Australia: heat pump vs gas heater running costs
Real unit rates, compared per 100 kWh of heat delivered — compiled August 2026. Confidence: Moderate.
| Heating system | Cost per 100 kWh |
|---|---|
| Gas heater | A$10.78 |
| Heat pump | A$7.12 |
A heat pump costs about 34% less per 100 kWh of heat delivered at today’s rates.
Heat pump: COP 4.0 (typical modern unit) at A$0.285/kWh electricity. Gas heater: 90% efficiency at A$0.097/kWh-equivalent fuel. Source: Victorian/ACT government heating running-cost modelling (reverse-cycle vs gas); NSW electricity ~28.5c/kWh, gas ~2.7c/MJ (Jun 2026)
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See Australia providers →Actual running costs depend heavily on your specific heat pump/boiler model, insulation, and (for the UK) which electricity tariff you’re on — specialist heat-pump tariffs can flip this comparison in the heat pump’s favour. This is not financial or purchasing advice.