Cost to heat a house in San Diego, CA
In San Diego, a cold-climate heat pump (about $477/year) and natural gas (about $518/year) cost roughly the same to run for a typical 2,000 sq ft home. The decision comes down to installation cost, rebates, cooling needs and emissions.
Annual heating cost, 2,000 sq ft home (USD)
Average insulation, high-efficiency furnaces, cold-climate heat pump with a seasonal efficiency (COP) of 3.3 in San Diego's climate. Space heating only.
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1 GJ ≈ 26.4 m³ of natural gas ≈ 9.48 therms. US gas bills in therms: $/therm × 9.48 = $/GJ.
Heating cost by home size in San Diego
| Home size | Heat pump | Natural gas furnace | Propane furnace | Heating oil furnace | Electric baseboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $239 | $349 | $272 | $438 | $786 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $358 | $434 | $408 | $656 | $1,180 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $477 | $518 | $545 | $875 | $1,573 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $596 | $603 | $681 | $1,094 | $1,966 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $716 | $687 | $817 | $1,313 | $2,359 |
Month-by-month heating cost
Most of the bill lands in the coldest months. In January, a 2,000 sq ft home in San Diego needs about 2.7 GJ of heat.
| Month | Avg temp | Heat pump | Natural gas furnace | Propane furnace | Heating oil furnace | Electric baseboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14.2°C | $74 | $67 | $83 | $134 | $241 |
| Feb | 14.7°C | $62 | $58 | $70 | $112 | $202 |
| Mar | 15.5°C | $58 | $56 | $66 | $107 | $192 |
| Apr | 16.8°C | $43 | $46 | $50 | $80 | $144 |
| May | 18.1°C | $33 | $39 | $39 | $62 | $112 |
| Jun | 19.4°C | $23 | $32 | $27 | $44 | $79 |
| Jul | 21.4°C | $14 | $25 | $16 | $26 | $47 |
| Aug | 22.2°C | $11 | $23 | $13 | $20 | $36 |
| Sep | 21.7°C | $12 | $24 | $14 | $23 | $42 |
| Oct | 19.6°C | $23 | $32 | $27 | $43 | $78 |
| Nov | 16.6°C | $45 | $47 | $52 | $83 | $150 |
| Dec | 13.9°C | $78 | $69 | $87 | $140 | $252 |
Energy prices used
- Electricity: 31.97¢/kWh USD — U.S. EIA 2024 average residential electricity and natural gas prices by state (via AGA summary, Mar 2026)
- Natural gas: $18.14/GJ (≈ $1.91/therm) plus ~$15/month fixed charge — U.S. EIA 2024 average residential electricity and natural gas prices by state (via AGA summary, Mar 2026)
- Heating oil: $6.14/gal — EIA weekly residential price, U.S. average, week of Nov 2, 2026, excl. taxes (price history)
- Propane: $2.82/gal — EIA weekly residential price, U.S. average, week of Nov 2, 2026, excl. taxes (price history)
Change any price in the calculator above to match your bill. Prices exclude sales tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to heat a house in San Diego?
For a typical 2,000 sq ft home with average insulation, expect roughly $477 to $1,573 USD per year depending on the system. The cheapest option at current prices is the heat pump ($477/year).
Is a heat pump worth it in San Diego?
In San Diego, a cold-climate heat pump (about $477/year) and natural gas (about $518/year) cost roughly the same to run for a typical 2,000 sq ft home. The decision comes down to installation cost, rebates, cooling needs and emissions.
How much does heating cost per month in San Diego in winter?
In January, heating a 2,000 sq ft home costs about $74 with a heat pump, $67 with natural gas and $134 with heating oil (USD).
How cold does it get in San Diego?
The average January temperature in San Diego is 14.2°C (58°F). The city has about 932 heating degree-days a year (base 18°C).