Geothermal heat pump vs. heat pump: running cost
A geothermal heat pump is cheaper to run: about $841 a year versus $920 for a heat pump at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $79 difference.
| Geothermal heat pump | Heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3,200 W | 4,000 W |
| Watt range | 2,000–6,000 W | 2,000–8,000 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day for 5 months a year | 24 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 4,675 kWh | 5,114 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 23¢ | 25¢ |
| Cost per day | $5.53 | $6.04 |
| Cost per month | $168 | $184 |
| Cost per year | $841 | $920 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $2,034 | $2,225 |
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What drives the difference
- Geothermal heat pump: Includes compressor, blower and loop pump. Geothermal systems deliver 3.5-5 kWh of heat per kWh, so a 3-ton system uses roughly 4,000-5,000 kWh a winter; summer cooling use is in addition.
- Heat pump: Watts are average compressor plus blower draw in heating, including occasional backup strip heat. Defaults give about 5,000 kWh a winter for a 3-ton system in a moderate climate; very cold climates use more because of backup heat.
Ways to cut either cost
Prevents unnecessary auxiliary heat staging.
See options on AmazonManages auxiliary heat and setbacks to keep the compressor doing most of the work.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a geothermal heat pump or a heat pump?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heat pump costs about $920 a year versus $841 for a geothermal heat pump. That's $79 more.
How many watts do geothermal heat pump and heat pump use?
A geothermal heat pump typically draws 3,200 W (range 2,000–6,000 W). A heat pump draws 4,000 W (range 2,000–8,000 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.