Cheapest heat pumps to run in South Carolina
Ranked by estimated yearly cost if each model served the same 36,000 BTU/h (3-ton) load in South Carolina, so size doesn't distort the comparison. Because South 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 $681 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% | $717 |
| 2 | Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.7 | 31.5 | 106% | $744 |
| 3 | Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13 | 28.7 | 106% | $796 |
| 4 | Bryant 37MAHAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.8 | 20.6 | 99% | $893 |
| 5 | Bryant 37MARAQ09AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 13.9 | 19.6 | 78% | $912 |
| 6 | Bryant 37MARAQ18AA3 | Mini-split | 1.5 tons | 13.5 | 20 | 71% | $916 |
| 7 | Senville SENA-09HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12.5 | 21.4 | 96% | $923 |
| 8 | Senville SENA-24HF-OG | Mini-split | 2 tons | 13.5 | 19 | 83% | $940 |
| 9 | Gree GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1A/O | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.2 | 22.3 | 108% | $964 |
| 10 | Senville SENA/09HF/OQ | Mini-split | 1 ton | 12 | 20.2 | 90% | $969 |
| 11 | Bryant 37MAHAQ12AA3 | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.6 | 20 | 96% | $992 |
| 12 | Senville SENA-12HF-OG | Mini-split | 1 ton | 11.6 | 20 | 94% | $992 |
Heat pump vs. gas furnace in South Carolina
To heat the same home (1,100 full-load heating hours at 36,000 BTU/h) in South Carolina, a typical heat pump (HSPF2 9.5) would cost about $657 a year, an efficient one (HSPF2 10) about $624, versus $680 for a 95% gas furnace and $807 for an older 80% furnace, at South Carolina's average residential gas price of $16.91 per thousand cubic feet (2024). In South Carolina, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $56 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 South Carolina
| Residential electricity price | 15.76¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Aug 2026, preliminary) |
| Climate group | Hot-humid |
| Equivalent full-load heating hours | 1,100 per year |
| Equivalent full-load cooling hours | 1,600 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 South Carolina?
Using South Carolina's average residential electricity price of 15.76¢/kWh, a typical 3-ton, median-efficiency heat pump costs about $1,254 a year to run. The most efficient model in our database would cost about $717 for the same load.
Is electricity expensive in South Carolina?
South Carolina's residential rate of 15.76¢/kWh is 13% below the U.S. average of 18.16¢ and ranks #32 most expensive of 51 (EIA, August 2026).
Is heating or cooling the bigger cost in South Carolina?
With our climate assumptions for South Carolina (1,100 heating and 1,600 cooling hours), heating accounts for about 52% of a typical heat pump's yearly energy use.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas heat in South Carolina?
For a typical home, heating with an efficient heat pump costs about $624 a year versus $680 with a 95% gas furnace at South Carolina's average prices. In South Carolina, even a typical heat pump beats a high-efficiency gas furnace on heating cost, and an efficient model saves about $56 a year.