Calibrate the baseline
Use a full year of measured energy or a documented annual useful-demand estimate. Do not combine partial seasons.
● Heat pumps · Heating · Cooling · PrivateHeating & cooling system
Heating & cooling system
cost comparison and payback
Compare operating costs and payback using annual energy demand, seasonal efficiency ranges and tariffs you control.
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01 · Comparable assumptions
Infer useful heat from an annual bill
Use a complete year of current energy use so seasonal cycling is reflected before comparing a heat pump.
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Private comparisonEnergy use, tariffs, costs, equipment ratings and results stay in this browser and are not included in analytics.
Designed around uncertainty
Compare delivered comfort—not just appliance wattage
A heating or cooling system cycles with weather, thermostat settings and building load. This calculator starts from annual demand, converts each rating to a comparable efficiency ratio and shows low, central and high replacement outcomes.
Use seasonal ratings
Prefer SCOP, SEER2, HSPF2 or another official seasonal value for the equipment and climate basis being considered.
Compare incremental cost
Payback should use the additional cost above the alternative replacement—not the proposed system’s entire purchase price.
Important limitations
Heating and cooling comparison FAQ
Why does the calculator require low, central and high efficiency values?
Actual seasonal performance changes with climate, equipment design, controls, defrost, auxiliary heat, ducting and installation quality. A range avoids presenting one uncertain value as a prediction.
Are COP, SCOP, SEER2 and HSPF2 interchangeable?
No. They come from different test methods and seasons. The known-demand workflow converts the selected rating to a common energy ratio for arithmetic, but the source climate and test procedure still matter.
Does the payback include financing, tax or equipment life?
No. It is a simple payback and cash projection based on the costs and price-change assumptions entered. Financing, tax, equipment replacement, residual value and unentered maintenance are excluded.
Can this tool size a heat pump or recommend a system?
No. Equipment sizing and suitability require a qualified assessment of the building, climate, distribution system and design conditions.
Does Utilaroo supply tariffs or rebates?
No. No default tariff, rebate, climate zone or efficiency is applied. Use current figures from bills, official rating labels and verified proposals.