HVAC · May 2026 electricity rates
Electric Resistance Heating Cost Calculator
Start with a transparent reference model, then change the equipment rating, efficiency, cycling, runtime, state, or cents-per-kWh price to match your situation.
Adjustable HVAC model
Calculate electric resistance heat cost
Annualized at the same daily pattern: $1615.34. This is an operating-cost model, not a home load calculation. Weather, thermostat settings, equipment sizing, maintenance, part-load behavior and backup heat can materially change actual consumption.
Efficiency source
Input-power model
Resistance heat converts electrical input directly into heat at the point of use. Whole-home systems can draw far more power than a portable 1,500 W heater, so enter the equipment's actual rated input when available.
U.S. Department of Energy — heat pump and electric-resistance comparison ↗
What the estimate excludes
Weather and building load matter
The calculator does not infer insulation, infiltration, floor area, duct losses, local design temperature, thermostat behavior, maintenance condition, or utility fixed charges. Use it to compare operating assumptions rather than to size equipment.
State electricity-price effect
Same HVAC model, different state rate
Formula used
Average electrical power equals equipment input watts multiplied by the active/cycling fraction. Energy equals average kilowatts × hours/day × days.
For all modes, electricity cost equals kWh × electricity price in dollars per kWh. Replace the state average with the actual rate from your bill when possible.