Is Heating a House or Cooling a House More Expensive?

If you’ve ever opened your utility bill during a heat wave or a cold snap, you’ve probably wondered the same thing most homeowners do:

Is it more expensive to heat a house… or cool a house?

The answer is: it depends on where you live, what kind of system you have, and what energy source it runs on. But across most of the United States, homeowners tend to experience higher costs for heating overall — especially in colder regions.

That said, in hot climates (especially the Southwest), air conditioning can absolutely be the bigger monthly expense.

Let’s break down what most people experience in the U.S., why the costs differ, and what typical heating and cooling systems use per hour.



The Big Picture: What Most Homeowners Experience in the U.S.

Across the U.S., heating usually costs more per year than cooling.

Why?

Because in many parts of the country:

• Winters are longer than summers
• Heating systems often use more total energy
• A lot of homes rely on natural gas, propane, or electric resistance heat, which can be expensive depending on the region

However, in hot climates like:

• Arizona
• Nevada
• Texas
• Florida
• Southern California

…air conditioning can be the largest single energy expense in the home for several months of the year.

So the most accurate answer is:

✅ In cold climates: heating is usually more expensive
✅ In hot climates: cooling can be more expensive

Why Heating and Cooling Costs Are So Different

Even though both systems change your indoor temperature, they work very differently.

Heating (especially electric heat) can be energy-hungry

Some heaters generate heat directly (like electric furnaces, baseboard heat, and space heaters). This is called resistance heating, and it uses a lot of electricity.

Cooling is “moving heat,” not creating cold

Air conditioners don’t “create cold” — they remove heat from your home and dump it outside. That’s why A/C is usually more efficient than electric resistance heat.

Heat pumps blur the line

A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that can run in reverse. It’s one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool a home — especially in mild climates.

Heating vs Cooling: Which Uses More Energy Per Hour?

Let’s talk real numbers.

Energy use is typically measured in:

• Watts (W)
• Kilowatts (kW)
• Kilowatt-hours (kWh)

Your electric company bills you by the kWh.

So if a system uses 3 kW and runs for 1 hour, that’s 3 kWh of energy.

Average Energy Use Per Hour (Typical U.S. Systems)

Below are realistic averages homeowners commonly see. (Exact usage varies by home size, efficiency rating, insulation, and outdoor temps.)

Central Air Conditioner (Typical Use: 2,000–5,000 watts)

Per hour:
✅ 2–5 kWh

This is one of the most common systems in the U.S.

A newer high-efficiency unit may run closer to 2–3 kWh per hour under moderate conditions. An older unit, or one running during extreme heat, may hit 4–5+ kWh per hour.

Heat Pump in Cooling Mode (Typical Use: 2,000–4,000 watts)

Per hour:
✅ 2–4 kWh

Heat pumps are usually slightly more efficient than older traditional A/C systems, especially if they’re newer.

Gas Furnace (Typical Use: 500–1,200 watts of electricity)

This one surprises people.

A gas furnace uses gas for heat, but electricity for:

• the blower motor
• ignition system
• control board

Per hour (electric portion only):
✅ 0.5–1.2 kWh

But of course, the furnace is also burning gas — which is where the bulk of the heating cost comes from.

Electric Furnace (Typical Use: 10,000–25,000 watts)

Electric furnaces use massive amounts of electricity compared to most A/C systems.

Per hour:
✅ 10–25 kWh

This is why electric furnaces often lead to the highest winter utility bills in many areas.

Heat Pump in Heating Mode (Typical Use: 2,000–6,000 watts)

Per hour:
✅ 2–6 kWh

In mild temps, heat pumps are extremely efficient. But in freezing weather, they may rely on backup electric heat strips, which increases usage dramatically.

Space Heater (Typical Use: 1,500 watts)

This is a big one — because people assume a small heater must be cheap.

Per hour:
✅ 1.5 kWh

Space heaters are fine for a single room, but if you use them daily (or multiple at once), costs add up quickly.

So… Which Is Usually More Expensive?

Let’s simplify it.

Heating is usually more expensive when:

• You live in a colder climate
• Your home uses propane or electric heat
• Your furnace is older or oversized
• Your home has poor insulation or air leaks

Cooling is usually more expensive when:

• You live in a hot climate
• Your A/C runs 8–12 hours a day
• Your system is older and inefficient
• Your ductwork is leaky
• Your thermostat is set very low

The Hidden Truth: Your House Matters More Than Your System

A lot of homeowners focus on the equipment — but your home’s efficiency is just as important.

Things that increase BOTH heating and cooling costs include:

• Poor attic insulation
• Single-pane windows
• Leaky doors and weather stripping
• Duct leaks
• Dirty HVAC filters
• Lack of shade on windows

If your home leaks air like a sieve, your HVAC system has to work overtime in every season.

A Simple Cost Example (Per Hour)

Here’s a quick way to think about it.

If electricity costs about $0.15 per kWh (a common U.S. average), then:

• Central A/C using 3 kWh/hour = $0.45 per hour
• Heat pump heating using 4 kWh/hour = $0.60 per hour
• Electric furnace using 15 kWh/hour = $2.25 per hour
• Space heater using 1.5 kWh/hour = $0.23 per hour

And again — gas furnaces use less electricity, but the gas cost adds another layer.

How to Lower Heating and Cooling Costs (Without Sacrificing Comfort)

If you want to reduce both summer and winter bills, here are the biggest wins:

• Change your air filter regularly
• Get annual HVAC maintenance
• Seal duct leaks
• Improve insulation (especially attic insulation)
• Use a smart thermostat
• Keep vents open and unobstructed
• Don’t crank the thermostat drastically (big swings cost more)

Final Answer: Heating or Cooling — Which Costs More?

For most homeowners in the U.S.:

Heating tends to cost more overall across the year.

But in hot regions, cooling can be just as expensive — or more — especially during long summers where the A/C runs daily.