Heat Pump CO₂ Savings Calculator
Estimate the carbon emissions you avoid each year by switching to a heat pump.
How we estimate CO₂ savings
We compare the carbon emitted by your current heating fuel to the emissions from the electricity a heat pump would use. Burning natural gas emits about 117 lb of CO₂ per million BTU; oil and propane more. A heat pump's emissions come from the grid — your local electricity's carbon factor (lb CO₂ per kWh) times the kWh it uses.
What your number depends on
- Your current fuel — switching from oil or propane saves the most; from gas, it depends on the grid.
- Grid cleanliness — the US average is around 0.85 lb CO₂/kWh and falling; in a clean-grid state it can be far lower, which boosts savings dramatically.
- Efficiency — a higher-HSPF heat pump uses fewer kWh, so emits less.
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does a heat pump save?
It depends on your current fuel and how clean your electricity is. Replacing gas heat typically avoids 1–3 tons of CO₂ per year, rising as the grid decarbonizes.
Do heat pumps reduce emissions on a dirty grid?
Usually still yes versus oil and propane; versus gas it depends on the grid carbon factor — enter your local value above.
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⚠️ Rule-of-thumb estimate, not a substitute for a professional Manual J load calculation. Based on US DOE / ENERGY STAR guidance.