How Much Does It Cost to Heat a House?
Get a realistic monthly heating cost estimate for your home based on size, fuel type, and local rates.
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The average US household spends $96–$160 per month on heating during winter months. A 1,500 sq ft home with a gas furnace costs roughly $96/month. The same home with electric resistance heat costs $195/month. A heat pump cuts this to $65/month.
House Heating Cost Estimator
Cost to Heat a House by Size and Fuel Type (US 2026)
| Home Size | Natural Gas | Electric | Heat Pump | Propane |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (800 sq ft) | ~$48/mo | ~$98/mo | ~$33/mo | ~$72/mo |
| Medium (1500 sq ft) | ~$96/mo | ~$195/mo | ~$65/mo | ~$144/mo |
| Large (2500 sq ft) | ~$160/mo | ~$325/mo | ~$108/mo | ~$240/mo |
Gas 80% AFUE $1.20/therm. Electric $0.13/kWh. Heat pump COP 3.0. Propane $2.50/gal 80% eff. 6 hrs/day, moderate climate.
What Drives Your Heating Bill?
Three factors dominate your heating cost: home size, climate, and fuel type. A 1,500 sq ft home in a cold climate needs roughly 60,000 BTU/hr. Running that for 8 hours a day with gas costs about $96/month. The same home with electric resistance heat costs $195/month. A heat pump cuts it to $65/month.
Insulation quality matters almost as much as fuel choice. A well-insulated home in Minnesota can use 30% less energy than a drafty home of the same size in the same climate. Sealing air leaks and adding attic insulation typically pay for themselves in 2–3 years through lower heating bills.
Thermostat settings also add up. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°F saves roughly 1% on heating costs. A programmable thermostat that drops the temperature 8°F overnight can cut 10% off your annual bill. For state-specific rates and bills, visit our heating cost by state page or use the state comparison tool.