Hot water recirculation pump vs. heat pump water heater: running cost
A hot water recirculation pump is cheaper to run: about $39 a year versus $234 for a heat pump water heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $194 difference.
| Hot water recirculation pump | Heat pump water heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 25 W | 450 W |
| Watt range | 5–90 W | 300–4,500 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day | 1,300 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 219 kWh | 1,300 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.4¢ | 2.7¢ |
| Cost per day | 11¢ | 64¢ |
| Cost per month | $3.29 | $19.49 |
| Cost per year | $39 | $234 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $95 | $566 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Hot water recirculation pump: Recirculation pumps draw 5-90 W, but running 24/7 also forces the water heater to replace heat lost from the loop, often costing 3-10 times more than the pump itself.
- Heat pump water heater: Heat pump water heaters move heat from surrounding air into the tank, using 300-550 W while running and about 1,100-1,500 kWh a year for a typical family.
Ways to cut either cost
Runs only when you push a button or open the tap.
See options on AmazonReduces hot water demand so the unit stays in heat pump mode.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a hot water recirculation pump or a heat pump water heater?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heat pump water heater costs about $234 a year versus $39 for a hot water recirculation pump. That's $194 more, or 5.9× as much.
How many watts do hot water recirculation pump and heat pump water heater use?
A hot water recirculation pump typically draws 25 W (range 5–90 W). A heat pump water heater draws 450 W (range 300–4,500 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.