Cheapest heat pumps to run in Arizona
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in Arizona, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because Arizona's climate weights cooling more heavily, SEER2 (cooling efficiency) matters most here. Choosing the most efficient model over the least efficient one in our database saves about $644 a year for the same load.
| # | Model | Type | Size | HSPF2 | SEER2 | 5°F kept | 3-ton cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fujitsu AOUH09KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 14 | 33.5 | 142% | $627 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $655 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $707 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $853 |
| 5 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $860 |
| 6 | Gree GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1A/O | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.2 | 22.3 | 108% | $873 |
| 7 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $877 |
| 8 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $881 |
| 9 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $906 |
| 10 | Gree ENV09HP230V1R32AO | Mini-split | 1 ton | 10.4 | 22 | 95% | $906 |
| 11 | Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA7*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 10.9 | 21.3 | 38% | $908 |
| 12 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $908 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in Arizona
To heat the same home (700 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in Arizona, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $399 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $379, versus $475 for a 95% gas furnace and $564 for an older 80% furnace, at Arizona's average residential gas price of $18.58 per thousand cubic feet. In Arizona, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $96 a year.
Heating only; a heat pump also provides cooling, while a furnace needs a separate air conditioner. Gas prices: EIA, residential, annual average. Compare all states.
Assumptions for Arizona
| Residential electricity price | 15.05¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Hot-dry |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 700 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 2,200 per year |
Use the calculator on any model page to replace these with your own electricity rate and usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a heat pump in Arizona?
Using Arizona's average residential electricity price of 15.05¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $1,183 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $627 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in Arizona?
Arizona's residential rate of 15.05¢/kWh is 17% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #36 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in Arizona?
With our climate assumptions for Arizona (700 heating and 2,200 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 34% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in Arizona?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $379 a year versus $475 with a 95% gas furnace at Arizona's average prices. In Arizona, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $96 a year.