How much does it cost to run a heat-pump hot water system? (2026–27)
At typical draw · official state tariffs
Typical household use — 2.5 kWh a day — runs $251–$382 a year depending on your state's tariff.
Wattage basis: Compressor input 0.9–1.9 kW (Sanden CO2 ~900 W rated for ~4.5 kW of heat); annual energy ~800–1,200 kWh temperate ≈ 2.2–3.3 kWh/day.
| State | Tariff c/kWh | Per hour | Typical year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 33.1c | $0.43 | $302 |
| Victoria | 27.5c | $0.36 | $251 |
| Queensland | 28.0c | $0.36 | $255 |
| South Australia | 41.9c | $0.54 | $382 |
| Western Australia | 33.3c | $0.43 | $304 |
| Tasmania | 28.0c | $0.36 | $255 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 37.0c | $0.48 | $337 |
| Northern Territory | 31.7c | $0.41 | $289 |
Appliance running-cost calculator
NSWHeat-pump hot water: 900–1,900 W typical range.
The compressor runs ~2–4 h/day, often timed to solar or off-peak.
- Per day (4 h)
- $1.72
- Per month
- $52.38
- Per year (365 days)
- $628.94
Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Hot Water Hub — heat pump running costs. Full heat-pump hot water costs in NSW →
Cutting the cost
A heat-pump system pulls warmth from the surrounding air, so it uses a fraction of the power of a plain electric element. Give it clear airflow and keep it out of tight, cold enclosures. If you have solar or a cheaper daytime rate, timing the heating cycle for the middle of the day pairs it with warmer air and your own generation. Keep the air filter clean.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the running cost calculated?
- Watts ÷ 1,000 × your electricity rate = cost per hour. A heat-pump hot water drawing 1,300 W on a 33.1c/kWh tariff costs $0.43 an hour — the calculator above lets you change every input. For this appliance the yearly figure uses its measured energy per use rather than a constant draw.
- Does a higher star rating cut the cost?
- Yes — the star rating compresses the power draw or energy per use, which scales this page's figures directly. The low–high band in the table (900–1,900 W) roughly spans efficient to inefficient models.
- Why does the state matter?
- The appliance draws the same power everywhere — but each state's reference usage rate differs, so the same hour of running costs $0.36 in the cheapest state and $0.54 in the dearest. Pick your state above for exact figures.
Related
- Ducted aircon
- Split-system aircon
- Portable aircon
- Ceiling fan
- Reverse-cycle heating
- Electric heater
- All appliances
- Appliance calculator
Costs use each state's representative-zone reference usage rate, effective 1 July 2026. The compressor runs ~2–4 h/day, often timed to solar or off-peak.