outdoor temperature, equipment, defrost, controls, and duct conditions.

Professional verification

Use this result to prepare questions and compare scenarios. Final equipment selection, electrical work, refrigerant work, combustion, duct design, and permitting should be handled by qualified professionals following local codes and manufacturer instructions.