Heat Pump Energy Use: What to Know About Costs, Savings, and Efficiency
For many businesses and homeowners, energy use is a key factor when considering a heat pump. As more buildings move away from traditional gas boilers, the question remains: how energy-efficient are heat pump systems? In this blog, we explain the electricity consumption of heat pumps, how to calculate it, and which factors influence efficiency.
What Is the Power Consumption of a Heat Pump?
A heat pump uses electricity to extract heat from the air, ground, or ventilation and transfers it indoors. Consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Average yearly energy use by system type:
- Air-to-water heat pump: 2,000 to 5,000 kWh
- Ground-source heat pump: 1,500 to 4,000 kWh
- Hybrid heat pump: 500 to 2,500 kWh (depending on gas boiler support)
Your actual consumption depends on:
- The size of the building
- Quality of insulation
- Desired indoor temperature
- Type and quality of the installation
What Influences a Heat Pump’s Electricity Use?
Several factors affect a heat pump’s energy consumption:
1. Type of heat pump
Air-to-water systems generally use more electricity but are cheaper to install than ground-source models.
2. Building insulation
Well-insulated buildings require less energy to heat, improving the heat pump’s efficiency.
3. Usage intensity
Buildings used daily will consume more than properties used occasionally (e.g. holiday homes).
4. Temperature settings
Higher indoor temperatures increase power demand. Lowering the thermostat can significantly reduce consumption.
5. COP (Coefficient of Performance)
The COP shows how much heat is delivered per kWh of electricity. A higher COP means greater efficiency.
How to Calculate a Heat Pump’s Energy Consumption
You can estimate the electricity use as follows:
-
Determine the annual heating demand (in kWh)
-
Divide by the average COP of the heat pump
Example:
Heating demand = 15,000 kWh
Average COP = 4
Electricity use = 15,000 ÷ 4 = 3,750 kWh per year
What Does This Mean for Your Energy Bill?
While heat pumps use more electricity than a traditional boiler, they reduce gas usage—often resulting in lower overall costs, especially when paired with solar panels.
Typical results with a fully electric heat pump:
- Annual gas savings: €1,500 to €2,000
- Additional electricity cost: €500 to €1,200 per year
Tip: Combine your heat pump with solar panels to increase savings.
Smart Energy Management with an EMS
For companies and large consumers, using an Energy Management System (EMS) helps monitor and optimize heat pump usage. Benefits include:
- Real-time insights into electricity consumption
- Seasonal performance analysis
- Data for audits and subsidy applications
Learn more in our blog about EMS for holiday parks.
The Future of Heat Pumps and Energy Use
Heat pumps are central to the energy transition. Future developments will focus on:
- Higher efficiency (improved COP values)
- Smart integration with EMS systems
- Coupling with battery storage and local generation
Final Thoughts: Control Costs with Better Insight
The electricity use of a heat pump depends on your building, settings, and system type. Most users experience significant energy savings—especially when using solar energy and smart monitoring tools. An EMS can help fine-tune your usage for even greater impact.
Want to optimize your heat pump’s performance?
Frequently Asked Questions about heat pump energy use
How much electricity does a heat pump use annually?
It depends on the type and size of the property. Air-to-water heat pumps average 2,000 to 5,000 kWh per year. Ground-source units range from 1,500 to 4,000 kWh.
What are the yearly costs of running a heat pump?
Typically between €500 and €1,200 per year in electricity, depending on system type and energy rates.
Is a heat pump cheaper than a gas boiler?
Yes, in most cases. Despite higher electricity use, gas savings usually outweigh the extra cost—especially with good insulation and solar support.