Estimate annual and monthly running costs of a heat pump using electricity price and system efficiency (COP).
The Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator helps you estimate how much it costs to run a heat pump in your home or building. By factoring in electricity prices, system efficiency, and heating demand, this tool gives you a clear picture of expected operating costs—so you can budget accurately and compare heat pumps with traditional heating systems.
Understanding running costs is essential before installing or upgrading to a heat pump.
Heat pump running costs refer to the ongoing cost of electricity required to heat your property. Unlike gas or oil boilers, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it directly.
Running costs depend on:
Electricity unit price
Heat pump efficiency (COP / SCOP)
Property heat demand
Climate and outdoor temperature
Heating usage patterns
Installing a heat pump is a long-term investment. Knowing the likely running costs helps you:
Compare heat pumps to gas, oil, or electric heating
Estimate annual and monthly heating bills
Understand potential energy savings
Plan household budgets more effectively
Avoid unrealistic expectations
Accurate estimates support better decision-making.
The calculator estimates running costs using key inputs.
Heat pump size (kW)
System efficiency (COP or SCOP)
Electricity tariff (price per kWh)
Estimated heating hours or annual demand
The output includes estimated daily, monthly, and annual running costs.
While costs vary by property and tariff, typical estimates include:
Well-insulated home: Lower running costs
Poorly insulated home: Higher energy usage
Modern heat pumps: Higher efficiency, lower costs
The calculator tailors results to your specific situation.
This tool is ideal for:
Homeowners considering heat pumps
Landlords upgrading heating systems
Property developers
Installers and heating engineers
Eco-conscious households
It’s especially useful when comparing quotes or energy systems.
COP measures how much heat is produced per unit of electricity. A COP of 4 means 1 kWh of electricity produces 4 kWh of heat.
SCOP reflects efficiency over an entire heating season and is more realistic for annual cost estimates.
Higher efficiency = lower running costs.
Heat pumps often cost less to run than gas or oil boilers when:
Electricity tariffs are competitive
Homes are well insulated
Low-temperature heating systems are used
The calculator helps illustrate these comparisons.
Improve insulation and draught-proofing
Use weather compensation controls
Optimise flow temperatures
Choose off-peak electricity tariffs
Maintain the heat pump regularly
Understanding costs helps target improvements.
Not necessarily. Efficient systems in well-insulated homes can be very cost-effective.
Yes. Electricity tariff plays a major role in running costs.
Yes. SCOP reflects real-world seasonal performance.
Yes. It provides estimated daily, monthly, and annual figures.
No. It provides estimates, not exact billing amounts.
Yes. It is completely free to use.
The Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator provides estimated costs only. Actual running costs depend on energy tariffs, weather conditions, insulation levels, and system performance.
Understanding heat pump running costs is key to making an informed heating decision. Use the Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator to estimate expenses, compare options, and plan for an efficient, low-carbon heating future.