Cheapest heat pumps to run in Montana
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in Montana, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because Montana'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 $886 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% | $1,076 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $1,103 |
| 3 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $1,137 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $1,138 |
| 5 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $1,164 |
| 6 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $1,166 |
| 7 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $1,171 |
| 8 | Mitsubishi Electric SUZ-AA09NL*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.9 | 17.6 | 53% | $1,230 |
| 9 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $1,239 |
| 10 | Bryant 37MAHAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.4 | 18 | 90% | $1,270 |
| 11 | Senville SENA-18HF-OG | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.3 | 18 | 90% | $1,279 |
| 12 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $1,293 |
Best cold-weather performers for Montana
Montana is a very cold state, so heating dominates the bill and backup resistance heat is the biggest risk to running costs. These cold-climate certified models keep the most of their heating capacity at 5°F.
- Size
- 1 ton
- HSPF2
- 14
- SEER2
- 33.5
- Heat at 5°F
- 142%
- Size
- 1 ton
- HSPF2
- 10.5
- SEER2
- 22
- Heat at 5°F
- 133%
- Size
- 1.5 tons
- HSPF2
- 10
- SEER2
- 20.5
- Heat at 5°F
- 120%
- Size
- 2.5 tons
- HSPF2
- 9
- SEER2
- 21
- Heat at 5°F
- 112%
- Size
- 1.5 tons
- HSPF2
- 11.4
- SEER2
- 24.5
- Heat at 5°F
- 112%
- Size
- 1.5 tons
- HSPF2
- 10
- SEER2
- 17.5
- Heat at 5°F
- 110%
- Size
- 1 ton
- HSPF2
- 11.2
- SEER2
- 30
- Heat at 5°F
- 108%
- Size
- 3 tons
- HSPF2
- 8.5
- SEER2
- 17.5
- Heat at 5°F
- 108%
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in Montana
To heat the same home (2,500 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in Montana, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $1,475 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $1,401, versus $821 for a 95% gas furnace and $975 for an older 80% furnace, at Montana's average residential gas price of $8.99 per thousand cubic feet. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in Montana. 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 Montana
| Residential electricity price | 15.57¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Very cold |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 2,500 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 450 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 Montana?
Using Montana's average residential electricity price of 15.57¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $1,641 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $1,076 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in Montana?
Montana's residential rate of 15.57¢/kWh is 14% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #33 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in Montana?
With our climate assumptions for Montana (2,500 heating and 450 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 90% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in Montana?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $1,401 a year versus $821 with a 95% gas furnace at Montana's average prices. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in Montana. A dual-fuel system (heat pump plus gas backup) is often the lowest-cost setup here.