Cheapest heat pumps to run in North Carolina
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in North Carolina, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because North Carolina'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 $649 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% | $709 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $733 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $782 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $847 |
| 5 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $860 |
| 6 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $868 |
| 7 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $887 |
| 8 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $887 |
| 9 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $929 |
| 10 | Gree GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1A/O | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.2 | 22.3 | 108% | $938 |
| 11 | Mitsubishi Electric SUZ-AA09NL*** | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.9 | 17.6 | 53% | $940 |
| 12 | Bryant 37MAHAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 12.4 | 18 | 90% | $953 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in North Carolina
To heat the same home (1,300 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in North Carolina, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $736 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $700, versus $780 for a 95% gas furnace and $926 for an older 80% furnace, at North Carolina's average residential gas price of $16.42 per thousand cubic feet (2024). In North Carolina, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $80 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 North Carolina
| Residential electricity price | 14.95¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Mixed-humid |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 1,300 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 1,300 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 North Carolina?
Using North Carolina's average residential electricity price of 14.95¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $1,197 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $709 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in North Carolina?
North Carolina's residential rate of 14.95¢/kWh is 18% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #38 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in North Carolina?
With our climate assumptions for North Carolina (1,300 heating and 1,300 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 62% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in North Carolina?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $700 a year versus $780 with a 95% gas furnace at North Carolina's average prices. In North Carolina, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $80 a year.