Cheapest heat pumps to run in District of Columbia
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in District of Columbia, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because District of Columbia'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 $1,219 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% | $1,376 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $1,419 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $1,510 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $1,584 |
| 5 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $1,601 |
| 6 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $1,623 |
| 7 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $1,650 |
| 8 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $1,678 |
| 9 | Mitsubishi Electric SUZ-AA09NL*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.9 | 17.6 | 53% | $1,745 |
| 10 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $1,756 |
| 11 | Bryant 37MAHAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.4 | 18 | 90% | $1,778 |
| 12 | Senville SENA-18HF-OG | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.3 | 18 | 90% | $1,788 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in District of Columbia
To heat the same home (1,600 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in District of Columbia, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $1,575 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $1,496, versus $975 for a 95% gas furnace and $1,158 for an older 80% furnace, at District of Columbia's average residential gas price of $16.68 per thousand cubic feet. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia
| Residential electricity price | 25.98¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Mixed-humid |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 1,600 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 1,100 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 District of Columbia?
Using District of Columbia's average residential electricity price of 25.98¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $2,252 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $1,376 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia's residential rate of 25.98¢/kWh is 43% above the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #9 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in District of Columbia?
With our climate assumptions for District of Columbia (1,600 heating and 1,100 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 70% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in District of Columbia?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $1,496 a year versus $975 with a 95% gas furnace at District of Columbia's average prices. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in District of Columbia. A dual-fuel system (heat pump plus gas backup) is often the lowest-cost setup here.