Guide · Running costs
How much electricity does a heat pump use per year?
The number your energy supplier will actually bill you for.
A UK heat pump uses roughly 2,500–4,500 kWh of electricity a year in a typical home, based on annual heat demand of 8,000–16,000 kWh divided by a seasonal efficiency (SCOP) of 3.0–4.5 (Energy Saving Trust). At the 2026 price-capped rate of about 27p/kWh that is £675–£1,215 a year before standing charges.
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The calculation
Annual electricity use (kWh) = annual heat demand (kWh) ÷ SCOP. Add hot water separately if your installer has quoted it apart from space heating.
Example: a 3-bed semi needing 11,000 kWh of heat with a SCOP of 3.8 uses about 2,900 kWh of electricity a year.
Typical annual electricity use
- 2-bed flat: 1,600–2,600 kWh.
- 3-bed semi, insulated: 2,500–3,400 kWh.
- 4-bed detached, insulated: 3,400–4,500 kWh.
- Solid-wall property with limited insulation: 4,500–6,500 kWh.
What moves your number most
- Flow temperature — every 5°C lower adds roughly 10% to efficiency.
- Insulation, especially loft depth and draught sealing.
- Hot water setpoint and how often the legionella cycle runs.
- Weather compensation controls versus simple on/off thermostat scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
- How many kWh does a heat pump use per year in the UK?
- Typically 2,500–4,500 kWh for a normal family home, depending on heat demand and seasonal efficiency.
- Will my electricity bill double with a heat pump?
- Your electricity use rises substantially because heating moves onto that meter, but your gas bill disappears. Total energy spend is usually similar or lower on a heat pump tariff.
- Does a heat pump need three-phase power?
- No. Domestic heat pumps up to around 16 kW run on a standard single-phase supply, though some homes need a supply capacity check.
- Energy Saving Trust — Heat pump efficiency, running cost and SCOP benchmarks (UK).
- Ofgem — UK energy regulator — current electricity unit rates and standing charges.
- Nesta — How to Heat 28 Million UK Homes — Independent research on heat pump deployment and running costs.
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