Cheapest heat pumps to run in Hawaii
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in Hawaii, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because Hawaii'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 $1,635 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% | $1,379 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $1,464 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $1,604 |
| 4 | Gree GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1A/O | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.2 | 22.3 | 108% | $2,056 |
| 5 | Gree ENV09HP230V1R32AO | Mini-split | 1 ton | 10.4 | 22 | 95% | $2,089 |
| 6 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $2,132 |
| 7 | Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA7*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 10.9 | 21.3 | 38% | $2,151 |
| 8 | Gree GS12HP230V1CLO | Mini-split | 1 ton | 9.5 | 21 | 92% | $2,192 |
| 9 | Gree GWH18AUDXF-D6DNA1A/O | Mini-split | 2 tons | 9.5 | 21 | 75% | $2,192 |
| 10 | Gree ENV12HP230V1R32AO | Mini-split | 1 ton | 9.5 | 21 | 92% | $2,192 |
| 11 | Gree GS18HP230V1CLO | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 9.5 | 21 | 88% | $2,192 |
| 12 | Pioneer YN030GMFI22M3E | Mini-split | 2.5 tons | 9.2 | 21 | 68% | $2,195 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in Hawaii
To heat the same home (50 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in Hawaii, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $89 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $85, versus $96 for a 95% gas furnace and $114 for an older 80% furnace, at Hawaii's average residential gas price of $52.38 per thousand cubic feet. In Hawaii, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $11 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 Hawaii
| Residential electricity price | 47.18¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Tropical |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 50 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 2,600 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 Hawaii?
Using Hawaii's average residential electricity price of 47.18¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $2,995 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $1,379 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in Hawaii?
Hawaii's residential rate of 47.18¢/kWh is 160% above the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #1 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in Hawaii?
With our climate assumptions for Hawaii (50 heating and 2,600 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 3% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in Hawaii?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $85 a year versus $96 with a 95% gas furnace at Hawaii's average prices. In Hawaii, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $11 a year.