Heat pump vs heating oil: which is cheaper to run?
Running-cost comparison · EIA fuel prices · ENERGY STAR energy math
In our reference 2,000 sq ft scenario, a heat pump runs cheaper than heating oil in 51 of 51 US states. No. 2 heating oil holds about 138,500 BTU per gallon but at $4-$6 a gallon, and older oil systems run at about 85% efficiency, so delivered heat is costly. The exact answer turns on your electricity price, your heating oil price and the heat pump's seasonal COP — run it in the calculator. Estimate, not a quote.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential). Data as of June 2026.
Why the energy math matters
A gallon of oil (138,500 BTU) at about $5.50 is around $40 per million BTU before the 85% furnace efficiency - heat pumps beat this in nearly every state.
To compare fairly we convert everything to delivered BTU using the ENERGY STAR constants (1 therm = 100,000 BTU, 1 kWh = 3,412 BTU, 1 gal oil = 138,500 BTU, 1 gal propane = 91,500 BTU), divide by each system's efficiency, and multiply by the fuel price.
Worked example — New York
A 2,000 sq ft New York home (~56 MMBTU/yr, assumed seasonal COP 2.4) at EIA prices: a heat pump costs about $1,952/year to run versus $2,670/year with 85% AFUE oil boiler/furnace.
| System | Annual energy cost (NY) | Annual use |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | $1,952/yr | 6,839 kWh |
| 85% AFUE oil boiler/furnace | $2,670/yr | 476 gal |
Source: EIA fuel prices + ENERGY STAR conversions. Data as of June 2026.
State-by-state spread
How the heat-pump-vs-heating oil comparison looks across a spread of states (reference 2,000 sq ft home):
| State | Heat pump $/yr | heating oil $/yr | Heat-pump result |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $1,952 | $2,670 | Saves $717/yr |
| Maine | $3,154 | $3,601 | Saves $447/yr |
| Massachusetts | $2,066 | $2,653 | Saves $587/yr |
| Connecticut | $2,084 | $2,653 | Saves $570/yr |
| New Hampshire | $2,998 | $3,601 | Saves $603/yr |
| Pennsylvania | $1,431 | $2,670 | Saves $1,239/yr |
See your exact state on its state page, or all four head-to-heads in compare fuels.
Frequently asked questions
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than heating oil?
In our reference 2,000 sq ft scenario, a heat pump runs cheaper than heating oil in 51 of 51 US states. Heat pumps win comfortably in almost every state for this fuel. Use the calculator with your own prices and COP.
Why does a heat pump beat heating oil on running cost?
A gallon of oil (138,500 BTU) at about $5.50 is around $40 per million BTU before the 85% furnace efficiency - heat pumps beat this in nearly every state. A heat pump delivers heat at a "COP" of 2-3, meaning each kWh of electricity moves 2-3 kWh of heat, so its effective cost per delivered BTU is low even when electricity is not especially cheap.
What efficiency assumptions are used here?
This comparison assumes a 85% AFUE oil boiler/furnace and a climate-appropriate heat-pump seasonal COP (2.0 very cold to 3.2 mild). All assumptions are editable in the calculator and disclosed on the methodology page.
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Sources & accuracy
Prices from EIA (U.S. public domain); energy constants from ENERGY STAR Thermal Energy Conversions. Comparisons are estimates based on assumed efficiencies and a reference home — your result depends on your home, equipment, climate and rates. Verify with an HVAC professional. See methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-29