US: heat pump vs gas furnace running costs
Real unit rates, compared per 100 kWh of heat delivered — compiled August 2026. Confidence: Moderate.
| Heating system | Cost per 100 kWh |
|---|---|
| Gas furnace | $6.40 |
| Heat pump | $6.60 |
A gas furnace costs about 3% less per 100 kWh of heat delivered at today’s rates.
Heat pump: COP 2.5 (typical modern unit) at $0.165/kWh electricity. Gas furnace: 80% efficiency at $0.0512/kWh-equivalent fuel. Source: ENERGY STAR heat pump specification (typical COP range); EIA residential electricity/gas averages — both figures are national averages and vary a lot by state
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See US 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.