Heat pump cost in Idaho
Gas still wins on running cost in Idaho, by about $1,028 a year. For 2,000 sq ft we estimate $1,951 a year with a minimum-efficiency heat pump versus $923 for a gas furnace plus central AC.
Yearly running cost in Idaho
| Heat pump heat, 7.5 / 9.5 HSPF2 | $1,881 / $1,485 |
| Heat pump cooling, 14.3 SEER2 | $70 |
| Furnace, 95% / 80% AFUE | $848 / $1,007 |
| AC at 13.4 SEER2 (North min) | $75 |
| Heat pump vs furnace + AC | $1,951 vs $923 |
The heat pump costs about $1,028 a year more to run, so it has to win on purchase price, e.g. when the AC is due anyway.
12.96¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026 YTD); gas $0.74/therm (EIA 2025, $7.69/Mcf at 1,039 Btu/ft³). Energy only; estimates.
Installed cost (estimate)
We have no state-level installation data, so these are national estimates: about $10,000–$20,000+ installed for a 2,000 sq ft air-source system. Given Idaho's heating climate, start with the 18–19 SEER2 / 9–10 HSPF2 tier, which HomeGuide prices at $11,000–$18,000+.
Source: HomeGuide, “How much does a heat pump cost?” (2026).
Climate and sizing
Idaho averages 6,871 heating degree days (12th of 48) and 489 cooling degree days (NOAA, 1991–2020). In practice, heating dominates, so winter efficiency decides the outcome. Dec's degree days imply a monthly mean near 27°F (rough approximation); standard heat pumps lose capacity in deep cold and lean on electric backup, so our HSPF2 figures are optimistic here and a cold-climate model is the safer pick.
Size for the winter load and confirm cooling isn't far oversized, or keep a furnace for the coldest days (dual fuel).
Neighboring states
| State | Heat pump | Furnace + AC | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $1,735 | $1,535 | 12.7¢ |
| Nevada | $1,311 | $1,050 | 10.0¢ |
| Oregon | $1,753 | $1,408 | 12.3¢ |
| Utah | $2,018 | $1,214 | 7.7¢ |
| Wyoming | $2,466 | $1,573 | 8.8¢ |
| Idaho | $1,951 | $923 | 5.8¢ |
| Montana | $2,549 | $1,239 | 6.7¢ |
Questions
How much is a heat pump in Idaho?
About $10,000–$20,000+ for 2,000 sq ft (national estimate, HomeGuide). Get three local bids.
What electricity price makes a heat pump beat gas in Idaho?
About 5.8¢/kWh for a 7.5 HSPF2 heat pump against a 95% furnace at $0.74/therm; prices would need to fall about 7.1¢ from Idaho's 12.96¢ average. A 9.5 HSPF2 unit would heat for $1,485 a year.
Is there a federal heat pump tax credit in 2026?
Not for 2026 installs. The federal 25C credit (30%, up to $2,000/yr for qualifying heat pumps) covered property placed in service from 2023 through December 31, 2025; 2025 installs also needed the manufacturer's QMID on the return. Source: IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
Will a heat pump keep up in a Idaho winter?
Standard units lose capacity in deep cold; with 6,871 heating degree days, choose a cold-climate model or keep gas backup.
Month by month
| Month | HDD | CDD | Heat pump | Furnace + AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1163 | 0 | $318 | $144 |
| Feb | 941 | 0 | $258 | $116 |
| Mar | 804 | 0 | $220 | $99 |
| Apr | 588 | 0 | $161 | $73 |
| May | 346 | 11 | $96 | $44 |
| Jun | 158 | 58 | $52 | $28 |
| Jul | 35 | 207 | $39 | $36 |
| Aug | 41 | 170 | $36 | $31 |
| Sep | 195 | 42 | $59 | $30 |
| Oct | 546 | 0 | $149 | $67 |
| Nov | 886 | 0 | $243 | $109 |
| Dec | 1168 | 0 | $320 | $144 |
Related: AC running cost in Idaho · heat pump vs gas furnace calculator · heat pump cost by state
Sources: EIA electricity and natural gas prices, NOAA nClimDiv, U.S. DOE regional standards. Model: 2,000 sq ft, average insulation; methodology.