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Heating efficiency

How much does a heat pump cost to run in NZ?

Heat pumps are common in New Zealand homes because they move heat rather than create it directly. Use the unit’s electrical input and the cents-per-kWh rate from your own power plan for the running-cost estimate.

Last reviewed 19 August 2026 · Change every default to reflect your appliance.

Your inputs

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Estimated running cost

$670.14

per year

Energy / year

1,971 kWh

Per hour

$0.08

0.23 kWh

Per day

$1.84

5.4 kWh

Per week

$12.85

37.8 kWh

Per month

$55.88

164.36 kWh

Per year

$670.14

1,971 kWh

Compared with a 2,000 W resistance heater

55% lower estimate
Heat pump$670.14/year
Resistance heater$1,489.20/year
Estimate only: Electricity results estimate variable energy cost from the wattage, use and per-kWh rate entered. They exclude fixed daily charges and can differ from a measured bill because appliance demand and tariffs vary.

What your result means

The result estimates the variable electricity cost for the heat pump itself at the entered electrical input, daily hours and power rate. It does not represent the home’s complete electricity bill or promise a particular room temperature.

How the calculation works

Electrical input in watts is divided by 1,000 to convert it to kilowatts, then multiplied by running hours and the electricity price per kWh. Heating output and COP explain efficiency but are not added to the electricity consumed.

Example calculation

A 900 W electrical input used for six hours consumes 5.4 kWh before any cycling adjustment. At 34 cents per kWh, that is about $1.84 for the day.

What affects the result?

  • Electrical input is the value that drives the electricity cost.
  • Heating output and COP help explain efficiency, but do not replace the input wattage.
  • Outdoor temperature, insulation and thermostat settings affect how hard the unit works.
  • The comparison heater is illustrative and should be replaced with the appliance you actually use.

Ways to use less energy

  • Set a comfortable temperature rather than repeatedly overheating the room.
  • Clean filters and keep outdoor units clear so airflow stays healthy.
  • Use timer and away settings when the room is empty.

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Common questions

Does a heat pump always use its rated power?

No. Output and electrical draw change with temperature, settings and compressor operation. Use measured electrical input when available.

Is COP the same as electrical wattage?

No. COP compares delivered heat with electrical input. Running cost is driven by electrical energy consumed, not heating output alone.

Does the estimate include the whole power bill?

No. It estimates variable energy cost for this appliance and excludes fixed daily charges and all other household electricity use.

Why can winter cost be higher?

Colder outdoor temperatures, heat loss and longer running hours can make the unit work harder. Actual performance also varies by model and installation.