How much does it cost to heat and cool a 2,000 sq ft home in Montana?

In Montana (13.5¢/kWh via NorthWestern Energy), a 2,000 sq ft home averages $860/year ($72/month) with a high-efficiency heat pump, $848/year with a natural gas furnace and central AC, and $2,635/year with electric baseboards.

Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas furnaces in Montana?

At Montana's natural gas rate of $1.15/therm, the economic break-even electricity price for a COP 3.1 heat pump is 13.2¢/kWh. Comparing this against Montana's residential electricity rate of 13.5¢/kWh determines annual operating savings.

Montana Heating & Cooling Cost Calculator (2026)

2,000 Sq Ft Heat Pump Bill

$72/mo

MT Electricity / Gas Rate

13.5¢ / $1.15

15-Yr Savings vs Baseboard

+$23,025

Montana Annual Heating & Cooling Bills by Home Size

In Montana, a 2,000 sq ft home averages $860/year ($72/mo) using a cold-climate heat pump ($836/yr winter heating + $24/yr summer cooling), compared to $848/year with a natural gas furnace and $2,635/year with electric baseboards.

Home Size	Heat Pump (COP 3.1)	Gas Furnace + AC	Baseboard + Window AC	15-Yr Heat Pump Savings
1,000 Sq Ft	$430/yr ($36/mo)	$424/yr ($35/mo)	$1,318/yr ($110/mo)	+$9,720
1,500 Sq Ft	$645/yr ($54/mo)	$636/yr ($53/mo)	$1,977/yr ($165/mo)	+$16,380
2,000 Sq Ft	$860/yr ($72/mo)	$848/yr ($71/mo)	$2,635/yr ($220/mo)	+$23,025
2,500 Sq Ft	$1,075/yr ($90/mo)	$1,060/yr ($88/mo)	$3,294/yr ($275/mo)	+$29,685
3,000 Sq Ft	$1,290/yr ($108/mo)	$1,272/yr ($106/mo)	$3,953/yr ($329/mo)	+$36,345
3,500 Sq Ft	$1,505/yr ($125/mo)	$1,484/yr ($124/mo)	$4,612/yr ($384/mo)	+$43,005

Launch Interactive Montana Calculator → View Montana 2026 HVAC Rebates & Install Costs →

💰 Up to $2,600 Rebate

Compare 3 Local Montana HVAC Installer Quotes

Verify 2026 Federal 25C Tax Credit & NorthWestern Energy rebate eligibility and compare turnkey contractor pricing for a 3.0-Ton system (2,000 sq ft).

Compare MT Installer Quotes →

🛠️ Save 45% on Install