Electricity running costs for heat pumps in Ireland (2026), including typical annual consumption, seasonal efficiency and comparison with oil or gas heating costs.
1. Overview
Heat pumps use electricity to extract heat from the outside air and transfer it into the home.
Although they run on electricity, heat pumps are significantly more efficient than direct electric heating systems.
Typical system efficiency is measured using the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
A COP of 3 means the heat pump produces:
3 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed.
Running costs therefore depend on:
Home heating demand
Heat pump efficiency
Electricity price
Home insulation level
Heating system design
2. Typical Heat Pump Efficiency
Air-to-water heat pumps in Ireland typically operate with seasonal efficiency values between:
2.5 – 4.0.
This is usually expressed as Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).
| Efficiency Level | SCOP Range |
|---|---|
| Lower efficiency | 2.5 – 3.0 |
| Typical systems | 3.0 – 3.5 |
| High efficiency systems | 3.5 – 4.0 |
Higher SCOP values result in lower electricity consumption.
3. Typical Annual Electricity Consumption
Electricity use depends on the heating demand of the home.
Typical annual consumption ranges:
| Property Type | Heat Pump Electricity Use |
|---|---|
| Apartment | 2,000 – 3,000 kWh |
| Semi-detached house | 3,000 – 5,000 kWh |
| Detached house | 5,000 – 7,000 kWh |
These figures represent electricity used specifically for heating and hot water.
Household appliances are not included.
4. Typical Annual Running Costs
Electricity cost depends on the electricity tariff.
Assuming an average electricity price of:
€0.35 per kWh.
Estimated annual running costs:
| Property Type | Electricity Use | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 2,500 kWh | €875 |
| Semi-detached house | 4,000 kWh | €1,400 |
| Detached house | 6,000 kWh | €2,100 |
Running costs vary depending on insulation levels and thermostat settings.
5. Comparison with Oil Heating
Oil boilers typically operate with efficiencies between:
85% – 92%.
Typical oil heating cost example:
Annual heat demand: 15,000 kWh
Oil price: ~€0.12 per kWh equivalent
Annual oil heating cost:
€1,800
Heat pump comparison:
Electricity consumption: 5,000 kWh
Electricity price: €0.35 per kWh
Annual cost:
€1,750
Running costs can be broadly similar depending on electricity and oil prices.
6. Comparison with Gas Heating
Natural gas boilers typically operate with efficiencies between:
90% – 95%.
Typical gas heating cost example:
Annual heat demand: 15,000 kWh
Gas cost: ~€0.10 per kWh equivalent
Annual gas heating cost:
€1,500
Heat pump systems may have slightly higher running costs in homes with lower insulation levels.
Highly insulated homes may achieve lower running costs.
7. Impact of Home Insulation
Insulation significantly affects heat pump running costs.
Improving insulation reduces heating demand.
Example:
| Upgrade Type | Potential Heating Reduction |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation | 10 – 20% |
| Cavity wall insulation | 15 – 25% |
| External wall insulation | 25 – 35% |
Lower heating demand reduces electricity consumption.
8. Impact of Flow Temperature
Lower heating system temperatures improve heat pump efficiency.
| Heating System | Typical Flow Temperature |
|---|---|
| Standard radiators | 50 – 55°C |
| Oversized radiators | 40 – 50°C |
| Underfloor heating | 30 – 40°C |
Lower flow temperatures allow higher COP values and lower electricity consumption.
9. Smart Tariffs and Night Rates
Some households reduce heat pump running costs by using time-of-use electricity tariffs.
Night-rate electricity can cost significantly less than daytime rates.
Example tariff comparison:
| Tariff Type | Typical Cost per kWh |
|---|---|
| Standard electricity tariff | €0.35 |
| Night rate electricity | €0.18 – €0.22 |
Smart controls can shift heating operation toward lower-cost electricity periods.
10. Interaction with Solar Panels
Solar PV systems can reduce heat pump running costs.
Solar electricity generated during the day can power the heat pump directly.
Example scenario:
Solar system generation: 4,000 kWh annually
If 1,500 kWh powers the heat pump:
Electricity cost reduction:
€525 annually (at €0.35/kWh).
Solar generation can significantly offset heating costs.
11. Key Factors Affecting Running Costs
Heat pump running costs depend on:
Electricity price
System efficiency (SCOP)
Home insulation level
Radiator or underfloor heating compatibility
Thermostat settings
Outdoor temperature conditions
Proper system design and insulation upgrades can significantly reduce operating costs.
12. Typical 2026 Running Cost Summary
Typical annual heat pump electricity consumption:
3,000 – 6,000 kWh.
Estimated annual running costs:
€900 – €2,100 depending on home size and electricity prices.
Well-insulated homes with efficient heating systems typically experience lower operating costs.
Heat pumps can achieve similar or lower running costs compared with oil or gas heating in efficient homes.
13. Other Resources
SEAI Heat Pump Grant Explained
Required Upgrades – Before Installation
Radiators vs Underfloor Comparison
BER Requirements for Eligibility