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Modern HVAC utility room with high-efficiency furnace and copper piping

Heating Cost Calculator

Compare annual heating costs across 10 systems — natural gas, propane, oil, electric resistance, air-source heat pumps, cold-climate heat pumps, geothermal, wood and pellet stoves — using real EIA state energy prices and climate-zone-adjusted efficiency.

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1. Select Your State

Energy prices are state-wide averages from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For more accurate results, override these prices with your actual utility rates in Advanced Settings below.

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2. Your Home

2,000 sq ft

Energy Prices (editable)

System Efficiency (editable)

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3. Your Heating Cost Comparison

Heating System Efficiency Annual Cost

Estimates based on home size, climate zone, and energy prices shown. Actual costs depend on insulation, thermostat settings, local weather, and equipment condition. This is a planning tool, not a binding quote.

How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates your annual heating cost for 10 different heating systems using three inputs: your home's square footage, your climate zone, and your state's energy prices.

Heating load is calculated based on your climate zone's Heating Degree Days (HDD) and your home's size. We use standard ASHRAE assumptions for heat loss per square foot.

Energy prices are auto-populated from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) most recent state-level data. You can override any price with your actual utility rate in Advanced Settings.

Heat pump efficiency uses seasonal COP (SCOP) values that account for varying outdoor temperatures across your climate zone — not a single-point measurement. Cold climate heat pumps maintain higher efficiency at low temperatures than standard air-source units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to heat a home? expand_more
It depends on your location. In states with cheap natural gas (like Texas, Ohio, or Pennsylvania), a high-efficiency gas furnace is often cheapest. In states with cheap electricity (like Washington or Idaho), a heat pump can be the lowest-cost option. This calculator shows the answer for your specific state and home size. For a deeper breakdown, see our complete guide to the cheapest heating options.
How much does it cost to heat a house with a heat pump? expand_more
Heat pump heating costs vary by state, home size, and climate. A typical 2,000 sq ft home in a Zone 4 climate (like the Mid-Atlantic) might pay $800–$1,400/year with an air-source heat pump. Cold climate heat pumps are more efficient in colder zones, while geothermal systems offer the lowest operating costs but require significant upfront investment.
What is AFUE and COP? expand_more
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to heat. An 80% AFUE furnace turns 80% of fuel energy into heat. COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures heat pump efficiency — a COP of 3.0 means the heat pump produces 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed. Higher numbers are better for both metrics.
Are heat pump rebates still available in 2025? expand_more
Yes. The IRA's HEAR (Home Efficiency Rebates) program offers up to $8,000 for qualifying households in participating states. The federal 25C tax credit for heat pumps was modified in 2025, but state-level rebates and the HEAR program remain active in 14+ states. Check Rewiring America's calculator for your specific eligibility.
Why do energy prices vary so much by state? expand_more
Energy prices depend on local fuel availability, state regulations, utility company rates, and infrastructure. States near natural gas production (Texas, Pennsylvania) tend to have cheap gas. States with hydroelectric power (Washington, Oregon) tend to have cheap electricity. The EIA publishes monthly state-level residential energy prices that this calculator uses.
How accurate is this calculator? expand_more
This calculator uses EIA state-average energy prices and standard engineering assumptions for heating load. It provides a reliable order-of-magnitude comparison between heating systems. For a precise quote, you should get a professional energy audit and HVAC contractor estimate. You can improve accuracy by entering your actual utility rates in Advanced Settings.

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