Heat Pump Savings Calculator (Ontario)
Estimate how much electricity a heat pump could save compared to electric baseboard or resistance heating.
Updated 2026‑04‑22
Heating need
If unsure, start with a rough estimate and compare scenarios.
Efficiency + price
Optional: include delivery/GA changes you notice with higher usage.
How this calculator works
This tool compares the electricity needed to provide the same amount of heat using:
- Electric resistance heating (roughly 1 kWh electricity → 1 kWh heat)
- A heat pump (COP > 1 means more heat delivered per kWh)
Because heat pumps move heat instead of creating it directly, they can deliver two to three times more heat per unit of electricity — especially in milder weather.
Why heat pumps can reduce electricity use
Electric baseboards convert electricity directly into heat. A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from outdoors to indoors, which can be far more efficient. A COP of 2.5 means the heat pump delivers about 2.5 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity it consumes.
That efficiency difference is where the savings come from.
Why COP changes with temperature
Heat pumps perform differently depending on outdoor temperature:
- Mild weather: COP can be 3.0 or higher
- Cold weather: COP may drop to 1.5–2.0
- Very cold periods: backup resistance heat may activate
This is why it’s helpful to test multiple COP values in the calculator.
Winter vs. shoulder seasons
In Ontario, winter performance varies by region and equipment type. Many homes see the strongest savings in fall and spring, when heat pumps operate at their highest efficiency. Winter savings still occur, but the gap between heat pumps and baseboards narrows as temperatures fall.
What this calculator does not include
This tool focuses on electricity consumption only. It does not include:
- installation or equipment costs
- rebates or incentives
- maintenance or lifespan differences
- fuel switching (e.g., gas → heat pump)
Its purpose is to help households understand how heat pump efficiency affects electricity use.
When this tool is most useful
This calculator is especially helpful for homes that currently use:
- electric baseboards
- electric furnaces
- resistance heating of any kind
These homes often see the largest electricity savings when switching to a heat pump.