Cheapest heat pumps to run in New Mexico
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in New Mexico, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because New Mexico'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 $720 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% | $814 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $839 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $893 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $935 |
| 5 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $945 |
| 6 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $958 |
| 7 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $973 |
| 8 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $991 |
| 9 | Mitsubishi Electric SUZ-AA09NL*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.9 | 17.6 | 53% | $1,029 |
| 10 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $1,037 |
| 11 | Bryant 37MAHAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.4 | 18 | 90% | $1,049 |
| 12 | Senville SENA-18HF-OG | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.3 | 18 | 90% | $1,055 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in New Mexico
To heat the same home (1,500 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in New Mexico, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $938 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $892, versus $539 for a 95% gas furnace and $640 for an older 80% furnace, at New Mexico's average residential gas price of $9.83 per thousand cubic feet. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in New Mexico. 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 New Mexico
| Residential electricity price | 16.51¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Mixed-dry |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 1,500 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 New Mexico?
Using New Mexico's average residential electricity price of 16.51¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $1,329 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $814 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in New Mexico?
New Mexico's residential rate of 16.51¢/kWh is 9% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #25 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in New Mexico?
With our climate assumptions for New Mexico (1,500 heating and 1,000 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 71% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in New Mexico?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $892 a year versus $539 with a 95% gas furnace at New Mexico's average prices. With cheap gas and comparatively expensive electricity, gas heating is cheaper to run in New Mexico. A dual-fuel system (heat pump plus gas backup) is often the lowest-cost setup here.