Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator
Estimate heat-pump electrical input, monthly electricity use and running cost from thermal capacity, COP, load factor and operating schedule.
Default project preview
$91.16
Full-load electrical input
3.52 kW
Average electrical demand
2.11 kW
Daily electricity
16.9 kWh
Monthly electricity
506.4 kWh
Calculator
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Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Thermal capacity
Enter this project assumption in BTU/h. The current imperial default is 36000 BTU/h.
Average COP
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 3.
Average load factor
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 60 %. Minimum: 1. Maximum: 100.
Operating hours
Enter this project assumption in hours/day. The current imperial default is 8 hours/day. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 24.
Operating days
Enter this project assumption in days/month. The current imperial default is 30 days/month. Minimum: 1. Maximum: 31.
Average backup-heat input
Enter this project assumption in kW. The current imperial default is 0 kW. Minimum: 0.
Electricity price
Enter this project assumption in per kWh. The current imperial default is 0.18 per kWh. Minimum: 0.
Monthly fixed operating cost
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 0. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Full-load electrical input
at COP 3. Default preview: 3.52 kW.
Average electrical demand
load factor plus backup input. Default preview: 2.11 kW.
Daily electricity
average operating day. Default preview: 16.9 kWh.
Monthly electricity
entered schedule. Default preview: 506.4 kWh.
Thermal capacity
capacity conversion. Default preview: 10.55 kW.
Cost per operating hour
including entered fixed cost. Default preview: $0.38.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Full-load electrical input = thermal capacity ÷ COP. Average demand applies the load factor and adds backup heat. Monthly energy = average kW × operating hours.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026
Use the Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator to estimate a planning quantity from verified heat output, COP, runtime and electricity tariff. It supports scope comparison, purchasing and operating-cost planning, but it does not select equipment, approve code compliance or replace project-specific design.
Calculation steps
- 1Measure or obtain each design input from the actual project and keep one consistent unit system.
- 2Enter heat output, COP, runtime and electricity tariff using product data or approved design information rather than generic nominal values.
- 3Review the unrounded engineering or usage result before applying allowances, duty cycle, efficiency or tariff assumptions.
- 4Apply each adjustment once, then round only the final purchasing, equipment-count or scheduling output.
Worked numerical example
Providing 18 kWh of heat at COP 3.0 requires about 6 kWh of electricity; at $0.20/kWh the estimated operating cost is $1.20.
Purchasing and rounding
Use COP or seasonal performance appropriate to outdoor temperature and equipment condition. Do not use nameplate heating capacity as electrical input.
Interpret the result
The estimate links delivered heat to electrical use through the entered COP. Defrost, auxiliary heat, cycling and temperature-dependent COP can raise actual consumption.
Page-specific assumptions
- Inputs describe the actual connected system or measured project scope.
- One operating condition, product rating and unit system are used per calculation.
- Allowances and efficiency losses are not already embedded in the entered values.
- Code, health, structural, electrical and hydraulic requirements are verified independently.
Common mistakes
- Using nominal equipment ratings instead of delivered performance at design conditions.
- Mixing instantaneous flow or power with daily or annual energy.
- Applying the same allowance more than once.
- Treating a quantity or cost estimate as equipment selection or professional approval.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Heat Pump Running Cost Calculator questions
Why use a load factor?+
Heat pumps rarely operate at full rated capacity for every scheduled hour.
Should backup resistance heat be included?+
Yes when it operates. Enter its average electrical input during the modelled schedule.
Is COP constant?+
No. COP changes with source and delivery temperatures, cycling and defrost.