Cheapest heat pumps to run in California
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in California, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because California's climate weights heating more heavily, HSPF2 (heating efficiency) matters most here. Choosing the most efficient model over the least efficient one in our database saves about $932 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% | $1,008 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $1,044 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $1,115 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $1,218 |
| 5 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $1,240 |
| 6 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $1,250 |
| 7 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $1,272 |
| 8 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $1,278 |
| 9 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $1,333 |
| 10 | Gree GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1A/O | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.2 | 22.3 | 108% | $1,341 |
| 11 | Mitsubishi Electric SUZ-AA09NL*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.9 | 17.6 | 53% | $1,356 |
| 12 | Bryant 37MAHAQ12AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.6 | 20 | 96% | $1,366 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in California
To heat the same home (900 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in California, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $1,015 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $964, versus $724 for a 95% gas furnace and $860 for an older 80% furnace, at California's average residential gas price of $22.01 per thousand cubic feet. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in California. A dual-fuel system (heat pump plus gas backup) is often the lowest-cost setup here.
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 California
| Residential electricity price | 29.75¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Mild / mixed |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 900 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 1,000 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 California?
Using California's average residential electricity price of 29.75¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $1,719 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $1,008 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in California?
California's residential rate of 29.75¢/kWh is 64% above the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #4 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in California?
With our climate assumptions for California (900 heating and 1,000 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 59% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in California?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $964 a year versus $724 with a 95% gas furnace at California's average prices. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in California. A dual-fuel system (heat pump plus gas backup) is often the lowest-cost setup here.